Wednesday's E-Mirror by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG to issue new oil licences to fund 2017 budget –Udoma

T Udoma

Vol. 6 N0. 1491

he Federal Government will issue new oil licences as part of efforts to explore new streams of revenues to fund the 2017 budget. The Minister of Budget and National Planning,

Udoma Udoma, made this disclosure when he appeared before the Senate Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance to defend the revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fis-

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Rivers re-run

El-Rufai signs P.33 2017 budget into law

cal Strategy Paper (FSP). He said that the Federal Government would also review the current joint venture arrangements with oil companies, marginal CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

El-Rufai

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N150

PDP urges Buhari to probe INEC, security agencies ...warns democracy is in danger George Opara ABUJA

he Senator Ahmed Makarfiled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the just-concluded federal and state legislative rerun elections in Rivers State. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Reps adopt MTEF as Buhari presents 2017 budget P.4 President Mohammadu Buhari (right) and his co-delegation attend meeting with President of Islamic Republic of Gambia Yahya Jammeh (left) at the State House during the High Level UN/AU/ECOWAS Joint Mission in Gambia, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

Judgegate: Court grants Justice Ademola, wife N100m bail W’African leaders press Gambia’s Jammeh to quit

P. 4 P.6

Ambode canvasses more support to tackle insecurity P.10

Professional bodies oppose merger of BoI, NBCI, others P.7

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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PDP urges Buhari to probe INEC, security agencies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The opposition party leadership also called on the president to call Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, minister of Transport and other top government functionaries to order over their alleged undemocratic actions that could derail the country’s democracy. PDP also expressed concern that the actions of INEC, security agencies

were threat to the survival of Nigerian democracy. In a world press conference organised by the party yesterday in Abuja, Makarfi clearly alleged that the military, Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) and the Department of State Services (DSS) “in the most heinous crime, harassed, intimidated, and where there is resistance, killed voters, all in a bid to subvert the will of

the people of Rivers State in the just concluded rerun legislative elections.” In his words “officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who compromised their job, and aided in massively rigging the re-run elections must be brought to book by the Commission. “Men of the Nigerian Police Force, especially SARs, who were used to

rig the elections must be investigated, and possibly expelled from the Force by the Inspector General of Police. Ditto for the Military and the DSS. “We call on His Excellency President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR to immediately call his minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and some other top functionaries of his government to order, to desist from further actions capable of

Justice Adeniyi Ademola and his wife Mrs. Olabowale Toluwatope Ademola at the FCT High Court before being arranged on corruption charges by Economic and Financial Crime Commission(EFCC) in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FG to issue new oil licences to fund 2017 budget –Udoma CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

oil fields as well as mount pressure on revenue generating agencies to surpass expected targets. Udoma said a total of N10 trillion was being targeted by the Federal Government as revenue for the 2017 fiscal year. According to him, out of this amount, about N5 trillion is expected to be generated from the sale of crude oil. “Non-oil revenues will rake in about N5.06 trillion. “These revenues are expected to come from corporate and company taxes, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Stamp Duties, capital gains tax and value added tax. “Others are Customs, excise, fees, surcharges on luxury items, special levies and Federal Government independent revenue,’’ he said. Speaking further on the budget projections, Udoma said: “I know N7 tril-

lion seems larger than N6 trillion. “In actual dollar term, the 2017 budget is smaller. We have had challenges in revenue generation in funding the 2016 budget. “We are trying to get to the bottom of revenue generating agencies in order to raise more money. “On independent revenue, we need to work with the National Assembly. The issue of 80 per cent of operating surplus is a problem. “We need to work with the National Assembly to review certain clauses of the law. We need to be more imaginative and creative in order to get out of the problem we have with revenue generating agencies. “We want to issue a presidential order to ensure that revenue generating agencies are unable to spend money unless payments of salaries until their budgets are passed. “We want to be more

engaging in the Niger Delta to ensure that there is peace in order for us to produce. “We will be increasing the amount for the Amnesty Programme to the old figure. It is important to engage the people in the Niger Delta region,’’ he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the MTEF report submitted to the Senate by the Budget Office indicated that the 2017 budget which was initially pegged at N6.7 trillion, had also been revised upward to N7.3 trillion. Out of this, the Federal Government is expected to expend N1.5 trillion in servicing domestic debts, however, the Federal Government earmarked N1.3 trillion in the 2016 budget. On foreign debt, the Federal Government would spend N175.9 billion as against N54.5 billion spent on foreign debt servicing in the 2016 budget. On capital expendi-

tures, the Federal Government budgeted N2.1 trillion. Recurrent expenditures would gulp N1.9 trillion, about N1.8 was budgeted for the same purpose in the 2016 Appropriation. Meanwhile, the new figure is coming in spite of claims by the Federal Government that many ghost workers had been removed from government’s payroll. The Federal Government also intends to borrow a total of N2.3 trillion, out of this, N1.5 trillion would be sourced locally, while N1.1 trillion would be gotten from foreign sources. In the 2016 budget, N1.2 billion was reportedly borrowed locally, while N635.8 billion was gotten through foreign borrowing. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to present the 2017 budget proposal on December 14, before a joint session of the National Assembly.

truncating democracy in Nigeria. “No group of persons must be seen to be above the laws of this country.” Further, the national caretaker committee chairman blamed the electoral commission for hurriedly declaring Sen. Magnus Abe as winner of the Rivers South-East senatorial election “even when it was obvious, no election took place in Rivers South-East senatorial zone, rather what we witnessed, was an ‘’arrangee’’ and concocted figures after the military have successfully chased away voters and whisked away election materials.” Decrying what he called a decline in electoral system since the APC-led government assumed office, Makarfi said: “Most tragically, Nigerians are confronted with inefficient, chaotic, violent and unsatisfactory electoral system, practices and environment since the inception of the current APC government on 29 May 2015. A few examples will suffice here. The governorship election in the single state of Kogi was declared inconclusive. “The governorship election in the single state of Bayelsa was also declared inconclusive and had to be repeated after several postponements. The governorship election in Edo State was also postponed for inadequate preparation, threat of violence and the breakdown of law and order. When eventually the election was held it was marred by unspeakable level of violence perpetrated by members of the military, the police force and the SSS on behalf of the APC. These paid servants of the Nigerian state became instant political thugs overnight, snatching ballot papers, stuffing ballot boxes, threatening, harassing, intimidating and dehumanizing the opponents of the party in power. “The climax of this show of shame was witnessed in the serially postponed Rivers legislative re-run election that was conducted a few days ago. Comparable only to the bloodletting, unspeakable tales of horror, breakdown of law and order and utter exercise of impunity by

members of the security agencies that defined the general election of 1964 and the Western Regional election of 1965, the Rivers re-run election witnessed the brazenly violent and uncouth behaviour of Nigerian soldiers, police officers and state security personnel who became overnight agents of the APC. They snatched ballot papers at gunpoint, stuffed ballot papers at gun point, chased away PDP poll agents at gun point, barricaded collation centres and denied entry to critical stakeholders, including INEC officials at gun point and filled result sheets at gun point.” In what he described as a threat to democracy, Makarfi said: “We want to use the opportunity of this press conference to place in the public domain for the scrutiny of Nigerians and members of the international community the threat to the survival of Nigerian democracy posed by an unfair electoral umpire, a thoroughly compromised security apparatus and a government that is either indifferent or unable to call to order some of its appointees or elected governors. “By coincidence, most of these players were the bad elements that left the PDP and joined the APC just to acquire power. They do not mean well for our country and do not even mean well for Mr President and his government. “We call on all critical stakeholders in the management of the electoral process to speak out and condemn this alarming situation, this steady descent into the high road of political perdition and ruin. We call on civil society structures, political pressure groups, and election observers/monitors not to hold their peace but to speak out without delay. We call on the media to focus relentless searchlight on the horrendous state of our electoral system since the APC came to power. Our call is a patriotic one because the tragedy we see with regard to the failed conduct of elections in single states will pale into insignificance when placed alongside the potential total breakdown of law and order in the 2019 general election.”

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Wednesday, November 14, 2016

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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Judgegate: Court grants Justice Ademola, wife N100m bail Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, yesterday admitted bail to Justice Adeniyi Ademola and his wife, Olabowale, who is the Head of Service of Lagos State, Olabowale on selfrecognisance in the sum of of N50million each. Justice Ademola and his wife Olabowale were arraigned before the court by the Federal Government on 11 count charge for fraudulently acquiring huge sums of money as gratification to impede the cause of justice. They however pleaded not guilty to all the 11 count preferred against them by the FG. The Judge while ruling on their bail application ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, pending hearing and determination of the charge against them. The defendants however begged the court to give them seven days within which to deposit their passports, a request that was accordingly granted. The court subsequently fixed January 18 to commence full-blown hearing on the matter, just as it directed the prosecution to furnish the defendants with copies of their statements which it intends to rely on in the course of the trial. Earlier, Counsel to Justice Ademola, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, while moving the application for Ademola’s bail drew the attention of the court to the fact that the Department of State Service, DSS, earlier granted his client bail on self-recognition. He prayed the court not to impose any condition for bail in excess of the condition earlier imposed on him by the DSS. He told the court that the 1st defendant will enter an undertaking that he will make himself available for this trial in the same way he made himself available to the schedule of the DSS and schedule of this court in fixing the arraignment. On his part, counsel to Ademola’s wife, Chief Robert Clarke SAN, adopted the submission of Ikpeazu.

He said: “My lord I will add that the 2nd defendant is the substantive Head of Service of the Lagos State Government, a position that carries huge responsibility, not only within the country but outside the country. “My lord as a Lagosian myself, I can comfortably boast that the state hosts several international conferences, therefore, asking for her passport will greatly hinder her duties on Lagos State needs”. He urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shegu Jegede, who did not oppose the bail application however prayed the court to impose such sanctions that will make the defendants to attend trial as required. He drew the attention to section 162 of the ACJA and urged the court to take into cognisance the capability of the defendants to tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses. Nevertheless, the prosecution prayed the court to compel the defendants to surrender their international passports. Justice Okeke after listening to all the submissions in a short ruling held that none of the offences upon which the defendants were charged could attract capital punishment. Justice Okeke held that the prosecution did not counter the argument of the defendants that they never abused the administrative bail earlier granted to them by the DSS. He further observed that the prosecution had deposed an affidavit to the effect that it had concluded investigations into the matter and subsequently adjourned to January 18 for the commencement of trial. You will recall that the FG alleged that he had on January 5, 2015, in his capacity as a public servant, “corruptly received from Joe Odey Agi, a BMW Saloon 320i valued at N8,500,000, through your son, Ademide Ademola, as gratification”, in the exercise of his official functions as a Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. Besides, he was said to have on October 7, 2016, had in his possession, “one Pump Action Rifle with serial number AVAR MAG-

NUM 6084 without a valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004”. He was said to have, on the same date of October 7, 2016, had

in his possession another Pump Action Rifle with serial number AVAR MAGNUM 6284 without a valid licence. In count-11, Justice Ademola was accused of having in his possession on

the same date of October 7, 2014, “35 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3 of the Robbery and Fire-

arms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004”. The offences relating to gratification were said to be contrary to section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and other related offences Act, 2000.

L-R: Centra Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola, at the Annual Bankers Committee’s Forum in Lagos, recently. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Reps adopt MTEF as Buhari presents 2017 budget

he House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) as President Muhammadu Buhari presents the 2017 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. The House fixed the exchange rate of Naira to a dollar at N350 as against the N290 recommended by the executive. The House also concurred on the oil benchmark of 42.50 dollar per barrel with a proposed daily production of 2.2 million barrels per day. Consequently, the House had mandated its joint committees on Finance, Appropriation, National Planning and Economic Development, Legislative Budget and Research and Aids, Loans and Debt Management to further scrutinise the document. Buhari had on October 4, forwarded a request to the National Assembly seeking approval of the 2017 to 2019 MTEF and FSP. Moving the motion for

the adoption of the MTEF/ FSP, House Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, said Section 11(2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, provides that “the MTEF shall be considered for approval with such modifications if any, as the National Assembly finds appropriate by a resolution of each House of the National Assembly”. He further noted that Section 11 (3) of the FRA, 2007, states that “the MTEF shall contain, among other things, a macro-economic framework setting out the macro-economic projections for the next three financial years. “The underlying assumptions for those projections and an evaluation and analysis of the macroeconomic projections for the preceding three financial years”. He said that some analysts forecast that the shortage of forex supply might push exchange rate to as high as N350 to the dollar in the official and N500 in the parallel markets. He recommended that

“the budgeted exchange rate of N290 per dollar is unrealistic and should be moved to at least N350 to encourage foreign capital inflows”. On crude oil, he said that “the proposed oil benchmark is 42.50 dollars per barrel with a daily production of 2.2million barrels per day. “Both seem to be realistic as oil is currently trading at about 50 dollar per barrel”. According to him, though there is a steady improvement in oil prices, the government has chosen to play safe and benchmark oil price at 42.50 dollars, 45 dollars and 50 dollars for 2017, 2018 and 2019. He explained that “with current price level of over 50 dollars per barrel and Nigeria’s current output at 1.9 million barrels per day, the estimates are conservative enough especially with OPEC output freeze last week”. He maintained that the revenue target of N4.169 trillion and total expen-

diture of N6.687 trillion were audacious to move the country out of recession. He said: “These are achievable only on effective combination of strong fiscal and monetary tools by government, increasing the tax base in the country. “Curtailing militancy in the Niger Delta and injecting back looted funds, diversification of the country’s revenue sources, controlled government spending and strong antileakage and anti-corruption drives.” He stated that GDP was projected to grow at 3.02 per cent in 2017, while inflation was expected to moderate to 12.92 per cent. Also consumption was projected to increase to N80.5 trillion. “However, GDP growth at end of third quarter, 2016 slowed to 2.24 per cent, while inflation rose to an all-time high of 18.3 per cent. “These budget growth levels in GDP and inflation are not achievable in 2017.”

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NEWS

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

FG partners SunTrust Bank on N13bn Housing Scheme for civil servants

he hope of providing housing for 5, 635 civil servants across the federation came alive at the weekend during the launching of the Federal Government civil servants mortgage loan refinancing scheme by the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), in partnership with SunTrust Bank Plc. Minster for Finance, Kemi Adeosun, at the launching ceremony said the Federal Government knows that it is only when workers are happy that they can give their best at their respective working place and as such the Government will ensure that the Federal civil servants are happy to become landlords of their own She said: “… it is only fair that those who serve the country can be afforded

the opportunity of owning their own homes by retirement. We have to put in place the right incentives as part out anti-corruption drive to plug leakages.” She further revealed that the FG has earmarked: “N40 Billion in the 2016 Budget for the implementation of a comprehensive housing scheme to address the housing challenges facing the country, improve the living conditions and welfare of our work-force and people, and generate gainful employment for our teeming youth. This is also in line with our overall objective of providing the necessary stimulus to kickstart growth in the current challenging economic environment.” Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, Muhammed Jibrin congratulated the Federal Govern-

ment for the mortgage re-financing initiative and also assured the Federal Civil Servants that they have a solid partner to bank on at any point in time in his bank. He said: “We are very happy this is happening today. This is to show how sensitive and workerfriendly the present administration is. The workers are the ultimate winners in this scheme as most of them, through this scheme will transit from being ten-

ants to landlords at a rate that will be very conducive for them. He further stated that: “We started this journey four years ago, we saw this coming. We started out as a mortgage bank if you can remember and we also put this particular structure together and we have also been knocking on the doors of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board and also the NMRC that now has the necessary funding and platform to

be able to provide the funding. Nigerians are now very lucky to have a government that is truly ready and willing to provide support, and it is the FG’s resolve to better the lives of its workers that makes it possible for us to witness this event today.” Speaking also, Chief Executive Officer of the NMRC, Dr Charles Inyangete, said it is through Public and Private partnership in the mortgage sector that Nigeria can fully realized its economic potentials.

He said the NMRC is also partnering the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors for the success of the housing scheme. Representative of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Mr. Yemi Adelakun said the scheme will go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the civil servants especially when they retire. He thanked the FG profusely for the scheme and pledged the loyalty of workforce to the success of this administration.

Alleged sabotage: Dogara orders probe of downstream oil sector ...warns against improper conduct

he Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara on Tuesday in Abuja called for proper investigation into alleged debts and sabotage of downstream sector by oil marketers. Dogara made the call while inaugurating the House ad-hoc Committee to carry out the investigation. Represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Alhassan Doguwa, Dogara called on the committee to examine the existing laws and practices in the country’s downstream oil sector with a view to covering all the loopholes. “We expect that in no distant time, the committee will be inviting some companies

and individuals to provide answers to questions as to what happened to the downstream sector. “We hope that this committee will conduct its affairs in a serious and corrupt- free manner, the House will not tolerate any evidence of undue influence or improper conduct,’’ Dogara said. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Gaya, said that the task came in good time to curb the excesses of oil marketers who refuse to operate by laid down rules. “It will also help government to recover funds owed by oil marketers and those they connive with.

Reps to investigate GOTV licence status

he House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated its Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to investigate the licence status of GOTV in the provision of Digital Terrestrial Television Services in Nigeria. The committee is also to engage the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to enforce the pay-per view scheme on the digital television broadcasting service providers for the benefit of Nigerians. The resolutions followed

the adoption of a motion titled “Call for Investigation of the License Status of GOTV in the Provision of Digital Terrestrial Television Services in Nigeria’’, sponsored by Rep. Jones Onyereri (PDPImo). Moving the motion, Onyeriri argued that GOTV does not possess the licence to provide digital terrestrial television services in Nigeria. He said that “Details Nigeria Limited” was the company which obtained a Digital Mobile TV (DSTV MOBILE) for 10 Nigerian cities in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo(4th left) during the launch of “Change Begins With Me” of the Ogun state Police Command!

FG must stop MMM in Nigeria —Pastor Adelaja

fter a long period of silence which might not be too long after all, just one year, Pastor Sunday Adelaja has decided to lend his voice to the cry of those constantly writing him personally and on social media wanting to know the truth about Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM). As opposed to many voices who have been speaking out about MMM and its founder Sergey Mavrodi, Pastor Adelaja feels he is in a unique position perhaps more than any other Nigerian to talk on this subject. This treatise therefore is going to be a detailed presentation and analysis of why every Nigerian must begin to raise their voice against MMM and similar Ponzi schemes and pyramids in our nation. “I have been living in Russia the former Soviet Union for the past 30 years of my life. In 1997 I personally witnessed the emergence of Sergey Mavrodiand his MMM network. I have seen the results and devastations his activities have brought to millions of people in this part of the world, so I think my opinion deserves to be heard. Moreover, I as a pastor

have been embroiled in a very strenuous court proceeding and scandal for the past eight years of my life connected to some of my members who were involved with dubious financial organizations similar to MMM. I will deliberate more on this below and why I think that every pastor in Nigeria must raise their voice against MMM and such schemes before it is too late. I am willingly coming forward to present my case as an example and a proof to why every Pastor needs to start a campaign against the MMM network before it backfires against them and their ministry. “Nigeria unfortunately is a country where everybody is at first excited about tragedies waiting to occur. Before the tragedy actually comes knocking,every other person is excited and dismissive of the possibility. Meanwhile when the inevitable takes place, we turn it to a whole mass tragedy. Just last week the country witnessed such a tragedy when a church building in the southern part of Nigeria collapsed, with hundreds of Nigerians perishing as a result. Earlier, a similar tragedy occurred in a prominent church in

Lagos. Yet the excitement in churches continued until another church tragedy struck. I will liken MMM to a similar tragedy waiting to happen. Only in this case the devastation will be much more disastrous for the nation as a whole. “According to MMM statistics, there are already over three million Nigerians involved in MMM. The scope of this tragedy could possibly affect a large percentage of Nigerian homes and families. If it is not stopped on time, it is the same Nigerians who will be crying foul as to where the government was looking and why well-meaning Nigerians did not speak out to stop it. The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing – Edmund Burke The next reason I feel compelled to talk about this organization and its network in Nigeria is because of the Nigerian promoters of this scheme. I took my time to listen to their presentations on YouTube and I could not help but feel great compassion for them. Listening to them, I could clearly see that they themselves don’t know what they are involved in. It is amazing that

it is these rather ignorant and gull ible people that have brought in a greater number of even more gullible people, which poses a great danger to a large number of Nigerians. I wish to use this medium to try and appeal to their conscience to stop the impending danger. In my in-depth analysis, I will be using the very same points they used in their presentation to open their eyes to see why this is a very dangerous scheme they are involved in. “Another reason why I have now decided to speak out is because of the letter Sergey Mavrodi the MMM founder wrote to the authorities of Nigeria. It is very clear that Sergey Mavrodi is trying to treat our country and its leaders in the same stereotypical way Europeans treat Africans. In his letter, he raised some questions that he was asking the Nigerian government to provide answers to. President Buhari does not need to worry about providing him with any answer, I will provide all the answers to him - why his organization is a scheme and why it should not be tolerated in Nigeria.

Photo News

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

L-R: Senator, Georgia General Assembly, Mrs. Gloria Butler; State Representative/Founder/President One Georgia, Mrs. Dee Dawkins- Haigler and Managing Director/CEO Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, during the conferment of Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia on Ogunsanya, in Atlanta Georgia, resently.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mr. Jimoh Babatunde; Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr. Deji Elumoye presenting a Merit Award to Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Dakuku Peterside with them is Executive Director of NIMASA, Mr. Oluwarotimi Fashakin, during a courtesy visit by members of the NUJ to the Management of NIMASA in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

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L-R: Publisher and CEO EMEA Finance, Christopher Moore; Deputy Director and Head, Financial Advisory, Afolabi Olorode presenting Best Local Investment Bank in Nigeria and Best Asset Manager in Nigeria award to Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FBNCapital Lolade Sasore, on behalf of FBNCapital, at the 2016 African Banking Awards, recently.

L-R; General Secretary, Real Estate Developer Association of Nigeria ( REDAN), Niyi Odutayo; General Manager, LASURA, Engr Lateef Sholebo; Chairman, REDAN, Taiwo Ogunbodede and Treasurer, Emeka Oranugo, during REDAN South West General Meeting and Symposium in Lagos, recently.

NEWS

How Dasuki paid N2.1b to Dokpesi - Witness Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

r. Shuaibu Salisu Abdulmalik, second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Chief Raymond Dokpesi and his company, DAAR Investment Company Ltd, over allegations of fraud before the Federal High Court, Abuja, Tuesday narrated how Dokpesi got the sum of N2.1billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser without executing any contract. The witness, a former Director, Administration and Finance, in the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, admitted at the resumed trial Tuesday that he knew the defendant sometime in mid January 2015, when the former NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki, instructed him to pay N500million into his account. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr.

Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Abdulmalik told the court ‘’I was posted to the office of the NSA as Principal Staff Officer, Presidential Air fleet Account, from where I was made Director, Administration and Finance, ONSA Between 2010 and 2015.’’ He said his schedule of duty included administration, finance duties which include preparation of budget, salary payment, liaising with the Accountant General’s office, Ministry of Finance, general payment in the office and any other payment the NSA directed him to make. He said, it was during the course of his duties that Dasuki in January 2015 directed him to pay the sum of N500m to Dokpesi’s account. “When I called him, that this was what the NSA had directed me to do, Dokpesi said he would send his PA. I can’t remember her name, she is a woman, to that effect.

“He sent the PA to my office, and I noticed it was a personal account details bearing the name, Raymond Dokpesi. “I then called Dokpesi and told him that the CBN will not pay in money to a personal account, it has to be an account with a company name. So, he now promised

to revert to me at a later date, and the PA left. The next day, she came back with a First Bank details of Daar Communications Ltd, from where I collected it and made the payment mandate for the NSA signature as directed by him. When asked the purpose, Salisu said the NSA

did not give him any, “So I had to develop reason to enable the CBN make the payment. “I developed the reason “media campaign” the NSA did not give me reason for the payment,” Salisu insisted. After preparing the mandate, “I took it to the NSA for signature, he

was satisfied and signed it and I signed my own part and took it to the CBN. “There was no contract between ONSA and Dokpesi’s company. “On February 1, the NSA called me to pay the sum of N500million into Daar Communications Ltd account, I already have the account and I paid.

W’African leaders press Gambia’s Jammeh to quit

obel peace laureate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and other African leaders on Tuesday urged Gambia’s longruling President Yahya Jammeh to respect the will of the people and step down following his defeat in an election. Jammeh has declined to relinquish power in spite of initially conceding that he had lost to opponent, Adama Barrow, in the election on December 1. “He cited irregularities in the official results

and on Tuesday morning security forces took over the building of the Independent Electoral Commission which holds the original poll records,’’ its chairman said. Jammeh’s change of mind drew international criticism, and a delegation of West African leaders under the auspices of the regional body ECOWAS was in Banjul on a mission to resolve the crisis. “We hope that the will of the people prevails,’’ Johnson Sirleaf, who is

Liberia’s president and ECOWAS chairperson, told newsmen on arrival. Other heads of state taking part are Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma and Ghana’s John Mahama, who lost an election recently and conceded defeat. A witness said several of them rode in RollsRoyces with Jammeh’s name embroidered on the headrests and then departed for the president’s office. “We will be asking

President Jammeh to respect his country’s Constitution, and to maintain the inviolability of the electoral process,’’ Buhari said on Twitter. Diplomats say that if Jammeh seeks to cling to power after negotiations fail, neighbours might consider options for removing him by force. The delegation was also due to meet Barrow, who has said he would annul Jammeh’s declaration of Gambia as an Islamic republic among other reforms.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Editorial

Wednesday December 14, 2016

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Nigeria: A nation and its resource curse trajectory

he 2016 Convocation Lecture of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Ile Ife, Osun State delivered by Lagos activist lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, was a sobering reflection on a nation with bountiful oil resources; but whose citizens in their millions are caught in the web of destitution because of the activities of prodigal, rudderless and pilfering leaders. It was all about ‘Resources Curse’ or ‘Paradox of Plenty’. Falana says the economy should be weaned from oil; that Nigeria’s dependence on petro-dollars for too long yielded nothing but poverty, misery on the streets and underdevelopment; and that the socio-economic haemorrhage called looting should be seriously tackled by the Nigerian people. The lawyer’s exact words: “Up till 1980, final year students in the tertiary institutions attended job interviews on campuses and in their places of engagement during the national youth service year. Thus, upon the completion of the service, every graduate would have been gainfully employed and armed with conditions of service which included the provision of car and housing loans. But due to the gross mismanagement

of the economy and the lack of vision on the part of the ruling class, youth unemployment has assumed a dangerous dimension… “The situation is getting worse as thousands of employees are losing their jobs due to economic recession. Having lost the opportunity to channel the enormous revenue realised from the sale of oil, the ruling class has turned the natural resource into a curse. Apart from wasting about $500 billion realised from the sale of crude oil, the ruling class has engaged in borrowing billions of dollars for development, but which were largely diverted to enrich a few public officers with the connivance of the lenders… ”. Scholars say ‘Resource Curse’ was first used as a thesis by Richard Auty in 1993 to describe how countries rich in natural resources failed woefully to use the wealth to boost their economies; and how such countries had lower economic growth than countries with scant natural resources. Listed as one of the negative consequences of ‘Resource Curse’ is ‘Dutch Disease’, an economic condition in which revenues from natural resource exports strips a country’s economy of industrialisation, making the nation’s economy appear big because of revenue from natural resource, whereas the manufacturing sector is non-competitive or irrelevant in the world market. Such an economy is also at the mercy of changes in the price of its natural resource in

The government

should be insistent on making corrupt people pay for their economic crimes the international market, which is one of the reasons Nigeria is now gnashing her teeth because of the sharp fall in oil price. An economy scourged by ‘Resource Curse’ also has the penchant to borrow heavily, despite huge earnings from natural resource, with the hope of paying back. But paying back becomes more expensive once the price of the resource falls, leading to debt trap. Other negative effects include corruption, as those in power become desperate to cling to office through bribery and state repression instead of economic policies that are growth-oriented. Economic diversification is neglected because of the reliance on natural resource. Neglected, too, is the development of human capital. Indeed, experts say countries like Nigeria that rely on natural resource exports tend to neglect education because they see no immediate need for it, but countries not endowed invest heavily on education which, in turn, contributes to their rapid economic breakthrough; among others. All these sad consequences of ‘Resource Curse’ have been the

lot of Nigeria as nation and her citizens since the discovery of crude oil between the 1950s and 1960s till date. The only hope presently is that the nation’s leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, is lamenting the mistakes of the past and has repeatedly voiced his commitment to reversing the trend. We, nonetheless, disagree with Falana’s call for the establishment of “a loot recovery agency that could generate more money than what the government is struggling to borrow under humiliating terms”. Our thinking is that loot-recovery need not be a reason for another bureaucratic agency. The country has enough anti-graft agencies, including the police. All the government should do is strengthen and sufficiently kit them to function effectively. The elite conspiracy that all along has been hindering the prosecution of corrupt persons, especially since 1999, should be radically looked into; while the public should be educated enough through public enlightenment to jettison the hoodwink by indicted corrupt persons that the battle against corruption is one-sided. The government should be insistent on making corrupt people pay for their economic crimes against the country and its citizens.

