Thursday, 3 september 2015 (new) by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Airline operators raise alarm over sale of kerosene as Jet AI

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Arik chairman accuses Ministry of Aviation of corruption

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

hairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Capt. Nogie

Arumemi-Ikhide

Vol. 5 N0. 1192

Meggison has raised the alarm over sale of kerosene as aviation jet (Jet A1) to local airlines. Chairman, Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide

Thursday, September 3, 2015

also accused the Ministry of Aviation of corrupt practices. Speaking at a one day breakfast meeting organCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Army uncovers bunkering site near Govt House Navy vows to be merciless with oil thieves

UBONG UKPONG AND DENNIS NAKU

igerian Army yesterday said that it has uncovered massive oil bunkering site, just two kilometres from the Rivers State Gov-

ernment House, Port Harcourt. This is even as the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, summoned ship owners in the country over the incessant crude oil theft, vowing to

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Police to strengthen security around INEC offices P.6

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Govt mandates patronage of local P.51 vehicles INSIGHT Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football:

Genesis of Super Falcons continental decline

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President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Patrice Emery Trovoada, during a visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Saraki at UN, seeks partnership to crush Boko Haram

...horse-riding insurgents kill 25 in Borno

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Onitsha 7: Ohanaeze youths give FG ultimatum

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Army uncovers bunkering site near Govt House CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

deal mercilessly with any attempt to undermine the country. The bunkering site, one of the largest ever discovered in the Niger Delta was also not far from the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, wharf, in Port Harcourt. Commander, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji told newsmen that thousands of litres of illegally refined diesel were discovered at the site. Olabanji said army operatives were immediately deplored to the site at Macoba Beach after a tip-off. He said: “About 16:40 hours on Monday, we got information that some illegal bunkering activities were going on along Makoba Beach. “On arrival, our personnel discovered illegal activities which involved bunkering (of illegally refined petroleum products) and lifting of diesel to local boats. “At the site, we found over 5,000 drums loaded with illegally refined diesel; four tanker trucks containing 132,000 litres of diesel combined and a badge with 165,000 litres of stolen diesel. “This discovery is unprecedented because since we started our operations 10 days ago, this is about the biggest that we have uncovered.” Olabanji said additional 150 drums loaded with about 3,150 litres of diesel was also discovered in 21 Cotonou boats, adding that 13 suspects were arrested at the scene. He said the illegal bunkering dump has not yet been set ablaze - in line with the Joint Task Force mandate – because of its closeness to residential buildings within the precincts of NPA. “Our mandate requires us to destroy the site, but we cannot do this because it will degrade the environment and affect residents as it is situated in the heart of Port Harcourt. “Our plan is to move them (the illicit products) to a safe location for destruction,” Olabanji ex-

plained. The Commander said preliminary investigation had already begun to unravel the sponsors of the facility, adding that the 13 suspects would be handed over to relevant authorities for further interrogation and prosecution. Olabanji, while urging against sabotage of oil and gas installations, assured that the JTF would not rest on its oars until the state is rid of illegal bunkering activities.

“Let it be known that the army will not and will never tolerate illegal bunkering in our area of responsibility,” he assured. He called on the public to provide the JTF with timely information which could lead to the arrest of oil thieves and pipeline vandals. Meanwhile, Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, yesterday, vowed to deal mercilessly with any attempt to undermine the

country. The Naval Chief, who met with representatives of ship owners under the auspices of Nigerian Ship Owners Association, at the Headquarters, Nigerian Navy, in Abuja, said he was disturbed that certain merchants in the maritime sector were bent on doing illegal businesses to the detriment of the state, even as he warned that it is no more business as usual in that sector. Admiral Ibas acknowl-

edged that some ship owners have been very supportive and contributed immensely to the development of the country, but regretted that others have turned themselves to be enemies of the state. He urged the association to warn its members to desist from acts of sabotage in the maritime sector of the economy, stressing that it would be too disastrous to refuse the warning. “Your men are doing

Senate President Bukola Saraki delivering his keynote address at the 4th World Conference of Parliamentary Heads at the United Nations headquarters, yesterday.

well but there are those involved in criminal activities. Warn your members who try to undermine the state to desist from those acts that are inimmical to the nation. “I am talking in terms of crude oil theft, they must desist,” he said. Commending their positive contributions to the economy, he said any nation that was blessed with people such as the indigenous ship owners would exploit the prosperity thereof for its betterment. Admiral Ibas who pointed out that 85 percent of trade in the country took place through the high sea, urged the ship owners to develop their potentials and channel it towards legal activities. He assured that the Navy would accord them the necessary protection by providing adequate security to make the waterways safe for their businesses to thrive. Earlier in a remark, President of the Association, Capt Olaniyi Labinjo, rtd, had assured the CNS of their readiness to cooperate stressing that they were the merchant navy, and had every cause to support the Navy being the fighting navy. They rejoiced with Admiral Ibas over his appointment and said they would explore every channel to enhance his success while in office.

