Monday's E-Mirror

NNPC to upgrade, expand refineries Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

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igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has reiterated its commitment to the upgrade and expansion of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Kachikwu

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Company Limited, KRPC. Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru made the pledge during a townhall meeting with management and staff of KRPC in Kaduna, according to a statement

by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Ondo guber

Baru noted that the move is in line with the Corporation’s 12 key business focus areas in order to return it to the path of growth and profitability.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to explore the possibilities of piping crude oil from Niger Republic to be refined in KRPC, adding

FG allays fear over Donald Trump’s triumph

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I won’t fail Ondo people, says Akeredolu Ojo Oyewamide, Femi Oyeweso

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Ondo State governor- elect, Akeredolu celebrating the victory in Owo, yesterday.

andidate of All Pro g ressives Congress, APC, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was yesterday declared winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

Akeredolu was declared governor-elect by the Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, having scored 244,457 votes.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, standard bearer, Eyitayo Jegede, got 146,784, while Chief Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, came third with 107,124.

While giving his acceptance speech in Owo, his CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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I won’t fail Ondo people, says Akeredolu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hometown, the governorelect promised the people of Ondo State that he would not fail them.

Akeredolu, who dedicated his victory to God and the people, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun, as well as members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC. He said: “I wish to express my profound gratitude, first, to the Almighty God, whose infinite grace has allowed us to see this day.

“This victory is of God through the people. It is not for me or the APC alone. It is a victory for the people of Ondo State, irrespective of which side of the divide you stood during the election.

“For me, it is a challenge to perform. It is a call to rescue our state and reverse its fortunes.

I thank the people of my dear state for their steadfastness. I have heard their messages throughout the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Today, you have spoken with one voice. You have walked your talk.

You have voted for me as your governor for the next years. Today, change has come.

“I hereby made a solemn pledge that this collective mandate shall address all issues with keen determination. The welfare of our people alone shall be the directive policy of the government.

“Today’s victory is a confirmation of the willingness and readiness of the people of Ondo State to change and seek a better life. I thank you for your faith and confidence in me.

“I thank all those whose uncommon sacrifice contributed in no small measure to the success of the exercise. A special show of gratitude must be extended to our security agents for their patriotic duty.

“I shall in few months be saddled with the task of providing responsible leadership, a leadership that would take our people from poverty and stagna-

tion to productivity and prosperity, from pains and lamentation to joy and laughter. It is the sole reason you have voted for me and by the grace of God I will not fail you.”

The state chapter of APC described the election as unprecedentedly peaceful, free and fair in the history of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya.

The party commended INEC, on the prompt arrival and delivery of electoral materials to the 3,009 polling units across the state.

It applauded the simultaneous accreditation and voting system adopted by the electoral body, saying it was largely responsible for the absence of electoral malpractices and violence.

Adesanya praised the electorate and people of the state for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

President Buhari yesterday congratulated Akeredolu on his electoral victory.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The President also congratulated the chairman of the party, the Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and all party faithful, who put in their best and braved the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.

“Buhari rejoices with the good people of Ondo State who aligned with his own belief that Akeredolu with his pedigree possesses the qualities to transform the state into the Ondo of their dreams.

“From the beginning, this election set out to be a different kind of election.

The unity and resilience of the party was tested. I am happy we came out of this victorious.

“This is a huge win.

The mood today is against corruption, insecurity and for the restoration of the economy and the creation of jobs.

“This is where the party stands and I am happy that the electorate has read the situation correctly,” the statement said.

He called on other contestants in the election to see the triumph of Akeredolu as the wish of God and enjoined them to work together with him to make “the state a truly progressive and economically prosperous one for all.”

The President commended INEC, the security agencies and the voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.

In his own reaction, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the people of

Ondo State “could not have had a better choice.”

Saraki said Akeredolu’s victory did not come to him as a surprise, going by his excellent credentials and years of preparedness for the business of governance.

He, however, urged the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory by working with all relevant stakeholders in the arduous task of moving the Sunshine State to the next level.

He urged Akeredolu to fully deploy his wealth of experience garnered over many years in private legal practice in running the affairs of the state.

Saraki lauded security agencies and INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked

the people of the state for voting for APC during the election.

Saraki said: “The people of Ondo have made a clear choice by voting for the APC. I can only assure the good people of Ondo state that APC and its flag bearer have all it takes to wipe away your tears.

“Akeredolu will provide you the dividends of democracy that have hitherto eluded you.

“With Akeredolu on the saddle of governance, I have no doubt that the state will soon witness unparalleled development socially, economically and politically.”

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun also congratulated Akeredolu over his victory.

Amosun, in a statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital by his Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Media and Publicity, Adejuwon Soyinka also applauded the people of Ondo State for electing Akeredolu and APC to oversee the affairs of the state for the next political dispensation.

The governor assured the people of Ondo that their choice would engender an “unprecedented progress, infrastructural development as well as social and economic growth to the sunshine state.”

Amosun however, urged the governor-elect to see his emergence as an opportunity to unite the entire people of the state, regardless of political affiliation or tendency.

Members of International Federation of Women Lawyers in conjunction with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State Chapter, protesting an alleged violence against women and children in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADAH/JAU/NAN

NNPC to upgrade, expand refineries CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that President Muhammadu Buhari was personally committed to the project.

He said it was important to explore alternative crude supply to KRPC, which has been affected by vandalism of pipelines and obsolescence assuring that the initiative will reduce downtime of the plant and ensure optimal utilisation.

“Due to challenges with the aged refinery and crude oil pipelines that had been breached severally, the operations of the refinery have been epileptic.

“This we are determined to resolve through

various intervention methods, including evaluation of alternative crude oil supply from Niger Republic through building of pipelines of over 1,000 kilometers from Agadem to Kaduna.

“The efforts are being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Baru said.

According to him, the Corporation has already started engagements with the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum and the Chinese that are operating the field at Agadem.

The NNPC helmsman promised to drive the energy supply project to power industries in Kaduna by ensuring the completion of the Ajao-

kuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

Earlier, Managing Director of KRPC, Malam Idi Mukhtar, said the Fluid Cracking Catalytic Unit, FCCU, of the plant was restreamed in June.

“The Kerosene Hydrotreating Unit, KHU, rehabilitation is ongoing with the equipment overhaul and integrity checks.

“When operational, the margin of value addition on kerosene and Aviation Turbine Kerosene, ATK, will provide millions of naira in revenue, even at a throughput of 60 per cent,” Mukhtar assured.

It would be recalled that the refinery was designed to process both imported paraffinic and

Nigerian crude oils into fuels and lubes products and was constructed by Chiyoda Chemical Engineering and Construction Company (now Chiyoda Corporation) of Japan.

In December 1986, the design capacity of the fuel plants of the refinery was successfully debottlenecked from 50,000 BPSD to 60,000 BPSD, bringing the total refinery installed capacity to 110,000 BPSD. The refinery, which resumed production late last year after it was repaired, stopped production early in the year because of attacks on petroleum pipelines by militants.

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Monday, November 28, 2016

13 vehicles, 12 shops burnt in Ibadan auto crash K emi O l aitan IBADAN

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ragedy struck in Ibadan, Oyo State capital

Sunday as property worth millions of naira were gutted by fire from an auto crash which occurred along the LagosIbadan expressway.

The sole accident which occurred at Oremeji bus stop, involved a long vehicle heading towards Lagos.

An eyewitness said

the vehicle had lost part of its body, which hit a parked petrol tanker before catching fire.

It was gathered that the fire affected

six cars, seven long vehicles and 12 shops in the area.

When contacted, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Oyo State

New sexual assault referral centre to open in Lagos

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Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru (2nd,R) opening a bid during the 2016/2017 NNPC Crude Term Contract Tender Opening in Abuja, yesterday, with him are the Group General Manager, Supply Chain Management, Mr Shehu Liman(left) and General Manager, Commercial, NNPC, Mr Adokiye Tombomieye. PHOTO: JONES BAMIDELE/NAN

Stroke: Early identification of symptoms prevents loss of life —expert

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cardiologist, Dr Afolabi Akinkunmi, Sunday in Lagos said early identification of risk factors of stroke remained the best way of preventing the life threatening illness.

Akinkunmi, President, Association of Residents Doctors, ARD, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that stroke was also known as a cerebrovascular accident.

According to him, the risk factors of stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking as well as advancement in age and heart valve disease.

He said: “Stroke occurs when a part of the brain loses its blood supply to a part of the body; blood is deprived of that area and brain cells control stops working.

“A stroke is a medical emergency which can happen to anyone; however, the older you are, the higher the risk and stroke can lead to death or permanent disability.

“When the signs of stroke appear, time is of the essence to diagnose it because the longer a stroke

Sector Command’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Mr. Seun Onijala, confirmed the incident but refused to give further details.

remains unrecognised and un-treated, the longer brain cells are deprived of oxygen-rich blood.

“As such, it is important to identify the signs and risk factors, in order to prevent stroke.”

On the symptoms of stroke, the cardiologist said there may be no warning signs until it occurs.

“That is why high blood pressure, one of the risk

factors for stroke, is called the silent killer.

“Other symptoms like speech, vision, balance, and coordination loss, helps the health care professionals locate the part of the brain that has stopped working,” he said.

According to him, strokes are also often described based on the function of the body that is lost, as well as by the area of the brain that is

affected.

The cardiologist also spoke on the most common treatment to administer on a stroke patient.

“Drug therapy with blood thinners, airways breathing and circulation to make the patient breathe are recommended.

“Also, ensuring that the patient gets adequate blood pressure is a common treatment for someone that has stroke,” he said.

SON destroys N500m worth of fake products Abolaji Adebayo

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tandards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Sunday destroyed over N500m worth of various fake products at Epe dump site.

The products, which included mobile phones, diapers, shaving sticks, electric bulbs, cables, with fake Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS, approval label, were confiscated across the country in about five containers.

Addressing journalists at the destruction point, Director General, SON,

Mr. Osita Aboloma, said the products failed all the standards/quality tests carried out on them.

He said the agency would not rest until the country is free of fake products.

He explained that the producers of the confiscated products inscribed SON product approval logo on their products to deceive consumers, while some of the products.

Aboloma added that the cable was even labelled Nigerian Wire and Cable, because Nigerian wire and cable has been adjudged the best internationally.

He disclosed that those products were smuggled into the country through illegal borders from unknown destinations.

Aboloma said apart from affecting the well-being/heath of unsuspected consumers, they also ruin the economy as local manufacturers went into unnecessary competition with them.

The SON boss informed that the war against substandard products is necessary and requires urgency in order to make the effort of government on local production and economic diversification fruitful.

new care centre where victims of sexual violence could get immediate medical and psychosocial attention will open in Lagos on Thursday.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Yaba, Lagos-based Sexual Assault Referral Centre is an initiative of Women At Risk International Foundation, WARIF, an NGO. WARIF Chief Executive, Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, an obstetrician, told newsmen yesterday that the fully-serviced medical suite would provide 24hour support to victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence.

In addition to clinical and forensic medical services, DaSilva-Ibru said the centre would also provide “long-term therapy to survivors and integrate them successfully back

into society.

“It is our primary social responsibility to ensure that all young girls and women live in a society free of rape and social violence,” she added.

According to DaSilvaIbru, WARIF has established partnerships with Washington DCbased Rape Crisis Centre, DCRCC, and several government and nongovernment organisations to achieve its objectives.

DCRCC Director, Indira Henard, said the establishment of WARIF was a game changer for sexual assault survivors in a timely manner.

“It is important that the international community come together to not only address gender-based violence, but also create resources and tools to enable self-determination and freedom for all,” she said.

NANTA charges FG to be transparent on concession of airports Olusegun Koiki

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ational Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, has asked for more transparency from the Federal Government on the planned concessioning of four major airports in the country.

President of the association, Mr. Bankole Bernard told journalists in Lagos over the weekend that government had not come out with clearer picture on the planned exercise.

Bernard insisted that it would be wrong for government to hand over public assets to those who would milk the nation dry without putting anything back.

He, however, said that NANTA would continue to work with government in order to provide better policies for the aviation industry.

He also lamented that rather than for more airlines to come into the country, foreign carriers are closing shops and reducing their frequencies, stressing

that for any exit of airlines, there is a general job loss for workers in the industry.

Bernard also noted that for Nigeria to quickly get out of the current economic recession, government has to harness the potential in the tourism sector.

He explained that tourism was the largest portfolio from which it could bounce back rapidly if government wanted to quickly re-engineer the economy.

“As a pressure group, we can voice out without holding back. In the past few months that we’ve been talking, we have seen a shift in the policies of the government. Nigerian aviation industry should be merged with the ministry of tourism.

“We have several countries in Africa that are developed only by tourism. Nigeria should not be an exception with its very many potential and population.

We need to reposition the nation’s aviation and tourism industries. The government has been nonchalant with tourism in the past,” he said.

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Photo News

Monday, November 28, 2016

L-R: Chief Executive officer, RAVE FM 91.7, Mr. Femi Adefila; Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Guest Lecturer/Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy Lagos, Darcy Zotter and Akesin of Ora Igbomina, Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu, during the RAVE FM First Anniversary Lecture in Osogbo, at the weekend.

L-R: Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale; Office of the Senior Special Assistants to the President on SDGs, Dr Ifeolu Falagan and Team Leader, Inclusive Growth Unit UNDP, Dr Roberts Asogwa, during the flag-off of Sustainable Development Goals Baseline Data Collection Exercise in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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L-R: Representatives of the Commandant Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Col. Kingsley Inyang; Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu; Deputy Commissioner for procurement, Independent Corrupt Practice Commission(ICPC), Dr. Onyilimba Anthony and President, CIPSMN, Alhaji Abdulhamid Oyewo, during the institute annual conference in Abuja, at the weekend.

L-R: Partner,PricewaterhouseCoopers(PWC),Mr Femi Osinubi; Director, Corporate Finance,Pwc,Mr Simon Venables and Partner,PricewaterhouseCoopers(PWC),Mr Anton Vanwak, at the PricewaterhouseCoopers(PWC) Alumni Cocktail in Lagos, recently. PHOTO: SUPO OLOSUNDE/BOJ/NAN

NEWS

Nigerians need not panic over Donald Trump’s presidency — Ministry

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ew Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Sunday assured Nigerians that Donald Trump’s presidency would not disrupt the U. S., Nigeria’s long-existing relations.

Enikanolaiye told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that there was no need for Nigerians to be agitated over Trump’s presidency.

The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that the long existing relations between Nigeria and the U. S. would be strengthened in the years ahead.

“We do not think that Donald Trump’s presidency would lead to a disruption in the relations between Nigeria and the United States.

“The United States and Nigeria have had excellent relations since the attainment of Nigeria’s Indepen-

dence.

“And under every government in the U. S, whether Republican or Democrat, we have always had cordial relations.

“So, we do not think that this already existing relations between Nigeria and the U. S. would necessarily be altered under the U. S. President-Elect Donald Trump,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary, however, said that Nigeria would not be naive to be caught unawares by any future eventualities.

Enikanolaiye said that ahead of eventualities, his Ministry would today, hold a special retreat in Abuja, to deliberate on some of Trump’s rhetorics during his campaigns.

“Given the Presidentelect’s rhetorics during his campaigns and election, we would not be naive not to prepare for these eventualities.

“We have, therefore, de-

cided to organise a special retreat on Monday, November 28, in Abuja.

“This retreat would give major foreign policy stake-

holders the opportunity to deliberate on what Trump has said and advise government on how best to respond to this,’’ he said.

Enikanolaiye recalled that Nigeria had excellent relations with the administration of the outgoing president Barack

Obama in different areas, including economic ties, deepening of Nigeria’s democracy and other areas.

The theme of the symposium was, “Economic Recovery: Review and In-roads to Revitalisation, the Analysts’ Perception’’.

According to Agoro, the way the Federal Government goes back and forth with policies recently, shows that it is panicking over Nigeria’s economic recession.

“The government should not panic; recession is a common phase in every economy.

“If an economy is in recession today, it will get out of it if the government plans very well; if you are afraid about recession, you

will end up making mistakes.

“The government should avoid panic and allow its policies to unfold for a while; we will see the economy getting back naturally.

“Allow a policy to run before putting another in place; we have seen a lot of policy somersaults in the face of this recession; it is a sign of panic,” he said.

Also, the Vice President of the board, Dr Gbadamosi Olatunde, said the institute had looked into the economy to analyse the trend and advise the Federal Government accordingly.

He said he subscribed

to the idea of borrowing money to solve economic problems if the money would be judiciously utilised and directed into infrastructure development.

“Government should engage experts in the quest for loan and its deployment.

“Two planes in the presidential fleet have been given out; others should be sold; only two should be left to save cost,” he said.

Olatunde said that the institute would soon submit its recommendations on how to solve Nigeria’s economic problems to the government.

Recession: Institute allays FG’s fears

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he Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts, CIFIAN, has advised the Federal Government not to panic over the economic recession facing the country.

The Institute’s board Registrar, Dr Olusegun Agoro, gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the sidelines of CIFIAN’s 10th Induction and Awards Night on Saturday in Abuja.

It was also the Institute’s 3rd Annual Symposium on Emerging Market: Nigeria and Beyond.

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Monday, November 28, 2016

Business & Finance

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Former minister, deputy governor defect to APC in Gombe

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ormer Minister of Transport, Sen. Abdullahi Idris and other chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Gombe State have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that among the defectors was a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Lazerus Yoriyo, ex-House of Representatives member, Alhaji Saidu Alkali and a

former PDP Youth Leader, Alhaji Habu Mu’azu.

Idris said Sunday in Dadin Kowa, during a rally to receive them into the APC, that their decision was to bring about positive development to the state.

He assured that they would collaborate with other APC leaders to contribute positively to the success of the party in the state and across the country.

The former transport minister urged officials of APC in the state to operate an open door policy, so as to attract more entrants into the party.

APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Gombe Central, Malam Adamu Pata, as-

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I formerly known and addressed as AKOLAWOLE SUNDAY VICTOR Now OYALEKE VICTOR TEMITOPE.All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

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I, OLUWAFEMI OLANIKE BIOLA IS THE SAME PERSON AS OLUWAFEMI ABIOLA NIKE, HENCEFORTH I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUWAFEMI ABIOLA NIKE ALSO MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 17TH AUGUST 1970, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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I, OMONITEMI YEMI MORAKINYO AND OMONITEMI DANIEL MORAKINYO is the same and one person as OMONITEMI DANIEL MORAKINYO. HENCEFORTH BEARS OMONITEMI DANIEL MORAKINYO. All former documents remain vaiid. Eco Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank and general public take note.

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sured the defectors that they would be treated as equal stakeholders with those they met in the party.

According to him, their defection is a good omen for the APC ahead of future elections in the state.

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Also, another party stalwart, Kabiru KukanDaka, assured the former minister and other new entrants of full support at all times, adding that the party would tap from their experiences to advance its cause.

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This is to correct that AKINOLA TAJUDEEN OLASUNKANMI is the same one person as AKINOLA TAJUDEEN OLANIYI, that henceforth wish to be known, addressed and called as AKINOLA TAJUDEEN OLANIYI. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME This is to certified that OLAGBEMIRO OREOLUWA SUNDAY is the same one person as OLAGBEMIRO SUNDAY OLALEYE, that henceforth wish to be addressed, called and known as OLAGBEMIRO SUNDAY OLALEYE and my correct date of birth is 22nd day of July, 1990. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Ecobank Plc, Wema Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that KAREEM WAHEED OLAIDE is the same one person as ABDULKAREEM WAHEED OLAIDE, that henceforth wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDULKAREEM WAHEED OLAIDE. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Banks and general public should please take note.

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Kukan-Daka urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari in the efforts to make Nigeria great and end security challenges in the Northeast.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SERENE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) NGOZI UCHENNA EZE 2) LEO CHIMA EZE 3) OONA UZOMA EBENEZAR 4) DONALD CHUKWUMA ANI PRINCIPAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) The research, application and publication of integrative and cross cultural healing therapies and modalities from within Nigeria and around the world.

2) The promotion of health and wellness education, products and services, etc.

3) Researches on different forms of “beauty”, on “noise” and other forms of “pollution/aberrant” and their effects on the human energy system and psyche.

4) The research and application of integrative therapies such as open spaces, landscaping, gardening, art, sound and energy medicine for healing, wholesomeness, productivity and wealth creation.

5) The publication and dissemination of research materials and foundation activities.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: P. S. NWAJAGU SOLICITOR TO THE TRUSTEES.

Editorial

8

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR n PUBLISHER SUNDAY OLAJIDE – MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO •AG. EDITOR, DAILY BEN MEMULETIWON

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•AG. HEAD, ACCOUNTS OKOCHA MADUEKWE

On Onnoghen as Acting CJN

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari recently swore in Justice Walter Onnoghen as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in acting capacity. Onnoghen mounted the saddle to replace the former CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed who bowed out from office on attaining the compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

But the argument has been that the Acting CJN’s appointment was tendentious. In other words, many feel Mr. President appointed him in acting capacity with the intention of using him as a green horn fit only as a gadget to be used and dumped.

On the face of it, the argument sounds convincing in a nation where the mindset, all pretences aside, is about ethno-linguistic and religious bias, suspicion, intolerance rancour and even violence of the extreme type sometimes.

The major contention has been that though the President had the right to appoint a CJN in acting platform, there was no constitutional basis for Onnoghen to be appointed as CJN in acting capacity when the coast was very clear for him to be appointed in full capacity, based on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC); and subject to confirmation by the Senate Section 231 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered).

The constitution says where the office of the CJN is expressly vacant or the person occupying the position is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, the President ‘shall’ appoint the most senior justice of the Supreme Court to perform those functions until a substantive CJN is appointed and has assumed the functions of that office Section 231 (4). In the case of Onnoghen, he is acclaimed as the most senior Supreme Court judge on Justice Mohammed’s retirement.

So why appoint him in acting capacity after the NJC has voted him as the next in rank to the immediate past CJN? Such mistakes of the head are common in government especially when powerful positions are involved.

The CJN is the head of the third arm of government – the Judiciary. It is an office that can make or mar hitch-free governance and even the nation’s fledgling democracy if the position is care-freely occupied.

What with the extent public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary has been eroded. Quite recently, seven judges, among them two justices of the Supreme Court - Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta - were between October 7 and 8 this year, arrested for their alleged involvement in corrupt self-enrichment during a sting operation embarked upon by the

To public knowledge, Onnoghen has not and cannot been written off as a substantive CJN

Department of State Services (DSS).

Even before the coming of the immediate past CJN (Mohammed), allegations of judicial corruption were stinking to high heavens. Former CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar and the NJC she headed fought the menace.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been credited as having gotten some petitions alleging ill-gotten money against some judges, too. The agency’s operatives who worked on the complaints were said to be shocked when they investigated and confirmed that some of the judges were sitting on outrageous sums of money in their accounts, as well as immovable assets they acquired but could not satisfactorily explain when computed against their legitimate income.

Indeed, another former (CJN), Justice Aloyius Katsina-Alu; and an ex-President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami, traded bitter words bordering on judicial scandal when the latter some years ago, accused Katsina-Alu of making spirited attempts

ON THIS DAY November 28, 1942 In Boston, Massachusetts, United States, a fire in the Cocoanut Grove nightclub killed 492 people and injured hundreds more. Cocoanut Grove was Boston’s premier nightclub during the post-Prohibition 1930s and 1940s. The club had thirty-two more people than the building’s authorized capacity. It witnessed the deadliest nightclub fire in US history and the second-worst.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 28, 1987 South African Airways Flight 295 crashed into the Indian Ocean, killing all 159 people on board. An extensive salvage operation was mounted to find the flight data recorders, one of which was recovered from a depth of 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) — the deepest successful salvage operation ever conducted. An official inquiry on the crash failed to determine the cause of the incident, leading to a number of conspiracy theories.

to make him pervert justice in the governorship election petition of Sokoto State. Salami said: “… He (Katsina-Alu) instructed me to direct the justices on the Sokoto appeal to dismiss the appeal of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) governorship candidate; and I responded that I could not do so”.

Eventually, the disagreement was dragged to the NJC which set up a number of committees to examine it. None of the committees found Justice Salami guilty of any infraction. Still, the NJC, in considering the report of the last committee that examined the matter, directed that Justice Salami should tender an apology to the then CJN within seven days. But Justice Salami refused to do so because he was not found guilty of any misconduct. This led to the suspension of Salami from office, and his forced retirement eventually. A judiciary with such odious records, supported by a horde of dishonest senior lawyers, deserves to be treated with suspicion. President Buhari has not hidden this. We think he is just being cautious in appointing the head of the Judiciary. He has floundered alright. But he deserves the benefit of the doubt. To public knowledge, Onnoghen has not and cannot been written off as a substantive CJN.

x November 28, 2014 Gunmen set off three bombs at the Central Mosque (Grand Mosque) in Kano, Nigeria. It was a Boko Haramled terrorist attack. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire on those who were trying to escape. Around 120 people were killed and another 260 injured. Earlier on November 25, two female suicide bombers killed over 45 people in a crowded market in Maiduguri, Borno State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, November 28, 2016

9

Peterside advocates good governance, corruption-free Nigeria

D

irector General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has identified quality of governance, anti-corruption, institutional integrity, education and sound economic policies as factors that can transform a nation to greatness.

Dr. Peterside who was speaker at this year’s University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Distinguished Persons Annual Lecture of the Faculty of Management titled Connected Vision: Building Blocks of a New Nigeria at the Enugu Campus of the University also noted that the availability of Natural Resources is also a key variable.

He said that good governance is a critical factor to the wholesome development of any nation. According to him, “the principles of accountability, transparency, observance of the rule of law and basic freedoms remain fundamental to any definition of good governance. But the ultimate determinant of good governance is the extent to which such government meets the basic needs of the greatest majority of its people.”

The NIMASA DG observed that corruption has remained a major clog in the evolution of an egalitarian society and a major inhibitor of good governance saying “it is not surprising that some of the

Police/hunters clash: Agbekoya disowns attackers Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

P

opular farmers’ group, Agbekoya Farmers Society, yesterday disowned some hoodlums who recently attacked policemen at Ogbere Onilanta along Akanran road in the Ona- Ara Local Government area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Last week, the Ogbere community was thrown into panic when some armed men attacked policemen at a checkpoint close to a police station .