ON THIS DAY December 14, 2000 Al Gore conceded the United States’ presidential election to George W. Bush. Albert Arnold “Al” Gore, Jr. (born March 31, 1948) served as the 45th Vice President of the US (1993 – 2001), under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party’s nominee for President, but he lost the 2000 US presidential election despite winning the popular vote. Gore is currently an author and environmental activist.

December 14, 2003 Former Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, was captured near his home town of Tikrit during ‘Operation Red Dawn’. The latter was a United States’-led military action in the town of Ad-Dawr, Iraq, near Tikrit, that led to the capture of the Iraqi president. The operation was named after the 1984 film, ‘Red Dawn’. The mission was assigned to America’s 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division.

December 14, 2011 A murder-suicide attack in the city of Liege (Belgium) left six people dead and wounded 125 others, seven of them seriously, at a Christmas market. The attacker, 33-year-old Nordine Amrani, threw grenades and fired an FN FAL rifle at civilians on Saint-Lambert Square. Amrani then committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver. Earlier that day, he had also murdered a woman in his house.

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South West

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Ogun agency targets N200m IGR in 2017

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right), being decorated with the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem by the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Nigerian Legion, Chief Comrade Tosin Oshunsi, yesterday .

Aregbesola wants tax experts to assist govt achieve voluntary compliance Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO

sun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has tasked members of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, to assist government at all levels embark on advocacy and enlightenment programmes for improvement in voluntary compliance by taxpayers. Aregbesola, at the investiture and inauguration of new executives of the Osogbo District,

sun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday said the massive infrastructural projects going on across the state make it difficult for the citizenry to believe that the nation in general and the state in particular, is undergoing economic hardship. This was as the governor warned that the country must discourage penchant and preference for foreign goods if it must sail through the current economic crisis. Aregbesola stated this when he played host to the team of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Osogbo, led by its new General Manager, Mrs Omowumi Omidiji. The governor said because of the huge work his administration has undertaken in the state, nobody believes that the state is going through

added that unwavering assistance of the institute in the advocacy drive towards incremental revenue remains the only saviour at this critical time of economic recession. Represented by the Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, Aregbesola subsequently directed the state revenue service to provide enabling environment for the institute to practice their profession unhindered in the state. Inaugurating the new executives, the National Presieconomic crisis like other states of the federation as well as the Federal Government. According to the governor, people of the state failed to appreciate the dire economic condition of the state owing to the fact that everyday work is going on in every nook and crannies of the state. “The difficulty we are experiencing is almost universal; it is national. And no sub-set of the federation is exempted from this economic crisis. Thus, as a state, we are equally challenged. But because of the massive work we embark on in this state, it is difficult for the people to believe that we are going through serious challenges. “The on-going work they see every day in their vicinity thus makes it difficult for the people to appreciate the seriousness of

dent of CITN, Dr. Teju Abiola Somorin, counselled the new officers to brace up and prepare for the task ahead by undertaking definite strategic vision for the institute and set machinery in motion immediately for the achievement of the vision. Delivering the investiture lecture titled: “Advocacy As A Tool For Revenue Generation and The Role Of Taxation In Economic Recession,” the Director, Tax Policy and Advisory, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS,

Mr. Peter Olayemi, said tax cuts may not be the popular choice in Nigeria, adding that initiatives such as tax amnesty and some other recent administrative changes in conjunction with tax incentives already provided in the tax laws, are steps in the direct direction. “In Nigeria, the tax amnesty facilitates increased tax revenue generation while leaving taxpayers with more funds to spend on consumption of goods and investment in productive capital goods.

gun State Agricultural Development Corporation, OGSADC, has set a revenue target of N200 million in the next fiscal year. General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Femi Soremekun, disclosed this during the 2017 budget defence before the committee on Appropriation at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Abeokuta. He said in 2016 the corporation targeted N100 million as revenue and was able to surpass its target to achieve N133 million by October 2016. Soremekun, however,

highlighted some of the plans geared towards achieving its goals to include pruning of existing trees and slashing of 350 hectares at Ibara Orile cashew plantation and construction of additional bee hives for honey production. Other plans by the corporation included purchase of 15,000 point of lay birds for its Balekan and Oke-Eri poultry projects, as well as continuous maintenance of existing rubber trees at Remo rubber plantation, while raising of 60,000 sprouted seeds and planting of oil palm and arable crops has also commenced.

Robert Awokuse

at Agbado, Ogun State. Jacobs noted that the crusade would feature salvation, healing, deliverance, open doors, miracles, amongst other blessings. He said Evang. Williams Adefioye of the Amazing Grace Christ Foundation will officiate alongside other anointed men of God. The cleric revealed that there would be live coverage and streaming of the programme, which could be watched live from any part of the world.

Calvar y Reunion Assembly holds crusade

alvary Reunion Assembly and Amazing Grace Christ Foundation Ikeja- Lagos will be holding a three day crusade. According to a statement issued by the church and signed by its Senior Pastor, Charles Jacobs, the open air crusade titled: ‘Peace in the storm’ will commence on Thursday, December 15, and end on Saturday, December 17,

...Nigerians don’t believe there’s recession our economic challenges. The truth is that we are challenged economically,” Aregbesola said. He said the nation must learn a great lesson in what the country is going through now so as to forestall re-occurrence of similar experience in the future. He said with the disappointment in oil, the best elixir in terms of diversification is agriculture. According to him, the citizens of the country, the affluent few in particular and the poor majority, must drastically reduce their consumption of foreign goods and patronage of foreign services. The governor said God has been kind to the nation by giving it good climate, which makes agriculture practicable in all

geo-political zones of the country round the year. He noted that whatever can be produced locally should be the staple foods, saying as a nation, Nigeria should depend on what her soil and climate can best produce. He said if the teeming population of the country refrain from their heavy reliance on foreign merchandise, agriculture will serve as a better alternative to oil as the mainstay of the nation’s economy. He stated that the country has the population and the market to absorb whatever mass production of good it can embark on locally. He however warned that if the market continues to be saturated with 75 percent of foreign goods, the poverty trend in the

country may continue for a very long time. He held that the nation is destined for greatness, saying the day its local market is targeted to absorb its locally produced goods is the day the country crosses over to its long overdue greatness. He continued: “We need to change our consumption pattern and domesticate and indigenise our consumption. We must reduce our penchant for foreign goods and services to the barest minimum and increase our local production and services. “By this, we would have learnt our lessons and come out better from this economic crisis. But if we refuse to learn any lesson and we return to our reckless past, it would be sad. Generations unborn will

not forgive us. “Whatever we can produce locally should be our staple food. We should depend on what our soil and climate can support and produce such crops in commercial quantity. “If we do this, we are on the path to self-dependency and happiness but if we continue our dependency on foreign things, we are on the path of continued poverty and dependency. “We must assume our leadership in the global space by first changing our attitude to life; change our orientation and as well increase our production activities. “If we do this, we are on the path of greatness. Unless we quickly do this we may remain undeveloped for a very long time.”

South West

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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Ambode canvasses more support to tackle insecurity G overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday called for greater support from individuals and corporate organisations to improve the security of lives and property in the state. Ambode made the call in Lagos at the 10th Town Hall Meeting on Security, where he was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule. The meeting, which was organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, had the theme: ‘Optimising Security Funding in a Recession’. He said the harsh economic condition in Nigeria had made the security situation in the country more

challenging thus requiring collective efforts to address. ”Security is expensive and we must make the necessary sacrifice that will ensure our general security and safety by rededicating ourselves to the course since the price of insecurity is too high to experience. ”Security is indeed everybody’s business and a high sense of corporate social responsibility. Together we can continue to improve security in the state. ”As we continue to enjoy improved security, we must not be complacent and we must remember that what has kept us is the resources we have put together to work

for us. ”Government will continue to take the front seat in supporting our security agencies and provide vital security support for the protection of lives and property ”But you must also play your part as responsible citizens of the state to ensure a future, worthy of the Centre of Excellence,” Ambode said. In his keynote address,

a former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, AIG Umaru Manko (rtd), urged the federal and state governments to increase budgetary allocation to security for the challenges to be addressed. In his presentation, Mr Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, said the state recorded improvement in crime management in the last one year. Owoseni said the im-

provement was recorded due to the support and funding by the state government and the Trust Fund via the provision of wherewithal to facilitate the discharge of their duties. ”We pledge to continue to put to the best use , the resources made available to the force to ensure a secured and safer Lagos, ” he said. Dr Abdulrrazaq Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of

the Fund said that a total of N90 billion had been spent from Dec. 2015 till date on overhaul, refurbishment, maintenance and replacement of parts of 240 vehicles. Balogun said the state government had donated N1.6 billion worth of security equipment such as cars, motorbikes, bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, riders gear, and CCTV cameras, among other things.

MAPOLY to award degrees soon —Rector Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

anagement of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tuesday disclosed that it had concluded plans to upgrade the school to a degree-awarding institution. The rector, Prof Oladele Itiola, disclosed this in his office while hosting representatives of the 1990/1991 set of Mass Communication graduates of the institution who donated communication textbooks worth over N1 million to the Mass Communication department. The donation is part of the set’s contributions to assisting the institution in its re-accreditation crusade. The 74 units of textbooks, authored by foreign scholars, consisted of 37 different titles from the varying fields of communication and technology and were received by the Head of the Mass Communication Department of the institution, Amos Kola, in Abeokuta. The rector assured that the management would soon get the “Approval in Principle” of the National University Commission, NUC, to commence degree programmes in some courses. He also gave the assurance that the institution was prepared to receive officials of the National Board

for Technical Education, NBTE, for the re-accreditation of Mass Communication in the institution. Itiola explained that MAPOLY’s Visitor, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, himself an alumnus of the institution, had charged the school management to go all out and achieve the objective, no matter whatever it would cost it. Earlier, leader of the 1990/1991 set, Pastor Ezekiel Obasanya, told the rector and management of the institution that his set was around to water the seed planted by his set in 1990 when it established the Mass Communication library and ensure that it grew satisfactorily. Obasanya, who had in his team, a senior staff of the School in the Students Affairs, Yemi Ajibola and Special Assistant to Governor Amosun on Media and Strategy, Sola Balogun among others, noted that MAPOLY had produced foremost journalists in the Nigerian media practice.

Students struggling to secure a seat in a free bus provided by a politician at Station Bus stop, Iju – Ishaga Road, Ifako, Lagos. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Ajimobi tasks S’West Speakers on effective legislation

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday urged Speakers of Houses of Assembly in South West states to work towards ensuring effective and peoplefocused legislation. He made the call while declaring open the Conference of South West Speakers held at CarltonGate Exclusive Hotel in Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as theme: “Effective Legislative Governance and Ser-

vice Delivery Reforms in the South-West Region.” Ajimobi, who was represented by Alhaji Ismael Alli, the Secretary to the State Government, also urged stakeholders and career civil servants in the houses of assembly to remove bottlenecks impeding effective legislative works. “The leadership in the various Houses of Assembly in the region should endeavour to place high premium on its effectiveness in making the legislative arm meet the yearnings and as-

pirations of the people. “Such, if ensured, will help them in the passage of people-focused bills tailored toward ensuring good governance,” he said. The governor also called for effective synergy between the legislature and the executive on issues that could improve the lives of the people in its entirety. “I believe the main objective behind the establishment of this forum is to foster cooperation and integration among the various houses of assembly in the

region to ultimately afford stakeholders with the best global practices,’’ he said. Earlier, Hon. Michael Adeyemo, the Vice-Chairman, South West Conference of Speakers, said that theme of the forum was apposite, considering the region’s unifying factors and peculiarities. Adeyemo, who is also the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said such a conference encourages partnership, cooperation and collaboration.

Yabatech fire: House c’ttee chairman lauds management on response Saidat Alausa

hairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Education, Aminu Sulaiman, has commended the management of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos for its foresight and “sensitivity on the need to protect lives and property at all times.”

Sulaiman, who was on a fact-finding mission to the college on the recent fire accident on a wing of the Bakassi Girls Hostel said, “It is good we sacrificed time to come. The impression given by petition writers was a far cry from what we met on ground. “There were insinuations of negligence on the part of the college. Some even claimed students were still in

the hospital. ‘’In another document, there was a claim that the fire resulted from the fact that the management let out 80 per cent of the space. It is satisfying that we embarked on this trip because, we were able to see things for ourselves and where the truth lies.” The chairman regretted that the petitions had made

members shudder “but because of the tight schedule in the house visiting Yabatech had to be postponed many times.’’ The rector, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, explained that fire gutted the hostel following power surge on restoration of electricity after a power outage. She said about 600 students were housed on the

two-floor hostel, and that the students were evacuated moments after the outbreak. A total of 21 students, she said, were rushed to the College Medical Centre, of which 13 were later referred to the Military Hospital, Yaba, “which opened their facility to our students and gave us the required support. All the students have since been discharged.”

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South East

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

IPOB: FG to shield witnesses’ identity Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

ustice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday, granted Federal Government request to shield the identities of witnesses billed to testify against the self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Nyako held that names of all the prosecution witnesses who are mostly security operatives, would not be disclosed in any record of the court proceedings and added that the witnesses would be allowed to testify against the defendants behind a screen that would be provided by the court. The ruling was sequel to an application filed by the prosecution to shield the names and addresses of the prosecution witnesses who are largely security operatives. Justice Nyako, however, stressed that both the defendants and their counsel would be allowed to see the witnesses who she said would enter and exit the courtroom through a special door. “I hereby ordered that the names of the prosecution witnesses who are security operatives should appear in combination of alphabets and such witnesses will be given screens which will be provided by

the court. “The defendants and their counsel will be able to see the witnesses who will be given special access to and from the court,” she held. Meanwhile, Kanu who reacted immediately the court ruling insisted that it was against the tenets of Justice and fair hearing and he will not accept the ruling. “I won’t stand this travesty of Justice. Buhari spoke in public, he accused me in public. I must also be allowed to stand my trial in public”, Kanu bellowed from the dock. “This is nonsense! I will give testimony before this court! By the time I finish, there will be no Nigeria. This is no Sharia court. It is a court that operates under the common law. “There will be no screening of witnesses, no fake identities or fake addresses. I cannot be tried in secret. No! Nnamdi Kanu cannot be jailed in secret! They are mad. Why must I be tried in secrecy by a government that does not obey court orders? “They are killing my people in public, after killing my people they want to try me in private? The suit was adjourned till 10, 11 and 12 January, 2016 for commencement of trial. In the meantime, the pro-Biafra agitators who stormed the court in their hundred engaged prison

Enugu Assembly commends state govt for prudent management

he Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, has commended the executive arm of the state for the prudent management of financial resources. The speaker made the commendation while announcing the passage of a bill for the variation of N6.2 billion in the 2016 Appropriation for capital and recurrent expenditures for the remaining 2016. Presenting the bill, the Leader of the assembly, Mr Ikechukwu Ezugwu, said it had become necessary because of the need to re-

allocate resources to other sectors of the economy. The leader cited the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state which was not captured in the original budget. He explained further that it was not a supplementary budget, but a mere variation since the original figure of the budget remained the same. The leader had earlier moved a motion that the assembly take both second and third readings of the bill the same time under the committee of the whole. The assembly adjourned to December 20.

warders and other security operatives in a scuffle over the development. They were carrying placards with inscription “give us Biafra”, “we need Biafra” Buhari leave us alone. FG had in the charge alleged that the quartet conspired to commit treasonable felony contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014. FG alleged that they committed the offence along with others now at large, on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015, in Nigeria,

London and United Kingdom. It told the court that the defendant conspired among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra which is monitored in Enugu and its environs, preparations they were making for states in the South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states, to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra. Whereas FG identified Kanu as the arrow-head behind the “hate broadcasts”, it fingered Onwudiwe as

the National Coordinator of the IPOB movement. The defendants had on November 8, pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, even as the court adjourned to hear their bail applications. Kanu was previously facing a six-count treason charge with Madubugwu and Nwawuisi, before FG amended the charges to include Onwudiwe as one of the defendants. Justice Nyako is now the third judge to handle the trial. It will be recalled that the former judge handling the matter, Justice John

Tsoho had on September 26, disqualified himself from presiding over trial of the defendants. Justice Tsoho who earlier denied the defendants bail, premised his decision to hands-off the case on a petition pending against him before the National Judicial Council, NJC. Kanu and his co-accused persons had in their joint petition, alleged that Justice Tsoho indulged in act of “judicial rascality”, by delivering conflicting rulings on the same subject matter.

Comptroller of Nigerian Immigration Service in Enugu state, Mr Matthew Okosun (4th, L) with newly promoted officers of the service after their decoration in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Healthcare: Obiano restates readiness to partner with private sector

nambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has restated his administration’s readiness to partner private sector in the provision of quality healthcare in the state. Obiano said this while inaugurating a Women Health Clinic and Cervical Cancer Screening Centre in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. The Cancer Screening Centre was donated by an NGO, Ogoegbuna Onyiuke Health Trust Initiative (OOHTI). Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, said his administration had done a lot to improve healthcare delivery in the state. While commending the NGO for the initiative, the governor charged the centre to operate in line with the government’s vision of quality healthcare delivery.

He noted that the centre would reinforce the state government’s commitment towards the health sector and advised women to take advantage of the centre. Earlier, Dr Johnny Onyiuke, the founder of the organisation and Medical Director of Bekee Memorial Hospital, said the centre was aimed at enhancing the life, longevity and good health of women. According to him, the centre is working towards protecting women from cervical cancer, breast cancer and other ailments capable of preventing them from achieving their full potential. “The clinic hopes to bridge the very many gaps that our healthcare system has failed to emphasise and that is prevention. “We are starting with women because when you remove a woman from the family, societal and nation-

al equation, what we have is chaos.” He said that the organisation was equipped to educate and screen women on cervical cancer, breast cancer and hypertension, using low technology but effective methods. Onyiuke further explained that the centre would also treat pre-cervical cancer lesions using colposcopy and cryotheraphy, besides partnering with tertiary institutions to treat advanced cases. The founder, who appealed to women to make use of the facility, disclosed that the centre would run monthly free screening for women. In a lecture, Mrs Ifeoma Okoye, a Professor of Cervical Cancer, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, said that death from cervical cancer could be avoided. “People still die because

of ignorance, a situation, which has made Africa the second largest with cervical cancer cases in the world. “If such a facility as the one in Nimo is replicated everywhere, cervical cancer would be minimised.” She advised women from 25 years and above to go for screening, adding that they should always be vigilant in order to detect early signs of breast and cervical cancers. Okoye identified sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcoholism and lack of exercise as some of the causes of the disease. While commending the organisation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the centre in the detection and prevention of cancer at all times in the state.

South-South

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Church collapse: Group donates blood to victims

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (right) receiving a copy of the MOU signed between the State Government and Oyesis Global Network Nigeria Ltd, from the State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr. Preye Agedah (centre) for the management of Government House Hospital Complex. With them is Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Serena Dokubo Spiff (left) in Yenegoa, yesterday.

Edo Assembly urges ministry to release vehicles to ex-vice chairmen

he Edo House of Assembly on Tuesday urged the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs to release vehicles to 15 former local government vice chairmen in the state. This was sequel to the consideration of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the non-release of the official vehicles to 15 out of the 18 former local government vice-chairmen.

The motion for the consideration of the report was moved and seconded by Foly Ogedengbe (APC Owan East) and Mrs Elizabert Ativie (APC Uhunwode) respectively. Considering the report, the committee’s chairman, Mr Emmanuel Agbaje (APC-Akoko- Edo II ) said the committee found out that all former chairmen were entitled to vehicles at the expiration of their tenure. Agbaje said only three of the 18 former vice-

chairmen were given vehicles. The committee told the house that no reason was given for the delay in the release of the vehicles. The committee, in its report, recommended that the ministry should release the vehicles to the 15 former vice chairmen without further delay. The lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation without amendment. The Speaker, Justin

Okonoboh, directed that copies of the resolution be sent to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the governor for immediate action. Earlier, Okonoboh had constituted a three-man committee to investigate the cause of the fire that destroyed Phil Hallmark, the biggest shopping mall in Benin. The committee would be led by Mr Chris Okaeben (APC Oredo-West.)

Cross River receives 10 direct solar powered refrigerators from EU

he Cross River Government says it has received 10 solar powered refrigerators from the European Union Support to Immunisation in Nigeria (EU-SIGN) for the storage of vaccines. Dr Betta Edu, the Director-General, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, made the disclosure on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar. Edu said that the direct solar refrigerators would enhance immunisation and primary healthcare in the state, especially for storage of vaccines during power outage. She said that the refrigerators had been distributed to 10 local government areas across the three senatorial districts with a view to ensuring quality healthcare delivery. Edu said that the state was among the 23 states in the country that benefitted from the EU project.

She added that Governor Ben Ayade had flagged off the project in the state in November. “We are appealing to EU-SIGN to complete the earlier projects they started in the state, including renovation of the state Cold Store and repairs of the Chain Equipment.

“We are happy that we have a governor who is so passionate about healthcare in the state, and in his magnanimity, he has approved a permanent site for the agency,’’ Edu said. She said that the governor had signed into law the State Health Insurance Scheme

tagged: “Ayadecare’’ meant to make healthcare accessible and affordable for residents. She said that with the signing of the law, the state was on its way to achieving universal and quality healthcare that would strengthen primary healthcare delivery in the state.

ollowing the collapse of a church building in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, members of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) on Tuesday donated 21 pints of blood to injured victims of the disaster. The Reigners Bible Church, which collapsed on December 10, had claimed about 24 lives leaving many others injured. Mr John Nya, the President of NAS, Calabar Municipality chapter of Cross River, who led other members donate blood, said that the association’s gesture was informed by the need to save lives. Nya said that NAS had continued to act each time the need arose, especially when it had to do with emergencies such as the donation of blood. “When we heard of the incident, we contacted the National Blood Transfusion Service Centre in Calabar to confirm if there would be need for blood donations. “When they confirmed this at short notice, we mobilised our team and donated 21 pints of blood. We have done this over

and over again to save the lives of disaster victims,’’ he said. He said that last June, his group gave over 40 pints to victims of Boko Haram insurgency, expressing the hope that the latest gesture would get to its ultimate destination. Receiving the blood on behalf of the victims, Mr Okanga Ngim, Blood Donor Recruiters of the National Blood Transfusion Service in Calabar, commended the association for the timely intervention. Ngim, who spoke on behalf of the Coordinator of the Centre, Prof. Wilfred Ndifon, described voluntary blood donation as a win-win situation, “which is to replenish the donor’s system and at the same time to save lives’’. “We have collected 21 pints of 450mils each. This will go a long way to save the victims of the collapse church who are in need of blood. “We are not surprised at the timely intervention of NAS because they have displayed it over and over again. This is the only organisation that is doing this in Calabar,” he said.

Prosecute killers of Police officers in Rivers, Ex-lawmaker urges FG

ormer member of Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, has called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute those behind the killings of police officers in the just concluded rerun election in River State. Usman, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Tuesday, said those behind the deadly act should be fished out and prosecuted. He said time has come for the Federal Government to come out with stringent security measures to end

the ‘senseless killings’ of security personnel while on official duties. He explained that killing of the nation’s security personnel posed a great threat to peace. The former law maker noted that prosecuting those behind the act would serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate doing same. He also called on the the Federal Government to provide state of the art equipment for the Nigeria police to adequately confront the present internal security situation in the country.

Global Fund earmarks $1bn to fight Malaria, TB, AIDS in Nigeria

he Federal Ministry of Health says Global Fund will disburse about 1 billion USD to assist Nigeria to combat HIV, Malaria and TB over a period of two years. The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, said the intervention period was between 2015 and 2017. Adewole made this known at the National Supply Chain Integration Project Retreat on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that about 50 per cent of the amount would be expended on

the procurement of commodities. According to him, this investment will significantly put serious pressure on our fragile supply chain infrastructure in the country. “We need to fashion out innovative approaches that will prevent our perennial challenges of commodity wastages, expiries and stock outs as well poor delivery system to end-users of such commodities,’’ Adewole said. The minister said the Nigeria Supply Chain

Integration Project (NSCIP) was initiated by the Government and a consortium of international donors and partners to address these constraints and inefficiencies. He added that the project would also bridge the gaps and maintain uninterrupted supply system in the country. He said the goal of the project was to improve harmonisation of resources for better efficiency in procurement and supply management of medicines and other

health products through an integrated supply-chain management system. Adeowole said the implementation strategies of NSCIP include the establishment of zonal hubs (warehouses) operated under a public private partnership (PPP) covering all HIV, Malaria, TB and Reproductive Health related commodities and vaccines, among others “At the moment, NSCIP is currently covering Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos,

Nasarawa, Oyo, Rivers and Sokoto states. “ I am happy to inform this gathering that the success recorded in the first year of the project prompted our funders to give approval to scale-up to the remaining 23 states. “We achieved all our milestones in less than 18 months before the targeted three year plan,’’ he said. He said the ministry would implement all necessary reforms that will improve Nigeria’s warehousing and distribution system.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Reps’ conscientious vote against cars import ban 14

CODEM cautions Sanusi over attacks on Buhari

Kano State based pro-democracy group, Coalition for Democratic Norms, CODEM, has cautioned the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to desist from his incessant attacks on the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to avoid unnecessary consequences. The group, in a statement jointly signed by Balla Abbe Kazaure and Usman Dan Numa Gazki-

ya, National Coordinator and General Secretary respectively was of the view that, “Emir Sanusi, going by his position must have had several open channels to get to the presidency to ventilate his ideas on economy than attacking the seat of power openly.” According to the group, the Emir seemed not to have learnt from history that whoever lives in a glass house

should not throw stone, asserting that, “no emirship has the capacity to defend any glass house when the act of throwing stones boomerangs.” Though the group agreed that everybody has the right to advise or criticise the government, it however warned that it was not when such a person is vulnerable. Going down the memory lanes, the group wrote: “As it is, the position of

an emir is too vulnerable to guarantee the comfort of public commentary, especially making a career out of acerbic take on government policies. “Powerful traditional rulers like Sultan Dasuki and Emir Jokolo were all stripped of their titles in one day; no processes, nothing. “Emir Sanusi’s own grandfather was only casually invited to Kaduna in 1963. On arriving the governor’s

office, Sir Kashim Ibrahim drew out a prepared letter of resignation alongside the report of DJM Muffet report of inquiry into Kano Native Authority finances, he was advised to sign the letter. He did. “He went into the office as an emir with all the paraphernalia and emerged out of it as a “retired” emir. He was immediately exiled to Azare, in present day Bauchi state.

“Emir Sanusi was reminded in the statement that, “he was the CBN governor only recently,” stating that, “if the government wants, it could get proverbially a thousand and one things to use against him.” The concerned group cited issues of Financial Reporting Council report, Forex Management under him as well as bailout for banks as examples.

IPC begins budget monitoring trainings Oseyiza Oogbodo

n furtherance of its aim of making Nigerians participate in politics through its project, Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement in Electoral Process (SCEEP), the International Press Centre (IPC) in conjunction with UKAID/DFID and ACTIONAID, has started implementing another phase of SCEEP which involves training Nigerians on how and why they should participate in the preparation of and monitor the implementation of budgets. The first SCEEP 2-day training on Budget Literacy and Budget Monitoring

began in Lagos on Thursday, December 8, 2016 for citizens of Shomolu Local Government Area and in his welcome remarks, Lanre Arogundade, Director, IPC, said budgets are very important as they are political and financial statements, they determine if government is pro-rich or pro-poor, and there’s a very close relationship between budgets and corruption. Also speaking, development experts, Lere Oyeniyi and Michael Awopetu, said Nigerians should involve themselves in budget preparation, lobby to get their development needs in budgets and then monitor the budgets so that their needs are appropriately implemented.