However the farmers’ group rising from its National Executive Council meeting, said members were disturbed to read from the national dailies that the hoodlums claimed to be members of the group.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Chief Olatunji Bandele, while refuting the claim in a statement made available to journalists, said it is saddening that miscreants could hide under the group to commit such a criminal act.

He said the NEC meeting of the group which was attended by the President General, Chief Kamorudeen Okikiola, Dr. Ogunlana Adegbenro, the General Secretary, Chief Salawu Ajibola, Treasurer and other national officers frowned at the development and

publicly denounced this.

According to him, the miscreants and hoodlums are not registered members of the group and that among them were some bad eggs who have been dismissed for thugs and militant, but are going about to destroy and dent the image and integrity of the group especially in the South West.

The statement read in part, “These people are miscreants and hoodlums who are not registered members of Agbekoya Farmers Society and who have teamed up with some bad eggs who were dismissed from our Society for thuggery behaviors and militancy and are bent on destroying and denting the image and integrity of our group.

“These people were reported to the Inspector General of Police through a petition dated September 30, 2015 and which was copied the Director General of the Department of State Security Services, Headquarters, Abuja, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone II, Osogbo, and the Commissioner of Police of Oyo State.

“Agbekoya Farmers Society is a registered corporate organization with Corporate Affairs Commission since 2012 with Certificate No, CAC/IT/NO.51134, with a mission to practise commercial and mechanized farming in Nigeria.

fastest growing countries like Singapore, Rwanda and Botswana also happen to have the toughest anticorruption regimes in the world”.

He commended the Buhari administration for its anti-corruption efforts emphasising that “this is one area where there is a growing national consensus in Nigeria that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has displayed unusual courage.

There are divergent views as to the effectiveness of current measures but many agree that it required a lot of courage to make a start. It is hoped that the Nigerian public will appreciate the significance of this effort in the overall improvement of the qual-

ity of governance in the country”.

The DG opined that the development of the capacities and capabilities of people is perhaps the greatest investment any nation can make because a welleducated citizenry can conceptualise and implement sound economic policies based on its peculiar realities of geography, natural and human resources.

Dr. Peterside said Nigeria’s challenges were historical. “What the British ceded in 1960 was a complex outcome of negotiated settlements among Nigerian elite representing first and foremost their respective regional and ethnic interests. There was no “pan Nigerian interest” or “pan Nigerian Agenda”. There

was no “CONNECTED VISION”.

He pointed out that vision is the key driver of any endeavour. “This original haziness in what constitute the overriding national vision has constantly plagued our national development in nearly every sphere.My key observation here and operating thesis therefore is that a nation can only endure if it is founded on an integrated and comprehensive vision (connected vision). Nigeria unfortunately missed that opportunity at inception.

This original ‘sin’ has multiplied and contributed to the ever so frequent quest for a new nation founded on a new vision.”

Dr. Peterside however said that visions can be cor-

rected although it is a difficult endeavour. He said it is easier for corporations to correct their visions than nations. “A corporation can change its board and management, re-brand itself, redefine its vision and map for itself a new mission. This is the spirit and guiding principle behind the reform and repositioning we are championing in NIMASA. We are in the process of refreshing our vision and mission, we have a new Board and a visionary Management, it offers the rare opportunity to re- invent that regulatory agency and reposition it as the most efficient, effective and responsive regulatory agency in Africa, advancing Nigeria’s maritime goals”, he observed.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nasiru-llahi Fatir Society of Nigeria, (NASFAT) Osogbo Branch, Alhaji Kamil Anjous; Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at the thanksgiving prayer for the 2nd term of Governor Aregbesola, at NASFAT Osogbo Ring Road, yesterday.

HIV prevalence on the rise among gays Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

I

mmediate past Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, Professor John Idoko, has disclosed that there is decline in the prevalent rate of HIV and AIDS among commercial sex workers.

The reverse is however the case among gays, as the prevalent rate of the disease is said to be on the increase.

Prof. Idoko, who stated this at a lecture he delivered at the institute of Public Health,Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, however added that Nigeria needs to be part of the

....declining among prostitutes -Ex NACA boss

research and development of new diagnostics, including for early post-exposure infection, vaccines, prevention approaches for young women, and slow release of anti retro cubital drugs, in order to end HIV/AIDS. Prof Idoko said Nigeria has made an appreciable effort at reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence, from 6% to 3%, noting that stigma and discrimination still continued to undermined effective responses to HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria.

Idoko who spoke at the 7th Professor Adetokunbo Lucas Public Health Leadership Forum Guest Lec-

ture, organised by the Institute of Public Health, held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said “various survey showed that HIV is prevalent among men having sex with men.

It is however declining in all other populations, including sex workers.”

He added that “criminalization of sex workers and men having sex with men has compounded their exposure to early treatment.

To reach the end of AIDS in Nigeria will depend on building on successes, learning from failures and implementing to scale.”

In his opening remark,

the acting vice- chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Anthony Elujoba called for using religion as a tool for preventing HIV/ AIDS. In separate goodwill messages, Dr Oluwole Odutolu and Dr Prosper Okonkwo, who are chairman, board of Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIDS Prevention Initiative I Nigeria, APINS, respectively, eulogised Prof Lucas Adetokunbo, describing him as a quitensentia academia, who has left an indelible mark in the field of medicine in Nigeria and beyond.

12 10

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Formerly known and addressed as MARGARET NYARKO SACKEY now wish to be known and addressed as MENSAH MARGARET NANCY. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CORRECTION OF NAME

Monday, November 28,Friday, 2016 February 14, 2014 CHANGE OF NAME

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CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as AJOSE KEHINDE SULIAT. instead of AJOSE KEHINDE TOPE. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

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ADDITION OF NAME

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that my name as written on my BVN is surname OLATUNBOSUN, First name ADEMOLA, middle name SIMON and that I am the same person that is also bearing SIMON OLATUNBOSUN ADEMOLA. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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MIS-ARRANGEMENT OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH That on some of my documents, my name appears as MISS OLUTOSIN OLUTOPE AGE, while on others, it appears as MRS. SHOBANDE HELEN MONISOLA. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. That my date of birth was wrongly written as 10th day of November, 1956 instead of 24th day of January, 1966. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OBIANUJU IKELUKA NGOZIKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONYEGWALU OBIANUJU NGOZIKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

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General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OSUNBAYO OLUFEMI SORUNGBE AND ADETUNJI SORUNGBE, HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKANNI OLUFEMI SORUNGBE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known, called and addressed as OTALOR KINGSLY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHINEDU KINGSLY. All former documents remain valid.

General take public take.

Formerly known, called and addressed as OLAMILEKAN SAHEED OLAGUNJU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLAMILEKAN OLUWAFEMI OLAGUNJU. All former documents remain valid. General take public take.

That my name was wrongly arranged on my BVN as LUKMAN LAWAL ADETUNJI and on my account as LAWAL LUKMAN ADETUNJI instead of LAWAL LUKMAN ADETUNJI. That the correct arrangement of my name is LAWAL LUKMAN ADETUNJI as it was written on my bank account. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NGUTA JENETH, now wish to be known and addressed as NGWUTA NGOZI JANETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAFARU AKANBI, now wish to be known and addressed as SAFARU FATAI AKANBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN ILORI BANKOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as AIYEDARA DUROJAIYE ILORI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AJEWOLE ORUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY OLUWASEUN ORISEEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT I OLUWASEGUN DARE SUNDAY IS SAME PERSON AS OLUWASEGUN DARE. THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OLUWASEGUN DARE SUNDAY HENCEFORTH. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECO-BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMOLOLA BABALOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAVIDS OMOLOLA ANIKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as UDOH ESTHER EKAETE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEKIEL ESTHER UDOH. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, ONYEBULAUZOEME LYDIA KELECHI is the same person as ONYEBULAUZOEME LYDIA. All former documents bearing any of the above names are mine and remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OPANAU LOUIS ORJI But now wish to be known and address as OPANAU HAMILTON ORJI. All former documents remain valid and General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED AZEEZ ASIPITA, But now wish to be known and address as ASIPITA AZEEZ MOE. All former documents remain valid and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AKINTARO OMOWUNMI IFEOLUWA, But now wish to be known and address as SALAWUDEEN OMOWUNMI IFEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLUWAMUYIWA ROTIMI AYOOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNMUYIWA ROTIMI SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL VICTOR OBUMNEME now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR OBUMNEME AYOGU. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

My name was mistakenly written as DARISON ONYEMA instead of DAVISON ONYEMA, now wish to be known and addressed as DAVISON ONYEMA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as OLUBUSE SIJUADE OYEWUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUBUSE SIJUADE ADEYEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General take public take.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS MAUD NTOW now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MAUD NTOW ACQUAH. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IHEKORONYE BLESSING CHIDINMA,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AARON-CHRISTOPHER BLESSING CHIDINMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE,TAKE NOTE. Formerly known, called and addressed as OGECHUKWU UZOR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWACHUKWU OGECHUKWU NGOZ. All former documents remain valid. General take public take.

National Mirror National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADETUNJI REMI, HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ILESANMI REMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as RABIAT ABUBAKAR, now wish to be known and addressed as RABIAT FALEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS CHARITY CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHARITY OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as DESTINY OKEOBUNOR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IFECHUKWUDE IFY OKEIBUNOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ASIRGA RIFKATU now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. RIFKATU YAKUBU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINYEMI KEHINDE DAVID, NOW WISH TO CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS DAVIDS KEHINDE AKINYEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS INTEREST EBOSETALE OHUE Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS INTEREST ALEBIOSU. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. RELEVANT AUTHORITIES AND GENERAL. PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as BELLO RASHIDAT MOJISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ENIFENI..BELLO RASHIDAT MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AJIBOYE AKEEM OMOTAYO, But now wish to be known and address as SUNDAY AKEEM OMOTAYO. Date of Birth is 13/02/1980.All former documents remain valid and General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NDUAGUBA ADAKU ONYEMAECHI, WISH TO CONFIRM THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON KNOWN AS MRS. OZOEMENA ADAKU ONYEMAECHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CONFRIMATION OF NAME

I,AKPAN MONDAY DOUGLAS,my name was mistakenly written as DOUGLAS AKPAN instead of AKPAN MONDAY DOUGLAS.Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as AKPAN MONDAY DOUGLAS.All documents bearing these names remain valid.Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ABU AISHATU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BASHIR AISHA. My date of birth is 26th April 1977. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OMOMOWO OLUWAFEMI OLAMIPE ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOMOWO OLUWAFEMI OLAMIPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

That on my Bank documents, my name was wrongly written as VITALIS NIGEL ODINAKA instead of VITALICE NIGEL ODINAKA. That my correct name is VITALICE NIGEL ODINAKA. That I was born on the 20th day of May, 1990. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TIJANI GANIYU OLAWALE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLANIYAN WALE GANIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as MISS ABODERIN OLUWASEUN ADEOLA now to be known and addressed as MRS. AFUYE OLUWASEUN ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAFURIBE EBERE HAPPINESS Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS ONUMBA EBERE HAPPINESS. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. RELEVANT AUTHORITIES, ECOBANK, FIDELITY BANK AND GENERAL. PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MOLIK SIKIRAT OLAITAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU SIKIRAT OLAITAN . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as IYABODE JOKE OTULE, But now wish to be known and address as MRS FALILAT IYABODE JOKE OTULE. All former documents remain valid and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OYOWE OGBUBEMI ABIGAIL now wish to be known and addressed as OLANREWAJU OYOWE OGBUBEMI ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MRS BOSEDE TITILAYO ADETOLA Now which to be known and addressed aS MRS BOSEDE TITILAYO BANJO. All former documents remain valid.Banks and general public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Monday, November 28, 2016

11

Anambra family sends SOS to state gov

Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

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here is disquiet in Ezinifite community in Anambra State over a reported persistent attack on the Nwosu family. The head of the family, Chief J.C. Nwosu, it was gathered, was gruesomely murdered, alongside his grand-daughter barely one year after the wife was killed.

Speaking on the matter, his only surviving broth-

er, Marcel Nwosu, who is resident in Enugu, lamented that there was an orchestrated plot to wipe out the entire family.

According to him, when his brother’s wife was murdered, he made a report to the police but they are yet to take any concrete step.

“The problem started as my brother sold part of the community land to assist his son, Richard Nwosu, who is living abroad.

“These blood thirsty men and trouble mak-

ers appeared from nowhere and started making claims over the land. We thought it was a joke until they told my brother that no member of his family would be alive to enjoy the proceeds of that land.

“In 2015, they made real their threat as his wife was gruesomely murdered on her way back

from the market.

“We reported this matter to the police, but to our greatest dismay, these people who are highly placed, were granted bail just few days after they were arrested and nothing was heard about the case again.”

He lamented that few days ago, they struck

again as his brother was returning from a social function with his granddaughter.

“They shot dead the two of them and disappeared into thin air.

“As I speak to you, we are living in fear and I don’t even know what becomes of my brother’s only son, Richard. He

couldn’t even attend his parent’s burial because of fear of these deadly men.

“I am pleading with the relevant authorities to wade into this matter and save our family from being totally wiped out.

I don’t even sleep again in the night”, Nwosu lamented.

FRSC solicits effective performance by Special Marshals

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he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Sunday, called for effective performance by Special Marshals for road safety administration and management at Yuletide.

Mr Kehinde Adeleye, Zonal Commanding Officer, RS5 Benin of FRSC, gave the charge during a one-day retreat of Special Marshals, FRSC state and unit executives in Anambra.

The retreat, organised in partnership with the FRSC Anambra Command, took place in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, Anambra.

It had its theme as: “Dynamics of Leadership in the FRSC: Special Marshals as a Case Study.”

He said the retreat was well timed, as it would reawaken the marshals on the core objectives of the FRSC and enable them to be more alive to it.

According to him, the FRSC has set a zero tolerance target for itself on traffic gridlock on the River Niger Bridge and collaboration will make this achievable.

“Our plan is for stressfree motoring on both the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the River Niger Bridge.

“The corps marshal has met with the governors of Anambra and Delta to work out the modalities, so that people do not have traffic challenges this

Christmas.

“Special Marshals are crucial partners in the road safety business.

“Looking at this year in retrospect, I can say that the special marshals in this zone have indeed complemented the efforts of the FRSC very well.

“However, you must keep to the guideline on the number of persons expected to make up a special marshal unit, which is a minimum of 25 and a maximum 50’’, he said.

Also, Mr Raphael Asekohme, the Deputy National Coordinator, Special Marshal, RS5, called on members in the zone to volunteer to control traffic at yuletide.

He said there were no fewer than 2,100 volunteers in the zone and expected that the traffic situation would continue to get better, with complementary efforts of his members to the FRSC. Asekohme lauded the leadership of the special marshal in Anambra and also, complimented the special marshals in Anambra, as being one of the best in the zone.

Mr Ben Osaka, the Coordinator of Special Marshal in Anambra, said the retreat would refresh the members on the ideals of being marshals.

According to him, it will also take their service delivery to the next level.

Oha Afia People of Abia state, displaying at the Ndi Igbo Cultural Festival organised by the Igbo Forum, Asaba, Delta on Saturday.

Customs impounds N1.074b worth of contraband goods Chris Njoku OWERRI

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ew anti-smuggling activity of the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone C Owerri of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has resulted in the seizure of 29 prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1, 074,099,739.

The confiscated items include 2,522 bags of 50 kg foreign rice, 61,333 cartons of imported foreign poultry products, 720 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 1,618 cartons and 1,466 pieces of furniture, 269 pieces of unused tyres.

Others were: 59 cartons and 1,964 pieces of spare parts, 39 pieces of used compressors, 29 bales of second hand clothing as well as 480 pairs of used shoes and 9 vehicles of assorted types.

The items were seized in the in the South East and South South geopolitical zones of the country.

The Customs Area

…arrests 16 suspects Controller in-Charge of the unit (FOU Zone C), Mohammed Uba Garba disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the items seized at the premises of both the Imo/Aba Command in Owerri and Benin warehouses of the NCS in Edo State over the weekend.

He said that 16 suspects who were arrested in connection with the shady deal are now undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.

Beyond the above statistics, Mohammed said that the seizures represented protection of the nation’s economy and security of the citizenry.

“Let me state clearly that it is simply not enough to inform you about the seizures and its DPV, what is of paramount importance is that we are implementing government’s policies that would boost our economic growth and provide employment,” he stated

According to Mohammed, many of the bags of the seized 50kg foreign rice were cleverly rebagged and re-labeled by the smugglers to beat security check points on the roads and to give the false semblance of locally produced ones. Just as some items such as body sprays were criminally used to conceal other unauthorized imported seized items”.

He regretted that accidents had continued to occur on the nation’s highways as a result of the rampant use of second hand tyres being imported by smugglers, stressing that the ban on the importation of furniture and rice was meant to encourage public patronage and consumption of the locally produced ones to further boost the nation’s economy.

“If the rampant incidence of rice importation is allowed to go on, it would definitely dis-

courage local production and consumption with a devastating effect on our economy.”

The Customs boss however made it clear that his men were not out to frustrate individuals who are into genuine business but are only interested to facilitate legitimate trade, stressing that those in illegitimate business have nothing to fear as the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to detect, arrest and prosecute only those who fail to comply with the relevant positions of the law.

He appealed to members of the public with useful information about smugglers, their agents and collaborators to make such information available to the Nigeria Customs Service or to other sister agencies for necessary action. He added that the 29 seizures made were as a result of official intelligence gathering and information supplied to his men by some patriotic Nigerians.

12

South South

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa workers to receive full salary

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ayelsa State Government has reassured workers of its preparedness to pay full salary at the end of the month, with a view to cushioning the financial hardship caused by the current economic situation facing the country.

Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), gave the assurance at the weekend at the transparency briefing for the month of September, 2016 at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

He explained that, the 50 per cent owed workers in the month of February, 2016 would be paid alongside that of October, to make full payment, stressing that, government was still committed to the payment of the salary arrears owed workers.

While presenting the income and expenditure profile of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah said from next year, the state government would operate a cashless system of collecting internally generated revenues to check leakages.

The deputy governor, who announced a gross inflow of N11.07bn said the amount was made up of 13 per cent derivation of N4.2bn, exchange differential of N2.2bn, statutory allocation of N1.8bn, Petroleum Profit tax N1.1bn, budget support N1.1bn, VAT N662m, while refund from other states stood at N57m.

On deductions, he noted that, bond loan amounted to N1.2bn, restructured bank loans N741m, Excess crude account loan facility N126m, commercial agri-

Coventry University awards Dangote Honorary Doctorate degree

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resident of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, over the weekend was awarded with Honorary Doctor of Business Administration by the United Kingdom’s prestigious Coventry University, in recognition of his significant longstanding contribution to global business, social enterprise and entrepreneurship in Africa and across the world.

Dangote who thanked the School Authority for the award promised to continue his stride in entrepreneurial development, especially among the Youth in Africa.

Meanwhile Management of Coventry University over the weekend agreed with the Management of Dangote Academy on a collaborative initiative programmes that will lead to the creation of shared methodologies for the enhancement of transformational entrepreneurship.

Coventry University have built strong working relationship with key government bodies in Nigeria to support capacity building in key sectors. Towards that, the University’s partnership with the Dangote Academy, is expected to benefit teeming Nigerians with dreams of having foreign university certificates.

Dangote had a meeting with Dr. David Pilsbury, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International); Dr Donald C Finlay, Associate Dean

(International) and Dr Kamil Omoteso, Head of School on the possibility of the University of Coventry collaborating with the Dangote Academy to establish a niche institution that will transform higher education to better meet the needs of graduates and employers.

Convinced that entrepreneurial renaissance in Africa is both expedient and necessary, the University has set up Africa Institute for Transformational Entrepreneurship (AITE) in partnership with Stellenbosch University in South Africa and University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

cultural loan schemes one and two N162m, foreign loans N29m and salary bailout of N16m, totaling N2.3bn, which brought the net inflow to N8.7bn.

He, however, pointed out that, an IGR of N736m increased the amount available for spending to N9.4bn from which N9.7bn was expended resulting

to a negative balance of N267m.

The deputy governor said, the expenditure include recurrent payment of N2.9bn, capital payment

Chairman, Akwa lbbm State Foreign Direct lnvestment Committee, Gabriel Ukpeh((left) and Out-going National Coordinator lndependent Shareholders Association of Nigeria( lSAN ), Sir Sunny Nwou, during ISAN 2016Executive Retreat in Uyo, Akwa lbom State, recently.

Nigerians now look inwards for survival —Cleric Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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cleric, Pastor Akeem Idoniboye, has said that the economic recession currently facing Nigeria has made most of her citizens to look inwards and explore other means of survival.

He said contrary to insinuations that the incumbent administration

of Muhammadu Buhari brought untold hardship on the masses, the present economic situation has taught Nigerians how to be prudent in their spending.

Idoniboye, who is the lead pastor of the Glorious Destiny Family Church (Destiny Chapel), based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State spoke while delivering a sermon at a special service to mark the 2016 Men’s Day

celebration of the Church.

Speaking on the topic “The Decision is Yours”, the cleric stated the steps taken by the Federal Government to tackle the economic recession will be beneficial to Nigerians in the long-term, pointing out that absence of good longterm plan has been the bane of the economy.

Idoniboye said: “One thing people don’t know

Edo govt partners World Bank, FG on poverty reduction

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do State government has entered into partnership with the World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as that of Budget and National Planning to assist the state efficiently execute its poverty reduction schemes.

A statement by Mr. John Mayaki, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki, said the partnership is the fallout of a visit of the governor to the three organisations at the weekend in Abuja.

At the World Bank, the governor sought the input of the institution as the state

N2.4bn, civil servants’ salaries N2.5bn, bank loan repayment N1.5bn, salaries for political appointees N160m and provision for IGR collection N69m.

prepares its 2017 budget.

He said the bank would provide a lot of technical support to the state in sectors that could accelerate economic progress and job creation.

“I am at the World Bank, and you know they have been very active partners in the governance of the state and so as we prepare for 2017 budget, we need to have conversations with them on some areas of support and to also express our gratitude for their intervention since the last eight years.

“We believe that the World Bank would be of tre-

mendous assistance from budget conception through technical support for some of our initiatives.

“We have for instance facilities for agro-processing zones which we intend to harness; we have facilities to support technical education which we have come to access and we have a whole lot of initiatives which we discussed and hope to also access.

“In fact the recession itself provides opportunity and that means we now have to look inwards since we are not able to raise the amount of foreign exchange as we

had in the past to import the goods and services we need.

“For instance, we used to spend about $15bn importing food to the country and we want to make Edo state one of the centers for food production in Nigeria,” Obaseki pledged.

Lead Procurement Specialist of the Bank, who represented its Country Director, Chief Bayo Awosehunsi lauded the governor’s credentials, saying Mr. Obaseki is not a rookie when it comes to administering a state.

He said the Bank would extend a facility to the state to enable her take care of development issues.

is that Buhari’s economy has made people to look inward, instead of waiting to share money here and there. People have also started being prudent in their expenditure.

“Today you don’t just serve people food, you give them a little and if they need more then you add, instead of allowing for waste.

“People have also thought of little businesses that can enable them make money instead of waiting for favours.”

Quoting from James 1:2324 and II Corinthians 4:1418, respectively, the cleric said in order for someone to make good decisions, the person must seek God’s face, consult those who know more than him or her, have covenant friends, and most importantly, have a prophet in his or her life.

“In making decision, some of the things you must note is that, you are responsible for the life you have; secondly, decision creates event, it is not an end; and thirdly, you must have long term thinking, whether as an individual or business entity,” he said.

Politics Kwara PDP suspends factional leaders National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wole Adedeji ILORIN

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kwara State Chapter on Saturday announced the suspension of six leaders of a faction of the party.

The suspended chieftains included Prince Sunday Fagbemi who is the leader of a faction of the party; Barrister Kunle Suleimam, a one time chairman of the party; Al-

Thursday , October 3, 201328,- 2016 Page Monday , November

haji Hassan Atanda Zorro; Captain Isiaka Alao (retd); Alhaji Iiliasu Ibrahim and Engineer Jide Usman Alabi A statement signed by the Chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo and Secretary, Barrister Abdulwaheed Yusuf respectively said the suspended chieftains allegedly broke into the secretariat of the party using force.

The matter, according to National Mirror findings became a police

matter and after series of investigations and moves to settle it amicably proved abortive, the PDP top shots were charged to court last week.

As the rancour rages however, the party leaders were suspended at the weekend.

The statement issued by the chairman and secretary read; “the six of them masterminded the unlawful and willful breaking into the PDP Secretariat on Monday, 31st day of Octo-

33

ber. 2016.

“They were accordingly reported to the police at the Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin. The police accordingly charged the six of them to the Magistrate Court on17th November 2016.

“When they finished with their matter in court, they may be reconsidered for re-admission into the party if exonerated by the court of law.

“Their matter and the disciplinary measures

L-R: Member, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Sen. Omokore Babajide, Chairman, Committee on Culture and Tourism, Sen. Mathew Urhoghide and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed during an oversight visit of Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism to the Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: OTU ALBERT/ICE/NAN

IPAC Chairman tasks OYSIEC over LG poll Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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hairman of InterParty Advisory Council, IPAC in Oyo State, Alhaji Waheed Oyewole, has enjoined the state Independent Electoral Commission, (OYSIEC) to be proactive in the preparation towards the local government election scheduled for February 11, 2017.

Oyewole in a release issued in Ibadan at the weekend also called on the OYSIEC Chairman not to stop consulting with the stakeholders and scheduling periodical meetings that will facilitate the success of the coming council election in the state.

He said, “We expect the OYSIEC Chairman not to make the meeting he had with the stakeholders to be the first and the last,

the time is not on anyone’s side, therefore for the next year election to be realistic not one meeting can make it happen.

“There are lots of questions that the commission needs to answer on the issue of delineation of constituency, not many of us have know how the LCDA is going to operate and work under this political dispensation.”