L-R: Former Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adewale Omiran; Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Micheal Adeyemo and Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salam, during the Leadership and Management Meeting of the South-Western States Houses of Assembly in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

I hold Yoruba people in high esteem, says Buhari Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

midst fears that political leaders from South West region of the country may face hard times from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari due to internal crises rocking the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, the president has declared his respect for the people of the region. The president, who spoke through Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at a ceremony organised to mark Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi’s first anniversary as a royal father, also commended the royal father for building bridges of love across the country within a year of occupying the stool of Ooni. President Buhari said efforts of the monarch to bring people of Yoruba race, and indeed other ethic nationalities in the country together did not pass unnoticed and called for support

by all to ensure success of the peace initiatives. According to him, the royal father’s approach to unite Yoruba people and build bridges of love over many divides across the country was not only exemplary, he added that the

monarch’s moves is also promoting love and mutual respect among royal fathers across the country. ”We hope that in your many years on the throne, we will witness more advancement of the entire Yorubaland, Nigeria and ev-

erywhere we have Yorubas. Many are celebrating you across the globe. In Brazil, Cuba, Benin Republic and all over places where you have your children around. We appreciate your contribution to our development,” Buhari concluded.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, described Ooni Ogunwusi as “a special friend”, saying he came to honour the monarch because of the interest the monarch had shown in his administration and the wellbeing of Igbo people.

Obiano, who was accompanied by Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, added his visit was to deepen the Igbo-Yoruba unity, and expressed believe in the continuous corporate existence of the country.

Kemi Olaitan

Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, the present institution system in Nigeria is fashioned towards having failed leadership, stating that search for good leadership in the country may continue for long unless the problem of weak institution is addressed. He said, “Our institution is weak. We have a very weak institution in Nigeria. Making law and policy formulation is not the problem of this country, we have well exposed, brilliant and talented Nigerians who are involved in policy formulations and making a suitable

law for the nation but our problem is implementation of those policies and laws”. Akanbi stressed that the time has come to build a formidable and strong institution in Nigeria if the country is to have the much needed good leadership for the country to move forward. He emphasized that one of the ways through which the country can overcome her challenges is to ensure that there is strong institution on ground like in the United states of America (USA). “Our past leaders have their faults too, though,

some of them are focused while some are not but if we have a formidable institution as a nation, no matter how weak or careless a person is , the institution will force him to adjust”, he stated. Akanbi added that to have a better Nigeria, there must be a solid orientation and discipline among the followers as well as enthroning incorruptible, selfless and focus leader who will help the nation in reforming the institution for future generation. On the plans by the Federal Government to borrow $30b dollars, he main-

tained that there is nothing wrong in borrowing as we have to inject more fund into the economy He said, “There is nothing wrong in borrowing, we have to inject more fund into the economy of the nation to ease the recession. But I will not be a party to a situation where part of borrowed money will not be use for what it is meant for, for us to borrow we must fight corruption to the barest minimum and we must make use of our local contractors so that there will be flow of cash in Nigerian economy”.

Weak institution, bane of good leadership —Akanbi IBADAN

enator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Adesoji Akanbi has identified very weak institution as the bane of good leadership in the country. He said this while delivering the valedictory lecture organised by the outgoing executives of the Oyo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), titled, “Nigeria in search for credible leadership”, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. According to the Vice

Politics

ne of the decisions reached by the House of Representatives last week, which could be described as very essential and conscientious, was the unanimous vote against the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari’s led executive to ban the importation of vehicles through the country’s land borders. This decision of the lawmakers was against the just proclaimed ban by Colonel Hameed Ali, rtd, who was brought from retirement by Buhari to enjoy the plump job of the Comptroller General of Customs. Ali had in the face of the unprecedented economic recession in the country, announced the ban on importation of used and new vehicles through the land borders. The ban which effective date is January 1, 2017 is imposed without the Customs and its supervising Ministry of Finance also addressing the reasons why Nigerian importers and shippers have for long preferred the sea ports of neighbouring Togo, Benin and Ghana, while abandoning those of Nigeria, leading to importation through land borders. The ban apparently, did not go down well with Nigerians, making the lawmakers in the House of Representatives, to vote massively and unanimously that the policy must not take off. At the plenary on Thursday, Hon. B A Salame, had brought a motion to this effect, insisting on the need to suspend the ban, as he complained bitterly that the policy would further impoverish the country and its citizens. Salame had noted that the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, issued a statement on Monday December 5, 2016, prohibiting the importation of new and used vehicles through the land borders with effect from January 1, 2017, thereby limiting such importation only through the sea ports. Also, he noted that the percentage of Nigerians, who can afford cars, has declined drastically following the decline in the value of naira, inflation, unemployment and high cost of living that has bedevilled Nigeria, where over 80 percent of Nigerians live below 200 US dollar a day. He said he was aware that the federal government has powers under Section 18 of the Customs and Excise Management Act to restrict the movement of goods into and out of the country by land or inland waters and to appoint customs stations, saying however that similar exercise of such powers on rice importation through the land borders in April 2016 has occasioned untold hardship on Nigerians as a bag of rice now sells for between N20, 000 and N23, 000 as against the N8,000 few months ago. Equally, he said that the government has not put in place alternative measures to ensure that Nigerians will have access to cars since it is cheaper to buy cars from neighbouring countries and still generate revenue by ensuring that our borders are secured to prevent smuggling, and also that there will not be job losses. The lawmaker said he was aware that some of those making these policies have failed to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods, especially Nigerian Assembled Vehicles which are, in any case unaffordable to over 80 percent of Nigerians, who can only afford fairly used imported vehicles. He is concerned that despite the pitiable state of most Nigerians occasioned by unemployment, lack of funds for survival and high cost of living, which has sent many to their early graves, the government is adopting a policy that will further increase the sufferings of the masses at this critical time the country is in recession. The lawmaker was right in his worry that the ban will cause more harm than good as it will certainly lead to increase in smuggling, deprive poor Nigerians of access to acquiring vehicles, skyrocket the prices of cars cleared at the Wharf, increase inflation and further mount pressure on the already weak Naira, and lead to idleness, insecurity and criminality at border points.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps’ conscientious vote against cars import ban

Dogara It was against the backdrop of this very strong argument that most lawmakers spoke in favour of the motion which clearly seeks to save the country from the danger that Buhari’s government is trying to further plunge the country into. Most lawmakers were very disposed to voting in support of suspending the ban except for a very negligible size of them, who were merely speaking from the point of view of sycophancy, perhaps for the material gain of supporting such an unpopular policy. In adopting the motion, the House presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara,who put it to voice vote, witnessed an overwhelming support for the motion, except for those few lawmakers, who could not even summon the courage to face the cameras while shouting their “nay”, with some even burying their heads while shouting, and their lone voices could be spotted. The House asked the federal government to immediately suspend the ban and ensure that the law enforcement agencies, especially those working at the borders, are diligent in their duties by ensuring that due import charges are remitted to the government. The House also suggested that surveillance equipment for effective monitoring be installed to address smuggling. It also enjoined government to expand its plan on youths empowerment programmes by developing skills acquisition programmes in border areas. It is no doubt that the House of the Nigerian people has taken this decision, but as usually, you will find that the executive is only interested in what drove their desire for the ban and would stop at nothing, including disregarding constituted powers like National Assembly, to further its course. It is said to be rather unfortunate that this administration seems to be making obnoxious policies aimed at making Nigerians suffer in the name of trying to rebuild the country when it is obvious it is collapsing. As it has been argued in the House of Representatives, this policy does not seem to have any good intention except to achieve the underlying intents of the formulators, which is yet unclear to all of us. Already, with this pronouncement, old stocks of vehicles as at present have tripled their prices because of the market forces. Again, one does not know what the government hopes to achieve by this as it has not put any alternative arrangements in place to better the lives of citizens. Unfavourable government policies, prohibitive tariffs on imported items and aggravated institu-

Ali tional corruption in the NCS, have been identified as the hydra-headed monsters that have effectively combined to drive business away from Nigerian ports to those of neighboring countries, but the government which claims to be fighting corruption has not thought of addressing these, but rather bringing policies that will inflict suffering on ordinary Nigerian people. It should be interesting to note that both those that formulated this policy and those highly corrupt past and present Customs officers, have fleet of cars stockpiled all over the country and would not have needs of importing, rather, some of them have become car dealers. Ali seems to be interested in making Nigerians further suffer, rather than investigate the corrupt activities that have bedevilled the Customs all these years leading to such loss of revenues, and prosecuting his predecessors with a view to recovering looted revenues. The conditions of the Nigerian ports and business policies too ought to be addressed to encourage importers to begin to use the country’s ports instead of those of neighbouring countries. With the Port concessioning of 2006, a measure of efficiency came into the maritime trade in the Nigerian ports, yet the ports were nowhere near being competitive against those of the neighbouring countries, and made no business sense for importers to use them in the face of the more profitable options sea ports from neighbouring countries presented. It is learnt that, Maritime experts have estimated that about 60 per cent of imports into the West African-sub-region are designated for Nigeria by reason of the country’s large economy, yet less than 20 per cent of such goods are routed through her seaports; meaning that about three-quarter of Nigeria’s maritime trade do not pass through its waters, but takes a detour through seaports of neighbouring countries and enter through the land borders. The lack of competition from Nigerian ports by reason of all manners of prohibitive duties and corruption from men and officers of Nigerian Customs Service, and crippling fiscal policies do not just come with attendant revenue loss to the government, they have overtime, nurtured smuggling to be one of the most profitable industries in the country. Nigerian Customs Service, NCS and Federal Ministry of Finance’s response in the direction of reinventing Nigerian ports, which are now almost totally idle and abandoned by importers and licensed customs agents was last week’s blanket ban on importation of vehicles through the land borders.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Biafra and the One-Nigeria project Carl Umegboro

he emblazoned preamble of the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution along with Section 2(1) which rhetorically provides “Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clearly symptomatic of oneness. In reflection to a maxim, ‘unity is strength’, the aforementioned section is apt, regrettably, though events have continued to reduce the assertion to mere slogan or a deliberate sham. Based on the perception, President Muhammadu Buhari recently reechoed the indissolubleness of the nation in reaction to a sectional agitation for cessation. Disappointedly, the nation has continued to be measured by multiple legal systems; Criminal and Penal Codes applicable in the south and north respectively, and the Sharia law. This blooper itself clearly underscored aggregate disunity, solecism and disaster. In addition, the incessant homicides perpetrated against the southern indigenes particularly Igbos on account of religious extremism are inconsistent with nationhood. A population with such orchestrated, egoistic and unrealistic legal systems bombastically running against each other had ab initio lost its fundamentals on nationality. In a recent time, some Muslim extremists brutally murdered a businesswoman, Mrs. Bridget Aghahime in front of her shop of several years in the north for alleged blasphemy. As reported, the five man-gang suspects arrested by the Police, in aberration were discharged by a Kano Magistrate on the directives of the state’s Attorney General upon Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)’s legal advice invoking Sec 211 which vests powers of nolle prosequie, but expected to meet certain

prerequisites; on public interest, interest of justice and to prevent abuse of legal processes. Similarly, an evangelist, Eunice Elijah was few months ago mercilessly hacked to death in Kubwa during an early hour’s evangelism in sync with her belief and fundamental right to religion. The litany of men folk from the south resident in the north that were sent to early graves remains innumerable, in fact routinely witnessed as common incidents. If indeed the suspects were released for whatever reasons, succinctly, a misnomer, condemnable, a gross pervasion of justice and obviously indicative the one-Nigeria project is a myth. By releasing the culprits even when the mourners are emotionally down, a strong message is communicated assuring of intimidating backups to unleash more terrors to their innocent southern victims. These incongruities, absurdities and unruliness attest to the weakness of the project. Pro-Biafra activist and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kalu who was arrested by the State Security Service, (DSS) in October 2015over his activities alongside his Independent People of Biafra, IPOB initiative, over agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra, was earlier charged on conspiracy and terrorism. He was later granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja but rearrested on other charges. Consequently, Kaluhas since then remained in the custody while applications and rejoinders by defense and prosecution counsels respectively have continued with the charades in the court. The perceived Kalu’s abandonment by the elites, I believe, was on account of his miscalculation by prematurely embarking on the project at a wrong time. IPOB was launched immediately after the misconstrued tribesman, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan lost out in an election massively contested and participated by all the ethnic nationali-

Undeniably, federal government’s presence is visibly, ineffably and unbearably absent in the southeast ties. Had it been the mêlée kicked-off as a result of the Fulani herdsmen’s brutal invasions, massacres and other intimidations of the Igbos, certainly, his support base would have recorded stronger forces in the geopolitical zone. Or had it resulted from the arbitrary killings of southern Christians in the north, undoubtedly, his arrest would have met a total resistance or anarchy. Thus, timing is pivotal in all adventures. Democracy is largely moored on give and take. And certainly, a winner and loser must emerge. To keenly, unreservedly and liberally participate in the electoral process but refused to accept its outcomes on account of preference of a particular candidate as witnessed among Hillary Clinton’s supporters in the United States of America is weird, uncivilized and awkward. To freely participate attests to willingness to accept its outcomes provided in a free and fair contest. Nevertheless, matters of this nature are better resolved politically with the leaders of the geopolitical zone. This would certainly address the issues amicably as one of the political tumults that usually occurs in any multi-ethnic society in a developing society, and above all, strategically used as opportunity to at-

tentively thwart such agitations in the future. Imperatively, to untiringly file fresh cases could amount to further marginalization of the south-east geopolitical zone putting into consideration that similar actions had taken place in the past in other geopolitical zones that never encountered the rate of imbalances the zone is subjected. Fulani herdsmen had unleashed unprecedented, gigantic and excruciating mayhems that are offensive to entire humanity. Innocent citizens had been invaded while asleep at mid-nights right in their homes and brutally woke up in pains by punctures of machetes, daggers, axes and hits of bullets leading to untimely deaths in cold-blood and massive injuries. What crime is greater than such heartless, barbarous and spiteful bestiality? Yet, no arrests talk less of detention or prosecution. Similar incidents had also severally occurred in the north through Arewa Youths and others in the north. Despite the nature of criminality, political resolution was adopted and all charges against them withdrawn. Suffice to say the federal government owes a duty to equitably extend the olive branch to the south-east geopolitical zone by releasing and dropping all charges against Kalu and all the political detainees rather than re-filing criminal charges. Government, at the same time ought to unveil its plans towards redressing some of the injustices and imbalances in the polity that could justify such agitations in the future for enduring peace and stability. Undeniably, federal government’s presence is visibly, ineffably and unbearably absent in the southeast. Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and publisher.

Towards applying alternative dispute resolution to medical disputes Adekeye Ifedayo

he medical practice is one which plays a germane role in the human environment and the safety of patients should be the mutual goal of all parties involved in medical practice. However, there are circumstances in which the relationship turns sour due to calamitous happenings in which one party holds the other responsible for the mishap. This is the point where the justice system comes into play to look into the dispute, locate the erring party and attempt to hold such party accountable for its act as well as compensate the other parties for the damages suffered by it. Medical disputes are usually resolved traditionally through litigation usually in civil claims with patients coming under the umbrella of medical negligence to unearth the truth about what led to their unfortunate happening through discovery and subpoena in litigation. However, litigation has over the years been observed to be disadvantageous to both parties in a medical negligence case as it leaves the practitioner open to scandals and bad publicity, while it leaves the aggrieved patient open to heavy litigation cost, length of litigation and many other mishaps. With these negativities surrounding litigation, there comes the need for a new method of dispute resolu-

Alternative Dispute Resolution is however without

it’s deficiencies and lacunae tion to tackle the deficiencies of litigation on the litigation. Alternative Dispute Resolution refers to any other means of settling disputes aside the traditional litigation. These Alternative Dispute Resolution means includes but are not limited to negotiation, conciliation, arbitration, mediation, early neutral evaluation and hybrid processes. To shed a little light on few of the above listed, negotiation is a problem solving process in which two or more people voluntarily discuss their differences and attempt to reach a joint decision on their own on their common concerns. Conciliation is the use of a third party called conciliator who will use his best dispute settlement techniques to persuade the parties in a dispute to a voluntary settlement. Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution that has all the attributes of litigation however it’s informality and voluntariness leaves it within the purview of alternative dispute resolution. In short words, arbitration is a

form of dispute resolution in which the parties submit to an arbitrator whose decision is binding on the parties and can be enforced on the other party. Mediation is the use of a third party called a mediator to help the party reach an amicable settlement which can subsequently be adopted as terms of settlement in court. These forms of dispute resolution provide a solution to the deficiencies of litigation. Results from healthcare societies using Alternative Dispute Resolution has shown that this approach meets the needs of both the patient’s and the providers with the additional advantage of reducing costs, reducing time wasting, encouraging disclosure and improving patient safety. It has also been shown that unlike the use of judges who are inexperienced in medical practice by the justice system, ADR have allowed the use of medical experts as arbitrators, mediators and conciliators who will adequately and effectively understand the dispute of the parties. However, despite the numerous advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Nigerian litigants have since neglected the embracing of ADR for medical disputes. The truth is that Nigerians rarely pursue medical disputes due to the rigidity of the justice system, the length of trials, the cost of trials and many more. It is obvious that these fears and reasons

for not seeking judicial remedies are absent under Alternative Dispute Resolution. Alternative Dispute Resolution is however without it’s deficiencies and lacunae, One of which is the non-disclosure of full facts by the medical organizations. In medical disputes, facts and information that are expedient to the case of the patients are usually in custody of medical providers e.g. the medical file which includes records, drugs, steps taken by the practitioner etc. which will be used by the patient to prove his case and in ADR this information are not easily and completely disclosed by the medical providers and even if disclosed, there is a tendency of it being altered. However, in litigation, it is a crime to alter or not honour a subpoena of a court of law, this deficiency defeats most attempt to use ADR in resolving a medical dispute which subsequently leads to the aggrieved patient going back to exploring litigation. In conclusion, ADR is the answer to medical disputes and the right way to tackle them. It is however germane that these deficiencies be taken care of unless we will be back to the traditional and lengthy litigation. 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.

Politics

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Friday, January 17, 2014

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Falana, Bamidele task lawyers on corruption in judiciary Politicians’ conduct, our greatest challenge —INEC Community Mirror ing lawyers to cultivate the Speaking in a lecture parent in their expression. cial Commission “through habit of monitoring their entitled: “Restoring Public The judicial process must appropriate constitutional colleagues and judges to Confidence in the Justice be When guided by fundamenADO EKITI thethecome , come and to come institutional reforms prevent corruption in the Sector: The Role of Law- tal values and principles of in a way that will make it will sitdemocracy up in this Ministry. awyers in the country Rev. Chris judicial process.Okotie, speaking yers,” Bamidele said: “The everybody constitutional more capable to meet up have been charged to on the staterights of the nation The human activNBA must be seen to be as well as the values of sim- with the emergent demands play active roles in HONinMINISTER PETROLEUM ist urged lawyers to have more proactive settingFORple decency. RESOURCES,ALIISON Our judgments ofMADUEKE leadership in the judiensuring corruption-free the courage to speak out the pace by ensuring that and pronouncements must ciary, more effectively and judicial process and as well if and when they noticed some of its members who not appear to be against the efficiently, for the people to wake up to their traditional plans or moves to corrupt were alleged of complicity essence of justice,” he said. repose their confidence in duty of democracy watcha judge. in corruption-related matBamidele canvassed rethe judicial process once dogs and human rights deShe canvassed unity ters are investigated and structuring and strengthagain”. fenders. among lawyers to allow sanctioned with stiff penal- ening of the National JudiFormer House of Repmore women in active le- ties if found guilty through resentatives member, Hon. gal practice, saying women an internal disciplinary Opeyemi Bamidele and in active practice had been mechanism of the NBA. Lagos lawyer, Mr Femi Fafew “because of the so “Legal practitioners lana’s wife, Funmi, accused many discrimination that must be well-organised, arsome legal practitioners of we go through”. ticulate, fearless and transyouth group scopic reflection of good known as Ekiti governance both in the State Youths and past, present and future”, Students for Prince Ade- the group said. “The leadership philosodayo Adeyeye Movement, EKYSFORPAAM has phy of Adeyeye is not only called on the former Min- rooted in the politics, he ister of Works and Nation- had at many times showed his flair for good and qualial Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic tative education for all, Party, PDP, Dr Dayo Ad- most especially the begineyeye to contest the forth- ners that is called leaders coming governorship of tomorrow. That was why his administration successelection in Ekiti State In a release issued by the fully organized training of group and signed by Am- over 13,000 teachers within bassador Ademiloye Moses Ekiti State for seminars, O. and Omodan I. Bunmi, conferences and capacity State Coordinator and State building on contemporary Publicity Secretary respec- teaching methods. His pastively, it described Adeyeye sion for educational deas ‘ “one man that we know velop ment in Ekiti State with good and unbeatable had made him successful as leadership qualities , who chairman of Ekiti SUBEB, is experienced and rooted and enabled him to change at home with the capacity the old face of public school to turn things around in physical facilities in the State”, the group further Ekiti”. “Prince Dayo Adeyeye said. Ekiti youths therefore with his wealth of experience in various pro - democ- implore Adeyeye to prepare L-R: A member of the Senate Committee on Communications, Sen. Abu Ibrahim; Vice Chairman of the committee, Sen. racy and activism positions himself ahead for the 2018 Adeola Sonikan and Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, held under various capaci- governorship race in the during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Communications to NCC in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN ties obviously is a kaleido- state.

Abiodun Nejo

complicity in the corruption in the nation’s judicial system. The legal practitioners, who spoke at Ikere Ekiti during the maiden edition of the End of the Year Award Dinner and Lecture of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Ekiti Branch, Ekiti State, said corruption in the judiciary should be of great concern to well-meaning lawyers and Nigerians in general. Funmi Falana, who said mention should be made of the lawyers corrupting the judges, charged well-mean-

Ekiti 2018: Group rallies support for Adeyeye

CACOL launches LOP3, commends Ambode administration Ayo Esan

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has launched the Lagos Open Parliament 3, LOP3 titled The Change We See. Speaking during the presentation and launching of the LOP3 in Lagos Tuesday, the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran said the Lagos Open Parliament stems from the CACOL’s wish to be objective in the monitoring and analysis of government performance with evidenced based information and data. He said the inaugural LOP which was tagged ‘ Lagos Open Parliament: True State of Lagos by Lagosians” was held in 2012 and that it led to a number of claims made by the supporters of the then Lagos State government.

“We thus deployed more tools in our research and field work following the lessons drawn from the inaugural LOP and have continually empirically modified our methods in scope and size in terms of research and strategy which have made the LOP what it is today”, he explained. He said the LOP, as a project is basically a project targeted at; monitoring government performances and policies, promoting transparency and accountability and enhancing healthy interface between the civil society and government in the overall interests of Lagos State as an entity. Adeniran said like the previous ones, LOP3 is the product of several months of exhaustive research on the activities of the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode’s government saying that it is intended to be a record of leadership impacts and

the public perception of the government from the time of assumption of office on May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2016. “The idea of focusing on government’s activities and coming out with this publication in a book form is hinged on a resolve by the Coalition to encourage an all embracing assessment of

government performance in the areas of socioeconomic and infrastructural development as a means of bringing to a sharp focus the state of affairs in the state. “ It is believed that by so doing, government will be able to feel the pulse of the people better, as well as having a means to accurately as-

sess its level of performance. The overall import is that government will by so doing be more accountable to the people and expectedly be on its toes and thus be more alive to its assigned constitutional duties”, Adeniran said. The ‘LOP3- The Change We See’ was reviewed by Professor

Tunde Babawale while the Lagos State Governor , Mr Akinwunmi Ambode was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr Odupitan James at the occasion . The reviewer gave kudos to Ambode’s administration for its performance in the first year in office.

Why women are not in top positions —WIPF Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

he President of Women In Politics Forum, WIPF ,Ebere Ifendu, has attributed the poor representation of women in top positions in the country on the trend in political parties. In her explanations, she said although free nomination forms were used by political parties to encourage women par-

ticipation but added that they are easily discarded when the intrigues of politics come to play. She noted this in Abuja during the media and stakeholders presentation and review of the women fund’s strategic framework 2016-2019, organised by The Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund with support from African Women’s Development Fund . She condemned situations where political parties give free nomination

forms to women to contest electable positions. She said “Representation of women is too low and I will blame political parties. Free forms came out at a time when women were begged to come out. Free forms are not necessary anymore because it is even doing more harm than good. “You see, when the intrigues of politics starts to come to play, at that point for a woman who did not pay for forms, she

cannot be considered during zoning as a potential candidate over someone who has paid millions to get his form.” Ifendu, further charged women to stand up and play real politics saying :”let us forget about free forms and do real politics. Until we understand this, we will still remain in the 5.5 percent we are, we really don’t have women occupying positions, women should be proactive,”she added.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Intensify commitment to UHC —Save The Children tells Nigeria 18

Drug abuse: Now, youths consume lizard urine, faeces, inhale toilet gas —Expert 18

Beware, diabetes may cause blindness SAM EFERARO

... Check your blood sugar to avoid it, endocrinologist urges

or people living with diabetes – experts say there are over twelve million of them in Nigeria – how they will control the disease to ensure that they avoid complications often associated with it is one big battle they have to fight all their lives. Renowned endocrinologist Dr. Afoke Isiavwe whose Rainbow Specialist Hospital in partnership with Nigeria Health Online, an online health newspaper and Roche Diabetes Care conducted free blood glucose screening in media houses as part of activities to mark the 2016 World Diabetes Day, says more Nigerians are developing complications such as diabetes foot, blindness, kidney failure among several other complications that they would have avoided if they had known heir status early. She told journalists during the screening that about 50% of people with diabetes do not know they have the disease and will only get to know when they develop the complications. Diabetes mellitus is a condition which impairs the body’s ability to use and store sugar. Elevated blood sugar levels, excessive thirst with an increase in urine excretion and changes in the body’s blood vessels are all characteristics of the disease. One serious complication which the individual has to watch, according to Dr. Isiavwe, is the effect of the disease on the eyes. This is because diabetes, according to experts, may cause serious changes in the eyes. Conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, occasional blurring and most importantly, changes in the blood vessels at the back of the eye may all affect he sight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by

Diabetes retinopathy

Dr. Afoke Isiavwe

the deterioration of the blood vessels nourishing the retina at the back of the eyes. These weakened blood vessels may leak fluid or blood, develop fragile brush-like branches and become enlarged in certain places. The retina is that part of the eye where light filtering through the lens is focused. The focused light or images are then carried to the brain or fluid damages or scars the retina, the image sent to the brain then becomes blurred. The Academy says the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is high for patients who have had diabetes for a long time. About 60% of patients having diabetes for 15 years or more, says the academy, have some blood vessel damage in their eyes. When diabetes develop at an early age in childhood or teenage years, according to the Academy, it is known as juvenile diabetes and patients in this category are likely to develop diabetic retinopathy at

an early age. “Only a small percentage of those developing retinopathy however have serious problems with vision and even smaller percentage ever become blind.” In spite of this, the Academy says diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new blindness among adults in the United States and diabetic patients are said to be 25 times more prone to blindness than non-diabetics. Experts say there are two forms of diabetic retinopathy. In one form known as background retinopathy, blood vessels within the retina change. Some vessels decrease in size and others enlarge and form balloon-like sacs which obstruct the flow of blood through the vessels. These vessels leak and bleed, causing swelling of the retina or forming deposits called exudates. In some cases, however, leaking fluids collect in the macula, the centre position of the retina which is responsible for central vision.

Background retinopathy is considered an early stage of diabetic retinopathy. Fortunately, according to the experts, sight is usually not seriously affected and the condition does not progress in about 80% of diabetic patients. Straight ahead images, reading and close work may then become blurred and loss of central vision can result in blindness. Background retinopathy, according to experts is a warning sign and can progress to more serious sight-endangering stages. The second form of diabetic retinopathy, according to the Academy experts is proliferative retinopathy. This begins in the same manner as background retinopathy with the addition of new blood vessel growth on the surface of the retina at the optic nerve. This fragile new blood vessel may rupture and bleed into the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that filtrates into the centre of the eye. Experts say the cause of diabetic retinopathy is not completely understood, however, it is known that diabetes weakens small vessels in various areas of the body. Pregnancy and high blood pressure may worsen the condition in diabetic patients. However, diabetes retinopathy can be detected before it causes blindness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a comprehensive medical eye examination by an

ophthalmologist, the eye specialist, is the best protection against the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic patients, according to the Academy should therefore be aware of the risks of developing sight disturbances and should have their eyes examined regularly. Even nondiabetics will also benefit from such eye examination as this may help in detecting the presence of diabetes and other diseases. To detect diabetic retinopathy, the ophthalmologist painlessly examines the interior of the eye using an instrument known as ophthalmoscope. The interior of the eye may also be photographed to provide more information. When diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, the ophthalmologist considers the patients’ age, history, lifestyle and he degree of image to the retina before deciding on a line of treatment. Diabetics and other individuals who may want their eyes tested for diabetic retinopathy should however note that only an ophthalmologist is trained and adequately equipped to conduct tests and treat diabetic retinopathy. It is not a condition that can be treated by the “eye specialists” along Broad Street or some obscure corners of Ikeja, Lagos! It is also another reason for individuals to go for a blood glucose check to know whether or not they have diabetes.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Drug abuse: Now, youths consume lizard urine, faeces, inhale toilet gas —Expert Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

rends in drug abuse in Nigeria is taking a new dimension as youths now reportedly indulge in the consumption of lizard faeces and urine, inhalation of toilet gas early in the morning, water and sand from gutters, including solvents such as rubber solution (chemical used for repairing burst tyres) among others, a retired senior pharmacist at the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mrs Hauwa Kerry, has said. Kerry was one of the guest speakers at the maiden edition of “Mental Watch,” a programme organized by the Centre for Information and Prevention of Mental Diseases, CIPMED, in Abuja recently. CIPMED was founded by head, Mental Health Department, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital,

Dr Ifedilichukwu Uchendu. Kerry said drug abuse among youths in the country was becoming too widespread, and stakeholders such as government, parents, tutors at educational institutions, including religious and traditional leaders should strengthen efforts to combat the menace. Speaking further at the event which had the theme “The Nigerian Youth and the Menace of Drug Abuse: The Way Forward,” Kerry said in addition to common hard substances such as Indian Hemp, cocaine, marijuana, youths in the country drink diluted chloroform, “a highly hepato-toxic chemical,” including consumption of codeine containing cough syrup. In his remark, founder of CIPMED, Dr Uchendu said people don’t like talking about psychiatric medicine because there are a lot of misconceptions about it in the society.

FG rolls out free surgeries, others in Abuja Marcus Fatunmole and Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

he Federal Government has rolled out free surgical operations for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, through the Federal Ministry of Health. The free health package came through the recentlylaunched Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) by the Federal Government. Government uses RRI to assist Nigerians who need medical care such as surgery but cannot afford the costs. Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen at the National Hospital recently in Abuja lauded the government for the initiative and also thanked medical practitioners who performed the interventions. One of the beneficiaries, Clementina Nwandigba, said she heard about the programme from a friend and decided to come. She had a successful operation carried out on her for fibroid. “I am so happy for the fibroid surgery that was performed on me today, because I can’t afford this operation for a long time, and I am always in pain,

But, now that I have been operated on for free, I am so grateful for the initiative,” she said. Another patient, Asanatu Alfa, a resident of Orozo community, who was operated for shoulder lipoma, said she was happy for the successful free surgery and lauded the government for the initiative. A Maxillo Facial surgeon, Dr Charles Ononiwu , said he was glad that such a programme was given free to those who could not afford the cost, especially those at the grassroots. He said everything needed to perform the surgery had been provided by the Federal Government. According to him, he specialises on cliff lip and palate for patients who don’t have upper lips or those without roof over their mouths.

Panelists at the Save The Children press briefing in Lagos yesterday: L-R: Ms. Adetokunbo Diane Lawrence, Advocacy Officer, Dr. Opeyemi Odedere, MNCH Adviser, Save the Children International, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, Co- Chairman of the Lagos State Accountability Mechanism on Maternal and Newborn Health and Chairman of the Lagos Advocacy Working Group (LAWG) and Mr. Babatunde Folorunsho, Advocacy Adviser, Save the Children International

L-R: Brand Manager Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria Plc., George Umoh; The Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Laurat Elayo mni; Regional Sales Manager, Middlebelt, Unilever Nigeria Plc, David Ebah at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Ministry of Health and Unilever Nigeria Plc. for the promotion of good oral hygiene in Nigeria held at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja recently.

Intensify commitment to UHC —Save The Children tells Nigeria SAM EFERARO

he Save the Children International, a global charity organisation, yesterday called on Nigeria to join the global Health for All movement and intensify its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), by building universal, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services (RMNCAH) at the primary health care level. In a press release to mark the global UHC Day, the organization noted that there is a growing global consensus that UHC is a smart investment and an achievable goal everywhere as all countries are committed to UHC through their endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals (Target 3.8, under Goal 3).

The organization cited statistics showing that a large number of women and children are still dying from preventable causes, just as a majority of the people still lacks access to quality health. “In Nigeria, under-five mortality rate is 109 per 1,000 live births; newborn mortality- 34/1,000 (UNICEF State of the World’s Children, 2016), 62% of deliveries happen without the presence of a Skilled Birth Attendant; there are 2 skilled health workers for every 1,000 people (and NDHS, 2013); in 2014, instead of the recommended 15% recommended by the Abuja declaration 8% of the government’s budget was spent on health; out of pocket expenditure on health is high- 72% of total health expenditure.” The release quoted the Area Operations Manager

for Save the Children Nigeria in Lagos state, Mr. Roy Chikwem as urging the country to intensify efforts in improving the situation: “We need to do more to improve health care delivery for mothers and children in the country as the figures reflect high numbers of deaths among under-fives”. he said. “Save the Children is calling for increased national commitment and investment towards UHC, by building RMNCAH services at primary health care level as a first priority and prioritising access for the poorest and most marginalised and excluded groups. “Our call to governments, donors, development partners and all stakeholders is to: guarantee an essential package of RMNCAH services as the first priority for UHC; free at the point of use and accessible to all; estab-

FG, Unilever sign MOU to promote oral hygiene FRANKA OSAKWE

n furtherance of its efforts to ensure good dental care for all Nigerians, The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health and Unilever Nigeria Plc have signed a Memorandum of

Understanding to promote oral hygiene and education in Nigeria. The ceremony took place during the 6th edition of the National Oral Health Week held recently in Abuja. Speaking at the event, The Hon. Minister of Health Prof Isaac F. Adewole noted that oral health is an impor-

tant tool for achieving good general health. He said, “fewer than 20% of Nigerians have access to oral care services and most of these services focus on curative rather than preventive care which might represent more effective tool for meeting the oral care needs of the population”.

He further commended Unilever Nigeria plc for accepting to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health to promote the oral hygiene of 10 million Nigerian school children by providing educational materials and product facilities through the Pepsodent oral health schools’ programme.

lish time-bound equity targets for accelerated progress among the poorest and most marginalised and excluded people, so no one is left behind; increase public spending on healthcare to at least recommended minimum levels; improve quality and promote respectful and dignified care in health facilities; and fully implement the National Health Act. “Driven by a passion to see that no child dies from preventable causes, Save the Children has continued to collaborate with the Governments of Lagos, Gombe and Kaduna states Government on a number of interventions, including the Health Workers Capacity Building (HCB) project. HCB is a three year project, spanning from June 2015 to May 2018, focused on building the capacity of health workers in Lagos through several bouquet of trainings including Essential Newborn Care, Injections and Vaccines Management Training, Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), amongst others. “HCB is also committed to ensuring an enabling policy environment for the delivery of improved Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) services in Lagos,” the release further said.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Page

Stockbroker charts roadmap to Nigeria’s economic recovery

Multi-dimensional power sector crisis requires proactive policy measures —Oduntan 20

Technology transfer: NOTAP saves N188.2bn in 4 years Regina Otokpa, Abuja

he National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), has said it saved N188.2 billion in four years on its technology transfer programmes. The Director General of the Office, Dr Danazumi Ibrahim, made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja, while briefing journalists on the agency’s activities within the year. According to him, the money had been saved as a result of NOTAP’s intervention as a regulatory body in overseeing the identification, selection and transfer of foreign technologies into the country. He said: “We are spending a lot of money in terms of paying the license fees to our technical partners. If you see the quantum of money that leaves out of this country, any patriotic Nigerian will feel it. Between 2010 and 2014, we have saved this nation N188.2 bn that would have gone out of the county as capital flight. “How did we save this money; when an agreement comes to us, after evaluation we look at the terms and conditions of the agreement and if we see areas where we see Nigerians are capable of doing the job, we insist they must bring in Nigerians. Sometimes we pay pre registration visits to the companies and some of those companies does not exist, that would have been a source of capital flight out of this country”, Ibrahim added

The NOTAP boss, who noted that Nigeria’s economy was powered with over 90 per cent of local technologies, stressed the need to allow foreign technologies into the country, even as indigenous researchers gradually take over the technological sphere by developing relevant research that would translate into viable economic products and services. He however lamented the deplorable conditions of research institutes, laboratories and workshops in tertia-

ry institutions across the country. “Technologies are generated from universities, research establishments, colleges of education, polytechnics but if you look at the condition of our universities, the conditions of our polytechnics, the laboratory conditions or workshop conditions of our universities we may not be able to come out with technologies that will totally replace the imported technologies. “They have done their bits, some have been able to come out with re-

search and development efforts that have potentials to translate into products and services. if we have to rely on this, we will still be crawling as a nation. “We have to allow foreign technologies come into Nigeria but at the same time we have to prepare ourselves as a nation, we have to strategize to see that we have the inner capacity that should be able to capture most of these technologies so that gradually we reduce the rate of foreign technology consumptions,” Ibrahim added.

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air

L-R: Head of Savings, Janet Nnabuko; Regional Bank Head, Ikeja Region, Jude Monye; Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu and Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Richard Madiebo all of Fidelity Bank Plc at the 3rd Monthly Draw/ 1st Quarterly Draw of the Fidelity Bank Get Alert in Millions Savings Promo held at the Fidelity Head Office, Lagos recently.

Recession: Consumers sacrifice quantity for quality, cut spending David Audu

Union Bank opens new branches in Lagos

onsumers in Nigeria are being forced to prioritize their spending in line with the current economic realities, according to report from Kantar Millward Brown Nigeria. Presenting the report during the global research agency’s Brand Equity Award in Lagos on Tuesday, Group Account Director, Quantitative Research, Kantar Millward Brown, Mr. Amit Roy explained that one of the direct impact of the economic recession on household spending in Nigeria is that consumers, especially housewives, were no longer spending based on tastes and brand names but to meet basics needs. According to the report, house wives are no more paying too much attention to brand names, especially, seasonings, noting that most now use what they can afford. The decrease in household spend-

ing is also affecting purchase habits making them to sacrifice quantity for quality. “Taste has taken a back seat, the focal point is to have something to eat; consumers are less selective and do not mind the taste distortion. Consumers now go for the basics and what is required and not swayed by adverts or attractiveness of packaging”. He also said the increase in fuel price, for instance, has forced many households to cut down on the number of hours spent in watching television. “This has impacted TV viewership as they only get to watch TV between 7pm – 11pm when their generator is on. “The cutting down of fuel use and the attendant decrease in television viewing has directly impacted on the number of households exposed to advertisement and its attendant impact on advertising

budgets. We all know Fuel price has gone up and homes are cautious with their use of the generator, the stressed. The Kantar Millward Brown Equity Award saw Peak Milk, Hollandia Milk and Three Crown Milk tied to clinch the number one position in the diary category as best equity brands in Nigeria. So Klin won the fabrics care category and Coca Cola took the spot in the juice and soft drinks category. In the brand footprint award, Knorr was adjudged to be the number one brand with the biggest footprint in Nigeria, followed by Peak, Cowbell and Maggie in number two, three and four respectively. Explaining the brand footprint category of the award, the report said brands footprint has become a distinctive brand performance analytic tool as it trails real choice made by real people in real market across the world.

Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Multi-dimensional power sector crisis requires After three years of taking over the nation’s power sector by new investors, the electricity supply crisis is yet to abate despite policy measures to increase the sector’s output. In this interview with UDEME AKPAN, the Executive Director of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, who identifies liquidity, huge debt, vandalism and others as constraints to the growth of the sector, advocates new policy interventions to end the lingering crisis bedeviling the sector. At a recent Power Sectoral meeting in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, accused the DISCOS of blackmail, based on your recent advertisement on the N100 Billion MDA Debt. What is your response to this?

In response to a statement, in various dailies, credited to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, about the DisCos or their representative body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) seeking to blackmail the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is important that we first state that we truly commend and appreciate the efforts that the Honourable Minister has directed at moving the sector along, as well as his focus on getting the outstanding Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) debts paid. However, we take a different perspective on the statement credited to him, relative to the advertisements run by ANED constituting blackmail of the Federal Government. Our request for payment of a debt that approximates N93 billion from preprivatisation through June, 2016, is consistent with the responsibility of generating the funding that is required to operate our businesses and, in turn, pay our creditors. As a matter of fact, it would be irresponsible of us to demand payment from our nongovernment customers and hold the federal government to a different standard on its liabilities. Indeed, contrary to the terms and conditions of the DisCo’s Performance Agreement, MDA debt was removed from the DisCo’s Collection Losses, on the firm assurance by the government that it would meet its obligations, relative to electricity supply. Unfortunately, this has not been so. Of importance is that the constant vilification of the DisCos as being non-performing or not meeting their upstream obligations is directly tied to the liquidity constraints that they face. Non-payment of MDA debt (of which approximately N53 billion constitutes liabilities incurred since privatisation), no matter its relative size, is a contributor to the DisCo’s inability to meet both their performance and upstream debt obligations. Of even

more critical importance is that an interest rate of 10% + NIBOR is applied on this outstanding MDA debt by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET), a government agency, which the DisCos cannot pass on to the MDAs. Thus, worsening the DisCos’ financial situation. While we appreciate the recent efforts of the federal government, of reconciling the outstanding debt, we would suggest that it still does not remove the fact that these debts remain outstanding and have been so for an extended period. We would further suggest that ANED’s advertisements highlighting the outstanding MDA debts are no different from the recent publications by NBET, highlighting the payment levels by the DisCos and the outstanding debt owed to it, for power supply. As a matter of fact, payment of MDA debt would enable the DisCos partially meet their obligations to NBET. Finally, we believe that there is a need to focus on addressing the key issues of tariff cost reflectiveness, direct assistance to consumers, access to reasonable financing, regulatory certainty, electricity theft, etc., that will move the sector into liquidity and ensure that the DisCos are held accountable for the requirements of their performance agreements, rather than characterisations that are a distraction. What was the state of power supply in the nation when the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs took over the ownership and management of the companies about three years ago?

E-D Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Mr. Sunday Oduntan

It is important that we never forget that the privatisation of the PHCN successor companies was driven by a history of corruption, inefficiency and poor funding, spanning over several decades. This included a period of 1989 through 1999 in which there was no investment in one single power infrastructure. As a result, we took over assets that were not in very good condition. In light of this state of things, it was obvious that we needed to work very hard to stabilise our operations, in order to provide electricity to our consumers. We knew that a lot had to be done to meet up with the terms and conditions of the performance agreement that we signed with the government. However, our ability to address the requirements of this agreement was directly related to the implementation of a cost reflective tariff. Thus, the situation was worsened by the lack of cost reflective tariff at

The fact that we cannot run away from is that there is a cost of power production that is either paid by the consumers or the government, to

mitigate a rate shock on its citizens.

Given the

challenges of a nation in recession, we believe

that the government is best placed to address the issue of the current market revenue shortfalls

the onset. In other words, the product was not appropriately priced, thus making cost recovery a major challenge for the investors. Implementation of a semblance of a cost reflective tariff did not happen until February 2016, more than two years after take over. This culminated in huge revenue shortfall that also constrained us from providing important facilities, especially meters, transformers etc. It is also making it difficult for the Generation companies (GENCOS) to meet theirown financial obligations. In other words, the entire value chain has been adversely affected. What specific tasks or values were the DISCOs expected to add?

We were expected to meet certain expectations under the performance agreement that we signed with the government. For instance, the DISCOs were required to provide certain number of meters, improve customer service delivery, extend the distribution network, reduce power interruptions, etc. However, such improvement was conditioned on the availability of a cost reflective tariff regime. But the inability of the regulator to bring about appropriate pricing of electricity has affected the ability of the companies to meet these requirements. Are you saying that the inability of the companies to supply adequate meters is caused by the government?

Let me start by saying that there

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Executive Discourse

proactive policy measures â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Oduntan is no party more interested in comprehensive metering than the DisCos. Comprehensive metering of our consumers would, largely, enable certainty of revenue for the DisCos and provide certainty of consumption for the consumers. Having said this, the electricity business is not really different, fundamentally, in how the cost of doing business is addressed. If you want me to sell you a ball of akara for N1, it is given that the various elements of the cost of producing the ball of akara is included in my pricing of it. Now if you require me to deliver that ball of akara with agidi and you refuse to pay me the full price of the akara, how on earth, can I begin to provide you with the agidi? Even worse, how do I pay the farmer who supplied the beans? How does the farmer pay for the fertilizer that was used to grow the beans? Or how will the grinder of the beans be paid? Power business is one of the most regulated businesses in the economy. To the extent that we move away from the balance of cost recovery and consumer interests, which should underpin such regulation, all we will end up with is a politized tariff making process. In other words, our vision of supplying our consumers with 24/7 power will remain just that, a vision. The pricing which sends the signals to attract investment into the sector will not exist. And if there is no investment, the comprehensive metering, which was the basis of your question, will not come to pass. Any supply of meters must be paid for. Currently, the tariff assumptions for the cost associated with the capital investment that is tied to meeting the totality of performance requirements for the DisCos is woefully inadequate, not to talk of the requirements for metering. .

Getting stable power supply may continue to be a problem in Nigeria, as long as the country continues to grapple with a lack of commitment to ensuring that the enabling environment for investment in the sector exists.

the government, to mitigate a rate shock on its citizens. Given the challenges of a nation in recession, we believe that the government is best placed to address the issue of the current market revenue shortfalls. We have recently completed the Minor Review process, which typically addresses a change in tariff caused by factors of gas prices, inflation, foreign exchange and generation. Clearly, we all understand that all of these costs have increased significantly. Somehow, somewhere, someone has to pay for these increases. They are an increase in the cost of producing the power that our customers rightly deserve. So, all that we are saying is that by the end of December 2016, the total industry shortfall amounts to about N809 Billion Naira. Something needs to be done about this, on an emergency basis. What are the DISCOs doing to tackle the problems in the sector?

We have done a lot in the past three years to reduce ATC & C losses by an average of five per cent. We have provided a lot of meters to customers, however, not close to where we would like to be, given the preceding constraints that I describe.

What specific challenges are seriously affecting operations in the sector?

There are some challenges that need to be tackled by many stakeholders, especially the Federal Government, the DISCOs and gas suppliers. These include: lack of liquidity that hampers our operations. Another challenge is energy theft which culminates in leakages and losses. The vandalism of facilities that occur too often is also a serious problem that leads to huge deficit. No bank would lend you money unless your business is bankable. Let me re-state for emphasis that this liquidity crisis is a major threat to the power sector. The revenue shortfalls adversely affect the ability of the Discos to make capital investments in metering, network expansion, equipment rehabilitation and replacement that are critical for service delivery.

How far have the companies gone in promoting local content through increased patronage of indigenous meter manufacturers?

It is important that the DISCOs and others continue to boost local content in the sector. We have in the past three years done a lot to stimulate local content. For instance, the DISCOs have procured many meters from indigenous manufacturers. It is important for us to do so in order to conserve scarce foreign exchange, create job opportunities and build the capacities of local companies. We want them to succeed. Unfortunately, at the moment, our local manufacturers are also challenged by limited access to foreign exchange, high interest loans

and a limited capacity to provide vendor financing to the DisCos. What is the current level of indebtedness and what efforts have been made to collect such debts which governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MDAs owe the DISCOs?

Customers still owe the DISCOs in different parts of the nation. Total MDA indebtedness has amounted to approximatelyN100 billion. I must add here that the government is making efforts to pay this money. This government means well. The government has recently initiated the collection of relevant data to enable it validate the claims before settlement. We are optimistic that the outstanding will be settled while arrangement would be made to guarantee regular settlement or payment in future. It is therefore important to say here that we have a right to highlight the fact that these debts remain unpaid. This is not blackmail and I think that nobody should attempt to play politics with power supply. As for the residential customers, all over the country, the culture of non-payment is there because Nigerians pay less than 40 per cent of their monthly electricity bills. A survey of customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compliance with settling their electricity bills, which was conducted by the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), shows that power consumers across the country exhibit the same attitudinal pattern. How long will Nigerians have to wait for adequate and stable power supply in Nigeria?

The hope of getting improved power supply may remain a mirage in the short and medium term as the sector continues to battle liquidity gap that has been projected to be N809 billion by the end of 2016. Getting stable power supply may continue to be a problem in Nigeria, as long as the country continues to grapple with a lack of commitment to ensuring that the enabling environment for investment in the sector exists. The result of this lack of commitment is that the unemployment situation has worsened, because operators in the formal and informal sectors do not have light to work with. Productivity is poor in every sphere of the economy, because there is no regular supply of power. The Federal Government is challenged in its efforts to boost the economy, because power and other infrastructures are not in place. But what is your long term outlook or prediction?

Are the DISCOs canvassing for increase in tariff?

The issue is not simply whether we are canvassing for an increase in tariff. The fact that we cannot run away from is that there is a cost of power production that is either paid by the consumers or

We have improved ICT infrastructure, improved the billing system and set up call centres nationwide. These customer care centers, to date, have addressed over two million queries; Losses have been reduced through equipment maintenance and network rehabilitation. DisCos have, since privatization handover, embarked on a program of recruitment of technical personnel, training and capacity building, as well as improved health and safety performance

Mr. Sunday Oduntan

The sector would likely improve; especially in a long term once the liquidity problem and other challenges are addressed. All stakeholders in the value chain need enough funds for their operations. The developments in other sectors will continue to impact on the power sector. It should be emphasised that once the power sector records a major growth, via improved supply, there would be a spill-over effects of that growth on the entire economy.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Equities market up Abuja DisCo clarifies load Professional bodies 0.09%, as capitalisation merger of BOI, shedding in Niger, Kogi, oppose NBCI, others hits N9trn 26 23 24 others NCDMB, NAOC to develop Zabazaba deep water project UDEME AKPAN

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) have indicated interest to work together toward the speedy development of the Zabazaba and Etan deep water project in compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act. The two organisations reached the agreement recently at a review meeting on the project held at the Board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote and Managing Director of NAOC, Mr. Massimo Insulla was in attendance. The Executive Secretary assured that the Board will support the speedy execution of the Zabazaba and Etan project through timely review of contract tenders and execution of necessary approvals in view of the urgent need to increase the country’s crude oil production capacity and shore up revenue for the national economy. He however stressed that the project would utilize capacities and facilities that were developed on past projects and charged the promoters to exceed the Nigerian Content performance achieved on the Egina deep water project, including the partial integration and fabrication of the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform. The Managing Director of NAOC pledged the company’s commitment to develop the project in compliance with the Nigerian Content Act to create jobs for Nigerians and retain spend in the economy. He underscored the support and cooperation of NCDMB since the conception of the project, noting that a speedy development would benefit all stakeholders. According to him, the promoters of the deep water project were keen to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) and determined to make it profitable despite the sustained low price of crude oil. Insulla confirmed that the project would generate $8bn for the Federal Government adding that the company had been engaging local and international contractors in the past four months. The General Manager, Nigerian Content, NAOC, Mr. Barry Nwibani recalled that the company organised six workshops in August and September for local and international contractors for the purposes of informing them on the Ni-

gerian Content opportunities on different packages of the project. He explained that the workshops afforded contractors the opportunity to showcase their capacities and form alliances to enable them deliver on the project in compliance with the Nigerian Content Act. According to him, feedback from the workshops have confirmed that there were scopes of the project where local capacity exceeded the percentages prescribed in the Nigerian Content Act while there were also scopes where existing local capacity was short of the targets set in the Act. He canvassed that the areas of significant capacity limitations would require the Board’s review to enable it decide the Capacity Development Initiatives to be developed in place of the waivers. The General Manager, Projects and Operations Division, NCDMB, Engr. Paul Zuhumben charged NAOC to ensure that

NCDMB boss, Engr Simbi Wabote

ANED Director, Oduntan

the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors signs Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with local contractors to firm up the execution of work in-country.

NAOC is developing the Zabazaba and Etan deep water integrated project in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration Company (SNEPCO) on Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245.

Total Nigeria educates Hebron Height students at Lagos plant

otal Nigeria Plc took 33 students of the Hebron Heights College Ikorodu on a practical learning experience at its Lubricant Blending Plant facility in Apapa, Lagos. The exercise wasaimed at giving the students the necessary practical exposure required to align their academic learning with practical experience as well as serve as a career guide. The students, in company of their Vice Principal Mrs. Mechero and other teachers, on arrival at the plant underwent the mandatory head count and safety orientation procedure, they were

also kitted with the requisite Personal Protective gear. The Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Albert Mabuyaku, took the students on an interactive leadership session. The Plant Manager Mr. Obinna Nwaogu gave the students the theoretical processes of lubricant blending and overall operations of the plant. The students thereafter went on a guided tour of the entire plant facilitated by the Plant Engineer Mr. Ameh Osayande, Laboratory Analyst Mr. Anu Omotosho and Corporate Social responsibility Manager, Mrs. Chinwe If-

echigha. The students were taken through the processes of materials receipt, blending processes, laboratory analysis and quality assurance, loading gantry operations, lubricant blending, packaging, storage amongst other topics. Head Boy of the school, Isaac Ileyemi, in his appreciation speech thanked Total for granting them such a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand activities in a lubricant blending plant. The school’s Library Prefect Bomate En-Sogules also expressed satisfaction and promised to share his knowledge with other students.

DisCos lament operational losses on electricity supply

…put kilowatt hour supplied loss at N10 CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has said all 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) are not making any profit at the moment but are rather losing over N10 for every kilowatt hour electricity they supply to customers. Briefing journalists on the worrisome development in Abuja, ANED spokesman, Mr.Sunday Oduntan, painted a gloomy picture of the future of DisCos saying all of them are running at a loss and are struggling to recover their costs. “No DisCo has less than N10 per kilowatt hour losses in its operation. No single DisCo is

making profit as at today because we are only struggling to recover our cost,” he said. Citing reasons for the liquidity in the power sector which has risen to N809.6billion recently, Oduntan said the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2015 implemented in February benchmarked the foreign exchange rate of a US dollar at N197 to compute the prevailing the tariff. “The major part of the liquidity issue is that foreign exchange keeps fluctuating. As at December 2015, it was N197. By June 2016 it became N293 and now it is N360 at official rate. This is a difference of N163. “What that means is that the cost of Generation Companies (GenCos) producing energy has increased because they buy the gas in US

dollars. Even if we are paying the same amount that was agreed in December 2015, that amount is now giving a lesser percentage of payment,” Oduntan explained. He said the recent drop in energy payment published by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) was misleading as what the DisCos pay for monthly energy was unchanged last year but the value has been affected by Forex. “Although the cost that comes back to DisCos is higher, they are still expected to sell at the MYTO price because it has not been reviewed. Cost of energy has gone up but the tariff remains the same. We are not clamouring for a tariff rise but government needs to intervene because the shortfall in the sector has reached N809.8billion,” Oduntan said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Abuja DisCo clarifies load shedding in Niger, Kogi, others …distributes 65,000 meters

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

buja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has blamed the rising load shedding of electricity in its franchise area to the recent drop in electricity generation, saying that the quantum of energy allocated to it from the national grid fell far short of what it had been receiving some months ago. While urging its customers in Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states to discountenance insinuations that it was deliberately starving them of electricity, the Company’s management stressed that when there is limited power available to it, load shedding to its customers in the FCT and the three states becomes inevitable. It, therefore, appealed for the understanding of its customers over the recent developments, assuring that it had never failed to distribute the load allocated to it by the System Operator since November 2013 when the current Management took over the Company. The AEDC explained further that it had over time taken load in excess of its allocation in order to meet customers’ demand. “When there is extra load in the system, we have always taken it in order to ensure that

we meet the demands of our customers”, the AEDC management stressed. Reiterating its appeal to the customers, the Company assured that it would continue to optimise its load shedding to ensure that all its customers are given fair consideration in the distribution of energy allocated to it. AEDC said it will begin the installation of 65,000 meters in Niger and Kogi this

month starting with the latter to ensure precise and correct measurement and of electricity supplied and also put a stop the estimated billing system which has caused a lot of disagreement between the company and its customers. In a statement by its spokesman, Ahmed Shekarau, it said while the installation of 5,000 meters for its customers in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, will start this month, it would begin installing 60,000 meters for customers in Niger State by the end of January, 2017.