According to him, if actually there is going to be election into the LCDAs recently created by the Senator Abiola Ajimobiled government, it is important to give further clarifications in this respect.

The IPAC chairman stated further that his call to the commission is not to antagonize or disrupt their activities, noting that the electoral body should be ready for certain information that will

be helpful in discharging of its responsibilities.

“Election could not be done by the commission alone, it surpassed whatever the experiences the members must have garnered over the years because there are peculiarities of areas that individual operates in.

“We are in an era that information should not be hidden again, the stakeholders should not be seen as an enemy of the government, but it is imperative that the commission and all other stakeholders should work together to avoid any deficiency”, he added.

Nigeria@56: 340, 634 registered voters for Saturday Our leaders should Lagosapportioning bye election stop —INEC -North PAGE 14 blame

taken on them have been reported to the National Secretariat of the party and the affected party

chieftains and their followers should move away from the secretariat in their own interests”.

C’River lawmakers charge Lafarge Holcim to employ more indigenes Richard Ndoma CALABAR

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awmakers in the Cross River House of Assembly, CRHA over the weekend joined their voices with other stakeholders in the host communities to call on management of Larfage Holcim to give employment opportunities to youths of the state in the cement company.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Lebo dropped this charge while speaking on how unemployment can be curb in a challenging economy like that of Nigeria.

Lebo stated that the House of Assembly is aware that Cross Riverians in the organised private sector are less than three percent stressing that it is not supposed to be so.

The Speaker charged Lafarge Holcim (former Unicem cement company) to do everything within its reach to ensure that it implement the 80% local content policy as they have done in other places where they have investment both in Nigeria and overseas.

The Speaker who represents Abi State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly said, “We are aware that if you check the local content on how the organised private sector is employing our people is less than three percent.I went to Lafarge Holcim at the Greenfield CementPplant

in Mfamosing in one of my trip on the House oversight function and discovered that the person who answers the phone call is a lady from India.

“What we are trying to do as a House is to come up with the Cross River State Employment Bureau Law, it is a local content law which is domesticated from federal law to insist that Lafarge in its new second line of production employ at least 40% out of the 100% of its staff from Cross River, “the Speaker stressed.

John Gaul said, “what the cement company is doing is unfair to our people some months ago news filtered to us that Lafarge Holcim was doing recruitment in Lagos and government of Cross River State quickly stopped them”.

“We urged Lafarge Holcim to employ graduates from Cross River state.

My appeal to the cement company is that they should apply the 80% local policy local content policy to relieve the state of the burden of having to cope with the high rate of unemployment of our teeming youths who are willing to work”.

It will be recalled that since two months ago , youths of host communities of the cement company in Akpabuyo and Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State had been involved in a series of protest against what the youths termed as gross marginalization of youths from having opportunity to work in the company.

IPC holds town hall meeting on Lagos LG elections Oseyiza Oogbodo

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he International Press Centre, (IPC) in conjunction with UKAID/DFID and ACTIONAID has held a town hall meeting with the theme: Advancing Participation of Women, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities in Lagos LGA Elections.

The meeting, which

held at the Women Development Centre, Agege, Lagos had Dr Dele Seteolu of the Political Science Department, Lagos State University, LASU as the keynote speaker.

Seteolu spoke on the topic: Issues and Context in Advancing Participation of Women, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities in Lagos LGA Elections.

According to him,

reasons why women, youth and persons with dissabilities don’t really participate in elections include violence against them, poor economic opportunities, marital factors and discrimination.

He said politics is not for the faint-hearted and most politicians encounter violence saying which man would want his wife to participate in it?

Concluding his pre-

sentation he said youth, women and people with disabilities’ participation in elections can however be ensured through review of electoral laws after every electionAlso speaking, Waheed Ishola, Director, NOA, Lagos said the town hall meeting is very germane to move Nigeria forward. He added that it’s important for women, youth, PWDS and everyone.

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Politics

Monday, November 28, 2016

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340, 634 registered voters for Saturday Lagos bye election —INEC

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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it has 340, 634 registered voters for the Dec. 3 bye-election in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal

Constituency of Lagos State.

Clement Oha, INEC Administrative Secretary in Lagos State told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that

I’m not interested in politics — Late Audu’s son Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

T

he eldest son of the late former two time governor of Kogi state, Prince Abubakar Audu has disclosed that he was not interested in politics for now, saying he would rather uphold his father’s legacy of poverty alleviation and all that he was passionate about in his lifetime.

Mohammed Abubakar Audu who disclosed this at the official launching of “Prince Abubakar Audu Foundation” at Ogbonichia in Ofu local government area of Kogi state at weekend, stated that he will continue with all that his late father was passionate about.

Mohammed explained that such areas as education, health and empowerment of youth and women would form the nucleus of the foundations

activities.

“There are too many problems that need attention and if the solutions could be found outside politics, so be it” .

The late Prince Abubakar Audu was the first executive governor of Kogi state between 1992 and 1994, when military took over. He again got elected in 1999 and had been credited with numerous visible structures in the state.

The flamboyant “Prince of Niger” as he was fondly called during his lifetimes main achievement was harnessing the abundant natural and human resources of the state for the benefit of the people.

Late Prince Abubakar Audu died on the eve of the last gubernatorial election while results was still being collated. in Kogi, God in His wisdom have decided otherwise and we cannot question His decision.”

the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) was ongoing ahead of the poll.

“We are distributing PVCs so eligible registered voters can still go to INEC office in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government and pick up their PVCs,” Oha said.

The INEC official explained that not every registered voter had PVCs to exercise their voting rights as many were either dead or relocated out of the state.

He urged registered voters in the constituency to collect their PVCs at the local INEC office in order to participate in the election.

Oha said that INEC was ready to conduct a free and fair election urged politicians and their supporters to be peaceful before, during and after the poll.

According to the INEC official, Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency

had 335 polling units and 687 voting points where accreditation and voting would be conducted simultaneously.

Reports had it that the commission had concluded the training of 50 Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and 3, 440 corps members for the election.

The six political parties that would contest in next Saturday’s poll are: Action Alliance (AA),

Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Party (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The rest are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Mr Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, died on July 20 and INEC had fixed Dec. 3 for the byeelection into the vacant seat.

Cross section of APC supporters during the defection of former Minister of Transport, Sen. Abdullahi Idriss and other PDP members to APC in Gombe State, yesterday.

PHOTO: IBRAHIM KADO/JAU/NAN

KWHA says it is not at loggerheads with executive

T

he Kwara State House of Assembly has said it is not at loggerhead with the state executive saying that its members unanimously rejected executive bill titled “Kwara State Public Infrastructure Maintenance Support Levy” at the first reading stage to avoid unnecessary burden on the people of the state.

The Chairman House Committee on Information, Social Development, Youth Sports and Culture, Hon. Saheed Popoola made the clarification during a weekly interactive session with the Media shortly after the plenary.

He said the Legislature under the leadership of the Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad was not at loggerheads with the executive, adding that as representatives of their various constituencies, the state he said at this

time was not ripe for such levy.

The Lawmaker explained that the Bill though had its merits but said the current economic hardship in the country and the state in particular as well as the need to avoid double taxation informed the decision of the House to throw out the Bill.

Answering questions on the dissolution of elected Local Government Council, he further disclosed that the House endorsed the dissolution and the inauguration of Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) by the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed based on the State Local Government Law as amended , passed by the House which he said, empowers the Governor to dissolve Councils and appoint Caretaker Committee to

administer the affairs of the Councils in the state.

He said reasons adduced by the Governor for the dissolution of the affected councils were in accordance with section

18 (5) of the State Local Government Law as amended.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information who said the legislature which he said

was the conscience of the people was not a rubber stamp, saying that all the actions of the First arm of government in the State were in accordance with the provisions of

the laws, stressing that it would sustain its check and balance role as enshrined in the nation’s constitution to further enhance good governance in the state.

Fayemi congratulates Akeredolu, Ondo people

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he Minister of Mines and steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for his victory in Saturday’s governorship election, saying that the people of the State have made the right choice.

Akeredolu, who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, (SAN) and candidate of the Alliance for Democracy,

AD, Chief Olusola Oke. Dr Fayemi, in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said Akeredolu’s victory at the poll was victory for democracy as well as the people of Ondo State who have long clamoured for change.

The Minister said the people of Ondo State have through their votes, demonstrated their preference for transformative leadership and progressive governance which Akeredolu represents.

He urged them to cooperate fully with the soon-to-be- inaugurated

APC-led government which will usher the state to a new era of all-round development.

He urged all the relevant stakeholders in the state to accept the verdict of the people and work with Akeredolu to move the State forward.

He also urged Akeredolu to commence a process of reconciliation aimed at uniting the party in the state.

The Minister said he was certain that Akeredolu would run a responsive and peopleoriented government in the State.

Noting the keen nature of the contest, Dr Fayemi also saluted the contestants for

their maturity which contributed to the peaceful atmosphere under which the election held.

“Ondo State people deserve to be congratulated for the right choice they have made. They have demonstrated their confidence in Mr. Akeredolu’s ability to take the state to the next level of development and prosperity.”

“The state would surely witness greater level of development, judging by Mr. Akeredolu’s pedigree as a highly experienced professional, tested and trusted technocrat and strategic planner” , he added.

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Monday, November 28, 2016

15

Should birth control be made available to minors?

A deleye Ifedayo

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irth Control (also called Contraception and Fertility Control) is any procedure, method or device used to prevent pregnancy. Birth Control has been used since time immemorial either as a population control mechanism or a device to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Birth Control was popularly used by China when it adopted the one child policy in 1980 which was used as a population control mechanism and according to the Chinese government in year 2000 it successfully prevented close to 400million births in 20 years.

Not to derail too far, it is important to draw a line here. Birth control is totally different from abortion or termination of pregnancy as birth control is what prevents a life from coming to be while abortion is what prevents a life that has already begun from being born. Abortion kills a fertilised egg or an embryo while birth control prevents the fertilisation itself. Birth Control can be permanent or temporary, permanent birth control is one in which the ability to create life is completely taken away, this can be through a vasectomy in male or tubal ligation in females. The temporary birth control is one in which the ability to create life is temporarily restricted, this can include the use of pills, patches, vaginal rings and physical barriers (condoms, diaphragms, birth control sponges). These temporary methods can be reversed at will.

According to the provisions of Section 29 (1a) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a minor is deemed to be someone who is below the age of eighteen i.e. 17 years, 364 days and below.

Over the years, various state laws have somewhat defined who a minor is under its child right provisions, however the supremacy of the provisions contained in the constitution as maintained in Section

1 (3) invalidate these state provisions.

The focus on this article will be better dealt with if I state out-rightly that permanent birth control should be prohibited from being admitted to minors either with or without parental supervision and consent and should only be allowed when it is for therapeutic purposes. This leaves us with temporary birth control procedures.

It has been statistically proven that access to birth control by minors have decreased the rate of unwanted pregnancies over the years and this has been used as the foundation for arguments to allow minor access to contraceptive pills. However, arguments against unrestricted access have come more from the morality point of view where it has been stated that giving a minor unrestricted access to birth control is giving them a pass to go on a sex escapes and which sometimes can leave them exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Syphilis etc.

I am of the opinion that, a minor should be given unrestricted access to birth control devices and contraceptives without the need for parental consent, parental consent on contraceptives threatens the health and constitutional right of the minor. A typical African parent will frown against contraceptives for their kids as they deem it ‘giving them an express permission to have sex’ Mandatory parental consent on contraceptive will restrict a child from getting preventive sexual device such as condoms without parental approval. Minors are usually teenagers who are in the inquisitive stage of their lives and if not properly managed and protected have the potential of causing a life wrecking damage to themselves and their future, taking away birth control will not stop them from exploring sex, it will only discourage them from the use of contraceptives and birth control which will open them to the dangers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), I

This expressly denote that minors have restricted access to birth control

will like to say in contradictions to earlier arguments by some writers that allowing minor the access to birth control is exposing them to the risk of STIs, I undoubtedly state that it is the taking away of the right to contraceptive is what open them to such risk because no matter how hard we try, teenagers cannot be stopped from having sex and taking away birth control access from them will only encourage them to have sex without it thus opening them to risks of STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

Recent research has shown that almost half of females have under age 30 have had sex before the age of eighteen and Harlap et all in their research states that a lady without the use of contraceptive carry a 90% chance of pregnancy at every intercourse, these statistics leaves young woman open to unwanted pregnancy which might harm their future.

Also, placing parental control on minor access to contraceptives put them at the risk of not having access to immediate pregnancy prevention measures after falling victim of inevitable sexual encounters such as rape or falling victims of hormonal surge, whatever it is, they can properly prevent getting pregnant if they can get immediate access to same.

In Nigeria, Over the Counter medicine (OTC) (also called non-prescription medicines) such as numb pills, pain relievers, paracetamol, vitamin C and many others are the only medical pills that are allowed to be dispensed to minors without parental consent, however birth control pills and devices aside condoms are non OTC pills and therefore only to be dispensed on parental approval. This expressly denote that minors have restricted access to birth control re-

lated pills and can only be given such with the consent of the parent or guardian. I unequivocally state that this is part of the contributor to the enormous rate of unwanted pregnancy and abortion in Nigeria.

The supreme court of the United States in 1977 in the case of Carey vs Population Services Int’l states that ‘denial of contraception is not a permissible way to deter sexual activity’. In trying to reduce minor sexual activities, other options such as sex education should be explored but taking away the right to unrestricted access to birth control will cause more havoc than gain to the minor.

Informing parents before the dispensation of birth control devices and pills to minor is a tramp on their right to medical privacy of the minor and can be a breach of the ethical duty of medical confidentiality by the medical practitioner. Accurate medical practice is primed on the patient (the minor in this case) having a total trust that the information divulged to the practitioner will be kept in secret between them and will not be disclosed to a third party except with the consent of the patient, therefore disclosure to parents is a breach of this duty and will dent the minor’s faith in the medical practice which will push them to explore other options which might be detrimental to their health In conclusion, it is important that minors be allowed unrestricted access to birth control and contraceptives mechanism free of parental intrusion, however such administration and usage should be done under the watchful eyes and close supervision of a medical practitioner who will not only advise on how to use, the positives and negatives of usage but also monitor the use of same by the minor. Sex cannot be taken away from minors as no matter how hard we try to curb it, they will still do it, the best we can do is prevent them from ruining their future with unwanted and untimely pregnancy and birth control is the best mechanism to achieving this.

Understanding Ogun Model School’s pilot scheme

Soyombo Opeyemi

O

rdinarily, one should not dignify the feature report titled “Low Enrolment Hits Ogun Model Schools”, published recently in the National Mirror, with a response since it was manifestly a hatchet job.

But sometimes it is necessary for the reading public to appreciate the true colour of these opposition elements.

At least we now know the direction those who want to be governor at all cost hope to take the state if ever they get the opportunity.

To them, nothing is sacrosanct. If it means corrupting our children by exposing them to partisan influence from primary schools, it’s all okay by them.

The other day, they influenced a school teacher to set a patently partisan questions to students contrary to the examination code all with the aim of undermining the government in power.

But why do we have to descend so low in the name of politics? Are there no institutions that must be beyond sacrilege? Should our children not be insulated from this zero sum politics - it’s either I win or everybody loses?

Should we not protect these impressionable children until they attain the age of maturity, when they can absorb these things and then draw rational and informed conclusions?

It took the protest letters by some concerned parents to draw the attention of the state Ministry of Education to the ill-conceived question paper. The parents were aghast that their chil-

For the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the future belongs to

those who prepare for it today dren could be used as tools to settle political scores against the government. No responsible parent will permit that.

Now the hacks are at it again. Should the Federal Government close down all the Unity Schools spread across the federation and in remote areas just because some children were abducted in one of the schools in 2014?

Are schools meant to be located in business districts where children compete with all manner of distractions? Should the Ogun State government have built its first-class model schools beside Kuto or Itoku market in Abeokuta, in front of Central Mosque, Aiyepe or by the Methodist Church, Sagamu, all in the name of security? Should these state-ofthe-art colleges have been sited beside Sango market in Ota, Sayedero market, Ilaro, Idofoi market, Aiyetoro, Oja Odan market in Yewa North or Oke Aje market, Ijebu Ode in order to guarantee the security of the students?

In their desperation to discredit a top-notch governor, who has transformed the landscape of Ogun State in such a record time, making it also the industrial hub of Nigeria, it seems nothing is considered beyond the pale by these political traducers.

A pilot scheme remains what it is. There was no way the school could have accommodated the hundreds of applicants in a pilot scheme. Funny enough, many supporters of these opposition politicians have been mounting indirect pressure on government functionaries to get their children into the model schools. In the day, they condemn the initiative but in the night they plot how to ensure their children enjoy the world- class education of the model colleges!

True to their tradition, the writer spoke from both sides of the mouth when he said the parents did not know the school fees and simultaneously could not afford the high fees!

What a contradiction!

Should we spend time to respond to another tale by moonlight on the issue of salaries?

No. Time and space will fail me. It suffices to restate that Ogun remains among the very few states that pay workers’ salaries as and when due despite the financial challenges facing the entire country.

There is a template for the development of every sector of the economy of Ogun State and the Amosun government will not be stampeded into taking decisions that will not be in the interest of our people. The security architecture of the state remains robust. It is not just for the model schools but the entire state. As it has been doing, the Amosun government will continue to renovate the existing schools while at the same time preparing our children for the hi-tech or jet age education.

By way of analogy, the hidebound politi-

cians still believe that the best way to fight wars in this modern era is the use of sticks, stones, bows and arrows. They can continue in such mentality. But we know we are in the age of armoured tanks, submarines, ballistic missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, etc. They may continue to use hoe and cutlass to farm.

But we will teach our children the use of tractors, ploughs, planters, combined harvesters, etc. They may continue to use the pin-hole camera, abacus or pascal’s calculator but we will teach our students the use of digital camera and computers. Indeed, they may continue to build and renovate their face-me-I-face-you roads, but the Amosun government will continue to build six-lane highways complete with modern furniture, flyovers and even ten-lanes!

For the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

The current government is responsible to the good people of the state and not the few disgruntled and profligate politicians whose stock-in-trade is propagation of falsehood.

Soyombo is Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State.

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Monday, November 28, 2016

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Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

A trial is not an investigation and investigation is not the function of the court

Justice Modibbo Alfa Belgore, Former Chief Justice Of Nigeria

Lawyers back Senate on Anti-Jungle Justice Bill

xx

...say Jungle justice is illegal, dangerous

Few days ago, the Senate directed its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to urgently accelerate the passage of AntiJudiciary like Jungle Justice Bill in order to curb incessant cases of jungle justice in the country. In this report, WALE IGBINTADE looks at cases of mob Caesar’s wife actions. Excerpts:

must be above board –Agbaje 17

How Adebajo’s Will split wives, children 20

A

ccording to Wikipedia, Jungle justice is defined as the capital punishment meted out on crime suspects by individuals without any legal authority. This form of justice has occurred often in Nigeria, as people still take the law into their own hands.

Recently, the Senate asked the Nigeria Police to immediately investigate reports of an attack on a (7 year old???) boy in Lagos State, following what it called alarming cases of jungle justice in the country. Specifically, the Senators directed the police to fish out perpetrators of the attack, if the case is confirmed to be true.

The development was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, in which he expressed dismay at the rising cases of jungle justice by mobs that have arrogated to themselves the power to condemn others to death and execute judgment without recourse to the law courts in different parts of Nigeria.

Ashafa said the case of a young man recently lynched in Orile area of Lagos State for alleged stealing was horrifying and regrettable, adding that such barbaric act should not go unpunished. The lawmaker from Lagos also said the indifference shown towards mob killers of Mrs

AGF, Malami

Saraki

It is a direct reflection of

the loss of faith in the justice system. If people believe the law will take its course if the suspect is handed over, then there will be a shift from inclination to mob justice Agbahime in Kano State by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was disheartening. He added that mob actions violated Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. The motion was supported by Senators Ali Ndume, Mao Ohuabunwa and Shehu Sani.

Consequently, the Senate asked its committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to urgently accelerate the passage of

Anti-Jungle Justice Bill that is before it, while also tasking the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami and the Attorneys General of the states, as well as the police “to show greater sense of duty in the diligent apprehension and prosecution of this kind of offenders.”

A landmark case of unattended matter of lynch mob justice remains the killing of four University of Port Harcourt students by residents of a community known as

Aluu near Port Harcourt in Rivers State on October 5, 2012. The victims, Chiadika Biringa, Lloyd Toku Mike, Tekena Elkanah and Ugonna Obuzor were all friends, first sons of their parents, and UniPort students.

The four students were also occasional roommates.

Ugbonna sometimes spent the night with Tekena who lived outside the campus.

He moved in because his residence on campus was broken into multiple times.

Ugbona and Tekena were coming back from outside the campus one night when they met their other friends, Chiadika and Lloyd. One of the four had a debtor living in the nearby village of Aluu; so all four decided to meet the person together. In the course of CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, November 28 , 2016

Judiciary like Caesar’s wife must be above board –Agbaje

17

Fred Agbaje, fiery lawyer and activist died last Saturday in London.

However, in an interview he granted to AYODELE OLALERE shortly before his death, he speaks about corruption in the judiciary and the task before the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) among others.

Excerpts:

H

ow do you see the ongoing trial of serving judges over alleged corrupt practices?

All of us in the judiciary have learnt our lessons and I am sure the new CJN will chart a better way for the judiciary. The era when some judges make corruption a way of life in the judiciary has gone. The new acting CJN will ensure that the path previous judges and lawyers are toeing before, there is an end to it. The acting CJN should be wary of the banana-peel. The era when you want something from the judiciary and you worked hard for it, but, unless you bribe your way through you will not get it should be things of the past.

Anybody qualify for anything in the judiciary should be given. We in the judiciary like Caesar’s wife must be above board.

Recently, the President accused the judiciary of not performing its duties and specifically accused the third arm of government of being clog in the fight against corruption. What is your opinion?

I don’t align myself with that assessment. It is not because I am a member of the judiciary. I found it funny when the fish comes out of the water and say the crocodile is black.

Are they both not from the same water?

Before Buhari throw any stones at the judiciary, there are certain templates that will be in place and the first is the financial autonomy of the judiciary and given it as at when due.

In a situation where the Chief Judges of various states go cap in hand to the state executives and beg for money to be given to the judiciary, what do you expect? A judiciary that behaves that way is losing its integrity otherwise why should it be until Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) went to court to assert the right of the judiciary that we can now begin to talk. If the Federal Government and state governments have been doing their duties by giving to the judiciary what belongs to them, then Agbakoba wouldn’t have gone to court.

Judicial officers in some states are still threatening to go on strike because they are being owed. So for

Agbaje

President Buhari to now throw stones at the judiciary is uncalled for. If the executive headed by Buhari want judiciary to perform, he knows what to do. If he wants them to fail, he knows what to do also.

When Bola Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State and Yemi Osinbajo, the Attorney -General, they supported the judiciary and Lagos became the envy of other states. The state introduced new rules which courts applied now and has helped in decongestion of courts and accelerated justice dispensation. Today,

Osinbajo is the Vice- President and I hope he will do the same thing there.

Buhari could cry that the third arm of government is lagging behind but he should not forget his own executives contributed to it. If he wants the judiciary to succeed, Buhari has the yam and the knife.

But the judiciary is also not clean?

I am not saying the judiciary is 100 per cent holistically clean. There are cases where National Judicial Council (NJC) had come in to weed out some judges. Judiciary also needs to purge itself. We don’t need to wait

The day EFCC will begin to pick bank directors that helped in siphoning

Dasuki money; I will be the happiest person on earth. All the money went through the banks and the directors knew they were illegal

for the executive before we internally cleanse ourselves. There are internal control measures in judiciary. If internal purging in the judiciary is still going on, the President should not add more to it by calling us names.

If anyone has a case against any judge, such a person can write to the NJC and they will investigate but it is not fair for the President to make blanket statement of condemnation.

The Nigerian judiciary is one of the best in the world. They quote us in Britain and refer to our cases but when our own President begins to pull us down, it is not fair.

There have been some conflicting judgments given by courts. A case study is the current Abia governorship tussle. Don’t you think the judiciary is also heating up the polity?

It is the polity that is heating up the judiciary. It is the politicians that are

Continued on Page 18

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Law & Justice

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Judiciary like Caesar’s wife must be above board –Agbaje Continued from Page 17

causing problems. Is it the judges that brought the cases to their courts? Is it not the politicians that brought those cases? I will advise courts should distance themselves from political cases and let the tribunal handles them.

But the way our Nigeria law is made create problems. What is happening in Abia State is a test for the strength of judiciary. Judiciary will come out of it; it is the politicians that want to splash dirty water on everybody’s faces. If we as judicial members allow them to succeed; at the end, the same politicians will be laughing at us and throw stones at us.

There have been cases of conflicting judgments in the past before the Abia issue came up but by the time the Court of Appeal in one of the divisions decided on one of those cases, everybody will calm down until a further appeal is made at the Supreme Court. If there are no conflicting judgments, it means there is no improvement in the system. The doctrine of distinction in law distinguishes lawyers?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of bias in the fight against corruption. The commission even arrests without getting court order and detain before conducting investigations. Is this not a threat to our democracy?

The EFCC and ICPC are all creation of the law. They cannot be greater than the law that created them which is the judiciary. The judiciary is expected to interpret the law. If the EFCC loses a case and transgress the law, the winner can go to court and sue for contempt. I am aware that in most cases, the EFCC goes to appeal immediately but I believe they have to obey the law first. They must not see themselves as above the law. Those who want to invest here will only do it in an atmosphere of certainty and rule of law.

However if we continue accusing EFCC of bias, it is the same allegation we had during Obasanjo tenure when Nuhu Ribadu was EFCC chairman.

Before I can agree that EFCC is partial, they must have started arresting innocent people. How many people has EFCC arrested today that are not connected to the Dasuki money one way or another? They didn’t go after innocent people. They must have investigated before arresting. The day they will begin to pick bank directors that helped in siphoning Dasuki money; I will be the happiest person on earth. All the money went through the banks and the directors knew they were illegal. Anybody EFCC picked is connected to it. If we look at it with a decent mind, we will not make blanket statement condemning EFCC. Can you imagine the amount Iyiola Omisore has ‘vomited ‘out and the same Omisore had earlier denied any involvement in it.