Students of Hebron Heights College Ikorodu at the Laboratory during their tour visit to Lubricant Blending Plant, Apapa, Lagos

Global oil rig counts rises to 925 on improved investments UDEME AKPAN

perators in the oil and gas industry have started to invest more in exploration following increased stability in the market. Baker Hughes Incorporated that confirmed the development in its November report noted that the international rig count for November 2016 was 925, up 5 from the 920 counted in October 2016, and down 184 from the 1,109 counted in November 2015. It indicated that the international offshore rig count for November 2016 was 211, up 11 from the 200 counted in October 2016, and down 48 from the 259 counted in November 2015. According to the organization, the average U.S. rig count for November 2016 was 580, up 36 from the 544 counted in October 2016, and down 180 from the 760 counted in November 2015. It disclosed that the average Canadian rig count for November 2016 was 173, up 17 from the 156 counted in October 2016, and down 5 from the 178 counted in November 2015. The organization indicated that the worldwide rig count for November 2016 was 1,678, up 58 from the 1,620 counted in October 2016, and down 369 from the 2,047

counted in November 2015. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets. The company has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of the U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and

systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. There are indications that oil prices will continue to rise, thereby encouraging new investments in the industry. The Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, said that the past two months have shown is that there is a growing consensus among producers that the market recovery process has taken far too long, with severe consequences for both producer and consumer countries.

PTDF targets tuition-free regime for scholars CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has said it is exploring the possibility of collaborations with top universities around the world in order to secure tuition free regime for it scholars. The idea is against the backdrop of a successful institution of educational partnership and collaboration agreements with universities in Brazil, France and Germany, leading to a tuition free regime.

The Head, Press and External Relations of the Fund, Kalu Otisi, in a statement issued on the visit indicated that plans were underway for also expanding the scope to include partnership in realising in-country training of PTDF scholars. The Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund(PTDF), Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau led a team of PTDF Management to a consultative meeting with officials of the Cranfield University, United Kingdom, an exclusively postgraduate university for Masters and Doctoral students.

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

53.21

+0.38

+0.72%

1:11 PM

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

55.93

+0.24

+0.43%

1:11 PM

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

39,230.00

+130.00

+0.33%

1:09 PM

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

3.51

+0.00

+0.11%

1:11 PM

Source: Bloomberg as at December 14, 2016

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund has in the last decade sponsored not less than 200 students to Cranfield University under its Overseas Scholars Scheme. But with the current challenges across the global oil and gas industry especially with low pricing which has drastically affected the funding capacity of institutions such as PTDF, there is a need to explore other forms of partnership considerations in order to continue with the educational partnership in a more cost effective manner. The Executive Secretary was received by Professor Feargal Brennan, Director of Energy and Power, Cranfield University, acclaimed as one of the World’s top institutions for offshore energy engineering post-graduate study. He expressed the keenness of the university to work with PTDF in developing local content for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry especially with regard to the localisation of the training of Nigerian students through an equal partnership concept with the Cranfield University.

Business News

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Professional bodies oppose merger of BOI, NBCI, others ...tasks states on payment of salary, pension MARCUS FATUNMOLE Abuja

ssociation of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, has opposed moves by the National Assembly to pass a bill proposing the merger of Bank of Industry (BOI), National Bank of Commerce and Industry (NBCI) and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) to form the proposed National Development Bank of Nigeria (NDBN). The group also appealed to states and local governments across the country to find sustainable ways of paying their workers and pensioners whom they owe backlog of salaries and pension. APBN also called on the Federal Government to ensure 2017 budget address insecurity, job creation, infrastructure, stem down inflation, interest and exchange rate. The professional body made

the calls at a briefing to mark the end of its Board Meeting in Abuja. Speaking through its President, Dr Omede Idris, the group called on the National Assembly to withhold the merger plan of BOI with other banks, stressing that “the moribund NBCI and NERfund could be liquidated,” rather than merging them with the highly performing BOI. It stated: “By the track records of the activities of BOI, merging it will be a disservice to the bank and the nation. BOI should continue to function as separate entity, based on its impressive performance over the years. However, it should be recapitalized, to continue to play its statutory roles. The group noted that “not much has been achieved” with this year’s budget, and that “Nigerians expect that the 2017 budget, will not suffer the same setback of that of 2016.The lesson of the 2016 budget should be

a positive reminder to all concerned to do due diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities for continuous confidence building in the system. We expect the 2017 budget to be realistic and to address security of lives, properties and food, job creation, infrastructure, stem down inflation, interest and exchange rate.” Among others, the group called for inclusion of tertiary health institutions as beneficiaries of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, in the

proposed amendment of the TETFUND Act. The body also objected to the Communication Service Tax Bill (CST) now before the National Assembly which “seeks to impose charge and collect CST on electronic communication services payable by users of electronic communication services at 9%. The proposed tax focuses on the provider. “There is no doubt however, that the customer will eventually bear the pains. Any additional tax on Nigerians under any

guise now will inflict more pains on the people. APBN, strongly believe in business, however, the telecommunication services that are of necessity rather than luxury, should not be subjected to such hike in tax. “The consequences of this tax include burden on the customers, negation of the planned attainment of at least 30% broadband penetration by 2018 as well as undermine the socio economic progress associated with increase connectivity,” the APBN added.

Union Bank opens new branches in Lagos LEONARD OKACHIE

nion Bank has launched three ultra-modern branches in Lagos State. The newly upgraded branches, equipped with the state-ofthe-art banking facilities, are located at Old Ojo Road, Amuwo Odofin, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island and Warehouse Road, Apapa. Addressing guests at the event, Joe Mbulu, Transformation Director, Union Bank, explained that the current rejuvenation of the branches were intended to enhance banking experience, and also provide effective solutions that meet the demands of the customers. He said: “Our objective as a bank is to be customer-focused, and we are intensively expanding the capabilities of our sys-

tem to ensure we meet and exceed customers’ expectations. We are improving our physical infrastructure, but we have also gone beyond that. Our promise to build a simpler, smarter bank means to cater for our customers through convenient, secure and fast banking platforms like the mobile and online banking systems which ensures customer spend less time banking and more time living”. Commenting on the launch of the new branches, Carlos Wanderley, Head, Retail Banking, Union Bank, explained that the bank had the most reliable banking cards in the country, adding the achievement is intensified through banking infrastructure that commensurate with our objective of providing excellent banking experiences for our customers.”

L-R: Director, SecureID Limited, Mr. AdeyinkaAdeyemi; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Managing Director/CEO, SecureID Limited, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe; the company’s Chairman, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and other company Directors of SecureID Limited, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe, CFR; Mr. Ali Joda and Mr. Kunle Akinkugbe, during the commissioning of SecureID’s SIM card manufacturing plant in Lagos last Friday.

…as Enelamah lauds bank’s interventions, assures support TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechuckwu Enelamah, at the weekend commended the Bank of Industry, BoI, for its sundry funding interventions in the nation’s real sector and urged all stakeholders to continue to support the bank in its efforts towards rapid industrialisation of the country. The Minister gave the com-

SON tasks technical partner on quality imports ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

igeria’s economic and industrial growth depends on the standard and quality of products in circulation either locally made or imported. Again, it is critical to ensure that imported products meet high quality benchmarks which would in turn stop the dumping of sub-standard imports in Nigeria. These were the submissions of the Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Mr. Os-

ita Aboloma when the agency enters a renewed partnership agreement with SGF, an Independent Accredited Firm (IAF) in Lagos recently. He said the pact would build technical capacities in a bid to ensure that only goods that meet minimum requirements of the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) are traded in Nigerian markets. According to him, IAFs are very critical to achieve the agency’s zero tolerance for substandard goods in the country. The firm, SGF, donated chemical testing machines to SON,

even as Aboloma commended the IAF’s support to the agency in its fight to achieve its mandate of combating influx of fake and substandard products in Nigeria. He declared that the SGF has set the ball rolling, pointing out that standards body hopefully, would be looking forward to receiving more of such technical assistance from other IAFs and development partners, stressing that IAFs remained critical in its mandate of products registration, accreditation and certification.

mendations on the bank during the launching of the SecureID Limited’s multi-billion naira SIM card manufacturing plant on Friday in Lagos. While recalling the various funding interventions of the BoI, especially at the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, sub-sector over the years, Enelamah noted that the DFI had demonstrated a clear sense of purpose in the pursuit of its mandate and therefore should be given more support in its sustained funding interventions in the manufacturing sector. According to him, the bank’s funding interventions are not only impacting positively on the installed capacities of many enterprises in the manufacturing industry but have also improved significantly their job creation with several thousands of Nigerians being employed by them. The minister said: “Let me say that as a government, we are ready to partner the private sector in the area of diversification, in the area of job creation,

in the area of what you may call industrialisation. “In the area of financing, I want to acknowledge the Acting CEO of the Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju, who is also here because the bank has been in support of SecureID and many other players. He knows he has our full support as a bank to actually assist in the industrialisation of the country because financing is a major component of that. “I can assure you that we are going to be backing BoI and the new Development Bank of Nigeria that is coming up and many others to have more and more of the resources they need to support players like Secure ID”, Enelamah added. He also commended the Board and management of the company for the investment in the technology which, he noted, would impact on current drives by the government to create jobs, promote backward integration and improve the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Business News

Stockbroker charts roadmap to Nigeria’s economic recovery Tola Akinmutimi

financial journalist and chartered stockbroker, Mr Sola Oni, has identified some measures that individuals and corporate entities should adopt to hedge against the ongoing economic recession and its dire consequences on the nation’s economy and the citizenry. As part of the measures required to reverse the recessionary trend of the economy, Oni, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Sofunix Investment and Communications Limited, urged the Federal Government to accord priority to investment in infrastructure as a potent way to create enabling environment that would enhance

economic activities in order to ensure a steady path towards economic recovery. Addressing the end of the year forum of alumni association of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Lagos Chapter last weekend, Oni, who spoke on the topic‘Survival Strategy in a Depressed Economy’ explained that every individual must manage cash flow, operate an emergency fund, create multiple income stream and place premium on needs as against want among others to block wattages in a recessionary period. This is even as he harped on the importance of saving as a major tool for investment and urged the members to cultivate savings

habit no matter how small in order to create a pool of investible capital. On the corporate organizations, he enjoined them to review their products and services in line with the needs of their customers. On the businesses that thrive in recession, he identified “hospitality, rental agencies and property management, healthcare, auto repairs, financial advisory services, bulk food sales and digital marketing, amongst the major ones. “Innovation and good customer care is the game. Customers’

purchasing power has been weakened by inflation and they are scouting for affordable products and services in a recession. Only businesses that are adding values can survive “, he said Oni explained that economic recession in Nigeria became glaring with consistent negative growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) He identified Australia, China, Indian, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, Japan, Qatar, New Zealand and Malaysia as among the countries that had come out of financial crisis in solid shape and continued to wax stronger. He pointed out that these

countries pay attention to debt management, grow assets significantly through deliberate and consistent policy of investment in infrastructure, operate surplus budget and maintain favourable terms of trade. “These factors among others efficiently positioned their economies on robust foundation that can withstand any financial shock. Also, at every level of the challenge, the governments of these counties were sending messages of hope to the governed. This reinforces the essence of communication strategy in managing recession”, Oni said

Data availability key to mobile innovaIsaiah Erhiawarien

takeholders in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria have said that the abundance of data remained crucial to mobile innovation and investment to thrive in the country. Speaking at the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue with the theme: ‘”rowing the Nigerian Economy through Mobile Innovation and Investment”, the stakeholders pointed out that the country needed adequate data availability for the economy to grow. Delivering a keynote address at the event, Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said that the growth of the growth of the Nigerian economy through mobile innovation and investment requires a concerted efforts of both the private and public sector saying that a private/public partnership is the most effective way to successfully sustain innovation and investment growth in the telecoms industry. The minister disclosed that since government was mindful of the role of data in mobile innovation and investment, it decided to suspend the proposed data tax adding that “the operators will maintain the status until the conclusion of the study to determine retail prices for the broadband and data services in Nigeria is achieved with the relevant stakeholders and the National Assembly.” Shittu noted that the decision to have a price floor was primarily to promote a level playing field for all operators in the industry, encourage small operators and new entrants adding that it was meant to check anti-competitive practices by dominant operators. Chairman of the Smart City Innovation Hub, Mr. Demola Aladekomo while giving an insight into the project said that data is a key driver of the project, saying that upon completion in the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos, the hub will achieve the concept of work, live and play within the same environment. Aladekomo disclosed that the Zinox Group had already acquired a

land in the city, saying that the hub is an A-grade technology development infrastructure which will prime the local technology industry for global competitiveness, galvanizing it from crass consumerism towards innovation and world class manufacturing standards. He explained further that upon completion, the project had the potential to create about 50,000 direct employments in its first five years noting that the SmartCity Innovation Hub will engender economic diversification and will move Nigeria towards a knowledge-based economy birthing a prosperous, productive and innovative nation. Executive Director, Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD, organisers of the event, Dr. Bayero Agabi, disclosed in his welcome address that despite the economic recession, the mobile ecosystem is growing consistently giving hope and platform for entrepreneurs young or old male and female opportunity to create and innovate new services and products. He said that the event was put together because mobile technology plays a central role in addressing a range of socio-economic developmental challenges across Nigeria, particularly digital and financial inclusion.

L-R: Executive Director, Commercial, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) Mr. Abu Ejoor, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Gbolade Victor Osibodu, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Funke Osibodu during the courtesy visit by the Board and Management of BEDC to the Governor in Benin last Wednesday.

ABCON to engender investors’ confidence in forex market Udo Onyeka

ssociation of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has said that it is committed to deepening professionalism among bureaux de change operators in order to engender foreign investors’ confidence in the Nigerian foreign exchange market. Speaking at the South West zonal meeting of the association recently, ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said that BDC operators should distinct themselves from

parallel market operators by rendering efficient services and complying with all regulatory requirements. He said that while most of the pressure on the naira is due to problems of liquidity and confidence especially on the part of foreign investors, he averred that professionalism on the part of BDCs will help engender foreign investors’ confidence in the nation’s foreign exchange market. He said: “ABCON is committed to boosting foreign investors’ confidence in the Nigerian market, as this

Indomie treats 100,000 kids to fun-filled year end party Saidat Alausa

ufil Prima Foods Plc, the makers of, Indomie instant noodles, has once again displayed its affection for the Nigerian child and kids of the Indomie Fan Club (IFC), by organizing a fun- filled end of year party for thousands of kids from across the country in Lagos The event, which was laced with fun and excitement, gave the kids an opportunity to interact and also participate in different activities such as choreography, dance competitions, and a visit to the Santa Claus grotto amongst many other things. Speaking at the Apapa Amusement Park, Lagos venue of the event, the Brand Manager, Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav

said that“with the festive season at hand, we quite understand that not all parents would have the time or financial resource to give their kids an experience such as this. “Therefore, as a socially responsible company, we have taken it as a duty to continuously promote activities such as this which no doubt has a huge impact on the emotional, health and psychological wellbeing of the child who happen to also be loyal consumers of the brand”, Yadav added. The company’s Group Public Relations and Event Manager, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, explained that Indomie had since inception placed the Nigerian child in high esteem, as it sees each child as a hero, and therefore seeks to continuously motivate

and mould them in the path of greatness. “This annual end of the year party for members of the Indomie Fan Club (IFC) is one event we hold dear as a brand, and have become accustomed to, as it affords us the opportunity to interact, celebrate and entertain these kids who have remained loyal consumers and ambassadors of the brand in their own unique way” he said. Ashiwaju explained further that “over the years, we have realized that due to the huge number of IFC members we have, gathering every one of them in one location has become a tedious exercise, and so we have decentralized our locations. What we are therefore witnessing here today is happening simultaneously in Abuja, Benin, Ibadan, and several other locations within Lagos.”

will help attract the much needed liquidity into the market and reduce pressure on the naira exchange rate. “You have to distinct yourselves from parallel market. We are the ones licensed to operate the business but we must prove this by distinguishing ourselves through the way we serve our customers. “You know that before now, there were criticisms of BDCs but now we are the new bride of the regulators. To ensure that we sustain the renewed regulatory interest and confidence in BDCs, we have to ensure we comply with the necessary requirement and demonstrate professionalism in the way we do our business. I can tell you that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is even willing to expand our scope of business but this is conditioned to our willingness to increase our level of professionalism”, Gwadabe added. He advised operators not to limit their services to foreign exchange needs for Personal Travel Allowance (PTA). On the challenges experienced by BDCs in verifying Biometric Verification Numbers (BVNs) and the International Passports of prospective customers, Gwadabe assured the gathering that the association had commenced discussions with the management of Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) about providing a dedicated channel for BDCs to very BVNs and International Passports.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Equities market up 0.09%, as capitalisation hits N9trn

fter the one-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government on Monday, the Nigerian equities market closed yesterday on a positive note, as the NSE All Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.98 per cent to close at 26,071.16 basis points. This compared with the 0.31 per cent appreciation recorded last Friday, thereby pushing the market’s year-to-date returns at -8.98 per cent. The market capitalisation also rose by N87.2 billion to

peak at N9.0 trillion. Seplat Plc, a leading oil marketing firm, led 23 gainers against 14 losers topped by AVONCROWN at the end of trading session yesterday, showing an improved performance when compared with previous weeks’ outlook. Market turnover also closed on an impressive note as volume increased by 247.11 per cent against 34.62 per cent decline recorded in the previous session. While Wema Bank Plc,

First City Monument Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc remained the most active companies at the end of the trading session, Mobil Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc topped market value list. First City Monument Bank Plc led the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume rise at the end of the day session. Performance across sectors remained mixed yesterday with Oil & Gas index surging by 6.3 per cent as investors jostled

for SEPLAT and Forte Oil Plc stocks, while the Industrial Goods index gained 0.9 per cent. The Banking index also rose by 0.7 per cent while the Insurance index dropped 0.7 per cent as losses in MansardGainers Inand Losers Start Date 12/12/2016 through End Date 13/12/2016 surance Plc and Wapic Print Date 13/12/2016 Insurance Plc impacted negatively on the secMarket indicators tor’s performance. Gainers The and Losers Gainers for Equities Start Date 12/12/2016 through End Date 13/12/2016 All-Share Index 26,071.16 points Consumer Goods index 2016-12-09 2016-12-13 Print Date 13/12/2016 S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) also recorded two basis Market capitalisation 8.97trn 1 SEPLAT 340.00 374.85 points dip on account of 2 FO 106.23 117.11 3 CHAMPION 2.38 2.61 declines in 7UP Plc.

Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers emerges best dealer on NSE

or maintaining an outstanding performance in the 2016 trading year, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited (SISL), has received the award of 2016 Best Dealing Member Firm on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The award is an annual capital market award, in three sub-categories, that recognizes excellence and exceptional performance by market operators in a given year. Promoters of the awards seek to reward outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian capital market and the Exchange. A statement from the brokerage firm said SISL was commended for a high performance culture that has enabled it retain its position as

Nigeria’s largest stockbroking firm in terms of transaction value. It said that the company clinched the coveted award for the fourth time. During the period under review, the company retained its position as the largest stockbroking firm in Nigeria in terms of transaction value executed on the floor of the Exchange, a position it has consistently held for a decade. Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, speaking on the award, said the award reflects the company’s consistent performance over the years, a feat made possible from a robust strategy to set clear values, objectives and processes to ensure that investors derive optimal value from their investments.

The company, she said, will continue to leverage on the stellar reputation and expertise of the Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs, to provide robust services in the capital market. “We are absolutely delighted to be recognized for our contributions towards the development of the Nigerian capital market. The award reflects our strong commitment to a culture of high performance, excellence, and consistently delivering relevant, innovative and timely solutions to our ever-growing local and foreign clientele. Our business will always be value-driven,” Ogungbesan said. She said Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited remains steadfast in collaborating with the Exchange and other stakeholders to nurture

DANGFLOUR

OANDO

S/N6 17 28 39 410 511 612 13 7 14 8 15 9 16 10 17 11 18 12 19 13 20 14 21 15 22 1623 17

TOTAL Symbol NEIMETH SEPLAT

HONYFLOUR FO TRANSCORP CHAMPION LIVESTOCK DANGFLOUR NEM OANDO AIICO TOTAL FCMB NEIMETH MAYBAKER HONYFLOUR CUSTODYINS TRANSCORP ACCESS LIVESTOCK GUARANTY NEM UCAP AIICO UNITYBNK FCMB ETI MAYBAKER DANGCEM CUSTODYINS WAPCO ACCESS NB GUARANTY

long earnings recession. “The macro and fundamental background are favorable for stocks, and we expect equities to trend higher as we head into 2017,” said Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. “Investors are encouraged by expectations that Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress will enact pro-growth policies and we’re seeing modest inflation creep in, while housing remains stable and wages continue to firm.” Market participants are also keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve’s twoday meeting, starting today, where the central bank is widely expected to lift inter-

Gain(N)

2016-12-094.16 2016-12-134.44 276.05 Closing Price(N) 289.85 Closing Price(N) 0.60 0.63 340.00 374.85 1.06 1.11 106.23 117.11 0.85 0.89 2.38 2.61 0.78 0.81 3.80 4.09 0.78 0.81 4.16 4.44 0.57 0.59 276.05 289.85 1.03 1.06 0.60 0.63 0.88 0.90 1.06 1.11 3.70 3.78 0.85 0.89 5.39 5.50 0.78 0.81 23.34 23.80 0.78 0.81 2.60 2.65 0.57 0.59 0.53 0.54 1.03 1.06 9.94 10.12 0.88 0.90 160.00 162.00 3.70 3.78 38.82 39.00 5.39 5.50 145.00 145.01 23.34 23.80

% Change

34.85

10.25

10.88

10.24

0.23

9.66

0.29

7.63

3.80for Equities 4.09 Gainers

0.28

6.73

13.80 Gain(N) 0.03 34.85 0.05 10.88 0.04 0.23 0.03 0.29 0.03 0.28 0.02 13.80 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.05 0.08 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.46 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.18 0.02 2.00 0.08 0.18 0.11 0.01 0.46

5.00 % Change 5.00 10.25 4.72 10.24 4.71 9.66 3.85 7.63 3.85 6.73 3.51 5.00 2.91 5.00 2.27 4.72 2.16 4.71 2.04 3.85 1.97 3.85 1.92 3.51 1.89 2.91 1.81 2.27 1.25 2.16 0.46 2.04 0.01 1.97

the Nigerian capital market into a world-class hub, a mission made particularly imperative by recent market volatility caused by the impact of plummeting global oil prices on Nigeria’s economy. The listing on the Ex18 UCAP 2.60 2.65 0.05 1.92 change of the Stanbic IBTC 19 UNITYBNK 0.53 for Equities0.54 0.01 1.89 Losers ETF 30, an index built on 20 ETI 9.94 10.12 0.18 1.81 2016-12-09 2016-12-13 21 160.00 Closing Price(N) 162.00 2.00 1.25 Closing Price(N) S/N DANGCEM Symbol Loss(N) % Change the NSE 30 Index, and the 221 WAPCO 38.82 39.00 0.18 0.46 AVONCROWN 1.20 1.14 -0.06 -5.00 launching of the Stanbic 232 NB 145.00 145.01 0.01 0.01 PORTPAINT 2.29 2.18 -0.11 -4.80 3 UBN 4.47 4.26 -0.21 -4.70 IBTC E-Trade, an online 4 MANSARD 1.71 1.63 -0.08 -4.68 stockbroking platform that 5 FIDSON 1.39 -0.06 -4.32 Losers for Equities 1.33 6 FIDELITYBK -0.03 -3.49 allows investors view real2016-12-090.86 2016-12-130.83 GUINNESS 77.90 Closing Price(N) 75.60 -2.30 % Change -2.95 S/N7 Symbol Closing Price(N) Loss(N) time market information WAPIC 0.51 0.50 -0.01 -1.96 1 8 AVONCROWN 1.20 1.14 -0.06 -5.00 WEMABANK 0.53 0.52 -0.01 -1.89 and buy or sell shares on the 2 9 PORTPAINT 2.29 2.18 -0.11 -4.80 10 UBN MOBIL 305.00 300.00 -5.00 -1.64 3 4.47 4.26 -0.21 -4.70 Nigerian Stock Exchange ZENITHBANK 14.50 14.34 -0.16 -1.10 411 MANSARD 1.71 1.63 -0.08 -4.68 from anywhere in the world 5 FIDSON 1.39 1.33 -0.06 -4.32 6 FIDELITYBK 0.86 0.83 -0.03 -3.49 are clear expressions of the Page 1 of Published by The Stock Exchange © 7 Nigerian GUINNESS 77.90 AS AT DECEMBER 75.60 13, 2016 -2.30 -2.95 OTC FX FUTURES OPEN CONTRACTS (4:30PM) Stanbic IBTC Group’s focus 8 WAPIC 0.51 0.50 -0.01 -1.96 Tenor on building a strong and vi9 Contract WEMABANK 0.53 Settlement 0.52 Value of Open -0.01 Current Rate -1.89 Contract (Month) Date ($/₦) 10 MOBIL 305.00 300.00 Contracts ($’mm) -5.00 -1.64 477.45 brant stock market, Ogung1 NGUS DEC 21 2016 21-Dec-2016 300.00 11 ZENITHBANK 14.50 14.34 -1.10 168.14-0.16 2 NGUS JAN 25 2017 25-Jan-2017 296.00 besan said. 187.41 3 NGUS FEB 22 2017 22-Feb-2017 292.00

20-Sep-2017

212.63 801.72 160.08 518.59 480.31 274.81 302.22

NGUS OCT 25 2017

25-Oct-2017

157.17

NGUS NOV 29 2017

29-Nov-2017

122.56

NGUS MAR 22 2017

5 Exchange NGUS Published by The Nigerian Stock © APR 26 2017 6 NGUS MAY 24 2017 7 NGUS JUN 21 2017 8 NGUS JUL 19 2017 9 NGUS AUG 16 2017 10 NGUS SEP 20 2017

Wall St. extends record rally, Dow closes in on 20,000 .S. stocks reached alltime highs on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones industrial average less than 100 points away from the 20,000 mark, as a recordsetting post-election rally showed no signs of fatigue. All the three major indexes hit record highs shortly after the open. The Dow has risen about 8.6 percent since Nov.8, with President-elect Donald Trump’s expected agenda of economic stimulus and reduced taxes and regulations fueling the rally. The sharp run has also been supported by positive economic data, including a strong labor market, and S&P 500 companies’ results, which in the third quarter were poised to snap a year-

Source: NSE

est rates for the second time able unless earnings continue to grow,” said Sandven. since the financial crisis. A hike of 25 basis points in (Source- Reuters.com) the Fed’s target range of 0.250.50 percent is priced in, but Rate (%) investors will be examining Inflation 17.61 the Fed’s statement and eco14 nomic forecasts for signs of MPR the central bank’s thinking on Crude oil price $52.83 how Trump’s election has affected the outlook for growth Exchange Rates (N) and inflation. 415.6644 Still, there are some con- WAUA 305 cerns over valuations. The USD S&P 500 is trading near 17.7 EURO 327.5395 times forward 12-month earnCFA 0.4868 ings, above the 10-year median 2.6754 of 14.7 times, according to YEN StarMine data. SWISS 302.3394 “Valuations are elevated FRANC at the moment and we know POUNDS 388.814 that the pace that equities are STERLING advancing at won’t be sustain- SDR 414.129

22-Mar-2017 26-Apr-2017 24-May-2017 21-Jun-2017 19-Jul-2017 16-Aug-2017

288.00

Page 284.00

3863.09

Total

280.00 276.00 272.00 269.00 266.00 260.00 262.00

Termination of Trading Trading shall cease at 2:00PM eight (8) calendar days before the expiry date of each respective Contract. i.e. the Tuesday preceding the week the contract expires.