Agbaje

port it.

Talking about Saraki and Ekweremadu life pension issue, do you think it’s legal?

There is nowhere it is provided for in the constitution. Why the constitution is silent is that so many members of the National Assembly have at times had one political job or another before they came to the House.

In other words, some of them are already on pensions like Saraki who is still collecting pension from Kwara State and David Mark who is collecting pension as retired army officer.

So when you are talking about pension for life, is the job of National Assembly for life?

I found it funny. In any case, does the political economy of Nigeria today support such a reckless and mind boggling- exercise. The answer is no. Millions of Nigerians is out of the university looking for jobs. I know how many CVs I get in my office on daily basis as if my office is an extension of government’s Ministry. So how can somebody talk of life pension when the money can be used to diversify the economy and create jobs? My position is that no to that life pension, the economy cannot sup-

You just mentioned that legislative job is not life time; however the job of the President is also not life time but the President collects pension after leaving office?

You cannot compare the two positions. For somebody to have become President, even if it’s one term you know what it means. If your argument is correct, then it means a councilor can come up one day and says he also wants life pension. As far as I am concerned, the President has the whole country to look after but a Senator only supervises a senatorial district. Look at President Barack Obama, his whole hair has turned white. One can accept life pension for the President because of the nature of his job. Is it that type of men you will expect to just sit at home after their tenure without making provisions for them? The amount senators and House of Representative’ members take home on daily basis is enough pensions for them which is why the kind of revelation oozing out of the House of Reps recently about budget padding is incredible and I

The amount Senators and House of Representatives’ members take home on daily basis is enough pensions for them which is why the kind of revelation oozing out of the

House of

Reps recently about budget padding is incredible

urge the President not to look back in prosecuting them. They should jail all those involved and these are the same people clamouring for pension for life.

The Senate President and deputy are now facing trials and many people have read political undertone into it, what do you think?

When something concerns Nigerians directly, they will begin to find excuses. Then whole thing started with criminal manipulation of the minutes of the Senate and some senate members said the minutes did not emanate from them. If Senate at that level condescends, what moral ground do they have to regulate law and order? When you ask criminals to make law, they make laws to suit themselves and those were the people that want life pension. That is why the way we go about immunity has become another name. Immunity is now impunity and I am happy the Supreme Court has taken a stand that governors and political office holders can be investigated while in office and prosecuted after leaving office which is why the likes of Governor Ayo Fayose is now making noise. Nigeria law is developing otherwise we would never have known what is going on.

You are a vocal and blunt figure, could this be the reason you are not yet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)?

It’s quite unlikely. I don’t know why they are denying me but I won’t keep quiet. There is nobody in the committee who does not know me but they will continue to see my names applying for it by God grace soon.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, November 28, 2016

19

Lawyers back Senate on Anti-Jungle Justice Bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

settling the debt, a misunderstanding ensued which turned sour and eventually turned into a fight.

The debtor started screaming, claiming the men were there to steal laptops and mobile phones. The vigilante group was alerted with the impression that the students were the criminals disturbing the community. The four men were chased through the streets by the stick and stone-wielding vigilantes, stripped naked, beaten and tortured until they were almost unconscious.

Afterwards, in the presence of a crowd, they were dragged through mud, had concrete slabs dropped on their heads and car tyres filled with petrol wrapped around their necks as they were burnt to death.

Although, several people were arrested in connection with the crime, nobody has been charged to court or convicted four years after the incident.

Section (33) 1of the 1999 constitution states that ‘’every person has the right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save by the execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

Many Nigerians are of the view that lynching of perceived criminals is a reflection of lack of confidence in the nation’s Justice System. For many years, our law enforcement agencies have failed in bringing the offenders to book, hence most Nigerians no longer have confidence in the system.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Abiodun Layonu SAN noted that ‘’the perpetrators should always be tracked down and prosecuted mercilessly as deterrence to others.

Jungle justice is dangerous, illegal, immoral and has no place in a modern society.’’

Lagos-based lawyer, Anthony

Layonu

Atata

Atata said: ‘’Indeed, it has given me serious concern. It has shown how brutish we are as a people. I think the law provides for punishment for murder, however I believe the common man on the street who engages in this form of spontaneous justice does not know the extent to which he is violating the law. Many of them believe it is the right thing (to do), because they even video themselves doing it. Inasmuch as ignorance of the law is no excuse, I think people should be made aware that jungle justice is a crime, a serious one for that matter.’’

Similarly, Lagos-based lawyer, Babatunde Awe lamented: ‘’It is a direct reflection of the loss of faith

in the justice system. If people believe the law will take its course if the suspect is handed over, then there will be a shift from inclination to mob justice. More importantly though, I believe this is as a reason of Nigeria’s continued retention of the death penalty in our laws. The fact alone that people are made to believe that death penalty is a proper punishment, no matter the gravity of the offence, issues like police extrajudicial killings and mob action.’’

According to another legal practitioner, Dapo Oduwole, ‘’What we need to first answer is: why jungle justice? It’s simply loss of hope in our judicial system. It is as a result

Our law enforcement agencies

must

up the ante in apprehending and prosecuting participants of jungle justice, while our legislators and other key players must take steps to ensure we eliminate all forms of delay in criminal justice procedure

Oduwole

of the bottleneck and rigorous archaic criminal procedure cum delay in our criminal justice system on one hand, and the frustration of criminal investigation and or compromising investigation. These are not justification for jungle justice. ‘’Our law enforcement agencies must up the ante in apprehending participants of jungle justice while our legislators and other key players must take steps to ensure we eliminate all forms of delay in criminal justice procedure as well as investigation because most times people alleged of serious crimes are left off the hook after series of protracted investigation that will make the victims or their families abandon ongoing investigation due to protraction of same or deliberate frustration of investigation.

We have read stories of persons arrested for heinous crimes being left of the hook due to manipulation of evidence. This is clearly a travesty and denial of justice. Justice is said to be a 3-way traffic by Oputa, JSC in the case of Josiah v. The State Justice for the accused person, justice for the victim and Justice for the society whose land is desecrated.’’

Don wants court to apply Int’l law in child labour/trafficking cases Wale Igbintade

A

University of Lagos lecturer, Professor Chioma Kanu Agomo, has urged the National Industrial Court, NIC, to dispense justice on child labour and human trafficking cases with reference to national laws, international labour standards and best practice.

Agomo, a former Dean of Law in the university, said the NIC is a specialist court empowered by law to dispense justice. “This demonstrates the assertion that labour law has gone beyond the traditional concepts with narrow jurisdiction,’’ she said.

She disclosed this in a lecture delivered at the 16th Chief G.O. Shodipe Memorial Lecture, at the Lagos High Court,

Igbosere premises with the theme: ‘The Menace of Human Trafficking, Child Labour and the Enlarged Jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court.’

She further stated that NIC is effective to carry out the mandate to dispense justice over matters relating to child labour and human trafficking.

She warned against attempt to remove this jurisdiction over matters of child labour and human trafficking.

She said: “NIC is the only court with an expanded jurisdiction such as it is currently the case that can effectively carry out the mandate. Any attempt to remove the jurisdiction of the court over child labour and human trafficking will be a retrogressive step.

“What is required is a pool of well informed legal practitioners who can assist the court to develop a labour jurispru-

dence that can stand the test of time.

“Agencies such as NAPTIP and nongovernmental organisations in the relevant field should be able to access the NIC to get justice for the individual child victims of human trafficking.”

The professor of law also recommended that labour law be made a compulsory course at both university and law school levels. According to her, lawyers who appear before the NIC must acquaint themselves with updated information on the law and practice of employment law and labour relations.

She also stressed the need for total overhaul of the various laws relating to human trafficking, child labour and related matters to allow for an integrated and holistic system for an effective justice delivery.

Speaking on ‘Victims of human traf-

ficking and child labour: what nature of compensation’, Mrs Marian Jones of Chamberlain Partnership firm, suggested that the role of the judiciary in the protection of victims should include enforcement and expand measures to protect the dignity and privacy of vulnerable witnesses in court and exercise its discretion to award victim compensation as part of sentencing in criminal proceedings.

She also said: “Sensitisation programme should be organised further by National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) together with the NICN with a view of making the provisions of the various enactments known.”

Others present at the event were Professor Bankole Sodipo, Dr. Kola Sodipo, Mr Uche Attoh of Lagos Business School and Mrs Bolaji Ajayi.

Law & Justice

20

Monday, November 28, 2016

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How Adebajo’s Will split wives, children The late businessman, Chief Israel Adebayo Adebajo was the founder of the defunct Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos otherwise known as ‘Adebajo Babes’ in the 1970s. Shortly after his demise on July 25, 1969, his Will became a subject of controversy in the law courts among his wives and children. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

FAMOUS CASES

C

hief Israel Adebajo was the Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigerian Office Stationery Supplies Stores (NOSS Stores) and by extension the founder of the defunct Stationery Stores Football Club, that made waves in the 1970s and 80s. Due to his passion for the development of sports, Adebajo invested in soccer and made the club the toast of Nigerians of its generation. The renowned sports financier was a polygamist and respectable family man when he was alive. However, he died 47 years ago after a protracted illness.

The deceased was survived by three out of his four wives, and also 14 children: four by Mrs. Olabisi Adebajo, four by Mrs. (later Justice) Adunni Adebajo, one child by a marriage already dissolved in the deceased’s lifetime and five by Mrs. Irene Adebajo.

But some months after his death, one of his widows, Irene contested the validity of his Will at a Lagos High Court.

Under the Will, the deceased left 20 per cent of the shares in his company (The NOSS Stores incorporating the Nigerian Paper Converters Company) to the plaintiff; a similar percentage was also left to the 5th defendant (the 3rd wife), a house at No. 114 Yakubu Gowon Street was left to the first 4 children of the 1st wife, a house at 16, Rotimi Street, Surulere was given to the plaintiff ’s children, a house at No. 14, Rotimi Street, Surulere, was given to the plaintiff, and properties at Nos. 13, 15 and 17, Rotimi Street, Surulere, were left to the plaintiff ’s children and those of the third wife. The will also provides that the plaintiff should remain in the main house at 20, North Avenue, Apapa for a period of 12 months, after which another house of the maximum value of 7,000 pounds should be purchased for her use. Also left to the plaintiff were all personal effects (other than heavy items) at No. 20 North Avenue Apapa. Also, land at Epe is to be developed for the use and occupation of all the children. According to the Will, the testator’s residue is to be divided among all the children of the three wives. It is significant that, although the deceased bequeathed No.1, Kofo Abayomi Street, Apapa, to the 3rd wife for life, the house is to revert to the estate if she remarries. There is no similar condition attached to the plaintiff ’s gift of 14, Rotimi Street, Surulere, nor is there any provision for buying the 3rd wife an alternative house if she ceases to live at No. 1, Kofo Abayomi Street, Apapa.

Barely few months after Adebajo’s death, the rumpus over his Will raged between one of his widows, Irene, other widows and children for several years until the matter was judicially determined by the Supreme Court on April 18, 1973.

The parties to the suit were Adebajo’s widow, Irene and others, who included the deceased’s children and other wives.

On January 13, 1970, Mrs. Irene Adebajo as the plaintiff issued a writ against the first three defendants namely, Luke Adepeju Adebajo, Obafemi Ayantuga and Mrs. Adeola Adebajo in these terms.

“1. The plaintiff is the widow and one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of Israel Adebayo Ogunyeade Adebajo (deceased) who died on the 25th day of July, 1969 in the event of intestacy and to have as such a grant of letters of administration of the estate of the said intestate.

2. This writ is issued against you as the executors named in a pretended will of the said deceased dated the 21st day of January, 1969 against which the plaintiff asks the court to pronounce in this action.

3. The plaintiff accordingly claims a declaration that Israel Adebayo Ogunyeade Adebajo died intestate.”

On February 25, 1970 , the plaintiff filed a statement of claim while on March 12, 1970 the statement of defence was

The late Justice Ayo Irikefe

The Will was that of a fair-minded man solicitous of the welfare of members of his family and anxious about their future happiness also filed. On April 10, 1970 and on the plaintiff ’s application the court granted an order joining the 4th to the 8th defendants. They are; Mrs. Olabisi Adebajo( for herself and on behalf of her children: Adekunle Adebajo, Adeyanju Adebajo and Aderenle Adebajo) ; Mrs. (later Justice) Adunni Adebajo ( for herself and on behalf of her children: Adetilewa A. Adebajo, Adekemi Adebajo,Adekeye Adebajo and Adefemi Adebajo); the 6th and the 7th defendants; Mr. Alfred Adebajo, Mrs. Adeyemi Badejo , and Christopher Adelaja.

The 6th and the 7th defendants are the deceased’s brother and sister respectively of the full blood while the 8th defendant is a cousin and a beneficiary under the will. It was agreed by both sides at the commencement of the hearing that the question whether or not the plaintiff was married to the deceased was not in issue in the present suit.

Among the issues canvassed by the plaintiff was that at the time when the alleged will was executed the testator did not know and approve of its contents.

Besides, the plaintiff contended that the date shown as the date of the alleged will was put there in order to set up a false representation that the deceased executed the will at a date when the state of his health had not deteriorated to what it was around the time when it was in fact executed.

Irene Adebajo also said the deceased at the time when the said alleged will was purported to have been executed was not of sound mind, memory and understanding.

But the defence argued to the contrary that the deceased personally gave instructions to A. Osijo, Barrister-at-Law, to whom he gave, detailed and sensible instructions about the dispositions contained in the said will.

In the statement of defence, they averred that ‘’ the deceased at the time of giving instructions to the said A. Osijo, and at the time of executing the said will was of sound mind,

The late Justice J. I. C. Taylor memory and understanding and knew and approved the contents of the said will and acknowledged his approval thereto, and that the said will was executed with due solemnities by the deceased with a complete understanding and as a free agent without any undue influence or coercion as alleged or at all.”

In its judgment, the Chief Justice accordingly dismissed Irene’s action and pronounced in favour of the will dated the 21st January, 1969 and made and executed on the 25th June, 1969 by the deceased.

The widow eventually appealed against the judgment of the then Chief Justice of Lagos; Justice J.I.C Taylor delivered in the Lagos High Court on November 12, 1971.

In her notice of appeal, she asked the appellate court to quash the verdict of the lower court and also sought a declaration that Adebajo died intestate.”

She also said the ‘’learned Chief Justice misdirected himself on the evidence in holding that the plaintiff did not prove facts showing the state of health of the deceased on the 25th of June, 1969 (the date on which the will was made) .

Two notable lawyers, Chief F.R.A Williams (SAN) and Mr. Kehinde Sofola (SAN) appeared as attorneys on the opposite sides for the parties.

The panel that heard the appeal are, Justices Taslim Olawale Elias, Atanda Fatayi-Williams, and Ayo Gabriel Irikefe.

The apex court in its lead verdict read by Justice Elias said ‘’We think that, considering the circumstances of the making of this will as well as its detailed provisions for all his relations in addition to members of his own immediate family, the will was that of a fair-minded man solicitous of their welfare and anxious about their future happiness.’’

According to the Justices ‘’we agree with the learned Chief Justice (Taylor) that “no argument has been put forward nor any evidence led to show that the terms of the will are incoherent, or strange or unnatural or that the will was not duly executed”. As we have said earlier, there is no need in the circumstances of this particular case for the defence to have pleaded a counter-claim in order to be entitled to an order pronouncing in favour of the will. ‘’Therefore, we see no reason to vary the order which the learned Chief Justice did make, namely, an order pronouncing in favour of the will dated 21st January, 1969 and made and executed on 25th June, 1969. The appeal is accordingly dismissed with costs to the respondents assessed at N270.’’

FinancialMirror

Every Monday

Monday, November 28, 2016

Leveraging ad agencies’ operations on innovative strategies during recession

FM

21

inside

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Money Market

MFBs adopt mechanisms to curb loan default in yuletide season 33

Consumer Court

Consumers decry Gala sausage price hike 30

Taxation

FG to improve housing, other sectors’ funding 26

FG to revise CET, other fiscal regimes to boost revenue 24

FM 22

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Leveraging ad agencies’ operations on Against the rage in the economy occasioned by recession, experts in the financial and communications industry have warned that the only agencies that innovate and down size will survive the current operational challenges in the economy and stabilize for sustainable growth in the years ahead. In this analysis, DAVID AUDU, captures the strategic initiatives identified by experts as panacea to the multi-faceted challenges integrated communication companies are facing generally. smaller businesses are having a harder time survival.

According to experts, bankruptcies among smaller businesses, including integrated marketing communications agencies may therefore occur at a higher rate than among larger firms.

In view of current business realities hugely characterized by shrinking or non-existent budget with little or no brand visibility from the flagship brands in the marketing communications and allied industries, advertising is having its share as budgets are shrinking and major clients are either closing shops or downsizing, and there seems to be no easy way out.

Speaking recently in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane noted that one of the ways to sailing out of the recession was for government to embark on aggressive diversification such that will focus on key sectors that will create value for people to believe in the economy.

He said no doubt the communications industry which largely depends on advertising budgets from large companies to survive will have it rough in recession as many firms will cut budget to survive, though he said it is not the best way out, pointing that agencies must find a niche of their onwe where things seems tough by way of creativity and value added services.

Speaking with Financial Mirror on the plight of marketing communications in the period of recession, the Managing Director of Leap Communication, a public relations agency, and Vive President of Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, Mr Muyiwa Akintunde, noted that in the period of recession brands usually looked for ways to cut budgets and unfortunately communications bud-

get is always the victim.

He clarified: “Many organisations are affected but it all depends on how innovative the agencies can be and how ready clients are prepared to accept your proposal. In period of recession you cannot adopt the strategies used during normal time. It then means one would have to innovate within the limited budgets and provisions; and consider how well one could make impact in terms of connecting your brands with the various stakeholders. It also behoves on the agencies to come up with good ideas that will resonate with their clients and how well their clients will buy into it.

“Again, there is no doubt it will affect staff budgets because you will be looking at your bills, they will be looking at the staff overall emoluments. So, certainly agencies will start to downsize, because you are not only looking at the revenue that comes in but also what you are going to spend.

It also means that the staff themselves will be of value to their employers because the moments you are not of value you stand the risk of going”,

‘

In view of current business realities hugely characterized by

shrinking or nonexistent budget with little or no brand visibility from the

flagship brands in the marketing communications and allied industries,

advertising is having its share as budgets are shrinking and major clients are either closing

shops or downsizing, and there seems to be no easy way out

‘

D

oing business in Nigeria have in recent times been turbulent as a result of the current economic recession. Key economic indicators, including Gross Domestic Product, GDP, inflation, unemployment, capital importation, among others, have broken projected data going downhill. This is also as Nigeria is described as one country which ranks high on the table of ease of doing business.

As entities impacted by the recession spend less money on advertising and marketing, big advertising agencies which bill millions of dollars per year are beyond measures feeling the squeeze. In turn, the decline in advertising expenditures is whittling away the bottom lines of giant media companies in every category, be it print, broadcast or online.

In 2016, key economic buzz words are foreign exchange scarcity, infrastructural decay, and power sector crisis, inability to pay salaries, job layoffs, and salary reduction among others, as experts who gathered at an industry forum recently surmised.

“No one or no industry is exempted as in one way or the other Nigerians can be classified as either internally displaced persons, IDPs, or economically displaced persons, EDPs, or both at worst”.

Again, as the effects of recession ripple through the economy, consumer confidence also declines, therefore perpetuating the recession as consumer spending drops, especially, among low income earners.

Indeed, more impacted by the recession were small businesses whose annual sales are substantially less than the multinationals. Without major cash reserves and large capital assets as collateral, however, and with more difficulty securing additional financing in trying economic times, these

President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, Ganiyu Koledoye Akintunde added He said that as public relations consultants, they engaged in peer review to look at what is happening in the agencies in relation to their clients to come up with some position that will help mitigate the impact of the down economy.

As far as PR is concerned we have made recommendations to the government such that will help bring the country out of the woods. You know we can only make recommendations but the decision is left for the government to take. But what we are telling agencies is that the hard time is a reality and our members must find a way to survive it, believing that the hard times will not last too long.

The industry expert noted,

however, that a major setback in the PR industry remained the minimal or even non-utilisation of public relations by the government and its agencies, adding that this also affects political parties and candidates during elections that often resort to PR only when they are in crisis.

According to him, there were very few structured political communication campaigns properly anchored by recognised agencies under the PRCAN fold. It is believed that trained PR practitioners can help government agencies and politicians communicate their programmes better to the public.

The Leap Communications boss lamented that one of the unfortunate things was that

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Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

FM 23

innovative strategies during recession turn when most business owners deliberately reduced their advertising budget to prune down costs, pundits in the marketing communication industry have been suggesting the need for mergers and acquisitions. However, Proponents of merger and acquisition believe the strategy could be a way for businesses to bypass the time and resources entailed in achieving organic growth.

For Alex Goma, Managing Director, P Z Family Cares, government undue focus on agriculture and solid minerals may be like going in circles.

He said: “If we do not create the industries where extra value is gotten out we will just be going round in circles and it will be the same mistakes we have done with oil. This is because the years that the price of cocoa, tin, columbite or any other things we are focusing now go down we will not have money.

“If we look at the leading economies, for example, the United States of America, US, it plants and exports food to other countries but look at the shape of their economy,

Supermart

just one per cent of their GDP comes from agriculture; and when you look at the shape of their industry, actually it account for just 22 per cent.

“The question is where is the bulk of their GDP coming from? The service sector!

It is the service sector that creates the most employment and gives the economy the resistance to withstand recession and absorb the shock that comes when you have decline in production.

the economy and think of the there are many contending value that can be created. That forces at play distracting genuis why Lagos is still the largest ine efforts of government. Beeconomy in Nigeria and even sides, he said people must pray larger than some countries in for those at the helm of affairs the West African sub region.” in Nigeria for knowledge and On rebranding Nigeria, he wisdom so that in trying to said government must deliver solve the problems they do not tangible benefits for people to create new ones that will be believe in project Nigeria, not- difficult to solve. ing that the last attempt was An Associate Professor, Faca sham because those behind ulty of Business Adminisit assumed that branding is tration, University of Ilorin, all about advertising. “If you Dr. J O Bamiduro, believes

out, stressing that marketing

want people to believe in Ni- that Nigeria can capitalize geria you have to create the on the agricultural potentials value that they want”, Goma through proper repositioning advised. of the sector to become self The question is how do we sufficient in food production focus on the areas where the and exporting to earn foreign value is? On the keys to create exchange. the right value that people will He said the country had debuy into to move the economy pended on rice and other foris for the public sector to uneign products for too long such derstand that by unlocking the that the slot in oil prices and infrastructure needs of the the attendant squeeze in forpeople it will start to automateign exchange is having seriically unlock the potentials ous impact on the prices of of the people. This has been food items. demonstrated severally as ev“If we can improve on agerywhere Nigerians go where ricultural marketing, by way the right infrastructure was provided they have shown the of giving right incentives to

during normal time. It

is all about values and not just

capacity to excel.

then means one would

“We have to demonstrate

‘

“The same thing goes for Japan. When you think of Japan

Many organisations are affected but it all depends

on how innovative the agencies can be and

how ready clients are prepared to accept your

you think of their excellent manufacturers, but the service sector in Japan accounts for 73 per cent of their GDP and industry account for 32 while others account for the rest.

The private sector is what has the highest potentials create wealth and growth in the economy”, Goma said.

He pointed out that Nigerian marketers and marketing

proposal. In period of

communications entities had

recession you cannot

where the value is and point it

adopt the strategies used

have to innovate within the limited budgets and

provisions; and consider how well one could

the responsibility to identify

advertising. where that value resides and show that value is created by delivering either the brand, product or services that meet needs.

Citing Lagos as an example,

farmers, proper storage facili-

the Na- ties, good processing methods tional Institute of Marketing and above get the right people of Nigeria, NIMN, Ganiyu Ko- to brand, package and market The President of

ledoye, while commenting on them, I see Nigeria getting out the recession in Nigeria says of the present recession and be there may not be an easy way self sufficient in food producout, noting that it will take a tion. long and tedious effort on all

He expressed optimism that

make impact in terms

he said with about 18 million

of connecting your

and everyday somebody wears

sectors of the economy to do with the government current serious soul searching and attention on agriculture and

brands with the various

clothes, eat, move around, wash and so on.

“Just think of the size of

paradigm shift to focus on inworking together.

He said while government ternally generated revenue was trying to find way out, things will improve.

stakeholders

‘

communication which is one of the ways to keep the citizens and organisations to help cope with the impact of recession has not been effectively communicated to the people.

“There are lots of lapses too numerous to mention in the communication effort of government. Take the change campaign of government for example, though it is necessary for Nigerians but it is not been done the way it should be done. A lot of people are going through hardships and they voted for a government on the mantra of change, what the people is that change should begin with those in government and not the other way round.

“We all need to change but I think they are putting the cart before the horse. And, in terms of communication, they are not synchronized and that is why you have one in government saying one thing and another person will say something different the next day.

It doesn’t allow the people to have confidence in the ability of government to bring about the desired change Nigeria need now.

“One of the ways out for advertising agencies to wiggle out of the current recession and indeed remain strong to play key roles in global advertising exploits is for those with the right leverage to embark on merger and acquisition”, he added.

Another industry expert, who did not want his name mentioned in print, canvassed the need for “corporate leaders who want to expand their market share or look to reduce costs to go the way of mergers and acquisitions. Though the growth strategy has remained a tall dream in Nigeria’s marketing industry, it is necessary for the industry’s regulatory body to give it a priority to strengthen the industry,” offered an expert.

Practitioners however lamented that unlike other industries where the volume of business naturally dictates the size of operators, marketing communication agencies have continued to soar while marketing budget is shrinking.

Since the economic down-

FM 24

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taxation

FG to review CET, other fiscal regimes to boost revenue Stories: Tola Akinmutimi

T

he Federal Government has said it was looking into the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, CET, with a view to revising its provisions in such a way that would offer win-win opportunities for Nigeria and other Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) member-nations.