NITTY Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

10.6763

-0.76

15.9887

-0.85

16.2782

-0.86

NITTY as @ December 9, 2016

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

3.7917

15.344

18.3298

21.2313

NIBOR as @ December 9, 2016NIBOR FAQs

1 of

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

LACIFF comes to Oguta, Imo State

National Art Competition 2016 highlights IDPs 28

Disc jockeys and Nigeria’s ‘Change Agenda’ Disc Jockeys are an important facet in entertainment and their auspicious role in society can never be overemphasized but how have they been able to effect positive change in the country? REGINA OTOKPA

usicians play a big role in influencing change in society by the messages they pass across through their music either positively or negatively, but the disc jockeys wield a much bigger influence on society. No matter how good the music, no matter how relevant the message, whether your song gets played or not falls on the Dee jays who decides which song graces his wheel of steel either at parties, clubs, formal or non-formal events. However, quite a number of DJ’s at various listening parties organized by musicians have always argued that they could only play high tempo songs on the basis that Nigerians do not appreciate or dance to slow music. Armed with this revelation, every musician at the studio wants to produce a fast song that would capture the attention and hearts of the society, relegating the importance of passing out positive messages. The country is going through a difficult phase, we do not need these meaningless songs without moral values, what we need are quality songs with high moral content to propagate the ideals of good governance, peace, love and unity among the people. With the age long silent war between disc jockeys and musicians, especially in Abuja, only recently, an anti-corruption group under the auspices, New Nigeria Agenda made a call on the DJ association of FCT, in an attempt to harmonize relationship between both groups.

Nigeria’s Jimmy Jatt According to the coordinator cum musician, Phil Roberts, artistes and DJs barely flow together due to one reason or the other, which has given rise to the belief that the dearth of Abuja artistes on the national music map was as a result of the lack of support they get from their counterparts, the DJs. He had stressed that there was so much work to do within the Abuja entertainment scene in terms of promotion, production of quality, moral content but the first and most important step was bridging the gap between musicians and the DJ’s in ensuring the music of artistes, especially the upcoming ones, go viral. “If the artistes are in consonance with the DJ, they won’t have to be traveling to Lagos. Relationship building is very important and any artiste who has not met with the DJ association is not ready to do music.” Placing the onus on the DJ’s to cleanse the society and redefine the orientation of artistes, Roberts charged them to overlook financial benefits but only promote good music. “If the DJ’s association can decide to only support the right kind of artistes not because they have been paid, you will be shocked at the outcome. People will begin to do songs that will promote Nigeria, people will begin to shoot videos without nudity because right now, they are only writing songs that the DJs can play. “We have youths that have

World’s youngest DJ, Arch Jnr

done songs that talked about saying no to corruption, why tribalism is bad but the DJ’s don’t play these songs. They will tell you that these are not the kind of songs Nigerians dance to, Nigerians dance to high tempo songs so if you don’t do a song that suits what the DJ’s are playing they will not play it. They need to start playing the kind of music that will pass out the right messages, encourage Nigerians to eschew and say no to corruption.” In his opinion, the national publicity secretary new Nigeria agenda, Tony Ayodele, noted the need for artistes and the DJ’s to work synonymously in propagating the Nigerian cultural music. Citing examples of the impact legendary singers like Onyeka Onwenu and Sunny Okosun had on society years back with their songs, he maintained that the group would support any artiste with passion to produce songs targeting unity, good governance and love for country regardless of its diversity. The president Actors Guild of Nigeria Abuja Chapter, Agility Onwurah, also emphasized the important role DJ’s play in placing society on the right track “If you look at what has been happening, politicians come and

mess up the country but it still takes us the actors, musicians and DJ’s to clean it up. The DJ’s are the ones that play the music and their message goes a long way in helping to reposition this country.” Contrary to what most people think, DJ’s do recognize their importance in shaping society, unfortunately lack of sufficient funds and disregard of the profession by members of society are few of the reasons behind the attitude we see some of them portray. Accepted, we could blame them, call them corrupt for playing songs without content once they are paid for, but who isn’t? Like everyone out there, they have a life to live, a family to cater for, needs to sort out. Just like Phil Roberts noted, major artistes who capitalize on established fame to capture all shows to themselves rather than support upcoming artistes for fear of getting thrown out of business, all fall under the wings of corruption. There is no justification for any corrupt practice within or outside the entertainment industry but giving the necessary support to sectors starved of funds to carry out their activities would be a stepping stone to rejuvenating lost ethics in the

We have youths that have done songs that talked about saying no to corruption, why tribalism is bad but the

DJ’s don’t play these songs

industry and society at large. Defending his association and members, the president DJ association FCT, Tade Adeyemi a.k.a Dj Kaool, had maintained that DJ’s regardless their poor remuneration in the entertainment sphere, were not bad people. According to him, just like every other profession or vocation, the work of a DJ also entails both a positive and negative side to the job only that in this part of the world, people tend to rush to judgment. “Every job has its good and bad aspect, in Nigeria we sometimes rush to judgment. We want to project the image of DJ’s that they are not bad people. We want to make sure that DJ’s are well paid and respected in the society.” Once, the association had a platform from whence artistes within and outside Abuja were supported massively, but for the last two years, they have struggled with the crippling effect of insufficient funds, sidelining their various promotional activities. All hope however is not lost, as all hands are on deck in ensuring that soonest, a radio programme aimed at promoting Abuja artistes and protecting the interest of DJ’s, would hit the airwaves with a big bang. Who knows, they might also reconsider the songs they play to further promote good governance, peace, love, unity and above all, encourage good content.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

FAR AND NEAR

Adediran’s play, ‘My Grandmother is a Virgin’ ISIGUZO DESTINY

luyemi Adediran is a Ph.D student in the Department of English in the University of Lagos. He has authored 15 books, half of which happened this year. His fifteenth book is a play, “My grandmother is a Virgin” (This is his first play.) The author presented this book with another Christian book (Cut your Coat According to your God) recently at Henry Carr Postgraduate hall, University of Lagos. In ‘My grandmother is a Virgin’, the author satirises the Nigeria society. In this play, a grandmother tries to convince her daughter that her gender cannot stop her from becoming the king of Onanda as long as she believes she (grandmother) is a virgin. The granddaughter was brainwashed by her grandmother by the

story of how her grandfather became the king of Onanda through diabolical means. This play is a satire of how the corrupt people in the society rise to power and teach their descendants to do likewise. Atanda became the king of Onanda through fetish means and to stay as a king and renew his life he gets involved in several hidden human sacrifices that

lead to the termination of the lives of several citizens and ravishing of innocent teenagers who become the victim of rape and hypnotism in his hand. The secrets of his ascension to the throne get known to some of the villagers who stage a protest. “The play is an archetypal representation of Nigeria. It characterisation covers the three major geo-political zones of the country”, says the author. According to the reviewer Joseph Aroloye, a Mathematics lecturer at University of Lagos, “The play also permeates hopelessness of the human society. The leaders who are supposed to provide security to the masses are the ringleader of the atrocities.”

Kraftman Productions and ‘Change’ OGAH OCHECHE

n fulfillment of its promises to the contestants of Miss Safety 2016 pageant, Kraftman Productions, owned by filmmaker, Madu C Chikwendu has completed work on a new film, tentatively titled, ‘Change’. The film which concluded recording some days ago is currently in the studio for post-production, and has been tipped by cast and crew of the production as a potential game-changer in the industry. Produced by Dozie Eboh for Kraftman Productions, the film features many of the girls who took part in the Miss Safety 2016 pageant and fulfills part of the rewards promised by the organisers of the pageant

who had announced movie roles for some one after his wife travelled out of town. The of the participants. However, renowned ac- prostitute he picked in a nite club becomes tress, Hilda Dokubo, is part of the produc- a thorn in his flesh and things never really tion which filmed mostly in Lagos. became normal for him again. We tried to In an interview, Chikwendu, explained question some of the myths that have been that the sole aim of the production was to on for some time and let the viewers decide leave lessons and entertainment to the mov- what to make of such”. ie audience. “It is a great story that will not On the title of the film, the producers only entertain viewhave tentatively ers but will also leave settled for Change, lessons and probe in consonance the minds of Nigewith the mantra of rian men. Here is a Change, currently man who has a lovely being talked about, family and suddenly (albeit scornfully) everything changes in the Nigerian poin his life because he litical space, followHilda Dokubo and others on the decided to pull a fast ing the recession. set of Kraftman’s film

National Art Competition 2016 highlights IDPs OLUWASANMI FEMI

he situation of life amongst the Internally Displaced Persons inadvertently came to the fore as Godwin Uzoji’s work, emerged Overall Best Winner at the this year’s edition of the National Art Competition. Twelve finalists had gone through a rigorous selection process and a workshop to qualify to exhibit at the finals of the competition that was themed: “Shifting Boundaries.” It was a topic that challenges artists to especially question and manifest through their work what a boundary means to them with an emphasis on the shifts, changes and transformations that influence the boundaries of our modern world. Using the Tent made of coconut shells as a motif to signify movement, transiency and an ephemeral state, the work portrays the realization that the tent cannot shelter against the harsh condi-

tions of the elements representative of the everyday challenges that the IDPs face in their camps. The work however rekindles hopes as depicted by silver and gold foil forming a linear pattern around the tent to show that hope can be sustained by the collective effort that can be channeled towards alleviating their plight. The introduced jute bags represent the little effort directed at the IDPs. The work, a call on us all, especially those saddled with responsibility to alleviate the difficult situation of the IDPs, earned the affirmation of the judges to

At National Art Competition

guarantee Uzoji’s place as the winner of the 9th National Art Competition. In a remark at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries, Nicolaas Vervelde, represented by the company’s Sustainability and Regulatory Relationships Manager, Edem Vindah, emphasized that the company’s commitment to identifying and developing talents in the arts is in line with its philosophy of Winning with Nigeria. This year, over 500 entries were received out of which 12 finalists were chosen to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by leading arts professionals allowed finalists the opportunity to make out the conceptual threads of their proposals. Uzoji clinched first place with a cash reward of N2 million, followed by Ayinla Olajumoke who won N1 million for the Most Outstanding Concept. Atonye Lamie won the Most Outstanding Production to walk home with N1 million.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LACIFF comes to Oguta, Imo State NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

ll is set for the maiden edition of the LakeCity International Film Festival slated to hold in Oguta, Imo State. The festival will host filmmakers and stakeholders from Africa and beyond for three days beginning from December 16 to December 18, 2016. The maiden edition of LACIFF under the theme: ‘The reel is yours, show your story’ will take place at the Crystal Lake Resort, Oguta, Imo State. According to the founder, Ekine Stronghold, all is set to make the festival eventful, as it posits to change the face of tourism and filmmaking in Imo State, tapping from the vast potential of Oguta. Recall that by the end of November, LACIFF received over 2,900 film entries from 105 countries. Stronghold, had earlier explained that a college of screeners came up with 100 films out of the 2,900 and that judges, including Sani Muazu (head jurist), Yinka Ogun, Bond Emeruwa, Kathy Kasic from the United States of America and Tari WestJohnson, had concluded assessing the entries that would be screened. Meanwhile, CJ Obasi’s film, ‘O-Town’ and Joe Brown Ubaka’s award winning ‘The Missing God’ will respectively open and close the festival. ‘O-Town’, set in Owerri tells the story of a young man who aims to climb the ladder of the small-town criminal underworld to become the boss of all, while ‘The Missing God’, made in Igbo language, focuses on the power of African religion, culture and traditions. “The films were strategically chosen to give people a sense of belonging and to tell guests they should come with their best film next year because our best can match your best,” Stronghold stated. He added that culture, arts, history, tourism and environment would be proudly showcased at the festival. The national public relations officer of the Screen Writers’ Guild of Nigeria (SWGN) said that aside film screenings; there will be master classes on cinematography and editing courtesy Ford Foundation with facilitators expected from the United States of America and Europe. Speaking on the festival, Ekine added: “It is a film festival with high tourism content. Oguta is a beautiful tourist destination and the home of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Flora Nwapa, Dr. Alban and Clem Ohameze, who is the official face and president of the festival. Guests should come prepared for three good days of quality films, fun and water-based activities including water skiing”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Maternal/child deaths: The magic and beauty of family planning Stakeholders working on maternal and child health in Nigeria have re-emphasized the use of family planning as an effective strategy for reducing poor maternal and child health indices in the country. Supported by relevant health institutions across the globe, the experts said at the just-concluded 4th National Family Planning Conference in Abuja that family planning does not only improve family’s health, but finances and happiness. MARCUS FATUNMOLE highlights experts opinions at the conference.

he world over, quality of mothers and children’s health is a major yardstick for measuring national health indices. It is believed that a nation with healthy mothers and children will have corresponding healthy male adults, and will consequently explore the potentials of its population for its prosperity. Today, any developing country that desires to join league of developed nations will start by ensuring wellbeing of basic unit of the society – the family. The family must have access to quality, accessible and affordable health services. Children must be trained in school. Women must be allowed to enjoy their reproductive rights. The family must have sustainable means of livelihood, including modest shelter. Above all, government must provide good governance by being accountable and judicious in its spending. It must also commit adequate funds to the health of its people. These were the highlights of the justconcluded 4th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja. The biennial conference was organised by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, AAFP, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, to review successes and hurdles in the nation’s family planning programmes, and also set fresh targets for the future – all with a view to ensuring the nation is rightly placed on the path of prosperity. One of the major problems Nigeria has been facing since her independence is poor health of mothers and children. With torrents of local and international funds going into the nation’s health systems, health of mothers and children in the country has remained poor, compared with other nations that got independence about the same time with Nigeria. Deaths of mothers and children occur in every community without adequate efforts from government and communities to stop such deaths. Many homes have children too often that they can cater for, and mothers who carry such pregnancies face complications that often result in their deaths. Currently, Nigeria has maternal mortality ratio of 576/100,000 live births, meaning that nearly one in 200 women in the country would die while giving birth. Experts believe that bringing a life into the world is never a death warrant, but should be a source of joy to any family and society. AAFP is a registered national coalition of family planning advocates in Nigeria,

Mothers and their babies

comprising government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, development partners, non-governmental organisations, NGOs, civil society organisations, CSOs, as well as the private sector. The conference had the theme: “Family Planning in Nigeria: The Journey So Far,” and was heralded with pre-conference activities with substantial involvement of the youth, women associations, and faith-based entities. The conference highlighted the fact that many children die before they are born, some during labour, and others shortly after they are born. Most of these deaths, experts who spoke at the event said, are avoidable. Similarly, mothers, who bring these children to the world, develop complications and die, sometimes with their foetuses or babies. One major reason identified by experts at the event for mothers and children’s deaths in the country is low level of family planning. Many pregnancies come at periods they shouldn’t have come, to the extent that some couples could have three children in four years! This hurts the family’s finances and the mother’s health. The father too feels the huge burden if he will accept the truth. Experts at the conference spoke on several issues affecting women, including how to stop early marriage for girls, as one of the ways for preventing women from dying. Family planning allows people to attain their desired number of children and determine spacing of pregnancies. It is achieved through use of contraceptive and other safe methods. Mothers can effectively contribute to their families when they space their children. Siblings whose birthdays are not close to each other (with minimum of three years apart) look healthier, and perform well both in school and at home. And, the mother enjoys good health, as she doesn’t go to hospitals all the time like her peers who do not space their children, and battle with health challenges. Family planning is capable of reducing maternal and child deaths in Nigeria to some degrees. For mothers alone, family planning will save nearly 40 per cent of women dying of pregnancy-related complications, said a professor of obstetrics and President, Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Oladapo Ladipo, at the conference. And, unfortunately, such deaths are many in

the country. “Every single day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age. This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world. “Underneath the statistics lies the pain of human tragedy, for thousands of families who have lost their children. Even more devastating is the knowledge that, according to recent research, essential interventions reaching women and babies on time would have averted most of these deaths,” United Nations Children Fund (Nigeria Office) said on its website. While various myths in Nigeria, including religious doctrines that had not been favourable to family planning in the country are beginning to change, even as calls for adoption of family planning now resonates all over the nation. Thankfully, present economic crisis in the country has opened the eyes of many families to know the imperative of child spacing. Apart from the current recession which has made many families face untold hardship such as inability of parents to pay their children school fees, feed their families at least twice a day, meet hospital bills when sick, and live a comfortable life with modest family income, the rate of population growth in the nation seems to be geometric, while national infrastructural development by government moves in arithmetic proportion. One of the fears on Nigeria’s population was expressed by Chairman, Foundation for Development and Environmental Initiative, Prof Akin Mabogunje, at the conference. He said, “If we continue on our present mindless trajectory of population growth, the way forward is clear. It is the way to deepening poverty and irredeemable immiseration for the masses of this country… A country that is obsessed with just the number of its population can discover that it is simply breeding and breeding into accelerating poverty. “This is why countries that are serious about dramatically raising the level of their development had to intervene policy-wise and practically in determining the acceptable level of the fertility of their womenfolk, limiting it, as in the case of China until recently, to not more than one child per woman through her child-bearing age.

Nigeria is currently projecting that it will be the 7th most populous nation by 2050, apparently without commensurate infrastructural growth. A key highlight of the conference was the official launch of five reproductive health and family planning related documents by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole. The documents are: The Lancet Maternal Health Series; Nigeria Christian Perspective on Reproductive Health and Family Planning; Trends in Reproductive Behaviour in Nigeria: 2003 – 2013; Trends in Maternal Health in Nigeria: 2003 – 2013; Trends in Child Health in Nigeria: 2003 – 2013. The Islamic Perspective on Reproductive Health and Family Planning was also re-introduced by the Minister of Health, Prof. Adewole Isaac. The conference agreed that government “is not fully involving the private sector in family planning decisions and programming.” It decried “poor investment in family planning by government at all levels,” adding that family planning programmes should be youth-centred and all-inclusive to eliminate existing barriers to information products and services. It recommended that the implementation of national Family Planning Blueprint should be brought to scale by ensuring the adoption of Costed Implementation Plans, CIP, by all states in the country to facilitate the achievement of 2018 goal of attaining 36 per cent Contraceptive Prevalence Rate, CPR. It also urged that the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, expand its provision to include family planning services “as a matter of urgency,” while “family planning should be fully integrated into maternal, newborn and child health, MNCH, to achieve the global vision of every woman, every newborn, everywhere.” The conference further stated that national family planning programme should continue to promote all methods, including natural family planning. While declaring the conference open, Prof. Isaac Adewole said government was targeting 500 per cent increase in the use of contraceptives in the next few years. This is even as he pledged to increase government’s annual contribution to family planning commodities in the country to $4million from the current $3, next year.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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Oke Ogun and the search for development Kemi Olaitan

hen the people of Oke Ogun area from all walks of life within and outside the country recently converged in Kisi, the headquarters of Irepo local government area of Oyo State, it was to discuss serious challenges such as underdevelopment and unemployment confronting the area like many other parts of the country. It was thus understandable that they devoted the theme of this year’s Oke Ogun National Day to the issue of harnessing human and material resources to tame the unemployment saga in Oke Ogun area. Former Director General of the National Institute of Social and Economic Research(NISER), Prof. Tunji Akande, was the guest lecturer at the symposium put together by the Oke Ogun Development Council (ODC). The General Secretary, ODC, Comrade Jare Ajayi, who moderated the symposium, said the talk shop was to provide an intellectual input to the celebration which climaxed on Saturday October 15. He said, “The symposium is to give us an opportunity to beam a searchlight on areas calling for our urgent attention in our attempt to develop and make life more meaningful for our people”. The guest lecturer, a Professor of Agricultural Economics, while speaking on the topic first situated Oke Ogun within the geo-political entity known as Nigeria, then identified various resources, human and material, which he claimed abound in the area. His words, “Oke Ogun people are not hooligans, they are not brigands, they are not violent, they are symbols of what the Yorubas call ‘Omoluabi’ i.e. a person of integrity, a person of impeccable character, a person with a lot of knack for communal services.” He mentioned various natural resources available in each of the 10 local government areas that make up Oke Ogun, calling for urgent and decisive efforts to exploit and utilise the resources for the upliftment of Oke Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria. A discussant, Dr. Abdulateef Owoade of the University of Ilorin, expressed happiness that Oke Ogun people are becoming more conscious of their origin. According to him, gone were the days when many people from Oke Ogun would be timid to mention their place of origin because of the fear that others might be looking at them as people from the backwater of the country. While stating that efforts of patriots including organisations such as ODC, are drawing attention to Oke Ogun and are making indigenes to be proud of their origin, he urged everyone to continue along this line and to gird their loins to do more for their area. Another discussant, Prof. Adeolu Akande (not a blood relation of the guest speaker), while toeing the same line with the previous speakers, said he was elated at the increasing patriotism in Oke Ogun indigenes. After submitting that a thing of that nature was a precondition for building a geographical entity, he predicted that the “future of Oke Ogun is very bright”. Akande who was former Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, also mentioned some fauna and natural spots that can be

Prof Akande delivering a lecture at Oke Ogun conference. explored for relaxation and tourism “especially at times like this when it has become imperative to diversify our economy”. The Professor of Political Science at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, regretted that beside corruption, one major reason why Nigeria does not seem to be faring well these days was due to “lack of good thinking in governance.” By that he meant that the intellectual inputs that ought to characterise decision-making are lacking in many aspects of our governance in recent times. To him, Nigerians, including Oke Ogun people, deserve better treatment from government and hoped that things would change for the better very soon. Alhaji Rahaman Bioku, who was another discussant underscored the importance of education so that Oke Ogun indigenes could be competitive wherever they go. He submitted that the agricultural as well as tourists potentials in Oke Ogun could easily provide employment for the people as well as enhance the economic condition of the area if properly tapped. He then urged various organisations in Oke Ogun to come together so that the task of developing the area would be a joint one. Chairman of the occasion who is also former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who went into memory lane regarding the history of neglect and marginalisation of Oke Ogun, recalled that the people had always been very supportive of government but their support and goodwill were not always reciprocated, unfortunately. Ojerinde, who is the Asiwaju of Oke Ogun, lamented the massive support given to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last elections by Oke

Ogun people, urged the governments at national, state and local levels to be more sensitive to the plight of Oke Ogun area. The rappoteur, Air Commodore Kayode Adediji (rtd), while aligning himself with the rising fervour among Oke Ogun people, urged ODC as well as other organisations and patriots to leverage on this by ensuring that the momentum is kept alive. Other contributors who also spoke about the menace of Fulani herdsmen and the insecurity in the area, called on government to take a decisive action in this respect. Acting President of ODC, Mr. Oladoja Oladele, thanked everyone who participated at the symposium, stating that he was impressed by the robust submissions made as well as the enthusiasm shown. Resolutions adopted from the symposium include that communities should not sell their lands cheaply but rather should lease because of the coming generations; that it was time an Oke Ogun indigene becomes the governor of Oyo State if Oke Ogun State had not been created by 2019; that education and other social services needed an urgent overhauling and that every effort be made to ensure that the proposed Oke Ogun University takes off as soon as possible. The grand finale of the celebration was to take place the following day at Musac School field, Kisi-Ilorin Road. Chairman of the occasion and Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, urged Nigerians to exercise a little more patience with the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari, as government was doing its best to put an end to the suffering of the people. According to him, the president is very

ke Ogun people are not hooligans, ‘ “O they are not brigands, they are not

violent, they are symbols of what the Yorubas call ‘Omoluabi’ i.e. a person of integrity, a person of impeccable character, a person with a lot of knack for communal services.”

’

much aware of what the people are going through and is determined to find a lasting solution to the root cause of the problem. He enumerated various measures being taken by the government to include the battle against corruption, boosting of agriculture, diversification of the economy as well as the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) “not only to boost the economy but also to provide employment for our teeming youths”. In his own submission, Barrister Ahmed Raji, SAN who flagged off the launching of appeal fund for the proposed Oke Ogun University, charged the people to ensure that their children and wards had solid educational foundation – as the foundation is very important if tertiary education is to be meaningful. Also speaking on the occasion, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, said it was a good thing that Oke Ogun people were increasingly determined to come together to identify problems afflicting the area with a view to finding solutions to them. Hon. Bosun Oladele who represents Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency at the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly identified with Buhari’s position, stating that those of them at the National Assembly were ready to support the executive arm of government in ameliorating the suffering of the people. The Caretaker Chairman of Irepo local government area, Hon. Yekini Popoola, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in Oke Ogun area thanked the people for the support they had been giving the government and urged them to continue to do more, assuring the people that things would begin to look up for them. Other highlights were the handing over of instruments of office as Asiwaju Oke Ogun to Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, performed by royal fathers in the area led by the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Ajinese Ologunebi. Various awards were also bestowed on Ojerinde and other indigenes of the area for their exemplary contributions to the community. Royal fathers present at the event include the Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Aweda Ajinawo, Amunijio of Ijio, Oba Gabriel Adegoke, Oniro of Otu, Oba Sunday Adepoju, Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa and Aare of Ago Are, Oba Bodunrin Kofoworola, Olakanla II, among others. Also, dignitaries at the occasion were Deacon Samuel Oyedemi, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Dr. Seidu Bello, Comrade Remi Adegbola, Alhaji Tajudeen Aliu who represented the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Oyo State, Alhaja Titi Akande, chairmen of the 10 LGs that made up Oke Ogun area, Irepo, Atisbo, Iseyin, Iwajowa, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Saki East and Saki West. Members of the state House of Assembly, particularly those from Oke Ogun were also there as well as President of Kisi Progressives Union, Chief Bayo Adesope, Hon. Dauda Adam, Mr. Amusa Adebisi, ACP (Olori) Funke Ladigbolu, Mrs Yetunde Oyebode, Barr. Bayo Toluwalase, Mr. Modede Ogunjimi, Mr. Solomon Ige, Deacon Ipadeola and Chief Abel Ajila, among others.

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I formerly known and addressed as MUDASIRU SEMIU now wish to be known and addressed as MUDASIRU SEMIU AKANMU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I.formerly known and addressed as ADEWALE AZEEZ ADEMOLA Now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWOLE AZEEZ ADEMOLA former documents remain valid GT Bank and general public take note CORRECTION OF NAME

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS OREDAYO OLUDAYO BOLAJI INSTEAD OF OREBAYO OLUDAYO ABOLAJI. HENCEFORTH MY CORRECT NAME IS OREBAYO OLUDAYO ABOLAJI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. DIAMOND BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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Professional bodies oppose merger of BoI, NBCI, others Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

ssociation of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, on Tuesday opposed Federal Government’s plan to merge Bank of Industry, BoI, National Bank of Commerce and Industry (NBCI) and National Economic Reconstruction fund (NERfund) to form National Development Bank of Nigeria, NDBN. The association also appealed to states and local governments across the country to find sustainable ways of paying their workers and pensioners who they owe backlog of salaries and pension. The APBN also called on the Federal Government to ensure 2017 budget addresses insecurity, job creation, infrastructure, reduces inflation, interest and exchange rate.

...task states on payment of salary, pension The group made the calls at a briefing to mark the end of its Board Meeting in Abuja. Speaking through its President, Dr Omede Idris, the group called on the National Assembly to withhold the merger plan of BoI with other banks, stressing that “the moribund NBCI and NERfund could be liquidated,” rather than merge the “impressive” BoI with them. It argued that “by the track record of the activities of BoI, merging it will be a disservice to the bank and the nation. The BoI should continue to function as separate entity, based on its impressive performance over the years. However, it should be recapitalised, to continue to play its statutory roles.’’ The group noted

that not much has been achieved with this year’s budget, adding that “Nigerians expect that the 2017 budget will not suffer the same setback as that of 2016.The lesson of the 2016 budget should be a positive reminder to all concerned to do due diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities for continuous confidence building in the system. We expect the 2017 budget to be realistic and to address security of lives, properties and food, job creation, infrastructure, stem down inflation, interest and exchange rate.” The group also called for inclusion of tertiary health institutions as beneficiaries of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, in the proposed amendment of the TETFUND Act. The body further ob-

jected to Communication Service Tax Bill (CST) proposed by the Federal Government. “This proposal before the National Assembly seeks to impose charge and collect CST on electronic communication services payable by users of electronic communication services

ABUJA

n its determination to promote healthy living and make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to communities, especially in the hard-to-reach areas, Federal Government on Tuesday pledged to harness resources to improve medicine warehouses as well as build new ones across the country. Health minister, Prof Isaac Adewole, made the pledge in Abuja at the first National Product Supply Chain Management Program Nigeria Supply Chain Integration Project, NPSCMP/NSCIP. The programme had CONFIRMATION OF NAME

the theme: “Ownership and sustainability.” According to the minister, government will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the goal. He said: “We shall continue to count on the support of all stakeholders, especially states governments, to drive resources mobilisation, firm up coordination and raise the stakes of accountability with their states. “It’s my belief that with all key stakeholders here present from both the private, federal and states; critical discussions, lessons sharing and peer review will lead to an even more robust health supply management across all levels of improvement of health indices in the counCHANGE OF NAME

try. “The maiden procurement and supply management PSM, retreat is coming at a crucial time in our nation when we are consolidating on the gains of triple-paradigms of effective resources planning, allocation and optimisation in the midst of shrinking resource envelopes while providing health care delivery through integration of PMS across critical disease programme areas. “It is organised to review progress made in pursuit of the objectives and articulate lesson to guide future project implementation,” he said. He, however, identified inadequate human resources, slow pace of CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as YUSUF RONKE AGBEKE now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF RONKE DOLAPO. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank plc, Eco bank plc, general public take note.

I, formerly known and address as MISS ERAVWOKE OCHUKO URHIEVWEJIRE now wished to be known and addressed as MRS AGBORO-ERAVWOKE OCHUKO URHIEVWEJIRE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that same person bears OGBONLAYE AYO EMMANUEL and OLANREWAJU ADIJAT. The names were used interchangeably on my documents. My name OLUWAYEMISI was also wrongly written as Oluwaye on my permanent voter’s card. Henceforth, I want to be known as ADEDOKUN FATIMOH OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

My correct name is ODEYELE FUNMILOLA DORCAS. I am also same person bearing ALLI FUNMI. Henceforth, I want ODEYELE FUNMILOLA DORCAS to be reflected on my BVN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME & DATE OF BIRTH This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as IBEKWE CHIDINMA instead of IBE-EKWE CHIDIMMA. Hencforth I wish to be known and addressed as IBE-EKWE CHIDINMA. My correct date of birth is 27/11/ 1997. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

This is to confirm that same person bears FOLARIN ABDULROUF and SALAWUDEEN ABDULROUF FOLORUNSHO. I did BVN with SALAWUDEEN ABDULROUF FOLORUNSHO. Henceforth, I want to be known as FOLARIN ABDULROUF. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank, First Bank and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SALAU ADEOLA AISHAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA ADEOLA AISHAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MERCY: Formerly known and addressed as MISS MERCY ESSIEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DORIS COLLINS ETIFIT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS REBECCA TAIWO ODUGBOSE, now wish to be known and addressed MRS REBECCA TAIWO IBITAYO. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SAKA: Formerly known and addressed as SAKA CHIKAODI DORIS now wish to be known and addressed as OBODOAKOR CHIKAODI DORIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

UCHENDU: Formerly known and addressed as UCHENDU IDIKIA EMEKA now wish to be known and addressed as ALEX IDIKU EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

LUKE: formerly known and addressed as COMFORT FRIDAY LUKE now wish to be known and addressed as COMFORT ARINZE- ODOGBO. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Lagos University Teaching Hospital( LUTH) and the general public take note.

luxury, should not be subjected to such hike in tax. The consequences of this tax include burden on the customers, negation of the planned attainment of at least 30% broadband penetration by 2018 as well as undermine the socio economic progress associated with increase connectivity,” the group stated.

EFCC prosecutor’s lateness stalls Orji Kalu’s trial Wale Igbintade

he trial of former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, his former aide, Udeh Udeogu and his company, Slok Nigeria Limited, over alleged N3.2 billion fraud, before a Lagos Federal High Court suffered a setback Tuesday due the late arrival of the prosecuting counsel.

FG pledges to improve medicine warehouses nationwide Marcus Fatunmole and Joel Ajayi

at 9%. The proposed tax focuses on the provider. “There is no doubt however, that the customer will eventually bear the pains. Any additional tax on Nigerians under any guise now will inflict more pains on the people. APBN, strongly believe in business, however, the telecommunication services that are of necessity rather than

cross programme integration, funding constraints, inadequate infrastructure as the challenges that slow down the momentum gained, including difficulty of coordinating the LGA levels and pertinent community-based resources. While highlighting the objective of the three-day retreat, Talatu Ibrahim, a pharmacist, disclosed that the essence of the stakeholders meeting was to strengthen awareness, and stakeholder’s support and collaboration CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MR. OLAIYA TOSIN BOLUWATIFE now wish to be known and addressed as MR.OLAITAN TOSIN BOLUWATIFE.All former documents remain valid. general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGHENEJABOR FAITH OROWO. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGUNMOLAJI FAITH OROWO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Unity Bank and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FAITH ONYILO OYIFIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FAITH ONYILO IME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

JAMIU: Formerly known and addressed as JAMIU AFUYE now wish to be known and addressed as AFUYE JIMOH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This to confirm that EKHAGBAI JOHNBULL and EKHAGBAI JOHNBULL PAUL refer to one and same person. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as EKHAGBAI JOHNBULL PAUL. All former documents remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had rearraigned Kalu, his former aide and his company on an amended 34-count charge, before the court. They all had pleaded not guilty to the offences. At the resumed trial of the criminal charges, lawyers for Kalu and his former aide and Company, Mr. Awa Kalu and Solomon Akumah, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), informed the court of their readiness to go on with the trial of the case but expressed dismay at the absence of the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, whom they said failed to inform either the court or the defence of his absence. They informed the court that since the institution of the case about nine years ago, their clients have been ever ready to face the prosecution. They consequently urged the court to strike out the case against their clients for lack of diligent prosecution. However, the presiding judge, Mohammed 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 MRS. OMOSEHIN MERCY IDOWU. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJAYI MERCY IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. ARIKAWE ADEEKO OLATOKUNBOMOYOLEOMO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEEKO OLATOKUNBOMOYOLEOMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

BOSE: Formerly known and addressed as BOSE NIMOTALAHI ADEBIYI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABOSEDE NIMOTA ADEBIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OTAKLOR KINGSLEY now wish to be known and addressed as CHINEDU KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Idris, while citing sections 351(1) and 351(2) of Administration of the Criminal Justice (ACJA), which empowered the court to strike out a case if no reasonable excuses is put before the court for the prosecutor’s absence, stated that the court will use its discretion to give the prosecution a last adjournment. It was in the process of adjourning the matter that EFCC’s counsel, Adeniyi, entered the court and apologised for his lateness, explaining that he was held up in the traffic. Upon the agreement of both parties, the matter was adjourned till March 6 - 10, and April 10 - 13, 2017, for trial. In the 34-count amended charge marked FHC/ ABJ/CR/56/07, the EFCC alleged that Kalu and accused persons had between August 7, 2001, and December 2005, while Kalu was Abia State governor, used the said money to procure Slok Nigeria Limited, a company EFCC claimed to solely belong to Kalu and his family. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ZIZOR DUMNALOR now wish to be known and addressed as ZIZOR DUMNALOR NORNUBARI. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ALO ESTHER OLUWASOLA now wish to be called, addressed and known as MRS ADELEKE ESTHER OLUWASOLA IDOWU. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. OMOTAYO TEMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FABUSIWA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ALIU: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ALIU JUMOKE OLUWAMAYOWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEMOLA JUMOKE OLUWAMAYOWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OGUEZUONU JULIANA CHINOYE now wish to be known and addressed as EZETAOHA JULIANA CHINOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

El-Rufai signs 2017 budget into law A za Msue KADUNA

aduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, on Tuesday signed into law N214bn budget for the 2017 fiscal year. The Kaduna State House of Assembly was the first among the 36 states of the federation to pass the 2017 budget into law. The 2017 budget of N214.9bn comprises N83.46bn in recurrent spending and N131.45bn in capital expenditure, with a recurrent ratio of 61:39.

… explains use of Paris Club refund

El-Rufai while signing the appropriation bill into law at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, also announced that the state has received the Paris Club refund from the Federal Government, which he promised to use to clear six years pension arrears in the state. He said: “I wish to inform our legislators that we shall be submitting a Supplementary Budget to enable us capture the

debt refunds we have just received from the Federal Government. Fifty-five percent of these funds belong to the state government, and the balance is for the local governments. We propose to apply 50% of the funds to settling the inherited arrears of gratuity and death benefits for state and local government workers. Some of these unpaid arrears date as far back as 2010. Mr. Dan Ndackson, the Executive Secretary of

the Bureau of Pension, has done a great job of sorting out these records and we will be ready to pay once the supplementary budget is passed. This is unprecedented, but we are happy to clear the problems created by those before us. The balance of the funds will be dedicated to rural and urban roads.” He said the budget was deliberately skewed rising from N172bn approved for 2016 because “we need to increase spending in a re-

cession.” In 2017 budget, the governor noted retained the pro-poor programmes which his administration was committed which he added include improving access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs and security. “It puts the needs and interests of our people first. In 2017, Kaduna State will spend N44.84bn on Education; N10.49bn on Health; N24.50bn on Infrastructure and N8.1bn on Water. Agriculture, one of our ar-

North

eas of comparative advantage, will get N4.58bn,” he said. He added: “All these investments are meant to ensure that in 2017, we deliver the Zaria Water project, begin a school rebuilding and equipment programme that is unprecedented in the history of the state; complete the refitting of 278 primary health centres and hospitals and improve our investment profile and jobcreation capacity with the establishment of an agroindustrial zone.

Niger trains 250 women in various skills Priscilla Dennis MINNA.

L-R: Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, during the public presentation of “The Layman’s Law of Kwara State” at the State Banquet Hall, Ilorin, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Bama monarch wants reconstruction works fast-tracked Inusa Ndahi

MAIDUGURI

hehu of Bama, Kyari Ibn Umar Elkanemi, has called on the Borno State government, Chairman of Victims Support Fund (VSF), General Theophilus Danjuma and other philanthropic organisations to speed up reconstruction work at Bama local government area and other liberated communities to encourage Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, return to their homes. The monarch however commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and men of the Civilian Joint Task Force for their unrelenting efforts in degrading remnants of insurgents in the north east sub-region. He spoke on Tuesday in Bama at the official flag-off of the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of 10 Public Structures in partnership with the Nigerian Foundation for Support of Victims of Terrorism (NFSVT) and the state government. While commending the Borno governor, Kashim Shettima, for starting the rebuilding of Bama town through the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement

(RRR), Prof Babagana Zullum, Elkanemi appealed to corporate individuals and organisations to contribute towards the rebuilding process as peace has gradually returned. In his address, General Danjuma who was represented by Ambassador John Gana said VSF is committed to the plight of victims of insurgency and

other related violence in the country. He pointed out that VSF has donated N370 million for procurement of building materials for reconstruction of eight primary schools, maternity clinics and the Local Government secretariat that were destroyed by insurgents in Bama town. Gana however said that out of the N370 million donated for the proj-

ect, over N70 million would be given directly to the ministry of RRR for the cost of labour and transportation, while N295 million has been spent on procurement of building materials such as cement, wood, doors, windows, electronic equipment among others, which have already been handed over to the state government.

Arewa youths tackle FG over car importation ban Ayo Esan

he Seme border, Badagry, Lagos State chapter of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has urged the Federal Government to rescind its decision to bar the importation of new and fairly used (tokunbo) cars through land borders. The Forum’s Chairman, Comrade Sambo Adamu, in a statement described the decision as “a big threat to the economic well-being of the Nigerian masses. Carrying out the policy, the AYCF said, will surely cause economic hardship of an unimaginable proportion on the small scale dealers who rely solely

on that venture for their means of livelihood. “In addition, it would also encourage high level of smuggling through the land borders. It would create room for some Nigerian Customs officers to be corrupt by generating revenue into their private pockets through collaboration with smugglers to smuggle those cars into the country without the Federal Government benefiting from it,” it stated. According to the association, should that happen, “it will render millions of Nigerians jobless by denying the federal government the opportunity to create jobs for the people with the lost revenue and thereby bring about dras-

tic fall of revenue generation through the land borders.” The forum told the Federal Government that it is not only at the land borders that smuggling takes place; regretting that the rate of smuggling in the seaports is higher than the one through land borders. It cited concealment, under payment, under valuation, over valuation, falsification of documents, releasing of goods before the arrival of ship as some ways the government loses revenue through seaports. “It is a known fact that customs has bought two new sophisticated patrol boats which have arrived the country since last year.

total of 250 unemployed young girls and women are currently undergoing training in various skills acquisition programmes by the Niger State government. The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Roseline Abara, who stated this during flag-off of the training of the unemployed young girls and women in the state, noted that the participants will be empowered after the training programme. The 250 participants will be trained in the three senatorial zones of the state on cosmetic produc-

tion, perfume production, fish and poultry farming, rice farming and processing, tailoring, catering amongst others. According to her, Governor Abubakar Bello is not resting on his oars in his efforts in ensuring that he improves the lives of citizens of the state. She then called on the participants drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state to pay adequate attention to their training so that they can use it to improve their families and the society. Wife of the governor, Dr. Amina Sani Bello, noted that the state government’s focus on women development is to improve the state’s economy.

UNHCR begins construction of permanent shelters for N’East IDPs Livinus Menedi YOLA

nited Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, has embarked on the construction of two bedroom permanent shelter for displaced persons in the North East region. Adamawa State governor, Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow and Mrs Angele Dikongue-Atangana, UNHCR representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, on Monday performed the block-laying ceremony for construction of 60 units two- bedroom permanent shelter in Maiha local government area of the state. D i ko n g u e - A t a n g a n a said the two-bedroom shelter for returning displaced persons was the first of 500 units of such shelters to be constructed for victims of the seven councils ravaged by insurgency in the state. She added that shelter remained one of the most important needs of the 3,000 displaced victims of insurgency who have returned to Maiha, adding

that UNHCR decided on building the houses to address that need in order to encourage other displaced persons to return to their habitual residence. She said, “The return of displaced persons for Adamawa was found to be peculiar because many of those displaced returned en masse to their places of habitual residence without support. “Most of the seven local government areas affected by the insurgency have experienced substantial levels of return and yet require support in attending to basic services in which shelter is paramount. It is my believe that construction of this 60 units two bed-room permanent shelter in Maiha funded by UNHCR will be the beginning of a new dawn in Adamawa State for the returning displaced population within the conflictaffected local government areas. ‘’Most importantly, it would grant vulnerable families an opportunity to return and live in safe and dignified shelter,” he said.

WorldNews

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 -

Page 34

Civilians shot at sight in Aleppo –UN Afolabi Gambari

United Nations Envoy in Syria, Staffan de Mistura

main in this last hellish corner” of eastern Aleppo, UN Human Rights office spokesman, Rupert Colville, said, adding that about 82 civilians had reportedly been killed by pro-government forces, of whom 11 were women and 13 children, adding that the death toll could be much higher. “Yesterday (Monday) evening, we received further deeply disturbing reports that nu-

merous bodies were lying on the streets,” Colville also said, while admitting it was hard to verify the reports. “The residents were unable to retrieve them due to the intense bombardment and their fear of being shot on sight.” Meanwhile, UNICEF quoted a doctor in the city as saying: “Many children, possibly more than 100, unaccompanied or separated from their families,

are trapped in a building, under heavy attack in east Aleppo”. A spokesman for the White Helmets Volunteer Rescue Group, Ibrahim abu-Laith, said 90 per cent of their equipment was out of operation and only one medical point was still working in the besieged areas. “There is no first aid equipment left,” he added.

Iran moves to ‘build nuclear ships’

ranian President Hassan Rouhani has ordered his officials to develop nuclear-powered ships, accusing the United States of violating last year’s international nuclear deal. World powers had agreed to lift sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran’s nuclear programme. But Congress recently voted to extend its laws regarding sanctions on Iran. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the laws, but says they will not affect the international agreement. He insists the White House

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

–Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn

WORLD BULLETIN Paris attackers killed in Syria Two men involved in the November 2015 Paris attacks, Salah Gourmat and Sammy Djedou, have been killed in Syria in a US air strike, officials said yesterday. Both men, named in a Pentagon statement as, were members of ISIS. A third member of the group, linked to a failed terror plot in Belgium in 2015, was also killed in the strike on December 4, according to the statement. The three were plotting attacks against Western targets at the time of the strike, the statement also said. All three were part of a network led by Boubaker al-Hakim, a Tunisian who was killed in another coalition air strike on November 16. “This strike highlights our relentless efforts to simultaneously target ISIL (IS) members who seek to attack the US, our interests, and our allies around the world,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said, adding.

WITH AGENCY REPORT

yrian pro-government forces in eastern Aleppo have been killing people, including women and children, on the spot in their homes and on the street, the United Nations said yesterday. The UN’s Human Rights office said streets were full of bodies. Meanwhile, UNICEF cited a doctor as saying a building housing as many as 100 unaccompanied children was under heavy attack. Rebels, who have held east Aleppo for four years, are on the brink of defeat. Thousands of people are reportedly trapped in the last remaining neighbourhoods still in rebel hands, facing intense bombardment as pro-government troops advance. The Syrian government’s ally Russia, which has rejected calls for a humanitarian truce, earlier said any atrocities were “actually being committed by terrorist groups”, meaning rebel forces. The UN Security Council was set to discuss the situation in Aleppo later yesterday. “We are filled with the deepest foreboding for those who re-

“We put our citizens’ safety first and we want to put an end to the damage that is being carried out against infrastructure projects”

will continue to suspend all the sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. In a statement yesterday, Rouhani criticised the Congress move as a breach of the accord and said he had asked his officials to start work on “planning the design and production of nuclear fuel and re-

actors for maritime transport.” He also said Iran would make a legal complaint to the committee overseeing the agreement. In his presidential campaign, Donald Trump, now president-elect, threatened to scrap the Iran deal altogether, but it is unclear what his policy

will be. Iran has raised the possibility of building nuclear-powered ships before, at the height of tensions with the international community over its nuclear programme. But analysts say it will be an extremely costly effort without strategic gain.

Gambia: Security forces seal electoral office

he Gambia’s security forces have taken over the headquarters of the electoral commission, its Chairman, Alieu Momar Njai, said yesterday as the country’s President Yahya Jammeh refuses to accept his loss in recent elections. Njai said his staff were barred from entering the office. President Jammeh initially conceded defeat to Adama Barrow in a recent poll, before changing his mind. Visiting West African leaders have met Jammeh to try to persuade him to step down after 22

years in power. “We hope and pray that Jammeh accepts their advice and leaves office,” Njai said. Jammeh has questioned the validity of the count after the electoral commission changed some results, even though it insists the outcome was not affected. “The election results were correct, nothing will change that,” Njai added, stressing, “If it goes to court, we can prove every vote cast. The results are there for everyone to see.” The leaders of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone

are all in The Gambia for talks with Jammeh. Gambia’s Army Chief Ousman Badjie has seemingly reversed a pledge of support for Barrow, after he arriving at the talks yesterday wearing a badge featuring Jammeh’s face on his uniform.

Beleaguered: Gambian President Yahya Jammeh

Trump offers oil chief Sec Gen US President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed the Chief Executive of Exxon Mobil, Rex Tillerson, as his choice for Secretary of State. In a statement, Trump praised Tillerson, 64, as among the “most accomplished business leaders and international dealmakers” in the world. Tillerson is said to have a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alarming both Democrats and some Republicans. The nomination needs Senate approval. Days ago it emerged that US intelligence agencies believe Russia acted covertly to boost Donald Trump in the election race. The secretary of state is in effect the most senior US diplomat, responsible for enacting the government’s foreign policy.

Migration: Court jails Tunisian skipper A Tunisian man, Mohammed Ali Malek, has been found guilty by a court in Sicily of causing the sinking of a boat in which 700 migrants died in April 2015. Malek, who had denied being the boat’s captain, was given 18 years in jail. He was also convicted of manslaughter and human trafficking. A Syrian was handed a five-year sentence. The heavily overcrowded boat sank off Libya after colliding with a merchant vessel that had come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived the disaster. Many of those who died had been crammed into the hold of the fishing boat and locked inside. Most of the victims on the 27m-long (90ft) boat were from countries including Mali, Gambia, Senegal and Ethiopia. Among the survivors were two young Bangladeshis who took part in the case as civil plaintiffs.

Lokoja

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Lagos begins junior WAEC’s exam registration

he Lagos State government yesterday commenced registration of students for the 2017 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The exercise is expected to end on Friday, April 28th. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi made this known and urged all principals of public junior secondary schools in the state to collect Customized Compact Disc (CD) from the State Examinations Board at Iyana Ipaja for early input of their candidates’ Bio Data and Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) I & II in line with the subjects for the examination. He noted that Approved Private Junior Secondary Schools would collect their Compact Disc also at the Examination Board but after submitting evidence of payment of the sum of N6, 00 examination fee at the board while junior secondary schools with special permission and subject recognition inspection report are expected pay N9, 500. According to him, failure to submit registration details before deadline will be considered late registration and this attract a penalty of N10, 000 while damage of Compact Disc attracts a penalty of N2, 500 irrespective of the status of the school whether it is private or public. He added that late registration to accommodate those who might not meet the deadline will commence on Tuesday, 2nd May and end on Friday, 19th May, 2017. The Permanent Secretary in a release by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs Unit of the ministry, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji however advised schools with Albino/Visually Impaired candidate(s) in JSS.III to inform the examinations board through a separate letter meant to convey that information to enable the board make adequate preparations for issues that may likely affect such candidate(s) during the examination. He warned parents of concerned students in public schools not to pay money to anyone for the exam, saying it is free

Centre to train 5,000 youths on vocations Saidat Alausa

ocational skills trainers, Rullion Capacity Builders, an approved Ministry of Labour & Productivity Trade Testing Centre that offers complete Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Support services said it had devised a model to train 5,000 youths in the first quarter of 2017 in order to make them self-sufficient amid the dwindling economy. The Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Egedi gave the hint at a recent press conference in Lagos, where she said that Rullion was ready to coach, tutor & empower the youths, middle-aged and in-between school population of Nigeria in Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship in order to impact and resuscitate the ailing economy. According to her, “the private sector has a major role to play; that is where Rullion Capacity Builders falls in. We are ready to give intensive, short training programmes in courses such as cake baking and decoration, confectionaries, events planning, management and decoration, slippers, sandals and bag making and photography among others.” She noted that if the government could put a lot of effort into skills acquisition and vocational training, it has the capacity to improve on the economy, as well as creating more jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths. “We have the manpower, we have all that are required to train Nigerian youths in a lot of areas, and the artisan training can create a lot of jobs for Nigerian youth. We are about to develop a model that has the capacity to take millions of Nigerian youths out of the job market.” she revealed. “The aim of Rullion is to create more entrepreneurs in Nigeria, to begin to get our youths off the street, by getting them to see the possible ways of doing things on their own to make money, rather than relying on seeking employment in ministry,” Oluwatoyin stressed.

Education Today

Wednesday December 14, 2016

‘FG should improve colleges of agriculture funding’ Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

he National Association of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines (NAHCARD) has called on the Federal Government to adequately fund colleges of agriculture and related institutions to facilitate training of students in sports and curricula. The Chairman of the association, Prof Garba Sharabutu made the call at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines Games (NICARDGA) in Kabba, Kogi State. He said once this was done, the institutions would provide adequate facilities to train students in sport by incorporating horse race, dog race, among others to their sporting activities. Sharabutu said the purpose of the NICARDGA was to bring the students together to participate actively in sport and ensure national unity among them as their counterparts in universities (NUGA) and polytechnics (POGA). He noted that about 30 schools would participate in 17 games in the tournament with 22 already registered at this time of filling this report, adding the school has consistently hosting the competition since 1999. Also speaking, President, National Association of Sport Coordinators of Colleges of. Agriculture and Related Disciplines (NASCARD), Mr Mohammed Mailafia traced the history of

NASCARD to 2002 formed at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure after the 9th edition of the NICARDGA with only 11 colleges in attendance. “Now we have 35 membership of the association,” he noted. Mailafia claimed that colleges of agriculture and related institutions remained the most veritable tool and

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela BankOlemoh (middle) in a handshake with the representative of the Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Mr Leo Li and others at the official handover of ICT/Video Conferencing Centre at the Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, Ikorodu Campus, recently

Students charged on talents, career development Tunbosun Ogundare

tudents in Lagos State have been taught on how to discover and nurture their talents and areas of interest together with their acquired skills to develop careers that would make them responsible citizens now and in future. The Project Champion of “Beyond the School” initiative, Mrs. Clementine Vervelde educated them at this year’s edition of the programme held in Lagos last Friday with students and teachers from Oregun Senior Secondary School; Vetland Senior Secondary School, Agege; Government Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi; Baptist Senior High School, Obanikoro and Eric Moore Senior High School, Surulere in attendance. Beyond the School - a five-year-old career guide counselling initiative-is an annual programme being organised and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc for secondary school students on the platform of its social responsibility arm, Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, dedicated towards education development in the country. While encouraging the students to believe in themselves and stand up against challenges they may encounter in their ca-

avenue for the Federal Government to boost agriculture and food production in the country and therefore should inject more fund into the subsector. The Provost of the host college, Dr Akinola Oloniruha thanked NASCARD for giving the college right to host the 14th edition of the games.

reer pathway, Vervelde also told them that they should use the knowledge they had now to discover careers they are passionate about and develop skills needed to succeed in them. Speaking earlier, the Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Kufre Ekanem noted that “Beyond the School” was introduced to complement other initiatives of the company targeted at the education sector. He counselled the students to be more serious with their studies notwithstanding the current economic challenges in the country, promising that the 70-year-old Nigerian Breweries would continue to invest in education and youth development. This is because, he explained, our company believes that the youth and teenagers have major roles to play in national development and that such roles could be effectively carried out through knowledgebased education. “So, ensure you take advantage of this career guidance information which is in line with best global practices to achieve your fullest potential,” he counselled. The guest speaker at the event and CEO of Black House Media, Ayeni Adekunle also advised the students to be focused and steadfast, adding that the most important

\L-R: Communications and State Relations Manager, Southwest, Lafarge Africa, Titilope Oguntunga and Baale Oke-Oko Sekoni, Chief Mukaila Ogunsola presenting a cheque of N20.4 million to two of the 204 bursaries beneficiaries at the 2016 Lafarge Africa Ewekoro Community held at Agbesi Estate, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun state, recently.

YEF impact on school girls yielding results, says founder Tunbosun Ogundare

he founder and Executive Director of Youth Empowerment Foundation, YEF, Nigeria, a not-for-profit making organisation, Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh has declared that the impact of the foundation on the female secondary school students in the country so far had been encouraging and wonderful. She made the declaration in Lagos at a media forum where some beneficiaries of the foundation’s projects testified of the impacts on their lives, studies and other lawful engagements. Iwalola explained that the foundation had reached out to over 84,000 persons directly and indirectly in the last six years of its founding in Nigeria with secondary school girls between 11 and 16 years old as its main focus so as to catch them young. She said the students were being trained on self discovery and development, vocational skills, financial empowerment and sport, especially football and taekwondo. Iwalola added that the students were also being trained on personal hygiene and exposed to sexual education so as to leave healthy and perform optimally in their studies and other lawful activities. She noted that the projects were school and not community-based and that the foundation had reached out to students and schools in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja with the hope of extending the gesture to other parts of the country. Testifying of the impacts on them, the students said they were now confidence in themselves, speak confidently in public, improve on their studies, cultivate habit of saving money no matter how small their pocket money is, know better about personal hygiene and sexual education, dreaming of becoming not only footballers but entrepreneurs in future. They thanked the foundation and the sponsoring institution, Standard Chartered Bank, for raising their hopes for a better tomorrow and improving their school infrastructures.

Education Today

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Lafarge won’t stop investing in Nigeria’s education —MD

Now, we understand corruption not limited to public officers—Students

Tunbosun Ogundare

he Group Managing Director\CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos has restated the company’s determination to continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of education in the country. He said this decision was part of the company’s social investments and ways to build a stronger Nigeria. Puchercos gave the assurance at the grand finale and award ceremony of this year’s Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition held in Lagos recently. The competition which entered its third edition this year is being organized annually by the company in collaboration with Ovie Brume Foundation, a charitable organisation, engaging pupils in activities that measure and advance their ability to read, write and spell correctly. This year’s edition saw students from Lagos State- Joshua Awosikunde of Methodist Nursery/Primary School and Favour Philip of Darocha Nursery/Primary, School, emerged overall winners beating their counterparts from Plateau, Gombe, Enugu, Edo and Abuja who made it to the final stage. And for their efforts, each of them went home with N250, 000 while the 1st and 2nd runners-up from Plateau and Gombe states got N200, 000 and N150, 000 each, respectively. However, while noting that the literacy competition was designed to breed a generation of more literate Nigerians, Puchercos explained that studies had shown that children who have developed strong writing, reading and comprehension skills perform better in their formal and informal educational pursuits. “They also become lifelong learners and sought-after employees hence, our commitment to prevent the younger generation from poverty and underemployment that may occur in future,” he added. In her remark, the Chairperson of Ovie Brume Foundation, Ms. Evelyn Oputu expressed that the foundation was set up to give to the society and exploit the potential of young people who do not have the opportunity others have to further their education which is the basic of the foundation.