In addition, it also hinted that it was in the process of negotiating 21st century Nigerian free trade agreements as well the re-implementation of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), which was suspended in 2014 following allegations of widespread abuse and the accumulation of significant liability on the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDCCs) by next year.

Giving these fiscal hints during a media briefing on the activities and programmes of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, said the planned measures were targeted at expanding market opportunities for Nigerian companies as well as plugging loopholes in government’s revenue

generation sources in the years ahead.

Enelamah said the Ministry was updating Nigeria’s trade policy priorities by working to correct imbalances in the country’s trade relationships and reversing negotiating failures, adding that one of those measures being examined is the CET. The CET is a regional tariff structure for West Africa on the basis of which products are imported within the region.

It came into effect in 2015 with a transitional period of implementation to 2020.

The challenge for the Nigerian economy is that manufacturers and industrialists have taken a strong position that the negotiation that resulted in the CET did not take into account the sensitivities of the Nigerian industrial and manufacturing sector.

On the EEG, the minister explained that government intended to resume the scheme in 2017 because of its determination to expand the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports, diversifying export products and improving global competiveness of Nigerian exporters.

According to him, to achieve the above objectives, the scheme will be included in

New LIRS’ boss unveils plans on revenue collection

F

ollowing the confirmation of his nomination for appointment as the Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Ayodele Zubair has unveiled plans to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, during his tenure.

The State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, had earlier sent his name to the House for approval as the new LIRS boss.

The new LIRS boss, who briefed the lawmakers before his confirmation about his career history, promised to bring innovation to the tax collection process in the state with a view to improving the states’ IGR. Specifically, he explained that by adoption the appropriate technologies and processes in the tax collection initiatives as well as collaborating with all stakeholders,

particularly the taxpayers, better results would be achieved during his term.

Zubair promised to focus more on the informal sector as a strategic option of dragging the operators into the tax net.

He clarified: “Informal sector is very significant for effective tax collection. We shall, for a start, introduce presumptive tax at the informal sector, and through this, we will subsequently get additional information to raise more revenue.

“Through technology, computerisation and collaboration, there would be coordination to have sufficient data about every prospective tax payer.”

Born in 1960, Zubair is a graduate of Accounting from Manchester Polytechnic and worked for five years at PricewaterhouseCoopers before he later became one of the directors at Hamzat Zubair Folami & Co.

Swiss, UK WHT Agreement to end

T

he withholding tax agreement between Switzerland and the UK will end on January 1, 2017, when a new tax information exchange agreement between Switzerland and the EU enters into force.

The WHT agreement between Switzerland and the UK has been in force since January 2013. It gives UK taxpayers the option of either anonymously paying WHT on accounts held in Switzerland or making a voluntary disclosure.

On November 14, Switzerland and the UK signed a termination agreement that provides arrangements for transferring

the final tax amounts and forwarding the last voluntary disclosures to the UK tax authorities.

The Swiss Federal Council said the WHT agreement “loses its reason to exist at all” with the introduction of the automatic exchange of information between Switzerland and the EU on January 1, 2017.

Under the agreement with the EU, parties will receive, on an annual basis, the names, addresses, tax identification numbers, and dates of birth of their residents with accounts in contracting states, along with other financial and account balance information.(Source – tax-news.com)

Enelamah

Adeosun

the budget in order to manage the impact on government revenue and promote transparency.

The Minister said that approved liability on the Scheme for unused certificates which are either in the custody of exporters or awaiting issuance in the Federal Ministry of Finance, will be settled after

the conduct of an audit to verify the actual amount due.

On the Enabling Business Environment (EBE), he the stated that the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has been created and monthly meetings have commenced to monitor results achieved.

….plans tax incentives for manufacturers too

I

n furtherance of its efforts to boost real sector productivity and create jobs, the Federal Government, has hinted of plans to grant some tax reliefs to genuine manufacturing entities in the country in the 2017 fiscal year.

Dropping the hint last week during her interactive session with journalists at the end of the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said the tax incentives was part of the fiscal measures being planned by government to mitigate the negative impact of the foreign exchange policy on the sector.

Adeosun said since the sector was one of those adversely affected by the current economic crisis, the Federal Government would support it with some form of incentives next year.

This is even as the minister restated government’s commitment to enhance the quality of critical infrastructure in the country by encouraging massive investments in infrastructure and by so doing, reduce the operating costs of the manufacturing sector.

The minister said: “It is clear from the figures that the manufacturing sector is the one that is really challenged and the challenge in the sector is clearly that of foreign exchange availability. I think that the sector will benefit from more consistency of the foreign exchange policy.

“On the fiscal side, we are rolling out a number of measures to support the manufacturing sector in terms of tax reliefs and other measures that will allow the balance sheet of the sector to be repaired. They (manufacturers) have taken quite a hit and we will continue to try and support them through it.

“We have a fiscal road map that we will be rolling out and it includes a number of measures around revenue mobilisation, tax reliefs and the fiscal instrument, which will be issued in 2017 to get the economy back to recovery”, Adeosun added.

Reacting to the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria that the government should prioritise its payment of owed debt to creditors, inclusing local contractors as a means of boosting domestic production, , the minister said the issue was also affecting the fiscal stimulus objectives of the government.

According to her, with huge debts owed local contractors, money released to the contractors through the banks for projects was not being felt.

She pointed out further that since the contractors were also indebted to the banks, they were usually denied access to those funds released by the government.

Adeosun explained further that while the debts had risen owing to the fact that the government changed its accounting system from cash-based to accrual-based, her ministry would work with the apex bank to address the liabilities.

“We are working on a solution with the CBN that will enable us actually reflect these obligations and begin to pay them off because, indeed, they are affecting a number of sectors in the economy and the ability to get the economy growing,” Adeosun stated.

It would be recalled that the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, report for Q3 this year published by the National Bureau of Statistics, indicated that the manufacturing sector’s growth rate slowed down to -2.93 per cent year-on-year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Financial Mirror

Monday,November 28, 2016

FM 25

Capital Money Market Market

SEC pays N29.2bn unclaimed dividends to investors Johnson Okanlawon

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that more than N29.2 billion has been paid to investors out of the N80 billion unclaimed dividends in the market through e-dividend registration payment system.

The commission said the unclaimed dividends rose by over 600 percent in the last 15 years.

In 1999, it was about N2 billion, rose steadily to N8 billion in 2008, N41billion in 2011, N60 billion in 2013, and N80 billion at the end of 2014.

Briefing journalists at the post fourth Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting in Lagos on Friday, the Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, said with the payment, unclaimed dividends in the market had dropped to N50.80 billion.

According to him, from November last year to October

2016, Registrars where directed to pay arreas of unclaimed dividends and they have paid out the sum of N29.2 billion arrears of unclaimed dividend.

In January this year, Gwarzo explained that unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market stood at N90 billion, urging investors to register for edividend to ensure receipt of the funds He stressed that the payment followed the renewed awareness for capital market investors to embrace the e-dividend registration system of payment introduced by the commission, saying that about 1.4 million investors had keyed into the e-dividend system between November 2015 and October 2016.

It should be recalled that edividend payment platform was introduced to address the rising incidence of unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market.

It is also expected to ad-

dress the lingering problem of unclaimed dividends, which the market had sought solution for the past 20 years.

Gwarzo said that efforts made by the commission to ensure that the era of stale dividends and huge unclaimed dividends in the market become a thing of the past was already achieving result with the e-dividend registration system.

“When we started the e dividend, the major challenge was for people to key into the e dividend mandate.There are unclaimed dividends that have not been claimed, the registrars have been compelled to pay all the arrears of unclaimed dividends.

“From November 2015 to October this year, over N29.2 billion unclaimed dividends have been paid out. In this country, we have never had this kind of initiative that has reduced unclaimed dividends like we had today,” he said.

Gwazo, who said that apart

surged 121.43 percent to $0.062 a share, after it announced it acquired a 60 percent interest in Myanmar’s Cornerstone Resources.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 wavered toward the end of the session, but finished up 0.26 percent, or 47.81 points, at 18,381.22, while the Topix closed up 0.31 percent, or 4.57 points, at 1,464.53.

The dollar was fetching 113.4 yen as of 2:17 pm HK/ SIN, a nearly eight-month high.

A weaker yen usually supports

exporters as it makes overseas earnings appear more attractive when they are repatriated and it can make export pricing more competitive overseas.

On Friday, government data showed that core consumer prices fell 0.4 percent in October onyear , in line with expectations of economists polled by Reuters.

It was the eight straight month of annual declines in core consumer prices, and will likely turn up the heat on policymakers to introduce more stimulus.

(Source – cnbc.com)

Most Asia markets end week on a positive note A sia markets were positive on Friday, amid a lack of cues from U.S. markets, which were shut Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“There’s a lot of repositioning,” in the wake of Donald Trump’s surprise election win on November 8, Herald Van Der Linde, head of equity strategy for Asia Pacific, at HSBC, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Friday.

“We saw a lot of money coming in over the course of this year into emerging markets,” he noted, estimating that around 25 percent of that money had flowed back out since the U.S. election result. “There could be a little further to go,” he said, but added that he believed the region’s fundamentals were sound and there could be a buying opportunity.

Australia’s ASX 200 closed up 0.41 percent, or 22.721 points, at 5,507.8 after initially opening flat. But the benchmark’s gains were capped by the all ordinaries gold sub-index, which was down by 2.13 percent.

BHP Billiton climbed 2.28 percent to A$26.50 a share. The Australian miner announced early Friday it had approved $181 million to fund the compensation programs at its Samarco joint venture in Brazil.

Explorer Top End Minerals

Gwazo from investor getting his dividends where ever he is, he added that they will also be able to get dividends that in the last five years he has not been able to get.

“The e-dividend is for the interest of retail investors. Since we started implementing the master plan, our focus had been the retail investors to make sure they come back to the market and ensure that some of the issues they complain about are addressed,” he added.

He said that the commission had concluded plans to make the Direct Cash Settlement become operational by the first quarter of 2017, apart from tackling the issue of unclaimed dividends to woo retail investors back to the market.

“The direct cash settlement where we mandated the broker who has the mandate of a client should credit the clients account when shares of the client are sold. This is against the initial idea that when they sell the

shares, the proceeds are credited into the brokers account,’’ he said.

He also said that the commission plans to certify licences for various exchanges.

“What we are doing is also to certify licence for an exchange.

What we have today are unified requirements for companies to set up an exchange now the stratification will lessen the requirement. For instance, if you want to set up an exchange under tier 2, the requirement will be lesser than that of tier 1 and if you want to set up under tier 3, the requirement will also be light.

“And the kind of company that will also be listed will be lesser than the other one. We think it will draw some of these SMEs to be listed because over the last 20 to 25 years, we have not seen any much progress in the second tier securities market.

There a few companies that want to set up a few trading platform and we think we have to give.

NSE’s All Share Index depreciates 0.8% in five days Tola Akinmutimi

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he NSE All Share Index and market capitalization depreciated by 0.80 per cent to close the week at 25,333.39 and N8.721 trillion respectively.

Similarly, all other indices finished lower during the week with the exception of the Banking and NSE Consumer Goods Indices that appreciated by 0.02 per cent and 0.42 per cent respectively while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat.

According to the report of

the weekly trading hosted on the website of the NSE, 27 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 10 equities of the previous week.

The report showed further that 26 equities depreciated in price, lower than 48 equities of the previous week while 128 equities remained unchanged higher than 123 equities recorded in the preceding week.

A further analysis of the trading trend in the stock market last week showed that a turnover of 639.439 million shares worth N6.455 billion in 11,799 deals were traded by investors on the floor of the Ex-

change as compared with a total of 823.547 shares valued at N5.444 billion that exchanged hands the previous week in 11,634 deals.

The report indicated that at the close of the trading business on Friday, the Financial Services Industry, when measured by volume, led the activity chart with 491.758 million shares valued at N2.211billion traded in 6,241deals; thereby contributing 76.90% and 34.25% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The sector was followed by the Conglomerates Industry with 64.507 million shares

worth N58.500 million in 681 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 54.901 million shares worth N3.307 billion in 2,386 deals.

“Trading in the Top Three Equities namely, Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, (measured by volume) accounted for 210.407 million shares worth N527.918 million in1,316 deals, contributing 32.91% and 8.18% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.”, the report stated.

FM 26

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate

FG to improve housing, other sectors’ funding

Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

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he Federal Government has restated plans to inject massive funds into the nation’s road and housing sectors as part of its strategies to reflate the economy.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this at the just concluded annual conference of Registered Quantity Surveyors in Abuja.

According to him, the present administration is committed to taking concrete step to boost the sectors.

The conference with theme; “the role of Quantity Surveying in development of the Nigerian economy” was organised by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN. Fashola said: “This administration, more than any other in recent times, has taken concrete measures to bridge the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria in the belief that the development of a nation’s infrastructure impacts positively on its economy.”

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Quantity Surveyors in the ministry, Dickson Onoja, said it was the belief of government that massive government investment and expenditure in infrastructure was one sure way of quickly taking Nigeria out of the economic woods.

“A revitalised and building and construction sector is capable of not only increasing our national infrastructure stock, it will also generate huge multiply effects, and in the process, create massive employment and wealth, thereby, boosting economic prosperity of the country.

“Government, has accordingly, voted massive funds for construction projects in the road and housing sectors. Funds have been released for the payment of debts owed contractors, which has seen the return of most of them to site, resulting in the re-engagement of workers who had earlier been laid off.

“Anyone who takes his or her time to go round the country at this time will notice that Federal Government construction projects have regained their momentum and the project sites are, once again, alive and thriving,” he added.

He harped on government’s desire for active involvement of professional, particularly especially registered surveyors, in its plans to retool the sector.

The minister noted further that high cost of construction projects was a major challenge which requires the skills and knowledge of Quantity surveyors, as construction cost experts, to address.”

Fashola said the government expects registered Quantity Surveyors to leverage on their professional ex-

N

igeria’s property market could deteriorate further this fiscal year due to expected hike in the interest rate as well as harsh monetary policy of the government.

Investigations by Financial Mirror showed that last year witnessed low property business, compared to 2014 with high returns on investments in the sector.

Industry experts project that

Emefiele

house buying and selling activities are expected to deteriorate this year due to a number of factors, including high interest rate, harsh monetary policy, exchange rate and cash squeeze among others.

An analyst, Funso Odeyemi, said the biggest impact would come from high interest rate, which would negatively affect mortgage affordability while the economic downturn would limit salary increases as well as new employment across the board.

According to him, reduced affordability of both existing homeowners paying higher mortgage amounts and first-time home buyers would translate into a buy-down in the market.

He said that the buying pyramid would see more activities towards more affordable lower part of the market.

At the same time, mortgage lenders are expected to tighten their lending criteria to accommodate the high percent per annum in interest rates.

This is expected to reduce the

with Fasanya-Osilaja

Everybody has a Dream…

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Fashola pertise to promote resource optimisation and value maximisation as it strives to provide modern infrastructure for the nation.

In his address, President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, Mallam Husaini Dikko, said the surveying professionals would intervene to minimise the cost of construction given the current economy situation in the country.

Dikko, while painting the ugly picture of negative impact of the recession, said: “Given this ugly scenario, it means that Nigeria needs to borrow heavily to balance its annual budgets, especially the capital budget.

Harsh monetary policy slows down property business

Sylva Emeka-Okereke

Mortgage Capsule

number of home sales and transfers and also reflect a drop in actual home prices.

The falling Naira would make Nigeria’s property prices very attractive to foreign buyers, if they have the confidence to invest in the country.

In all, homeowners would have to adjust their expectations when pricing their homes for sale or buy due to more expensive mortgage finances.

Many experts in the sector said they were not expecting to see significant changes in the residential property market’s dynamics this year, as the market would remain constrained in terms of supply, especially in urban areas.

The slower economic growth and exchange rate depreciation, which would drive inflation increases and cost of living, are likely to result in a slowdown in demand for residential property in 2016.

This expected slowdown in demand, coupled with some improvements in property supply levels would begin to impact property price growth this fiscal year.

s most of you know, I am a Mortgage Broker by profession, though my education is as an Attorney-at-Law. Over the last twenty years in the mortgage industry, I have fought and (almost) tamed my instinctive reaction to issues from the viewpoint of an Attorney, and have learnt to think as a Financial Adviser to homebuyers. The interesting thing though, is that I have found some fulfilment in the thought that I am still doing what comes naturally – advocating for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. This is why I am so drawn to the emerging mortgage markets in Africa and especially in Nigeria, which apart from being my Motherland, also happens to be about the most significant society in which housing is a major problem. It is quite clear to me that if a solution is found to the Nigerian housing conundrum, it will jumpstart a housing trend in the rest of Africa, the likes of which we have never seen. This to me, is the quest for the Golden Fleece, and my passion over the last few years.

It is this “quest” that has taken me on multiple trips to Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and several paces in the US, where like minds are gathered to discuss the problem, and think of ways to start to address it. What I have found to be a constant, no matter where I go, is that EVERYBODY has a dream, and everybody has an opinion. I know this sounds trite, but I promise you it is almost mind-boggling discovering the vastness of the myriad ideas and solutions in the consciousness of the people I have met, each one just as passionate in their belief as the other. It is this same vastness, I believe, that is the root cause of the total lack of synergy in the Nigerian market, and that will stop any tangible progress from taking place, unless the ideas are corralled and aligned into a productive singular stream of thought, with tangible action solution points.

It is imperative for the government to take a look at this problem, not just from a macro-economic stance, but also from a micro-economic stance. Housing is, and always will be an intimate subject. It encompasses the lifelong dream of each homeowner, as well as encloses his most cherished possessions.

It is no mistake therefore, that human nature is to seek out the highest possible accommodation for one’s status, and to fight tooth and nail for it. Owning a home has always been the crowning achievement of human progress, and the concept is so treasured, that in countries like Malaysia, students come out of University ready, willing and able to purchase their first home. In their opinion, the sooner you own, the more of a success you are. Their government shares this opinion, and has actively facilitated the home-buying process to enable such intending buyers complete their transactions with relative ease.

In Nigeria, home ownership has also always been an indicator of success, and its attainment continues to be the goal of the entire housing industry, whether builder, mortgage company, realtor or seller. While this is obviously a highly laudable goal, the fact that there are vacant properties in significant numbers on the market, while there are home-buyer prospects that have not been able (or willing) to purchase them, is a clear indicator that while everybody has a dream, our solutions are not aligned. We are not seeing the same path to the solution, even though we see the solution itself. Which comes first. The chicken or the egg? Which is the cart and which is the horse”? EVERYBODY has an opinion, and everybody has a solution (or so they think). As a neutral third party, I have been privy to examples of such solutions from industry partners from one end of the spectrum to the other. The Developer sees the problem as a lack of government incentives and lack of quality conforming product financing, the Finance industry sees the problem as excessive government regulations and outdated systems, the Government sees the problem (apparently) as a lack of discipline in the industry… and the prospective consumer/off-taker sees every one of the other parties I just mentioned, as crooks and charlatans, who are out to cheat buyers and line their own pockets.

One of my strongest beliefs is that one should not be a Naysayer. Don’t start knocking other peoples’ efforts to solve a problem without suggesting any solutions yourself. Everybody thinks they know what the problem is. Everybody thinks they have the solution. Everybody thinks the only solution that can work is theirs. I see this as THE problem. I wish to proffer MY solution. The government should really consider having a KNOWN focal point, one through which every dream every opinion and every proposed solution can be filtered for alignment without fear or favor. This focal point will be non-threatening to any of the categories of thoughts I listed earlier, and will be an advocate for the system, with the singular mandate of fostering growth and co-operation therein. Is this impossible? Is this feasible? Or is this merely… a “dream”?

As always, please seek me out on LinkedIn (Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja) and follow me on Twitter (@NikeFinancePro). I look forward to your comments and/ or questions on this post, and ask you to make it a wonderful week All comments/questions on the above article are very welcome.

Please follow me on Twitter @NikeFinancePro and connect with me on LinkedIn. Thank you for letting me has an opinion in this BC matter, and I urge you all to go out and make it a greatBCweek.

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FM 27

Insurance

Appraising insurance, pension operators’ marketing drive for annuity business As the battle for the control of annuity business continues between insurers and pension operators, in the wake of the recent circular by the National Pension Commission(PenCom) mandating life insurers to surrender the N145.05 billion annuity fund in their disposal to Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), insurance sector may also lose this business to pension industry, just like other businesses it has surrendered in the past, if care is not taken. SAKA OLALEKAN writes.

I

nsurance industry, in the past, had lost several businesses to poaching by some sectors, and the end might not be in sight, as the annuity business, which used to be under the jurisdiction of the insurers is about to be issued out to the pension industry.

The greatest undoing of the industry is that, when those businesses, such as, Health Insurance, agric insurance, pension, among others, were snatched from underwriters, they don’t protest. They willingly accepted their fate, without much questioning as to why that fate has to be theirs. Although initially, there were minor protests, but those protest never went beyond preliminary stage as operators decided to let the sleeping dog lies.

In a similar circumstance, in which history is trying to repeat itself, precisely, on November, 03, 2016, PenCom released a circular, mandating all life insurance firms to return the N145.05 billion Annuity Fund in their custody to the Pension Funds Custodians (PFCs).

The PenCom circular sent to pension fund administrators and Custodians and signed by its Head, Surveillance Department, Muhammad Umar, said in line with the Pension Reforms Act (PRA) 2014, it resolved that the custody of retiree life annuity shall henceforth, be domiciled with PFCs as provided for in Section 56 of the pension act.

PenCom mandated all life insurance companies currently providing life annuity for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to open an operational account jointly with a PFC of their choice and advice the commission.

It maintained that all life insurance companies currently providing retiree life annuity under the CPS should transfer the corresponding assets in their possession/custody to the PFC of their choice.

The commission also noted that the

L-R: Representative of the Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria (INSCAN), Adewale Adetoro; Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA), Sunday Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, JSP Communications, Dr. Phil Osagie at the Business Journal summit in Lagos .

The second problem lies in the fact that Retiree Life Annuity is an insurance product licensed and regulated by

NAICOM in line with insurance laws and practice. But custody of all annuity assets is placed squarely on the shoulders

Pension Fund Custodians licensed and regulated by PenCom as provided by Section 56 of the PRA 2014 of

approval of new request for annuity should be put on hold with immediate effect, until life insurance companies meet the custody and transfer conditions.

PenCom said life insurance companies are required to open an account with the custodian of their choice and also execute custodial service agreement that shall state the terms and conditions of the contract between the parties.

It was a circular that unsettled insurance industry, as they were reluctant to

release the fund to pension fund custodians, especially, at a time the industry is grappling with several challenges.

Insider source alleged that some life insurance operators were allowing retirees to use their annuity fund as collateral for loans, which, according to them, negates the pension law.

This unethical practice, according to some experts, was the major reason PenCom took its decision.

Investigation shows that the insur-

ance industry regulator and operators are unhappy with the pension industry regulator, as this directive is expected to starve the affected life firms of fund.

As it stands, there is an embargo placed on new annuity businesses, until insurers transfer the annuity fund in their possession to pension custodians.

Before now, there was a serious de-marketing of Annuity Option by some overzealous Pension Fund Administrators(PFAs), with some life insurers are equally doing same on Programmed Withdrawal option.

To this end, some of the affected life insurers, who are feeling disgruntled by this issue felt this circular only tilt in favour of the PFAs. The concerned insurers, Financial Mirror learnt, had alerted the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM), even as the Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA) is closely discussing and working with the regulatory authority to resolve this issue amicably.

Currently, NAICOM is planning a meeting with PenCom to iron out the issue, even as underwriters through NIA, has taken its battle with the PenCom on transfer of annuity assets to the National Assembly; Secretary of the Federal Government; Minister of Finance and other government agencies.

Reacting to the development, Director-General, NIA, Mr. Sunday Thomas, who spoke at the 2nd Business Journal Insurance Summit 2016, in Lagos, noted that the body has also written PenCom, NAICOM and the Head of Service on the need to resolve the feud.

He stressed that in line with the law, PenCom lacks legal grounds to call for transfer of annuity assets which is different from pension contributions, stressing that he is optimistic, the circular would be withdrawn by the pension regulator.

FM 28

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Telecoms investments in Nigeria rise to $68bn Isaiah Erhiawarien

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atest statistics on the value of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria showed that as at July 2016 about $68 billion local investment had been made into the sector while Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) stood at $35 billion.

The immediate past Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Dr. Hamadoun Toure, who made this known during the presentation of a keynote address at the Nigerian Telecoms Investment Forum at the just concluded ITU Telecom World 2016, Bangkok, Thailand, said the figures recorded so far in Nigeria pointed to the fact that “the country is certainly a preferred destination for telecommunications investors in Africa”.

Toure said that within 15 years when Nigeria opened its telecoms

sector to the global community, investments had grown in leaps and from a paltry 400,000 connected lines in 2001, the country now has over 150m connected lines and a teledensity of 107 percent.

He said: “The next growth for voice communication is in Quality of Service. The new oil in Nigeria is ICT and data transmission is the way to go” saying that he was particularly excited that all these happened while he served as Secretary General of ITU, Nigeria occupied the number one position as the fastest growing telecoms sector for five consecutive years.

Toure lauded the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, which, he said, had done a very good job with the way it has managed regulatory activities transparently and by the fact that law makers from Nigeria were also part of the audience he spoke to at the venue, underscored the importance Nigeria

attaches to this sector.

Communications Minister, Barr.

Adebayo Shittu, while assuring existing and potential investors in Nigeria of government’s support and protection at all times, said since Nigeria was now navigating from resource based to knowledge based economy, the country wanted investors to renew their confidence in the country.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar G. Danbatta, said that the NCC had begun digital transformation through the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2013 – 2018)

saying that since broadband is the catalyst for social and economic transformation, “we have come to let the global community know that investments are welcome in this area”.

He said that the target was 30 percent by 2018 according to the NBP 2013 – 2018, and that although Nigeria has hit 21 percent so far, investments will be needed for 3G, 4G and to take services to underserved and un-served regions of Nigeria, “and we need to deploy infrastructure to those areas that have no services, we understand that and the strategy to ad-

dress them hence we came out with the 8-point agenda to address this” adding that Nigeria has a very flexible regulatory environment and “we are fare, firm and forthright in our activities.

Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai who was also present at the conference revealed that the state will soon launch Smart Kaduna initiative and has contacted a major smart phone manufacturer to introduce pocket-friendly smart phones to the state to boost the initiative.

Glo backs new FG cashless initiative, mCash

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ational telecommunications operator, Globacom, has said it would utilise its advanced nationwide network to ensure the success of government’s new payment initiative, mCash.

The low value payment solution was launched recently by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) in partnership with banks and telecommunication companies. Leveraging the networks of telecom operators, the new solution is targeted at extending e-Payment to low income earners as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who transact their businesses mainly in cash.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, Mr. Esaie Diei, Head, Mobile Money Financial Business of Globacom, congratulated NIBSS and other Stakeholders for the unique initiative which he said was a promising solution that would help realize the Cashless policy and financial inclusion Strategy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to Mr. Diei, Globacom had always supported CBN’s initiatives, especially its efforts to reach the unbanked and the masses generally through mobile phone technology. He stated, “This is why we invested in a dynamic and secured USSD Gateway for Financial services to which mCash is connected. Glo Subscribers are, therefore, as-

sured of a very efficient and robust system on the network”.

Mr. Diei disclosed that Globacom was proud to be part of the mCash initiative as it would make payment for goods and services relatively easy and convenient. He pledged that the company would provide the requisite assistance for the payment scheme to succeed.

Presenting the mCash solution to the public, the Chief Executive Officer of NIBSS, Mr Adebisi Shonubi, said it was intended to extend digital payment to the large segment of the population who deal with cash on a daily basis. According to him, mCash is the most convenient and cost effective solution to address low value payment nationwide because it leverages the networks of telecom operators which already have nationwide coverage.

He added that unlike the current payment system where settlement takes place 24 hours later, mCash gives instant credit to the sellers/ Merchant. The solution is accessible via a Unified USSD Short Code, he explained.

CBN’s Director, Banking and Payment System Department, who was represented by the Principal Manager, Banking and Payment Systems Department of the bank, Mr. Joe Obogo, congratulated NIBSS for addressing a long pending challenge of making digital payment available for everyone.

L -R: Dr. Bisi Adeleye Fayemi of UN Women Nigeria, Mosunmola Umoru of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Linda Barau , Commissioner for Agriculture, Plateau State and Dr. Ani Charles Bassey Eyo of Sehai Foods, during the session on Wealth Creation Opportunities For Women and Youth in the Agricultural Sector of Agro Innovate Conference last Thursday in Lagos.

Umahi bans consumption of foreign rice in Ebonyi

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he Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, has said that the state government has officially outlawed the importation and consumption of foreign rice in the state.

The Governor declared this at the weekend when the Presidential Task force on Rice and Wheat paid an inspection visit to rice farm projects in Ebonyi State.

The team, which comprised the Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Baguda, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, visited various agricultural projects of the state which are supported by CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, ABP. Umahi said that the action had stimulated demand for the local staple and enriched farmers in the state.

According to him, the policy has created money in the hand of our farmers as a result of high demand of rice produced in the state. Also there are order for supply of rice from four states now to be supplied before the end of the year.

In his remarks, Ogbeh said the

money coming to Ebonyi state from other states that had placed order for Ebonyi rice would have significant impact on the well-being of the farmers and boost the economy of the state.

The minister projected that time will come when Ebonyi State will generate 6 to 7 billion Naira monthly on the local supply of rice and commended the CBN Governor on the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

He said people who don’t believe in Nigeria as a country were the ones attacking the CBN governor, saying what he is doing is wrong.

Ogbeh argued that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme was the greatest project done in the country by the apex bank in order to reposition the real sector of the economy in 50 years, adding that history will vindicate the initiators of the Programme describing them as revolutionaries.

According to him, the initiative under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is making villagers rich and until the rural communities are well taken care of Nigeria may never develop.”

The Minister disclosed that pressures had been on government to import rice to meet the demands of the commodity, but insisted that those making such calls do not believe that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is working and making impact on the economy.

“But one ship load of rice into the country will affect as much as 12 thousand farmers and importation only grows the economy of the exporting countries. It doesn’t make sense for Nigeria to continue to import rice on the background of scarce foreign exchange, Ogbeh said.

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor said the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) was designed to help Nigerian farmers and processors develop the sector and value chain.

Bagudu said in the last one year a lot of successes have been recorded in agriculture through the the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. He said what is on ground in terms of rice output suggests that the goal of self sufficiency that was targeted for 2017 have already been achieved.

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

Aviation AIB Commissioner seeks Intervention Fund for agency

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Who can dislodge this cartel in Nigerian aviation industry?

A

viation fuel has continually been embarrassingly scarce and unnecessarily expensive in the Nigerian aviation industry in the past two years despite the product’s sharp drop in the international scene.

Several reasons have been given for the skyrocketed price of the product in Nigeria by leading oil marketers, but most players in the industry including the unions have consistently attributed to the sordid situation to the handiwork of some cartels in the oil industry.

However, overtime, Airside and some pessimists in the sector never took the cartel issue seriously, believing in all the excuses given by the oil marketers.

But, the visit of the Senate Committee on Aviation to the agencies in the industry, reverberated the issue of cartels.

T

L-R; Head of Marketing SPAR Nigeria, John Goldsmith; Deputy Managing Director Artee Group, Prakash Keswani; Country Manager Etihad Airways, George Mawadri and Marketing Lead Etihad Airways, Folashade Akinboro at the unveiling of Etihad Airways as a partner of SPAR Reward Loyalty Programme in Lagos, recently.

the various investigations and tests so far carried out by the accident investigation of that country.

He said: “We need accident intervention fund in AIB as this will help in case of an emergency. Even, ICAO recognises this special fund. And let me tell you, if what happened in Malaysia happens in this country, we wouldn’t have been able to cope. We need the fund to be kept in CBN and we can now use it when there is a need for it.”

The industry expert also

disclosed that AIB was constructing two regional offices in Kano and Enugu, saying that this would further bring the agency closer to the people.

Besides, the AIB boss, mentioned paucity of funds as one of the major challenges facing the agency, stressing that AIB only receives 3 per cent out of the total Ticket Sales Charge, TSC, paid into the purse of NCAA by airlines.

He urged the Senate to help increase the 3 per cent to a more substantial percentage, saying that AIB had several capital projects, which it could not implement due to insufficient funds.

T

Mr. Bryan

airline’s traffic had continue to grow.

He explained that part of the policies of the airline was to adapt to emergencies, which he said the airline was able to do with the partial collapse of the nation’s economy.

Bryan agreed that the Nigerian market had been challenging in 2016, stressing that despite the recession, the traffic had not dwindled, rather had increased in recent time.

“We do adapt to changes, sales and others. Some couldn’t adapt and couldn’t adjust, so, they have to leave, which I unfortunate. We are in Nigeria to stay, we are not going anywhere.

“The Nigerian market has been challenging, but we can see positive market in the challenging time. The demand has not really dropped because people still want to travel. We saw a decrease in business at the beginning, but things have since changed as more people are willing to travel.”

Bryan further hinted that

This time around, Airside does not have any reason to doubt the source.

The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Sen. Ibn Na’Alla who spilled the beans is a man whose voice should be respected on aviation matters in the country. Apart from being Senator of the Federal Republic, Na’Alla is an aircraft pilot and own private jets. So, he knows hat he’s saying.

Airside is however bothered that these unpatriotic cartels seems stronger than government’s institutions and have been operating their strong cartels for decades without the cohesive government institutions been able to dislodge them.

Will these cartels continue to hold the entire aviation industry in the country to ransom?

Who will bell the cat? Airside is worried.

When unions decide to tell it all to God in fasting

I

Delta Airlines not affected by recession – Bryan he management of American carrier, Delta Air Lines, said that the current economic recession in Nigeria did not adversely affect its operations as the airline continues to leverage on increasing traffic.

The airline also confirmed that some amount of money from its ticket sales trapped in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, are still been held.

Speaking on the update activities of the airline around the globe, the Commercial Director, East and West Africa, Delta, Mr. Bobby Bryan said that despite the recession, the

FM 29

Airside

Stories: Olusegun Koiki he Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali, has called on the Federal Government to create an Accident Investigation Fund for the agency to cater for emergency in the industry.

Abali, who said that the fund is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, also explained that other developed aviation countries around the world have such fund in their coffers.

The Commissioner gave this charge recently in Lagos when the Senate Committee on Aviation visited the agencies as part of its oversight functions.

Abali declared that such fund when created would be deposited in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and would only be used in case of any major accident in the industry.

He noted that if the magnitude of the Malaysia Airlines accident of 2015 occurs in Nigeria, the agency would not be able to cope as it does not have the financial resources to carry out

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the airline’s funds just like other foreign carriers were still trapped in the country, stressing that paucity of forex affected its operations.

t is obvious that the Federal Government is not willing to back down on its planned concession of four major airports in the country.

The unions and some stakeholders have tried all within their powers to persuade the government to drop the idea.

In fact, the unions have also threatened to “down tools” and even vowed to “make the concessionaires fail,” but all these seem not to have any impact on government and still goes ahead with its plans.

However, as all entreaties failed, the unions have resorted to inviting God into the matter.

About a week ago, the unions under the auspices of Joint Action Congress, JAC, ordered all their members to embark on a three-day fasting period.

The essence of the fasting was to ensure that the plans of the government did not come to fruition.

Airside says what Aluta can’t achieve; God can bring out victory from such. Prayer they say is the key.

Emirates Group earns $12.7bn in 2016/17 half-year operations

T

he Emirates Group has announced its half-year results for 2016-17.

The Group in its performance report was steady on revenue, but profit was hit by the double impact of a strong US dollar and challenging operating environment for the airline and travel business.

A statement by the Group’s media consultant in Nigeria, indicated that revenue was $ 12.7 billion for the first six months of its 2016-17 financial year, up 1 per cent from $ 12.5 billion during the same period last year.

Following one of its best ever half-year profit performances last year, the Group for 2016-17 reported a half-year net profit of $ 364 million, down 64 per cent%.

The Group’s cash position on 30th September 2016 was at $ 4.1 billion, compared to $ 6.4 billion as at 31st March 2016. The group said this was due to ongoing investments mainly into new aircraft, airline related infrastructure projects, business acquisitions, and the repayments of bonds totalling US$ 1.1 billion, loans and lease liabilities.

“Our performance for the first half of the 2016-17 financial year continues to be impacted by the strong US dollar against other major currencies. Increased competition, as well as the sustained economic and political uncertainty in many parts of the world has added downward pressure on prices as well as dampened travel demand,” said the Chairman of the group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

He added: “The bleak global economic outlook appears to be the new norm, with no immediate resolution in sight. Against this backdrop, the Group has remained profitable and our solid business foundations continue to stand us in good stead.

In the first six months of this year, both Emirates and dnata continued to grow in capability and capacity.

“Our past investments in product and services are now paying off, enabling us to retain valued clients and attract new customers - reflected in the airline’s passenger growth of 2.3 million. We continue to make strategic investments, because we know we have to work even harder for every customer, and make every dollar spent go even further through innovation and driving efficiency across our business.”

FM 30

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

Consumer Rights Issues

Consumers’ Court

Consumers decry Gala sausage price hike

C

onsumers of popular sausage roll, Gala, a product of the United African Company, UAC, have decried the exorbitant price of the product as they say that in recent times they have been paying for the product at the above selling price fixed by the company, especially, the N50.00 Gala brand. They lament that beside the price hike, it has also reduced in size.

For instance, other brands of sausage roll like Bigi, Super Bite have also reduced in size but they all retain their N50 price. Except Rite that has recently increased its price to N70 and promptly print it on the wrap.

Gala sausage rolls is a snack patronised by old and young and seems to be going beyond the reach of the average family in Nigeria. Consumers complain that the product is disappearing from the shelves of some retailers as the regular N50 gala has been increased to N70.

Consumers interacted with by Financial Mirror lamented that the ugly development had imposed additional financial burden on families who usually budget for the sausage to complement their children launch pack to school.

Some of the consumers who spoke with our correspondent said they just noticed that everywhere they went the N50 gala was being sold at N70.

They say though there is nothing wrong increasing price to effectively compete in a recessed economy but stressed that nothing stops UAC from carrying the consumers along and communicating the price change to the consumers. They added that if the current price increase is not from the company, then, some retailers are making huge profits at the expense of the consumers and the company.

A retailer, popularly referred to as ‘Mallam’ told me that the price per car-

Heritage Bank unveils ‘happy days’ promo to reward customers

…urge producers on price tags

ton has increased from their wholesale stores and they have no choice but to add the N20 to make their own profits.

Another retailer on Lagos Island, Mrs Alimotu said the price of the medium sized Gala brand has gone up, forcing the retailers to increase the retail price from N60 to N70. She they were buying a carton for N5,400 before but has now increased to about N7, 600, which contrast sharply with the prices on the website of the company.

A pack of 105 is quoted at N3, 870 while that of mini pack of 26 rolls is N970. Investigation reveals that the price increases is as a result of the activities of the middle men who are taking advantage of the recession to make more money.

Though the price of the regular N50 gala sausage has remained the same for some years now, in order to make

the product more accessible to Nigerians, especially, children, UAC Foods also introduced the N25 brand. But in most retail shops today it is sold at either N30 or three for N100.

Also, in order to give Nigerians more options, UAC Foods recently introduced the Gala Mega brand at a price of N100.

Speaking during the launch few months ago, General Manager Marketing of the company, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba, said the brand was a new addition to the snacks offering from the company to assuage yearnings of consumers. According to her, Gala mega was a response to the yearnings and desires of Gala consumers for a more filling snack to keep them going as they achieve their daily goals.

Presently, the Gala Mega still retains the introductory price. However, market analysts are of the views that the company could be creating artifi-

cial scarcity of the N50 brand by undersupplying wholesalers who also hoard the product with intension to make it more expensive so that consumers who are dissatisfied will naturally gravitate to the bigger brand.

Overtime, with more consumers going for the bigger brand, the smaller ones will be gradually phased out.

Others however advised the foremost sausage making company to adopt the system of writing the price on the product just as the new Rite have started doing, noting that doing so make the consumers aware of the proper price.

Efforts to reach UAC Foods was not successful as the Category Manager, Gala, Shade Abiola, could not be reached on phone, neither were several messages sent to her phone delivered.

Story by David Audu

L-R: Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Managing Director/CEO, FMDQ, Mr. Bola Onadele Koko and Partner, Constant Capital Partners Limited, Mr. Niyi Omojola, during the listing of Sterling SPV bond on FMDQ in Lagos…Friday.

Stakeholders appeal to subscribers on unsolicited SMS, calls

W

orried about the increasing complaints from mobile telephone service subscribers over the menace of unsolicited text and voice messages, key stakeholders in the industry have appealed to subscribers show understanding.

The stakeholders, who met under the auspices of the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum, ICAF, described unsolicited text and voice messages as very critical to the survival of other aspects of the Nigerian economy saying that a complete shut-down of such messages stifle the growth of other sectors of the economy such as agriculture, banking and security.

Speaking at the group’s Fourth Quarter Meeting/Open Forum with the theme: DO-NOT-DISTURB, DND,

Panacea to Unsolicited Messages, the Managing Director, ICT Derivatives Limited, Mr Ayoola Oke, said that the present circumstances which subscribers in the country found themselves on the menace of unsolicited text and voice messages was not new to the industry, and that other climes have experienced it but were able to managed it.

He said that they didn’t managed by placing a total ban on it as demanded by some industry saying that the introduction of the DO-NOT-DISTURB, by the Nigerian Communications Commission was the best approach to tackling the problem.

Oke said that a complete shut-down of text and voice messages across all the network operators would affect

other services in the economy but denied people of information that borders on their security.

A representative of the Association of the Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, said that the outright ban will affect the business of tele-marketing, which is also key driver of the economy besides been a provider of job.

He rather called for a phase-byphase management of the problem so that operators to effectively manage the situation stressing that most of the messages however do not actually emanate from the network of the operators but are delivered through the internet.

The Head of Consumer

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Development, Policy and Awareness at the Consumers Protection Council, CPC, Mr. Joshua Uganga, stressed that the CPC will continue to protect the right of the consumer calling more punitive measures that would curb the menace of unsolicited text and voice messages.

He disclosed that in some instances, the Do-Not-Disturb service, which was introduced by the NCC suffered technical hitches as they failed to work as expected, add that “in this respect, there are insinuations among consumers that the so-called technical hitches may be the MNOs ploy to deliberately frustrate consumers from making use of the DND service.”

Report by Isaiah Erhiawarien

H

eritage Bank Plc is set to introduce a promo tagged ‘Happy Days Promo’ to empower and reward its teeming loyal customers.

The lender said the promo which is designed to encourage savings at this period of tight economic situation will see the emergence of a winner of a brand new car and a handful of millionaires from across the country when it kicks off December 1.

On a monthly basis, 12 lucky customers will be rewarded monthly with 42-inch flat screen LED television sets in the 6-month life of the promo, strategically meant to also deepen financial inclusion in the country.

According to a statement from the bank, customers who save up to N100, 000 will qualify for a draw to win N1million from each of the six geo-political zones of the country at the end of the fifth month while a customer that saves up to N500, 000 by May 2017 will stand a chance to win a brand new saloon car.

To participate in the promo, accounts must be opened or reactivated with a minimum balance of N20, 000 to attract a gift and a raffle ticket with an additional monthly N20, 000 giving the account holder more chances of winning the prizes.

The statement further said that the draws would be done at the end of every month from December 2016 to May 2017 in the six geo-political zones with two customers winning TV sets in the six geo-political zones.

Altogether, customers will win 48 TV sets.

“The ‘Happy Days’ promo, underscores our determination to improve the standard of living and lifestyle of our customers who deserve the reward for their unflinching loyalty to the brand since the bank berthed three years ago.” The promo is open to persons from age 18 years and above.

Report by UDO ONYEKA

This page welcomes genuine complaints from aggrieved consumers of products and services who feel unsatisfied with the quality of services, goods from their producers or providers. It will also accommodate product producers and service providers’ reactions to such complaints on weekly basis. The aim is to ensure value for money in economic relationships. Do you have any complaint to lodge over poor quality of goods or service? Then send SMS only to 08151024334.

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I, formerly known and addressed as ALHAJA BUKOLA SMITH, now wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJA BUKOLA KEKEREEKUN. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM -BALOGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM BABATUNDE BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ABIOLA KAFAYAT ADUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNBOSUN KAFAYAT ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as BIOSE CORDELLIA IFEAYICHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as TATAOBUZOGWY CORDELLIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ELVIS EDOSA JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as EDOSA ELVIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as IGWE OBIAGELI ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as IKEORAH OBIAGELI ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OTTAH NWAKAEGO ANNA, now wish to be known and addressed as UDOH NWAKAEGO ANNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MUSILIAT DAMILOLA ANIYIKAYE now wish to be known and addressed as MUSILI DAMILOLA ODETAYO. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

31

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS AGBAJE BUSAYO FUNMILAYO, but wish to add ‘YUSUF’ to my name. That I now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. YUSUF AGBAJE BUSAYO FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ LATIFAT OMOWUMI, now wish to be known as MRS ADEPOJU LATIFAT OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBISI YEMISI HELEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWINLE ODUNYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS PAUL FAITH OKWUKWE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. BLACK FAITH OKWUKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as EIGBIRE CHRISTY ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as EIGBIRE CHRISTIANA. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY SALAHUDEEN ABDULRASHEED ADEYI AND SALAUDEEN ABDULRASHEED ADEYI NOW SALAUDEEN ABDULRASHEED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SIMON SAMSON, now wish to be known and addressed as YOHANNA ABRAHAM-LAWAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ROTIMI DUPE STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ DUPE STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ONOZIE NANCY UCHECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ENWEREJI NANCY UCHECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as I.K OBINA, now wish to be known and addressed as PEDRO DAVID RYAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as RAHMAN AKEEB and RAHMAN ADENIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE ADENIYI AKEEB. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EDIMA CHIMA OJI, now wish to be known and addressed as RUFUS GRACE EKWERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ABOLAJI OBA TAIWO now wish to be known and addressed as OBA TAIWO. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

32

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEWUMI CLAUDIUS DESMOND now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWUMI CLAUDIUS TAYO. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AFOLAYAN DAVID SUNDAY WALE AGBOOLA now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLAYAN DAVID SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Financial Institutions and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAOJO OLUWATOSIN ADEFOLARIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKAKA OLUWATOSIN ADEFOLARIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHUKWUEMEKA: I, formerly known as CHUKWUEMEKA NAOMI NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as FADEBI NAOMI NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LAMIDI: I, formerly known as LAMIDI SHAKIRU BABATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as LAMIDI SHAKIRU BABATUNDE AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

HOPE: I, formerly known as HOPE VICTOR, now wish to be known and addressed as HOPE KUGBERE IDEH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ ADDITION OF NAME

FALANA: I, formerly known as FALANA AJIBIKE ELIZABETH and OKESANYA AJIBIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKESANYA AJIBIKE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONI OLAYEMI FELICIA now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OGEDENGBE OLAYEMI FELICIA. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid,general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly known and addressed as UGWU RITA CHIDINMA. Now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU RITA OLUCHI. Born of 14th May, 1993.

All former documents remain valid GTBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SHERRIFF BALOGUN YAHAYA now which to be known and addressed as SHERRIFFU BALOGUN ADEBOYE. Former documents remain valid.

General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, February 14, 2014

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OGUADIURU CHUKWUEMEKA CYRACUS now wish to be known and addressed as OGUADURU CHUKWUEMEKA. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OYEBOLA KABIRAT ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BABATUNDE KABIRAT SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General Public Note CHANGE OF NAME

OJAIDE: This is to confirm that I, OJAIDE LUCKY EZEKIEL is the same person bearing OJAIDE EZEKIEL LUCKY SUNDAY and OJAIDE EZEKIEL SUNDAY. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as ANELECHI OBELE ALEX, Instead of OBELE ALEX ANELECHI. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR ADENIJI OLUWAFEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MR OKANLAWON OLUFEMI ADENIJI. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENIYI: I, formerly known as ADENIYI OGUNYEMI MESIOYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYEMI MESIOYE GANIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

YOMI-GABRIEL: I, formerly known as MRS. YOMI-GABRIEL ADEOLA OLABISI OLUKOREDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONASANYA-BOLA ADEOLA OLABISI OLUKOREDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PIUS: I, formerly known as PIUS DEBORAH LOVE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBE ESTHER LOVE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

KALU-EME: I, formerly known as KALU-EME LOVINA ADANNA now wish to be known and addressed as OBASI LOVINA ADANNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKO-OBOH: I, formerly known as MISS OKO-OBOH AGATHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGATHA ASELU. All former documents remain valid.UBA BANK , FIRST BANK and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as YAHUZA SULAIMAN now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU YAHUZA SULAIMAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBULE WILLIAM OLUSEGUN now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEBULE WILL OLUSEGUN. All Former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certify that my correct name is HAPPINESS IMAMEHIUNU OSEH not JONATHAN AKPOJIVI. Henceforth, my name will be spelt, called and addressed as HAPPINESS IMAMEHIUNU OSEH while my correct date of birth is 12TH OCTOBER, 1962. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR BABATUNDE WILLIAMS now which to be known and addressed as MR OWOYELE BABATUNDE WILLIAMS. Former documents remain valid.General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MR LAWAL OLA KAREEM now wish to be known and addressed as MR LAWAL ADESOLA OLAOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS. UHUNMWANGHO MONICA OTASOWIE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OMORUYI MONICA OTASOWIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known, called and addressed as UZZI OSAROSEMWEN EKUNDAYO now wish to be known and addressed as UZZI OSAYANDE OSAROSEMWEN. All former documents remain valid. First bank and authority concern take note.