Boladale Bamigbola

•Gives N20.4m bursaries, educational materials

Saidat Alausa

s part of efforts to improve standard of education in Ogun State, especially in the communities where it operates, Lafarge Africa has awarded a total of N20.4 million bursaries to 204 undergraduates and distributed thousands of educational materials such as text and note books, pens, mathematical sets and desktops computers to schools in the state. According to the company, each beneficiary of the bursaries from tertiary schools in the country will receive N100, 000 while the educational materials and a block of classrooms go to public primary schools located within 12 communities that make up its host community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. Speaking shortly after the inauguration of some community projects which include modern Police Station at Itori, a Town Hall at Olujobi and a block of classrooms at Lapeleke, the Country CEO, Lafarge Africa, Michel Puchercos, explained that Lafarge Africa’s investments in community-based CSR was borne out of its sustainability strategy with four main pillars including climate, circular economy, water & nature as well as people and communities. The Country CEO, who was represented by Logistics Director, Bruno Hounpkati, added, “Lafarge Africa’s CSR investments are strategic and needsbased. Our commitment to the development of our local communities is unwavering because we recognize host communities as strategic partners to our business.” In his address, the Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development, Mr. Gbenga Ademosun affirmed that Lafarge Africa had continued to reinforce its position as a socially responsible corporate citizen of the state.

ome students in Lagos State have confessed that it was now they understood that corruption and corruptible practices did not limit to people in government and other public establishments. They made the confession in a chat with our correspondent shortly after attending anti-corruption capacity building workshop organised by Akin Fadeyi Foundation, a not-for-profit making organisation for secondary school students in Lagos, recently. The workshop, done in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has over 100 students from both private and public schools in Agege and its environs in attendance. Akin Fadeyi Foundation has been supporting anti-corruption crusade in the country since 2007 and hopes to extend similar workshop which it had held in Abuja to students in other parts of Lagos State and other states of the federation. However, the students said it was now they knew that even exam malpractice, stealing, falsification of results, lying and disobedience to constituted authorities which are common practices among students at all levels were part of corruption that hinder true development in the country. They said all what the society had made them to believe concerning corruption was about those public office holders, especially in government and its agencies that are being accused of stealing public funds. One of them, Oluwatosin Akayejo, an SS2 student of Government Senior College, Iyana-Ipaja, for example, said she was now cleared that indeed corruption was not only about money and could also be in the family, church, mosque, school and govern-

Cross section of participants at the Anti-corruption capacity building workshop organised by Akin Fadeyi Foundation, in Lagos.( ment and so forth. Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Mr. Akin Fadeyi had told the students to shun any corruptible practice now and in future as doing otherwise could tarnish their names and ruin their destinies. He also told them not to waste their times on social media rather to spend it on profitable activities particularly their studies that could help them achieve their goals for life. He said it was not that social media was totally bad but could corrupt their minds and divert their attentions from their studies and other positive engagements when engrossed with it. “So, give your studies priority, be hardworking, bold and be honest. Don’t seek

FG should review curriculum in tertiary schools —Rector Osogbo

he Rector, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Dr Olusola Agboola, has urged Federal Government to immediately gather professionals with relevant field knowledge to review curriculum in use for teaching in higher institutions of learning in the country. He said this remains the only way to improve the quality of graduates being released into labour market by tertiary schools. Agboola noted that the curriculum in operation in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country were never designed to address today’s basic needs in the country, adding that disparity between polytechnic and uni-

Tunbosun Ogundare

he Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has explained rationale for introducing ‘Code Lagos,’ an initiative to make technology programming everyday affairs among young people from primary to tertiary school levels in the state. The project under which one million primary and secondary school pupils from public and private schools as well as tertiary students and others outside the school system are expected to be trained under two years will kick off by April, 2017. The governor explained this at the launch of the project in Lekki, saying the expectation was that the programme to be carried out in partnership with the private sector would enable participants to use technology to solve societal problems around them.

versity graduates is unwarranted. He admitted that many graduates often fall short of realities in the labour market, the development he blamed on their training which did not reflect the kind of tasks awaiting them in the labour market. Speaking during a media briefing on the 5th combined convocation of the institution recently, Agboola said rather than relating as rivals, polytechnics and universities should complement each other. He recalled that: “this war of superiority that has been in place since 1979 will only cost the country its development. These two academic institutions are not supposed to be rivals. Rather, to complement each other because each has its own mandate to perform to the society.

miracles when you suppose to be studying. God detests laziness. Believe in yourself, pursue dignity and not money for now, and respect the constituted authorities and opinions of others. It is not only your parents that want to see you successful, the society is also waiting for the value you can bring to table,” Fadeyi said.

Be more creative, principal tells teachers Saidat Alausa

rincipal, Olashore International School, IlokoIjesha, Osun State, Mr. Derek Smith has advised teachers to be more creative and effective in their service. He gave the advice during the 2016 Africa Outstanding Primary School Awards held in Lagos, recently, saying locations of their schools has great influence them and their attitude to work He said “We need to consciously change our habits we consider bad and be more creative in whatever we do. Teaching is not only about teachers standing in front of willing recipients, it’s more than that. According to him, critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity will help students learn better. The world is changing very fast. Every Child is an opportunity. We don’t need to copy the developmental stages of any country, rather we should think of how to move ahead. The greatest challenge when you are good at something is how to keep being the best. Derek pointed out that teachers needed to be trained on the use of technology so they can impact on the children. “Learning will be effective with technology; however training teachers should be a pre-requisite for one on one e-learning project. He admitted that Olashore International School spent about 18 months planning the implementation of iPads in the school, and sent teachers for trainings, before the implementation of the iPad usage in the school.

Ambode lists benefits of ‘Code Lagos’ He explained that by so doing, ‘Code Lagos’ would help the state harness the potential of its youths (puts at 65 per cent of its population) in positioning Lagos -the country’s commercial centre-as a leading tech smart city in Africa. “We also hope that the programme will meet the growing demand for technical skills and improve the participants’ ability to create value either as employees or job creators,” he added. In a chat shortly after the launch, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, under whose office the project is domiciled, explained that 50 per cent of one million people for the programme would be drawn from the primary and secondary school system while 40 per cent and 10 per cent would come from tertiary schools and outside the school system, respectively.

He noted that those in the first category would be trained through coding clubs (about 500 of them) to be set up in schools with two facilitators each while tertiary students through online modules with between two and five facilitators per centre and others would make use of public digital libraries. He said all the newly furnished e-libraries under Adopt-a-library project’ in schools and public domain would equally serve as part of the centres for the programme and that more e-libraries were to join soon across the state. Bank-Olemoh however disclosed that the Coding Curriculum would be launched in January with focus on low income and girls’ only schools and others with facilities. He said Ambode’s government was determined and committed to provide quality

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Toure accepts drinkdriving charge

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

FIFA has no reason to suspect there has been misuse of funds that FIFA has provided to the Sierra Leone Football Association – FIFA

Falcons explain AWCON sit-in protest

it-in protesting African champions, Super Falcons have said the money the football house remitted to their account has done practically nothing towards solving the on-going face-off between the parties. The players acknowledged receipt of alert on their account amounting hundred thousand Naira (N100, 000) each with an accompanying note tagged ‘part payment’ of the whole entitlements. The eight-time African champions have been observing a-sit-in-protest upon return to the country from a successful campaign at the 10th Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon over unpaid accumulated allowances and entitlements. A key player who pleaded anonymity said its bad faith and sheer deception on the part of the football body to tell the whole world that each player got one hundred thousand Naira (N100, 000) to aid their transportation to respective homes only to state clearly that same money is part payment of the whole entitlements.

“Yes, we got alert on our account for the sum of N100, 000 which was meant to help in our transportation back home. “However, we received accompanying note stating that the said amount was part payment of our entitlements. “And we ask, part payment of what, we never requested for part or piece meal payment of our entitlements we have insisted on receiving the whole entitlements intact. “Why would the NFF make it look to the outside world that they gave us transportation money while in essence the money in question is truly our rightful money. “It was the inconsistency therein that made us to stay put until we are fully paid all our entitlements. “We have vowed not go back home without getting the last dime we are owed; the money in question is what we have worked for. “Once we are paid we will quietly vacate the hotel and head straight home. None of us has left the hotel except the few foreign-based players

whose league seasons are still on. “Again we want to state as baseless the report that the president has received the AWCON trophy, the tro-

phy is intact and very much with us,” said the unnamed player to supersport.com. For 10-day running, Falcons have

been holding out at their hotel in Abuja refusing the entreaties of the NFF for them to go home as there is no sufficient fund to pay up their AWCON.

and retained players commencing light physical work under the guidance of technical manager, Stanley Eguma. The second and third phases of pre-season continued in Abuja and Kaduna, respectively. United’s fourth phase of preseason between December 7 and 11 came in the shape of Nigeria’s most prestigious pre-season tournament; the Super 4 in Enugu. The ‘Pride of Rivers’ emerged champions of that competition after three hard-fought matches against Nigeria’s flag bearers in 2017 Caf club competitions, Enugu Rangers, FC Ifeanyiubah and Wikki Tourists. Speaking shortly before the team departed the Port Harcourt International Airport, leader of the

delegation and Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Boma Iyaye explained that the trip was imperative as it acts as the icing on the cake as far as the club’s preparations for the new season is concerned. “Clubs in Madrid, particularly Real Madrid have a winning culture and coming here will help us imbibe that winning culture. “Another objective of this training tour to Madrid is aimed at making Rivers United not just a national and continental brand but one to be reckoned with internationally. “We will be in Madrid for ten days and have already forged an alliance with La Liga, Spain, in the shape of training matches and more. “By the time they are done with the training tour, I am sure the play-

Rivers Utd arrive Madrid to wrap up pre-season

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Rivers United has arrived in Madrid, Spain for the fifth and final phase of pre-season ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. The contingent of 18 players and eight officials touched down at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airportat exactly 2:35pm local time yesterday, December 13. A brief stop-over in Frankfurt had been observed after the contingent arrived in the German city at 5:20am local time following a six hour, ten minute flight that began at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by 11:10 pm on Friday, December 12. The Port Harcourt based club began their pre-season preparations on November 1 in the Garden City with new

Sports

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chelsea yet to discuss T erry’s future

helsea has not met with Captain John Terry to discuss his future, with the 36-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season. The Times reported on Tuesday that the former England defender would not be offered a new deal. “He loves this club and I think it’s important to be focused on the moment and not the future,” Blues boss Antonio Conte said about Terry. Terry signed a 12-month deal last year after considering a “different role”. Conte added: “John is our captain. I think he’s doing a good job. When he’s not playing he’s helping me in the changing room to send the right message to the players.”

Terry

Lewandowski signs new Bayern deal

ayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Bundesliga giants until 2021. The Poland international, 28, joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in 2014. He has scored 86 goals in 122 appearances for the club, including 19 so far this season. “I am very happy that the negotiations were successful,” Lewandowski said. “It means I will stay at Bayern for a few more years.” Bayern, currently top of the Bundesliga, are bidding for a recordextending fifth consecutive league title. They are also in the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Arsenal.

Lewandowski

Toure accepts drink-driving charge

anches ter Cit y mid Toure field has ple a d d ed guilt er Yaya r iv ing, bu tention y to dri t says ally c nkh The Iv onsumed alc e had not “ inhe thou ory Coast pla ohol”. ght he yer, 33, was dr a jug a told a ink court t brandy a party, with ing diet cola out rea from in it. lising Toure it had was “a did not challe bove th nge the e perm charge He wa itte as he fine a s fined £54,0 d limit”. nd ba 0 0 am nn month s by Ba ed from dr eans-tested r k i n “It is gside m iving for 18 agistra and do well known tes. tha n ways r ot drink, sai t I am a Mu efused d Tour s alcoho e. “I h lim Barkin l.” ave alg s i d e Mag Toure istrate ha s Cou grams d an alcohol rt readin per 100 g of 75 said than tw millilit micror ic e crogra e England’s s of breath; more ms. legal li mit of 35 mi-

Taekwondo: NSCDC, Ogun win Korean Ambassador Cup Ifeanyi Eduzor

he 7th edition of the annual Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo championship has ended in Lagos with the Nigeria Security and civil Defence Corps team emerging tops by winning 4

gold medals ahead of team Ogun that came second with 3 gold, 1silver and 1 bronze making a total of 5 medals. The third position went to team Kebbi that clinched 2 gold and 3 bronze medals Ogun state fighter, Richard Oyenusi won the overall best male athlete award while his team mate,

I’ll reposition Supporters Club–Ikpea Ifeanyi Eduzor

ewly elected national President of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea says that repositioning the club and bringing back the unity it enjoyed in the past will be his major priority. Ikpea was last Saturday elected the new helmsman of the club after defeating his rival Aromire Muritala by 168 votes to 7 in a keenly contested election to emerge as new national chairman of the club. The election which was monitored by stake holders in the Nigerian sports including former NFF President, Aminu Maigari, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Bolaji Ojo Oba amongst others also saw the emergence of Dr. Utoh Donatius as the 1st vice chairman with Barrister Kunle Adeniyi emerging as the Secretary General while eleven officers such as 3rd vice chairman, treasurer, PRO, Welfare Officer were returned unopposed. He told National Mirror that having served as the immediate scribe

of the club; he understands their problems and will put modalities on ground on how to move the club forward just as he commended the President General of the Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo for his numerous contributions towards ensuring that the club moves forward and the electoral committee headed by Elder Ademola Bankole for organizing a free and fair election. On allegation that a faction of the club held another election in Abuja, he stated that he is not bothered by that because they are not known to the club. A total of 250 delegates from 19 chapters of the club participated in the election.

Ozil

Halimat Animasaun emerged as the best female athlete of the championship. Nelson Oluigbo of Ogun state was adjudged as the best referee of the tournament while the best coach of the tournament went to Samson Ajayi of Ogun State. Over 300 athletes drawn from 22 states and 25 club sides from across the country, including 3 teams from West Africa featured at the three-day exercise held at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dealing pleaded with executive board members of various sports federations operating in the country to embrace peace by closing ranks and working together to develop

sports in Nigeria instead of fighting one another. He noted that his ministry has drawn up the road map to Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympics’ Games in Japan which he said will kick-off in the second quarter of 2017, and charged all sports federations to submit their three year prrogramne of action to the Ministry, warning that any federation that fails to comply with the directive should forget being part of the next Olympics. Korean Ambassador in Nigeria, Noh Kyu Duk explained that the 7th Korean Ambassador’ Cup, marked the 30th anniversary of establishing Taekwondo in Nigeria, promising that the Asian country will continue to support and encourage the development of the game in the country.

SWAN to honour late Walter Oyatogun’s wife

he Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has concluded plans to honour the late wife of veteran sports caster, Walter Oyatogun with a novelty football match. SWAN Chairman, Fred Edoreh said the late wife of Walter Oyatogun was a big inspiration to the husband who died two years ago, hence Mrs. Paula that died at age 60 on October 29, 2016 deserved to be celebrated by sports Journalist through a novelty football match at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Lagos today. According to him, SWAN Football team will take on the Mega FC of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agidingbi, Ikeja just as we honour our fallen hero (Walter), we are also

going to celebrate his late wife Paula, who was his backbone while alive “said Edoreh who also revealed plans to have a street named after the late broadcaster at the proposed SWAN Estate in Lagos. Meanwhile, eldest daughter of the deceased and top broadcaster, Moyo Oyatogun has revealed that besides today’s novelty match, there would be an Evangelism rally and the service of songs for her late mother at Estaport preparatory school. Moyo said that a memorial service for her late mother will take place on Friday December 16, 2016 at Gospel Apostolic Church, Ayodele, Gbagada followed by interment while reception holds at Alberta Hall, Ogudu – Ojota Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

10,000 athletes for FEDCOL Games

Action recorded during the match between Nigeria and Switzerland

ver 10,000 students are participating in the 13th edition of the Federal Unity Colleges Games which was officially declared open yesterday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital. To create awareness for the games, a road show was on Sunday organized in Enugu to drum up support for the tournament. Coordinator of the games, Joseph Dada, told National Mirror that all logistics has been put in place for a hitch free championship, promising that only eligible athletes will participate in the tournament which has received the backing of principals of Federal Unity Schools in the South East geopolitical zone of the country. He noted that athletes are expected to compete in 17 scoring events and 4 demonstration sports just as he announced that the organizers of the championship, the Department of Physical and Health Education unit of Federal Ministry of Education, have received the full support of the Education Minister for a successful hosting of the event. As the games enters its second day today, the last host, Federal Government College, Calabar, will be aiming to defend their title having been charged by their principal during their sent forth to defend the title they won at the last edition while Federal Government College, Ilorin which has maintained consistency in participating at the games has promised to surprise all the other schools by clinching all the gold medals at stake at the tournament. Media coordinator Pastor Faith Emmanuel Udochukwu said that picking Federal Government College Enugu as host was a right decision because Enugu is save and free from the security challenges facing some states in the country .

Sports

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

J.K Randle U-16 tourney kicks off today

D’banj, Ikpeba, others electrify COPA Lagos …as Adamu assures on Sand Eagles

Stories By Ifeanyi Eduzor

espite his team putting up a poor performance against Switzerland last Sunday at the global beach soccer tournament organized by Kinetic Sports to kick start the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations which began yesterday, Coach of Nigeria beach soccer team, Audu Adamu has assured that his team is poised to win the tournament. The European champions defeated Nigeria by 8-3 in a one sided encounter watched by a capacity crowd at the Eko Atlantic City but Audu was quick to point out that

the team would correct their mistakes on time for their first match in the Beach Soccer AFCON. The day had begun with a thrilling match between Enyimba FC beach soccer team and the Pepsi Football Academy, which the latter won by 6-5 in extra time. Next was a celebrity match between Team D’banj and Team Victor Ikpeba. Team D’Banj consisted of top notch celebrities like Peter Okoye of P-Square, Samson Adamu, CEO of Kinetic Sports, popular comedian, K-10; popular Beat FM OAP, Jimi and MTV base VJ ‘Dada boy Ehiz’ while Team Victor Ikpeba was made up mainly of ex- internationals such

as Aloy Agu, Waidi Akanni, Victor Agali, Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze, as well as popular celebrity, Frank Edohor of the ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ show. The celebrity match ended 2-1 in favor of the ex-internationals with Ikpeba scoring the winning goal with a penalty kick. The event which had in attendance notable dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, Ladi Balogun, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of FCMB; Dr. Amos Adamu, former executive member of FIFA and Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club amongst others.

GOtv Boxing Night 10: Fijabi, Joe Boy, Eribo, others intensify training oxers scheduled to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 10 have stepped up their preparations for the event holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium on 26 December. All the boxers except Tanzania’s Meshack “Smart Boy” Mwankemwa, are in camp in Lagos honing their skills in readiness for the tournament, which has a cash prize of N1.5million for the best boxer. Stanley “Edo Boy” Eribo, who takes on Mwankemwa for the African Boxing Union welterweight title, said his preparation for the

fight has been the most grueling of his career. “This is different. This is a continental title bout and I want to win the title and bring smiles to the faces of Nigeria. I have been training harder than I have ever done because I need to win and I must win. Smart Boy will know that Edo Boy is a better boxer and Nigeria is a bigger country,” he boasted. Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, who defends his West African Boxing Union light welterweight title against Ghana’s Raphael “Iron King” Kwabena, also spoke in similar vein. Fijabi, whose duel with the same opponent at GOtv Boxing Night 9 is widely regarded as his toughest fight, said things will be different this time. At GOtv Boxing Night 10. At GOtv Boxing Night 9, Fijabi won by a split decision. But he vowed, his opponent will not last the distance. Similarly looking to reinforce his status is Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, national lightweight champion, whose challenge duel with former champion, Nurudueen “Prince” Fatai, already has bad blood written all over it. Last week, the two boxers had to be pulled apart on a radio programme, following frayed tempers. Other fights scheduled for the

event are the lightweight challenge contest between Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu and Prince ‘Lion” Nwoye, light welterweight challenge duel pitting Rilwan “Baby Face” Ba-

batunde against Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan and a light heavyweight challenge clash between Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi and Felix “Man Mopol” Igwe.

he maiden edition of the J.K Randle U-16 memorial Football competition will kick off today in Lagos. Disclosing this to the media during a press conference and trophy presentation to herald the championship, Secretary General of National Youth Soccer Association, organizers of the tournament, Aliu Ganiyu, they are organizing the championship in remembrance of Chief J.K Randle who died at the age of 47 years on December 17th, 1956. “We took into consideration the role played by Late Chief J.K Randle who contributed a lot to the development of Lagos State. “The late Randle has the love of youths in mind during his days which accounted for his donating the Onikan swimming pool to the Lagos State Government and as such we found it worthy to immortalize his name through this tournament”, he stated. According to him the teams will be made up of six groups with the finals coming up on December 23, 2016 at the Campos mini stadium, Lagos. Sponsor of the tournament, Bashorun J.K Randle (OFR) noted that he decided to sponsor the competition to keep to the tradition of the family which has been sponsoring sports and education in the country for over 100 years. He appealed to government at all levels to always sponsor sports with education because the two compliments each other.

Team Peak 456 emerge champions of WAMCO Games

he 11th edition of the annual Friesland Campina WAMCO sports tournament has ended at the Agege Stadium with Team Peak 456 emerging champions with a lone goal victory over Team Three Crowns. Team Peak Milk won the third place match by 4-2 penalty against Team Peak Choco, after their game ended 1-1 at regulation time. In his closing remarks at the occasion, Rahul Colaco, Managing Director and Grand Patron of FCWAMCO Games 2016 said it was pleasing to witness the grand finale of a competition which involved intense work and dedication by cross-functional stakeholders. “FCWAMCO Games is in line with the objectives of encouraging employees to take ownership of the corporate values of Friesland Campina WAMCO through the tournament. Team spirit and hard work are the core drivers of this initiative, and the results have clearly shown that together, we can achieve more”, he stated. A novelty match was played in Colaco’s honour and it featured both

male and female staff of Friesland Campina as Team WAMCO against Team LOC. Formerly known as “MD’s Cup” the tournament was renamed ‘FC-

WAMCO Games’ having evolved from being just a football competition to a bouquet of sports and indoor games, which includes table tennis, chess, scrabble and virtual soccer.

L-R: Events/ Sponsorship Manager, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Omolara Sonaike; Compensation / Benefitting Manager, Kenneth Omeni; Managing Director, Rahul Colaco; Supervisor, Can Factory, Kazeem Oketola, and IT Officer, Atinse Eseosa, during the closing ceremony of the 2016 FCWAMCO Games held in Agege Stadium, Lagos.

WORLD RECORD

Biggest bubblegum bubble Vol. 06

No. 1491

N150

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The current record in bubblegum bubble is held by Chad Fell (USA), who blew with a diameter of 50.8 cm (20 in)-without using his hands to steady or stretch the bubble-at the Double Springs High School, Winston County, Alabama, USA, on April 24 2004.

NFF, NPFL and the lavished N244m league broadcast money in a week

ports Minister, Solomon Dalung appears to many as a loquacious speaker but he hit the nail on the head last week when he said that football administration in Nigeria needs surgical operation. The minister was reacting to the Super Falcons’ refusal to leave their hotel after winning the African Women Nations Cup in Cameroom for the eighth time. That national embarrassment is perhaps history but revelation in Abuja last week that a subsidiary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Nigeria Football League Limited squandered two hundred and forty four million naira in one week bares testimony to why the minister should go ahead with his surgical operation immediately in whatever methods he wants. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the leadership of Amaju Pinnick may want Nigerians to buy its story that paucity of

Guest Columnist

Ben

Memuletiwon

funds is responsible for its inability to meet its financial obligations to the national teams, but this unfolding financial scandal and impunity in one of the leagues operating under its supervision shows how the NFF turned blind eye or pretended not to know how an agency, the Nigerian Football League Limited/Nigeria Premier League under its watch squandered over Two Hundred and Forty Four Million Naira (244,000,000) within one week. The Pinnick board which claimed to be broke and awaiting government funding allowed a bunch of ex-footballers under the aegis of the Harrison Jalla’s NANF and a bunch of impeached members of the board of directors of Nigeria Football League Ltd, called Nigeria Premier League, to jointly falsely claim it is still in office, three clear years after been impeached, and falsely presented themselves to both EFCC and a new generation bank (name withheld) as still having mandate to wholly in one fall swoop move the entire N244million from the bank to so-called Club Owners bank account and in a flash, within hours, N244million was totally paid out by the Club Owners to all sorts of characters. For heaven’s sake, a cursory look at the article and memo of Nigeria Football League Ltd shows that Club Owners Association is not mentioned in the article and memo and therefore cannot usurp the functions of the board of Nigeria Football League Ltd as Danladi-led Club Owners did in directly colluding with Pinnick’s NFF to move the N244million to its account without the consent of NFLL / Nigeria Premier League board. The outrage over this brazen impunity is

Honestly, this is yet another test

EFCC to unravel!

case for the

understandable. Many football buffs have expressed concern as to why Pinnick’s board allowed this suspicious criminal profligacy given the fact that the Football League is known by all that its corporate head office is under bank takeover based on the loan Obaseki board took to purchase the building. Both Pinnick’s board and Danladi’s socalled Club Owners who are fully in the know preferred to pay all and sundry whatever it deemed right without due authority instead of putting the money into the bank to save the NFLL corporate building as common sense will dictate. Information reaching the football world confirms Harrison Jalla’s NANF allegedly took 20% Commission from the N244million for writing unsolicited petition to EFCC. It will be interesting to know who authorised this 20% payment as NANF petition was not commissioned by NFLL, a company that absolutely has no legal connection whatsoever with NANF. Further investigation at NFLL revealed that the broadcast owner of the Nigeria Premier League, Total Promotions Limited recently released a draft of N244million to the Nigeria Premier League Limited, the draft was paid into the account of the NFLL. While the board of the NFLL was still considering options on how to put the money to good use,

members of the club owners under the leadership of Barrister Danladi Isaac went to the bank with former staff of the NFLL and in spite of the board of the NFLL writing to the bank not to respect any instruction from any signatory until it hears from the company, the bank strangely acted otherwise moving the entire funds to Club Owners account. According to the acting executive secretary NFLL, Kasali Obanoyen, the Club Owners allegedly acted clearly illegally as he affirmed that “we got the information of transaction in the NFLL account and moves by some individuals who are no longer current staff of NFLL to withdraw the money. I, acting on behalf of NFLL quickly wrote the bank’s branch where the account was domiciled in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, advising no funds must be moved from NFLL account”. Kasali said that flowing from NFLL letter, the accounts officer of the bank, Ms Ene Abah visited the NFLL corporate head office at 31 Karaye Street, Gariki 11 Abuja, with some top staff of the branch of Zenith Bank and inquired of the individuals that were posing as staff of the NFLL, the executive secretary told them that they were former staff that left since 2012. Few days after the visit by the bank’s staff, a former signatory B to the NFLL account, Esther Adesuyi came to the office and asked to be let into the accounts department to take some documents, she was allowed entry under a security watch and she took a letter that mandate her as a signatory B to the account in 2012, which was subsequently seized. Undeterred, she assisted the Danladi Isaac group under the alleged watchful eye of Chief Runsom Baribote, an impeached chairman of NFLL, to clone an FCT Water Board bill, which was in the name of Mary Okoli to the name of Nigeria Football League Limited which the bank now claimed it used to authenticate and take instructions from Tunji Babalola and Esther Adesuyi to transfer entire funds to Club Owners account. The NFLL has written letters to the bank asking for statement of account to which the bank has failed to reply. Honestly, this is yet another test case for the EFCC to unravel!

Sport Extra

t had been suggested the Blues could be handed a severe punishment for repeated offences in player conduct but they have been fined once again instead Chelsea will not be deducted points for the fracas that oc-

Chelsea hit with huge fine for Man City brawl curred towards the end of their match against Manchester City on December 3. Both clubs have been handed a fine by the Football Association, with City charged £35,000 and Chelsea receiving an £100,000

punishment. It had been speculated that the Blues could suffer the unprecedented fate of being deducted points for failing to control their players in the match at the Etihad Stadium due to the number

of similar previous offences they have been charged with. Chelsea had been fined four times, prior to the latest incident, for violating FA rules on player

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