I formerly known, called and addressed as MRS. ADEYEMO BAMIDELE ADENLOLA now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. ADEBOBOYE BAMIDELE ADENLOLA. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AWOTUNDOBO MOJISOLA TEMITAYO now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTODUNBO MOJISOLA TEMITAYO. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Formerly known and addressed as OLAJIDE MATHEW ADEMOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OLAJIDE MATHEW OLAJIDE. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

FRANCIS: I, formerly known as FRANCIS KWABENA AWUAH, now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS ABUBAKA AWUAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CAMARA: Formerly known and addressed as CAMARA AISHA MOHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as AISHAT OJETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as FAMAKINWA SHAKIRAT OMOLOLA now wish to be known and addressed as FAMAKINWA MAJARO OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AMIGHTY VERSACE now wish to be called, addressed and known as BOLADALE OLAYINKA DOLAPO. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as KUYORO LINDA FOLAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as KUYORO FOLAKE ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN HALIMAT ABIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNBA HALIMAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known, called and addressed as ITE EMMANUEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UZOKA SIMON SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid. General take public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known, called and addressed as TAJUDEEN FASASI ANIMASHAUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as TAJUDEEN ANIMASHAUN AKOREDE. All former documents remain valid. General take public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

This is to confirm that CHUKWUBUZOR VINCENT wish to add DAVID so Is the same person as CHUKWUBUZOR VINCENT DAVID. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH That in my account with FCMB my name was wrongly captured as UYESIEVBA EJIRO instead of UYESIEVBA EJIROGHENE LOVETH. Also my date of birth was wrongly captured as 18th day of November, 1984 instead of 18th day of November, 1981. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BOB - MANUEL FOLUKE HILARI now wish to be known and addressed as AJAKAIYE HAZZSAT OLUWAWEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

ODIASE: I, formerly known as ODIASE FRIDAY .J. now wish to be known and addressed as ODIASE JULIUS ONI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was mistakenly written as VICTOR ANYIBUOFU OKAFOR ,instead of VICTOR ANYIBOUFU OKAFOR MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 13TH FEBRUARY 1984 now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR ANYIBOUFU OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known and addressed as MR AKONI ABDULAZEEZ IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as MR ODETOLA ABDULAZEEZ IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SAANI: I, formerly known as BASIRU ADEYEMI SANNI, now wish to be known and addressed as MUHYIDEEN BASHEER ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EJINI: I, formerly known as EJINI JOSEPH IKASHURU now wish to be known and addressed as OMINYANG FERDINAND ACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ORELADE: I, formerly known as ORELADE JOSEPH OLAWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as OKELADE JOSEPH OLAWUNMI All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOMUKORO: I, formerly known as OLOMUKORO ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as OLOMUKORO MATILDA All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AISAT: Formerly known and addressed as AISAT JULIET ALHASSAN ALOLO now wish to be known and addressed as AISAT JULIET TOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OSANYINTOLA OLAYEMI ESTHER now wish to be called and known as MRS LAWANI OLAYEMI ESTHER. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EZE PHILIP IKE now wish to be called, addressed and known as NWAEZE PHILIP IKECHUKWU. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADETOLA ADEJUMOKE KUNBI NOW WHICH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OREBANJO ADEJUMOKE KUNBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. SONOLA CHRISTIANAH OLUWAYEMISI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADUBI CHRISTIANAH OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

NWAFILI: This is to confirm that I, NWAFILI CELESTINE AZUBUIKE is the same person bearing NWAFILI AZUBUIKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid FIRST BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as SULAIMON LATIFAT ABIODUN, now wish to be known as AWWAL LATIFAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OMOLERE ISMAILA KAYODE now wish to be known and addressed as ISMAILA RAIFU OMOLERE. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

11

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI AHMED BASHIR, now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED BASHIR OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as DR OSINOWO OLAKUNLE OLUSEUN now wish to be known and addressed as DR OSINOWO OLAKUNLE OLAWOLE OLUSEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

IDOWU: I, formerly known as IDOWU ELIZABETH MODUPE, now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU-ALOZIE ELIZABETH MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODUNMBAKU: I, formerly known as ODUNMBAKU MARY KIKELOMO now wish to be known and addressed as KAYAGBA MARY KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

YUSUF: I, formerly known as YUSUF UMAR now wish to be known and addressed as ALI UMAR ADO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KAYODE: Formerly known and addressed as .KAYODE OLUWATOYIN OLUWAYEMISI now wish to be known and addressed as KAYODE OLUWATOSIN RACHAE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly called and addressed as MISS OLOGUNDUDU OLUWAYEMISI ABIODUN now wish to be known and called as MRS GBEMI OLUWAYEMISI ABIODUn. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ARIMIE FRANCIS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,called and addressed as ARIMIE FRANCIS AYODELE. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid; FCMB, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly KNOWN and addressed as MISS BASANWO AYOTUNDE ABIODUN Now MRS ODUNUGA AYOTUNDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.and general public take note.

IKEH: I, formerly known as IKEH ANTHONY IYKE, now wish to be known and addressed as IKENYANWA ANTHONY IYKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUMIDE: Formerly known and addressed as OLUMIDE AFEEZ RASHEED and OLUMIDE RASHEED AYOMIDE now wish to be known and addressed as RASHEED AFEEZ OLUMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and called as OMIDIJI ADENIKE now wish to be known, addressed and called as OLALEYE OLASADE BOSE. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MRS RAKIYAT BADRU now wish to be called and known as MRS ADETORO RAKIYAT BADRU. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ODUYIGA OLUWAFOLAHANMI IDOWU now ODUYIGA OLUWAFOLAWUNMI IDOWU. Former documents remain valid.

General public note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE MAGISTRATE COURT OF LAGOS STATE HOLDEN AT IGBOSERE COURT NO. 4

HEARING NOTICE COURT NO. 4 SUIT NO Mo/1385 2014 BETWEEN: INDEX PETROLUBE AFRICA LTD &ANOR PLANTIFF AND

AMAKA CHIEBUZOR & 3 ORS DEFENDANT

The above named 1st to 4th Defendants This cause will be transferred from the General Cause List to the Hearing Paper for Tuesday the 29th day of November, 2016 at 12:noon O’clock and will come on the 29/11/16 to be heard on that day.If either party desires to postpone the hearing he must apply to the Court as soon as possible. The parties are warned that at the hearing they are required to bring forward all the evidences by witnesses or by document which each of them desires to rely on in support of his own case and in comadiction of that of his opponent.

Parties desirous to enforce the attendance of witness should apply at once to the Court for the attendance of the witness required. If the witness is required to bring books or papers, they must be particularized in the summons sufficiently. Any party summoning a witness through the Court, thereby becomes liable to pay such witness a reasonable sum of money to be fixed by the Court for his expense and loss of time. The Court may refused to enforce the attendance for a witness unless such sum has been fixed deposited in the Court.

If either party desires to use in evidence at the hearing any book or document in the possession or power of the other party he must give the other party reasonable notice in writing to produce it at the hearing.

Dated at Court No. 4 Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos this 23rd day of November 2016.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

Investments

Money Market MFBs adopt mechanisms to curb loan default in yuletide season Just as yuletide season gradually approaches, some Nigerians will start seeking for financial window to meet their Christmas and New Year routine festive needs, despite the present economy recession. As a result of this, most banks have decided to slash lending to avoid loan defaults that usually characterise the yuletide season. NIYI JACOBS writes.

A

ll over the world, Christmas and New Year festivities are usually celebrated with fanfare, as people want to enjoy the two festivals in the best possible mood.

In preparation for this season, spending does escalate to the roof tops, as people look for available cash to make ends meet during the festive season.

Moreover, this is a time people relocate, either by moving into their own house, or renting another apartment. For some, they spend a lot on travelling to their respective villages, while most people equally use this period to celebrate their birthday, house-warming, burial and naming ceremonies, among others.

All these attract lots of money to meet and people affected by this development; try to explore all financial means, including borrowing from relatives, friends and banks to fulfil these needs.

To this end, commercial banks are throwing caution to the wind by reducing consumer lending, while microfinance institutions are equally scaling down their loan portfolios.

Checks by Financial Mirror showed that some banks have already resorted to slashing loans for customers in a bid to avoid the ugly experience of the past.

The move, according to findings, was meant to avoid loan defaults that characterized this period in the past, a situation that has made most micro banks illiquid.

Further finding showed that most loan seekers in November and December do divert this facility into meeting the festive expenses, such as travelling to their villages, house rent, among others, a ploy that contradict the purpose it was meant for.

More so, since this a period that is also characterized by relocation, people could move from their previous apartment to another one, making them not traceable for repayment.

By the time the festival

National Co-ordinator, Ass. of Bank National Ass. of Microfinance Banks Customers of Nigeria, Uju Ogubunka President, Valentine Whensu

You don’t have to disburse to new clients, especially, towards the end of the year. For existing customers whose loan

maturity expired, group lending could be the best method,

because it would allow the bank to recover its money elapse in most cases, it is very difficult to track these debtors, while those that could be traced are not in a financial position to repay, thus pleading for more time.

Henceforth, investigation revealed that micro banks are reluctant to grant individual loans, while most have resorted into granting of group loans.

Operators, who spoke to Financial Mirror warned that this was not the best time to lend, as there was always diversion of such facilities into expenses, instead of businesses that will bring income, to aid repayment process.

On the other hand, when Financial Mirror spoke with Mr. Kola Bello, Managing Director, Bosak Microfinance Bank, he noted that the major reasons for loan defaults towards the end of the year, was because most bank customers lacked financial discipline, as they want to spend

whatever that comes their way to meet their immediate needs.

To this end, he called for education and enlightenment of customers on how to judiciously use credit facility, before disbursing loans to them, saying, such sensitization would lead them to fulfil their lending obligation.

Moreover, he said the last phase of the year, is not the best period to grant loans to new customers, adding that, giving out credit to existing customers would involve using the group lending methodology if the lending banks intend to recover its money “You don’t have to disburse to new clients, especially, towards the end of the year. For existing customers whose loan maturity expired, group lending could be the best method, because it would allow the bank to recover Continued on pg 34

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FM 33

Dr Ayo Taylor

Energy Markets-Part 1

I

n the coming weeks I will be sharing with us a topic that is very critical to Nigeria ,since the discovery of crude oil in Olobiri, Bayesla state in 1956, that is the energy market. Energy markets are those commodities markets that deal specifically with the trade and supply of energy, such as oil and gas. A commodity market is where raw or primary products are bought and sold. Commodity derivatives are investment tools that allow investors to trade in certain items without possessing them. This module explores the energy markets, commodity markets and commodity derivatives The Oil Market Oil is one of the most traded commodities in the world. Fluctuating prices have effects for oil producers/exporters and the many countries that remain dependent on oil as a key input in their energy, manufacturing and service industries. Oil is traded in a wide range of products. This ranges from the different grades of oil contracts and gasoline futures that are traded on NYMEX, to the gasoline contracts that are traded on the ICE exchange. Crude oil has many uses in many different markets and industries. Therefore, changes in the global price of oil inevitably have an effect on most sectors of the economy. The main uses for crude oil include: Gasoline: motor spirit/petrol.

Middle Distillates: diesel for vehicles and other motors/engines, and jet fuel.

Kerosene: cooking/heating.

Heating Oil. Fuel Oil: boiler fuel for industry, power and shipping.

Other: lubricants, bitumen etc.

What Determines The Price Of Oil? The Demand Side Cyclical demand: There is a strong link between the demand for oil and global economic growth because oil is an essential input into many industries. When the economy is expanding, the demand for oil rises. The best recent example of this is the growth of the Chinese economy. Fast growth of national output in energy-intensive sectors has led to a surge in demand for crude oil into the Chinese economy.

Prices of substitutes: Demand for crude oil is affected by the relative prices of oil substitutes (eg, the market price of gas). If, in the longer term, reliable and relatively cheaper substitutes for oil can be developed, then we might expect to see a shift in demand away from crude oil towards the emerging substitutes. The high price of oil between 2004 and 2006 led to a rise in research and development into non-oil substitutes. These take several years to come to market and ever longer to impact the energy market.

Changes in climate: For example, affecting the demand for heating oil.

It is often said that if the winter in North America is fierce, then the price of crude oil rises as the US and Canadian economies raise their demand for oil to fuel household heating systems and workplaces.

Market speculation: There is always a speculative demand for oil (ie, purchasers hoping for a rise in prices on world markets). Indeed one of the reasons for the recent fall in oil prices has been the drop in demand by investors for futures contracts on the international petroleum exchanges, due to forecasts of lower global economic growth. Speculation involves risk and price movements may result in a loss.

Nearly two-thirds of global crude oil production is consumed by the leading industrialised nations ie, the nations that make up the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, there is a rising demand from the emerging market economies, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China (who are collectively known as ‘BRIC’). China in particular has seen a significant increase in demand for oil.

What Determines The Price Of Oil? The Supply Side The distinction between short-term and longer-term supply to the international markets is explained below.

The short-run supply is based on the current state of production technology and fixed use of capital inputs. There is inevitably a short-run limit on daily oil supply and, as production gets close to capacity limits, so the short-run supply of oil becomes more inelastic.

The short-run supply of crude oil is affected by a series of different factors, namely: Profit motive: The production decisions of the oil producing countries (including those of members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC).

Spare capacity: The level of spare production capacity in the oil sector.

Stocks: The current level of crude oil stocks (known as inventories) available for immediate supply from the major oil refineries, ie, a high level of stocks means that extra oil supplies can be released onto the market quickly when demand fluctuates.

Dr Taylor, CEO-Analytics Secure Associates and forensic audit expert can be reached for reactions and comments on issues covered in this column through Mobile -08098210000 (SMS only) or ayotaylor@yahoo.com

FM 34

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 28, 2016

MFBs adopt mechanisms to curb loan default in yuletide season

Money Market FG to save $50m yearly on cheque clearing solution Isaiah Erhiawarien

T

he Federal Government is to save over $50 million annually if it ceases paying maintenance fees and usage of foreign cheque solution as national and banking institutions’ clearing infrastructure.

Managing Director, Precise Financial Systems, PFS, Yele Okeremi, the intellectual property owner of iTeller solution, a 360-degree suite of cheque

capture, truncation, clearing, and processing, said that at least the 20 banks spend about $1.2 million on cheque clearing solution yearly while the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, spends about $2.5 million annually.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the solution in Dubai, UAE, Okeremi said that having a local solution would give Nigeria the bragging right of owning an excellent indigenous “national cheque clearing platform that

L-R: Osayi Alile, CEO, ACTS Foundation; Mrs. Sarah Adebisi Sosan, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Bolaji Agbede, Group Head, Human Resources, Access Bank Plc, Erelu Adebisi Fayemi, former First Lady, Ekiti State and Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, Group Head, Telecomms, Access Bank Plc at the Orange Lecture organised by Access Women Network (AWN) and Genesis House in commemoration of the 16 days of activism to end violence against women which held at the Head Office of Access Bank in Lagos on Friday.

would become a foreign exchange earner”.

He urged the regulatory body not to relent on its cashless initiative, as it is already yielding laudable results in the payment space.

According to him, not only would this solution save the country foreign exchange, the benefits to the banks are multi-dimensional.

Okeremi listed some of these to include the decongestion of the banking halls, as customers would not need to go into banking halls for cheque deposits saying that the solution eliminates the counter teller’s back-office cheque processing activities, which releases the tellers for more other duties.

“Every bank that is running iTeller is instant cheque clearing and T+0 cheque clearing cycle ready. Every cheque truncated on iTeller is clearing ready, as both front and back images, MICR details, and UV features are truncated at the same instance”, he said.

The industry expert said that with the solution bank customers had various options to deposit their drawn cheques at their convenience such as mobile, kiosk, teller’s counter-top scanner and remote scanner capture.

Ecobank pushes Masterpass QR to mass markets

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cobank Nigeria has embarked on sensitisation exercise of mass and conventional markets of its innovative global digital payment system, MasterPass QR, which was launched in Lagos recently.

The Ecobank MasterPass QR allows people to pay for services using mobile phones. It also enables micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to receive digital payments from millions of their customers.

Addressing members of the public during market storm exercise in different parts of Lagos last week, the bank’s Head, Consumer Distribution, Tunde Kuponiyi, said that the nationwide sensitisation exercise was aimed at creating awareness amongst members of the public on the benefits inherent in the global digital payment platform, stressing that, the technology makes electronic payments safe, simple and smart.

According to him, the new digital platform is also in line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s cashless policy and fi-

nancial inclusion goals, adding that it will attract the unbanked to the financial landscape.

“I am impressed with the level of acceptance of this digital payment system since it was launched in October.

Some merchants in Lagos have already started using it. More merchants across the country

are expected to sign up.

“The enthusiasm displayed by members of the public since we commenced this sensitisation exercise shows that this product will bring more people to the banking system and also revolutionise the nation’s payment system within the shortest possible time,” he said.

Union Bank, Ria partner on money transfer services Leonard Okachie

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igeria’s leading innovative financial institution, Union Bank has partnered Ria Money Transfer (“Ria”), one of the largest money transfer companies in the world, to offer money transfer pay-out services across the country.

The new agreement allows the bank’s customers to receive remittances in local currency at Union Bank payout locations which includes its branches nationwide. Customers can have

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funds transferred directly to their bank accounts, while non-bank customers can collect remittances in cash through any payout location. In addition to providing a secure and economical service, Ria’s technology allows customers to receive remittances within minutes.

Speaking at a media briefing, the bank’s Head of Alternate Channels, Folorunsho Orimoloye, said: “Union Bank is proud to partner with Ria as we are constantly seeking opportunities to make banking simpler and smarter for our customers.”

Continued from pg 33 its money,” Bello said.

When such credits are granted, he implored the disbursing banks to carry out routine checks on the businesses of the loans beneficiaries by visiting their shops to know whether they invested the loans in their businesses or divert it to something else.

“For 20,000 customers Bosak MfB is servicing, we have good monitoring mechanism and this has assisted the bank to recover at least 90 per cent of our loans. For instance, a week after disbursement, we try to visit shops of loan beneficiaries and ask questions and because they know we will ask questions, they try to use it wisely and for the purpose meant for in order not to break the relationship they had with us,” he pointed out.

The banker believes the active poor are generally industrious and honest, although there are few phony borrowers, who must not be allowed into the microfinance banks’ system, saying, because of this, MfBs must put in place strong mechanism to scrutinise customers before dishing out credit facilities to them.

Mr. Ajao Moses, a banker and financial analyst, said that his bank had partially stopped individual loans and now subscribed to group lending.

“We have adopted that in my organization, where you ask people of like-minds to put themselves into a group. Under this method, we have group pressure, group monitoring and group self regulation. We just start group lending in August and the response is a little better than individual lending, because you have group support,” he said Under this method, he said the group is responsible for the default of any member, as other would pay on her behalf.

Even at that, he called on his colleagues to be cautious, by doing the necessary Know-Your-Customers (KYC) before disbursing any credit facility, calling on them to verify whether the loan beneficiaries use it for the purpose meant for, one week after disbursement.

“Even, after taken the necessary precautionary measures, those who will default will default. All you (MfB) need to do, is to carry out due diligence. Make sure you do the necessary KYC to ensure that they use the money for the purpose meant for.

At year end, many things happen. Some customers will relocate, by moving from one apartment to the other. Some will move to their own house. Because some of them have dubious character, they will want to take advantage of the relocation to evade repayment. Under this scenario, the responsibility now lies with us as the manager of MfBs to, within one week of disbursement; check the viability of such loans,” he pointed out.

Mr. Femi Fapohunda, Managing Director, OSPOLY Microfinance Bank, said lending generally remained risky, but that operators must do Character Lending and carry out the necessary KYC, so that loans disbursed are recovered without hitches.

To grant credit towards the year end, he implored the disbursing MfBs to monitor the loan beneficiaries to ensure that the loan serves its purpose.

Fapohunda, who is also the Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Osun State chapter, noted that every bank must strive to ensure that they did not exceed the 5 per cent Portfolio-At-Risk (PAR) limit set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for microfinance institutions.

He said his bank had put appropriate machinery in place to recover at least 80 per cent of the loan it granted, saying, its PAR was below 2.5 per cent and falls within the stipulated regulatory requirement.

While advising microfinance operators on prudence in granting of credit facilities, he stressed that, “You don’t sit in your office to monitor loans. You have to go to the field and track the loan beneficiaries, to ensure that they did not divert the loans into something else. Try to verify all information provided by the customers to ensure that they are correct and also do day-to-day monitoring of the customers.”

He appealed to customers to be considerate, as MfBs are only assisting them to grow their businesses and must in return use the money judiciously to increase their financial power to repay credit facilities.

He called on micro banks to capitalise on the opportunities in the sub sector, through taking of banking services to the doorstep of the active but poor Nigerians, in a bid to mobilise billions of naira outside the financial system into the banking sector of the economy.

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North

Monday, November 28, 2016

35

Miyetti Allah moves to contain herdsmen/farmers clash in Nasarawa, Benue Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

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iyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association Sunday appointed a three-man committee to sustain the relative peace being enjoyed between herdsmen

and farmers in Nasarawa and Benue states.

Consequently, the committee was directed to take census of Fulani herdsmen migrating through the flash-points bordering the two states to avoid any breach of peace.

Nasarawa State chair-

man of the association, Mohammed Hussaini, disclosed this to journalists shortly after appointing the committee members in Lafia, the state capital.

He charged the committee to take census of all herdsmen migrating into the two states to ascertain

their genuineness to grazing and also report to appropriate authorities any herdsman found to have come with a different motive.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Fulani matters, Garus

Gololo, expressed the desire of his principal to the entrenchment of peace among herdsmen and farmers in the state.

Gololo said the desire of the governor has started yielding results as herdsmen can be seen grazing peacefully in Benue

north-east and north-west senatorial zones.

He, however, lamented that there was at the moment no grazing in the Benue-south senatorial zone hence he called on people of the zone to embrace the peace initiative of governor.

8 Yobe college staff die in road accident

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ight members of staff of Yobe College of Education, Gashua, died on Saturday in a motor accident along Bayamari-Dapchi federal highway, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

NAN gathered that the eight non-academic staff, including the driver, were travelling from Gashua to Damaturu in the college bus to attend a promotion examination.

Survivors of the accident said the vehicle had a burst tyre, which made it to somersault sev-

eral times, thereby killing eight people, while five others sustained injuries.

Provost of the college, Alhaji Muhammad Gishiwari, who confirmed the accident, said it was a huge loss to the school.

Meanwhile, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has described the death of the staff as a great loss to the state, their families and the country.

Gaidam prayed for the repose of the departed souls and a quick recovery for the injured people.

Policeman nabbed over death of driver in Niger

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policeman, who allegedly killed a driver and injured another on Tegina – Lagos road, has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command.

The command’s spokesman, Bala Elkana, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Minna that investigation into the incident had commenced.

“The policeman in question has been arrested and detained as the

Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, has ordered for an in-depth investigation into the case.

“The policeman will be tried in police orderly room,” the spokesman said.

He assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted according to the law and urged residents to remain calm as investigation continued into the incident.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left) with former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, when the Dasuki family paid a visit to Sokoto Government House, at the weekend.

Army Council approves establishment of 8th Division in Sokoto —Buratai

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igerian Army Council has approved the establishment of its 8th Division in Sokoto.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai, disclosed this in Sokoto Sunday.

Buratai spoke during a condolence visit to Governor Aminu Tambuwal over the recent demise of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

The COAS said officers and men of the new Division were, however, cur-

rently operating in the North East.

“As soon the security situation in that region is fully stabilised, the Division would move to Sokoto.

“The move is part of efforts to provide sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria and the Nigerian Army is fully committed to ensuring this,” he added.

Buratai commended Tambuwal for his routine support to the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Sokoto State.

The COAS also commended Tambuwal for the existing excellent relationship between the Nigerian Army and the people of the state.

He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government at ensuring sustainable national security, peace and unity.

He described the late Sultan as a national icon, whose legacies would remain indelible.

Responding, Tambuwal commended the Army for establishing the Army Di-

vision as well as two command secondary schools in Sokoto State.

Tambuwal further commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts at restoring peace in the North East and other parts of Nigeria.

On the late Sultan, Tambuwal said that Dasuki was a “fountain of wisdom.’’ ”He contributed immensely to the stability of Nigeria and he lived a life of service to the community, Islam and Nigeria as a whole.”

Those diverting funds meant for IDPs must be punished —Shehu Sani

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hairman, Senate ad hoc Committee on Humanitarian Crisis in the North East, Sen. Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central), Sunday said individuals found to have diverted government money meant for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, must be sanctioned.

Sani stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, shortly after a visit to

Dalori IDPs camp in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He said: “Our visit to Maiduguri is to investigate an alleged large-scale misappropriation of funds meant for the welfare of victims of insurgency in the North East.

“And from what we have seen here, all aspects of life need improvement; the feeding, water supply, schools and hospital require more support.

“It is still a surprise to us that in spite of the billions of Naira sent by the Federal Government to cater for the IDPs, things are still in terrible shape.

“I think there ought not to be anything lacking here.

“But from all indications, the camps have been turned to cash cows for some persons to amass wealth for themselves; if the money sent by the

Federal Government has been given to the people on ground, things will have been different.

“Look at the school boys, they do not have shoes or books and the school is lacking many things.”

The lawmaker, who described the hospital meant for the IDPs as “in shambles”, added that the quality of food being served to the displaced persons

was also not commensurate with Federal Government’s spending.

“It is time to ask questions, where is the Federal Government money going into? that is why we are here,” he added.

Sani said that the committee would also hold a public hearing in Abuja to further get information on its assignment.

“We are going to write our report on what we

have seen here and a public hearing will be held in Abuja, where people from IDP camps will be invited.

“The people will be invited to narrate their experiences at the IDPs camps.

“We will make sure that individuals found wanting are prosecuted, because our final findings will be tabled before the senate plenary for adoption,” he said.

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WorldNews Monday, November 28, 2016 -

Page 36

Cubans mourn ‘revolutionary Castro’

tionary slogans. Many were in tears, genuinely moved by the loss of a man they consider to have freed their country from Washington’s grasp. Elsewhere in Havana, people were more muted, perhaps a little quieter and more reflective as they sought out the state-run newspaper or paid for a little internet access.

The US cut ties with Cuba in 1961 amid rising Cold War tensions and imposed a strict economic embargo which largely remains in place more than half a century on.

Under President Barack Obama, the relationship warmed and diplomatic ties were restored in 2015.

Obama said history would record and judge the enormous impact of Castro.

“America is extending a hand of friendship to the Cuban people at this time,” he added.

A mourning period began on Saturday and will be observed in Cuba until the urn with Castro’s ashes is taken to the south-eastern city of Santiago de Cuba to be laid to rest

there on December 4.

Before that, a series of memorials will be held in Havana and Castro’s ashes will travel along the route of the Caravan of Freedom that took place in January 1959.

Castro was the longest serving non-royal leader of the 20th Century. He had been retired from political life for several years, after handing power to his brother Raul in 2006 because of illness.

Throughout the Cold War, Fidel Castro was a thorn in Washington’s side.

An accomplished tactician on the battlefield, he and his small army of guerrillas overthrew the military leader Fulgencio Batista in 1959 to widespread popular support.

Within two years of taking power, he declared the revolution to be Marxist-Leninist in nature and allied Cuba firmly to the Soviet Union, a move that led to the missile crisis in 1962, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war before the Soviet Union abandoned its plan to put missiles on Cuban soil.

portedly wants to be sure computer hackers did not skew the poll in favour of Trump.

Concerns over possible Russian interference had been expressed in the run-up to the vote.

The US government has said Russian state actors were behind hacks on the Democratic National Committee, a claim denied by Moscow.

Results would need to be overturned in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania to alter the outcome of the 8 November presiden-

tial election, something analysts say is highly unlikely.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign has said it will participate in Wisconsin’s recount.

Her campaign’s general counsel, Marc Elias, said there was no evidence to conclude the election had been sabotaged, but saying: “We have an obligation to the more than 64 million Americans who cast ballots for Hillary Clinton to participate in ongoing proceedings to ensure that an accurate vote count will be reported.”

He had earlier accused Stein of trying to fill her coffers with money” on the pretext of asking for donations towards a recount.

Her website says more than $6m (£4.8m; 5.6m) has already been raised toward a $7m target.

It says this is enough to fund the recounts in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

The deadline for the petition for the recount in Wisconsin was Friday, while Pennsylvania’s deadline is Monday, and Michigan’s is Wednesday.

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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arious Cubans yesterday mourned the country’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, whose death was announced late on Friday.

Flags flew at half mast as nine days of mourning commenced on Saturday.

From today, people will be able to pay respects before the ashes of the 90-year-old are taken to Santiago de Cuba where he launched his bid for power.

There were further celebrations in the US city of Miami, however, where many anti-Castro Cuban exiles and their families have settled.

Some world leaders have been paying tribute to the 20th Century icon. But US Presidentelect Donald Trump said Castro had been a “brutal dictator”.

Castro came to power in 1959 and ushered in a Communist revolution, defying the US for decades.

A group of students appeared outside the law faculty he studied in in the 1950s, carrying Cubans flags, pictures of Fidel and holding up revolu-

Candle-lit portrait of Fidel Castro seen in Havana yesterday

Post US poll: Trump attacks Clinton’s recount call

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S President-elect Donald Trump has attacked Hillary Clinton over her campaign’s support for a recount of votes in the state of Wisconsin.

Trump reminded his Democratic rival that she had already conceded, and published remarks from the presidential debates in which she had urged an acceptance of the poll results.

Clinton was then reacting to Trump’s refusal to respect the outcome.

The recount in Wisconsin was initiated by Green Party candidate Jill Stein after the state was narrowly won by Trump.

Stein also wanted recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania, citing what she called statistical anomalies.

The Green Party nominee re-

US President-elect Donald Trump

On FG’S 500,000 jobs initiative Continued from back page Equally, the skill that some of them would acquire through the various training programmes, as being proposed, could open more and better opportunities for them in life. On the argument that the private sector should take initiative for job creation, as true as this is, the way things presently stand in our nation, the Private sector might not be able to rise up to do that in the next 5 years. It is a common knowledge that most private ventures in the country have been downsizing in the past few months.

Having said this, however, the FG truly needs to do more than the 500,000 jobs approach if we are really serious about curtailing chronic unemployment in the country. The FG must come up with inventive strategies that would enhance the thriving and expansion of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the country. In an economy like ours, the growth and development of SMEs remain a major catalyst for economic resurgence and wealth creation.

Also, all tiers of governments must give adequate attention to development of infrastructure.

Weak infrastructure is inimical to job creation and economic growth. The FG, especially, needs to do more in ensuring stable power supply. Small businesses will, no doubt, flourish with unhindered power supply. Equally, multi-national firms that have closed down due to unstable power supply could come back if the power situation improves.

This would not only bring up new jobs, but will certainly restore lost ones. God bless Nigeria!

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & strategy, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

“We tried our utmost to give the world a new vista wherever we can do our best.

We are pleased with our efforts” –Outgoing US President, Barack Obama

Syrian forces push into Aleppo

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yrian gover nment forces yesterday a second rebel-held district in easter n Aleppo, as thousands of civilians fled the area yesterday.

The army said it had fully recaptured Jabal Badro, a day after seizing Hanano district. A monitoring group said a third district had also been taken.

Analysts said there was a strong chance the army could cut off the northern part of the rebel stronghold from its southern part.

Many civilians are reportedly trying to enter government-held western Aleppo.

The Syrian army said it had helped 1, 500 people to flee, while local Russian news said some 900 civilians, including 119 children, had left Jabal Badro alone before the troops moved in.

A further 2, 500 people have fled to a Kurdish-controlled district in the north of the city, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports.

This is the biggest blow so far to rebels in Aleppo. They seem to be losing ground quickly to pro-government forces attacking them from the east.

Some 275,0 00 people are believed to remain in eastern Aleppo, where food and medical supplies have all but run out.

The Syrian army’s offensive to retake eastern Aleppo is now into its 13th day.

Around 219 civilians, including 27 children, have been killed in the assault so far, according to the UKbased Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Retaking all of Aleppo would be a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after five years of conflict.

Once Syria’s commercial and industrial hub, Aleppo has been divided roughly in two since 2012, with the government controlling the west and rebels the east.

In the past year, Syrian troops have broken the deadlock with the help of Iranian-backed militias and Russian air strikes.

Civilians planning to flee Aleppo yesterday

Monday, November 28, 2016

PSG won’t take advantage of Neymar case–Kluivert 38

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37

Sport

They told me it was 30 years since Watford beat Manchester United, so this win brings a lot of satisfaction –Mazzarri Giwa

Amaju

Jonathan condoles Kanu over mother’s death Afolabi Gambari

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Stop threatening Nigeria with FIFA ban, Nigerians warn Amaju, others A

s Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme court, begins hearing on the protracted tussle in the leadership of Nigerian football, stakeholders are of the opinion that the judgement of the judges will build a foundation for the laws of the land.

The justices are expected to clear the air for peace to return on the smooth running of football in Nigeria.

The effect of the Supreme Court judgement in this matter will settle the election of Chris Giwa and the emergence of Amaju Pinnick in an election which was held in defiance to a court order restraining the then President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari and his board from holding such election.

The Secretary of the factional league board of the federation, Kasali Obanoyen, noted that, the law cannot go against itself.

Nigeria football management had been factionalised for over two years, after the emergence of two presidents from two different elections, with

claims and counter claims of eligibility.

“I am happy just like many stakeholders that the matter is before the highest court in Nigeria, whose judgement cannot be faulted or disputed by either of the parties involved, which would automatically guarantee peace and unhindered access to excellent football management.

“The judgement will also discourage impunity and bring sanity to our football administration and put to rest all contentions regarding the NFF board,” Obanoyen said.

Giwa, a party to the dispute said: “Anyhow the judgement goes, Nigeria football is the ultimate winner because all the contenders are Nigerians.”

“I am surprised why some individuals are deceiving Nigerians with insinuations that FIFA will ban Nigeria if Giwa is declared president and not Pinnick.”

Obanoye again added: “Apex courts of Ghana, Egypt and Argentina fired their Football federations in leadership tussle

and FIFA did not ban them, does it mean that our own Supreme Court is inferior to theirs?”

Amaju-led group has been raising false FIFA ban over Supreme Court verdict since last Friday the same way they have been doing since 2006 when Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was arm twisted for failing to qualify Nigeria for the Germany 2006 World Cup as the ministry of sports deceived him that the election of that year would take place in Kano while it was entually conducted in Abuja as delegates were waiting in Kano.

Meanwhile an Abuja-based sports consultant, Dr Ben Kingsley has described as laughable and malicious the false report that world football governing body, FIFA may wield it sledge hammer on the Super Eagles if Supreme Court rocks Amaju’s ambition.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja , Dr Kingsley said he was not surprised with the false alarm that the Amanju Pinnick board is already putting out to misinform Nigerians because

of the anticipated Supreme Court verdict.

“Nigerians cannot be fooled again by the Pinnick board to start threatening us with FIFA ban. Let me remind Nigerians that it is the same board that has been going around telling people that Giwa has already lost at the Supreme Court, just to misinform sports-loving Nigerians on the true state of the case at the apex court.

Why are they now panicking if truly Giwa has lost at the Supreme Court?

It must also be stated here that the issue of always using the name of FIFA to scare Nigerians when people unlawful occupy Nigeria football cannot hold waters any longer.

We were all in this country when the apex court in Egypt sacked the Egyptian FA board and FIFA did not ban Egypt, we were all also in this country when the Argentine FA was dragged to court and FIFA did not ban Argentina. We can’t be fooled again,” the legal luminary said.

ormer Nigeria President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has become the latest eminent Nigerian to console Nwankwo Kanu following the death of his mother, late Madam Sussan Nwannediya Kanu Iheme, (Udonachi Ora).

In a condolence message he personally signed and delivered to the former Super Eagles captain and Nigeria Football Legend, Jonathan recalled the sterling qualities of Papilo’s mother but urged the UNICEF Ambassador to take solace in the obvious fact that late madam Sussan Nwannediya Kanu Iheme lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

“It is more saddening when one loses a dear one.”Mothers occupy a special place in the life of any man but you have to be comforted by the fact she ran a good race and left wonderful footprint on the sands of time”, Jonathan’s condolence read in part.

While praying for God to grant Nwankwo Kanu’s mother’s soul eternal rest, the former Governor of Bayelsa State prayed God to give Kanu and the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Kanu’s relationship with Jonathan dated back to when Jonathan was Governor of Bayelsa State.

During the commissioning of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Nwankwo Kanu and Emmanuel Adebayor were flown in a private jet by Jonathan’s government for the event. Kanu similarly stood behind Jonathan’s campaign before the 2015 Presidential election with the Transformation Agenda for Nigeria, TAN, as platform.

Similarly, the burial ceremony of Kanu’s mother has received a massive boost from leading transport Company in the country, ABC Transport after the Director/Chief Executive Officer Frank Nneji approved a 14-seater bus to convey beneficiaries of Kanu Heart Foundation, KHF, as well as journalists to and from Arochukwu for the burial.

Late madam Sussan Nwannediya Kanu Iheme died in September at the age of 82 and will be buried on Saturday December 3, 2016 at her home town, Amannagwu, Arochukwu in Abia State.

38

Sports

Thursday, March 5, Monday, November 28,2015 2016

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Mourinho sent off in West Ham game

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ose Mourinho has been sent off during Manchester United’s match against West Ham after kicking a water bottle on the touchline.

The Red Devils manager reacted angrily to referee Jon Moss’ decision to caution Paul Pogba for diving, though replays showed the decision was correct.

Expecting a free-kick to be awarded in Pogba’s favour, Mourinho was furious when Moss pointed the other way and stormed across his technical area before launching a kick at a stray bottle.

The incident was spotted by fourth official Anthony Taylor, who subsequently alerted Moss before Mourinho was sent to the stands.

It is not the first time the former Chelsea boss has been punished for disciplinary problems this season. Earlier this month, Mourinho was handed a onematch touchline ban and fined for two separate offences.

During United’s match against Burnley on October 29, he was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg after an incident in the tunnel area at half-time for which he was later charged with using “abusive and/or insulting words to a match official”.

Mourinho

PSG won’t take advantage of Neymar case–Kluivert

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aris Saint-Germain director of football Patrick Kluivert has told Journal du Dimanche that the club will not look to exploit Neymar’s ongoing legal case in Spain.

Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence and a 10 million fine for Neymar on corruption charges because of alleged irregularities during his transfer from Brazilian club Santos to Barcelona.

Prosecutors said they are seeking the same punishment for Neymar’s father and former Barcelona President Sandro Rosell.

Kluivert said the situation was “a shame” and added: “Could Neymar’s legal issues be an advantage to us? We are not going to try to take advantage of this issue.”

Neymar had been identified by PSG as the player to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but Kluivert said: “It is nice to have a star player but the team remains the most important thing.

Coutinho to undergo ligament scan

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iverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho will have a scan on his injured ankle today amid fears of ligament damage.

The Brazilian broke down in tears holding his ankle after challenging for the ball with midfielder Didier Ndong during the Reds’ 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield.

He was taken off on a stretcher with protective padding around the damaged area on 33 minutes with Divock Origi replacing him in the victory that briefly had the Reds at the Premier League summit.

Coutinho was at Liverpool’s training ground yesterday for an initial assessment and left in a protective

boot and on crutches.

“We have to wait for the scan.

What we know it is something with the ankle,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said.

Coutinho has been one of the Reds’ stand-out performers this season with six goals and five assists.

Klopp also confirmed Roberto Firmino had also sustained a knock which led to his late substitution, adding: “He is much better than Phil, but has pain in the calf.”

A calf problem was also the reason Liverpool were without Daniel Sturridge for the Anfield encounter, with the striker reporting tightness in the muscle.

60 students’ wrestlers discovered at Lagos wrestling tourney Ifeanyi Eduzor

N

o fewer than 60 budding wrestlers were added to the pool of talents under the care of Lagos State Wrestling Association during a three-day closed wrestling Workshop/Championship organized in Epe Division.

The young wrestlers who are secondary school students from about 16 schools in Epe division were discovered after they were taking through the rudiments of the combat sport which included male freestyle, Greco Roman and female freestyle in the junior and senior categories of the competition that featured about 300 students at Odo Obara High

School, Epe. Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Adewunmi Ogunsanya described the performance of the budding talents as exceptional, adding that if they could perform excellently well within three days of exposure to wrestling, he wondered what they would do after a long period of exposure to the game.

“What we’re doing is to genuinely focus on grassroots development of sports because this is where the talent abounds. The performance of these young wrestlers shows that they have the potentials to make it and improve in the game. We are going to do similar things in other divisions. The association will take over the tutoring of these

60 wrestlers, “Ogunsanya said.

The Director General emphasized that in the long run Lagos State planned to have in its pool young and promising athletes who will be nurtured to become future stars of not only the state but for the country.

To the Chairman of Lagos State Wrestling Association, Prince Adenekan, there is urgent need for government, private organisations and individuals to support the development of wrestling in the state. He commended the facilitating support the association received to organise the workshop from the sports commission.

Awards and prizes were given to outstanding students wrestlers at the end of the competition. Ikudehindu Abiodun,

SS 3 student of Ogunmodede Senior College, Epe was adjudged the best male wrestler while Ochiko Abraham, a SS 3 student

of Army Children Senior High School, Epe was adjudged the best female wrestler of the tournament.

Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Adewunmi Ogunsanya (M) in warm embrace of the best female wrestler, Ochiko Abraham (L) and best male wrestler, Ikudehindu Abiodun ( R) during the closing ceremony of closed wrestling workshop/ championship at Odo Obara High School, Epe, Lagos State at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bankers Games Fall-Out: How Okonkwo’s carrots took Fidelity Bank to glory

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anaging Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo, took to the dug out to talk his players out of the lethargy that was threatening their ambition of winning the Nigerian Bankers Games football gold medal.

And the magic worked.

Before then, First Bank, who won the silver last year, was dragging the defending champions all over the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos, in their quest to snatch the gold medal. But the tide changed when Okonkwo left his seat in the VIP stand to the dressing room, where he made his players realize what they stood to gain by winning the game.

It was indeed a frenetic start to the contest with both teams looking to get on the front foot when in possession. In the second minute of the first half, First Bank stormed into an early lead through a calmly dispatched penalty kick.

The goal knocked the wind out of Fidelity Bank’s sail and they struggled to find any kind of rhythm to their game. And then, Okonkwo took matters into his own hands by giving the players a pep talk.

He promised to reward the players financially if they upturned the goal deficit. That did the magic, as the Fidelity boys upped their game with aggression and intensity until the equaliser arrived in 76th minute through Dimeji Oyefeso.

With neither of the teams able to score the winner, the game was decided by a penalty shootout, which the defending champions won.

In the third place match, the UBA Lions scored a lone goal against the Jets of Sterling Bank to win the bronze medal.

Fidelity Bank won 21 medals, including 10 gold, three silver and eight bronze medals to become the overall champions.

Sports

Monday, November4,28, 2016 Thursday September 2014 Union Bank players celebrate their victory at Asoju- Oba Cup

Jos agog for FEPSGA games Ifeanyi Eduzor

J Union Bank players dominate Asoju-Oba Cup Ifeanyi Eduzor

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layers of Union Bank Sports Club last Friday emerged victorious in both the male and female singles finals of the 48th AsojuOba table tennis championship.

In an entertaining finals decided at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Akanbi Rilwan defeated hard fighting Sholanke Azeez of O’Jeez Tennis Club 4-3 of 11-5,1210,8-11,6-11,12-10,9-11 and 11-9 to emerge winner of the men’s singles event.

The female singles event was an all Union Bank affair as number one seed, Bose Odusanya dethroned her team mate and defending champion , Bello Fatima by 4-2 of 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6, 4-11 and 11-8 to complete the dominance on Union Bank team at the championship.

The two winners told National Mirror shortly after the game that they were dedicating the victory to the bank management and their coach who made them work extra hard to be crowned champions even

as they vowed to make the Stallions best table tennis club in the country..

“I’m dedicating this win to the Union Bank Management and Coach Samson Ajayi. I’m champion today because of the enabling environment created by the bank and the unrelenting efforts of my coach in boosting my training schedule,” roared an elated Akanbi, who alongside another Union Bank player, Alimot Ayinla are among 8 Team Nigeria players due to feature in the World Youth Championship qualifiers in Pretoria, South Africa between November 28 and December 3, 2016.

With Union Bank clinching 11 out of the available 15 trophies, coach Ajayi was apparently ecstatic and said: “I’m indeed proud of my players and I can confidently say that Union Bank is now the Mecca of Nigerian table tennis. I want to thank the management, staff and supporters generally”, he concluded.

The Asoju- Oba Table Tennis Championship featured over 700 players in Cadet, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Men’s and Women’s Singles.

L-R: President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr. Solomon Ogba, Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Managing Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Sunil Sawhney and Consultant to Lagos City Marathon, Mr. Bukola Olapade, at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja on Sunday

39

os, the Plateau State capital is in festive mood following the arrival in the state of over 20,000 athletes and officials for this year’s edition of Federation of Public Service Games which began last Friday in the city.

The sports fiesta which promises to be the best in the history of the competition will be formerly declared open Tuesday by the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong who has promised his government’s full backing for the tournament.

Speaking on the championship, President of FEPSGA, Comrade Dahiru Hassan assured that all logistics has been put in place to ensure that only eligible athletes participate in the championship while the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Games, Izam Azi stated that a road show was organized prior to the commencement of the games to drum up support and create awareness for the championship.

Meanwhile, the games has received the royal blessing of Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba who assured FEPSGA executives of his kingdom’s support just as he charged them to utilize the good tourism potentials that abound in the state during the championship.

In a related development, defending champions of football event at the tournament; Customary Court of Appeal said they will be aiming to retain their trophy even as the host state has vowed to dethrone them as a reward for the support of the state government towards the hosting of the championship.

They gave the assurance when they were sent forth by the Director of Personnel, Alhaji Lawal Umaru who charged them to be good ambassadors of the parastatal.

Athletes are expected to compete in 14 scoring events and six demonstration sports at the championship which is organized for different Federal and State civil servants in the country.

Ashiru applauds taekwondo workshop Ifeanyi Eduzor

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resident of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand master George Ashiru says that the just concluded International Schools Taekwondo Workshop will help in galvanizing kids to take interest in the sport.

He told National Mirror that the workshop which was organised to teach kids the basic principles of taekwondo will be sustained just as he stated that recent turn around witnessed in the game could be attributed to similar workshops in the past. “ I am very happy with what the organizers has done because the recent turn around witnessed in the game was as a result of similar workshops in the past aimed at popularizing the game.

Technical Director of the Federation, Grand Master Peter Oghenejobu while describing the workshop as a laudable project noted that a lot f talented kids has been spotted and would be nurtured as future champions.

Organiser of the workshop, Grand master Fergusson Oluigbo noted that he was delighted with the attendance especially when one considers that it is the maiden edition and logistics involved in hosting such an event just as he appealed for corporate sponsorship to enable him organize it on regular basis.

“I’m really delighted with the turnout of kids especially considering that it was the maiden edition and logistics involved in organizing it.

“The purpose of the workshop was to rekindle the interest of kids in taekwondo and teach them the tradition of the game which made us invite some of the best practitioners as resource persons. “ It is also important to state that the children after seeing people above the age of 60 years teaching them will realize that that the game is not all about kicking but an intellectual game”, he concluded.

Over 100 kids participated in the one day event and were taught fitness practice and demonstration fight amongst others.

Polo: Atiku, 5th Chukker, Almat, Manarat shine at Keffi Ranch Open

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he commissioning of the Club House by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the biggest highlight as Keffi, Nasarawa State hosted the prestigious Keffi Polo Ranch Open Tournament last weekend.

The rumble was the third in series since the inaugural edition in December last year.

Chief Host, Hon. Aliyu Wadada, said he staged the event to give back to the society, using the proceeds to benefit the less privilege and education in Nasarawa State through the

Wadada Education Foundation.

“Looking at the huge crowd that turned up from the top echelon of the society to the down trodden, Keffi Polo Ranch will continue to empower the people, impacting positively in social and tourism transformation of the state and the country,” Wadada said.

The weeklong event produced winners in three major categories, with Fifth Chukker edging Keffi Ponys to sweep the high-goal President Cup and the Governor Cup respectively.

Almat Group team secured a 10-6 victory over Iyatu Farms to clinch the medium-goal National Assembly Cup and Bauchi Dokaji outpaced DeeBee Farms in the final to win the Aliku Abubakar Cup. Atiku Abubakar led the emirs of Keffi, Nasarawa and Suleja, as well as House of Representative Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, former House speaker Dimeji Bankole and former deputy speaker Emeka Ihediohan to present prizes to the winners.

Patron of Keffi Ponys team and Chief Host, Hon. Aliyu Wadada (l), former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Captain Yaya Abubakar at the Prize Presentation of the 2016 Keffi Polo Ranch Open Tournament

WORLD RECORD

Most pierced man

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1488 Monday, November 28, 2016

The most pierced man is Rolf Buchholz, from Dortmund, Germany, who had 453 piercings, including 158 around his lips, as of August 5 2010.

On FG’S 500,000 jobs initiative

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2015 World Bank statistics indicates that 100 million Nigerians live in destitution while a recent data from the same body confirms Nigeria as one of the five poorest nations in the world. The nation’s high unemployment rate is partly responsible for this frightening statistics and heart breaking rating. That our country is in deep rooted unemployment web is further confirmed by the highlights of the Unemployment and Underemployment Watch for first quarter of 2015. According to the report, a total of 17.7 million people between ages 15 and 65 either unemployed or underemployed in the labour force in Q1 2015. The report further asserts that the number of unemployed people (861,110) in the first quarter 2015 was more than the number of employed people within the same period (504,596

Guest Columnist persons).

Similarly, official figures from the Bureau of Statistics puts unemployment figure at about 20% (about 30million), but this number still did not include about 40million other Nigerian youths captured in World Bank statistics in 2009. By implication, it means that if Nigeria’s population is 140 million, then 50% of Nigerians are unemployed, or worse still, at least 71% of Nigerian youths are unemployed.

This is particularly disturbing and counterproductive because at least 70% of the population of this country are youths.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, once revealed that while the Nigerian economy grew at the rate of seven per cent for the past six years, unemployment has actually doubled at same period. He submitted that security crisis and internal uprising across the country were products of chronic poverty and mounting joblessness. So, unemployment has grown to become a monster with many faces. Many have become victims of drug addiction, rape cases, kidnapping and other such criminal vices, no thanks to unbearable unemployment situation.

Interestingly, the Federal Government, FG, is aware of the enormity of the unemployment challenge. This, perhaps, is the reason for its much touted 500,000 employment initiative for unemployed graduates.

It is a remunerated volunteering program of a 2-year period that engages graduates in their direct communities, where they will assist in improving the shortfalls in the education, health and agriculture sectors. They will own tablets that contain

Tayo

Ogunbiyi This, to detractors of the scheme does not really add up essential information concerning their precise engagements and other such crucial information. They are also to be provided teaching, instructional and consultative solutions in four major focus areas namely basic education, agriculture extension services, public health and community education (civic and adult education). They would also be trained in skills that could enable them exit after two years to reasonably feasible opportunities.

They are to be paid a monthly stipend of N30, 000.

After initial hiccups, recent reports have it that the first 200,000 beneficiaries of the scheme would commence work

by December 1, this year. According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, where the project is domiciled, of the 200,000 first set, 150,000 would be engaged in teaching, 30,000 would work in the agric sector while 20,000 would serve in healthcare delivery. All together, the scheme plans to engage and train 500,000 young unemployed graduates.

Though, in practical term, the programme is yet to take off, major stakeholders such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers and Students bodies have lauded the initiative. Organized Labour particularly hailed the FG’s efforts on the premise that any scheme that could offer a massive amount of youths employment opportunity is worth

commending. While reacting to the plan, President, Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr Michael Alogba-Olukoya, extolled the project as “a right step in the right direction’’.

Critics of the initiative have, however, called for caution concerning its prospect.

To them, it is rather laughable that the FG is exploiting the unemployment situation in the country to further enslave young Nigerians. They wonder why a scheme that pays young Nigerian a miserly N30, 000 per month should be celebrated, considering our current harsh economic condition in which those with improved pay merely grapple to survive. How productive could a young graduate with a monthly pay of N30, 000 actually be in an inflation ridden economy?

To critics of the project, the meager N30, 000 pay packages for beneficiaries might further compound the employment woes of young Nigerians as prospective employers could follow suit by offering them peanuts. Besides, critics also wonder whether it is morally rational for the FG to take up 500,000 Nigerian graduates for a job that has little or no future prospect, taking into consideration its two year duration. This, to detractors of the scheme does not really add up.

Another grouse of critics against the scheme is the rationality of government (public sector) directly employing people in a country where the recurrent expenditure is often well above 70% of the budget, especially when considered that many states can presently not even pay those in their employ and the FG is talking about borrowing from foreign sources to fund the budget. In the 21st century, it is a free market module economy that creates jobs not governments.

However, my take on the job scheme is that though it doesn’t really represents a resourceful and holistic approach to tackling the excruciating unemployment miseries in the country, it, nevertheless, would help in relieving some of its beneficiaries, albeit temporarily, the pains and frustrations of redundancy.

Continued on Page 36

Sport Extra

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Ribery extends Bayern Munich contract

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ayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has signed a one-year contract extension at the Allianz Arena to take him into his 11th season at the club.

Ribery’s old contract was

due to expire at the end of this season, but Bayern released a statement via the club’s official website yesterday confirming the Frenchman has prolonged his stay at the Allianz till June 2018

Six German championship titles, five cup triumphs, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Supercup: FC Bayern’s biggest triumphs in the last few years are closely

linked with Franck Ribery.

He’s both a key player and a crowd-pleaser, so we’re happy we’ve extended the contract with Franck by another year”, said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Ribery, 33, arrived in Bavaria from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in 2007 and has gone on to enjoy plenty of success with Der FCB, although this latest extension looks likely to be his last at Bayern.

Ribery Emenike

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