Airline operators raise alarm over sale of kerosene as Jet AI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ised by Aviation Round Table, ART, in Lagos yesterday, Meggison alleged that major oil marketers are selling kerosene as aviation fuel to the operators, saying the sales affect the performances of aircraft engines. He explained that the International Air Transport Association, IATA, had sent a Notice to Airmen, NOTAM, to all airline operators coming into the country to beware of aviation fuel being sold to them in Nigeria, stressing that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had been notified of the development. But, during question and answer segment, Meggison admitted that the allegation was a rumour,

which was still being investigated by operators. He further lamented that Nigerian aviation fuel was one of the most expensive in the world, more expensive than that of Dubai and Ghana. He said: “Aviation fuel is an additional challenge for operators in the country. Nigeria has the most expensive fuel for Jet A1 in the world. Warri refinery was producing Jet A1 till the 1990s until it stopped working. The availability of Jet A1 would make other airlines to come around for fueling in Nigeria. “Also, the Value Added Tax, VAT, collected from airlines is the only mode of transportation being charged today by the Feder-

al Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, at the point of sales as against the 21 days stipulated by the constitution.” Arumemi-Ikhide, who also spoke at the event, accused the ministry of encouraging corrupt practices in the industry. To curb the practice, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out forensic audit of the entire aviation agencies and the ministry. He insisted that civil servants were responsible for the sorry state of Nigerian aviation. He accused the ministry of giving undeserved frequencies to several international airlines at the expense of local carriers. For instance, he said South African Airways was

allocated more frequencies in the country, while Arik Air was not allowed extra slots to fly into Cape Town despite the several attempts. Arumemi-Ikhide maintained that no Nigerian airline was weak, but the operators were battling against bad policies propelled by the Ministry of Aviation. Arumemi-Ikhide declared that the airline was not indebted to banks, agencies and other operators in the country. He further supported the call for the return of national carrier for the country, but said all operators must be given level playing field. “No one is opposed to national carrier formation, but there should be a level playing field for all opera-

tors. The civil servants are responsible for the present state of Nigerian airlines. The country’s airlines are not weak, but we are fighting the battle against the ministry of aviation. The government is not protecting the local carriers. “No single cash was given to local airlines in the last intervention funds, rather, the money was used to bailout the banks. Kenyan Airways lost $260m recently and the Kenya Government just last week bailed out the airline with $500m,” he said. Other stakeholders and professionals in the industry also canvassed for the re-establishment of the national airline for the country, saying this would help propel the sector forward.

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

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L-R: Commissioner, Technical, PenCom, Mr. Reuben Omotowa; Director-General, PenCom, Dr. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, during a Presidential Briefing by the National Pension Commission at State House, Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Health Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Sam Eferaro; Programme Officer, Development Communication Network, (DEVCOM) Abiodun Owo; Consultant, DEVCOM, Mr. Bolaji Adepegba; Acting Daily Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Ben Memuletiwon and Programme Officer (Community Level Partnership) Community Life Project, Mr. Lanre Arileola, during a visit to National Mirror in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Regional Technical Officer, South, Airtel Nigeria, Kazeem Sulaiman; Proprietress, Total Parental Guidance Orphanage, Evangelist Grace Akpan and Regional Operations Director, South, Airtel Nigeria, Olusina, during the donation of 8KVA generator, 2 HP Laptops and food items to Total Parental Guidance Orphanage, Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.

L-R: Representative of Jackson Family Foundation, Cecilie Binoche; Founder/Chair, Basic Education Africa (BEAfrica), Ms. Abimbola Okoya and Brand Manager, Natures Gentle Touch, Mrs. Toyin Adepegba, during the BEAfrica/Jackson Family Foundation ‘Make That Change’ seminar, at MUSON Center, Lagos, recently.

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FG unfolds economic recovery blueprint Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday unfolded economic recovery programme for the country, while also expressing commitment of the Federal Government to invest in the social sector. A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo gave the indication while delivering a lecture at the ongoing 45th Annual Accounting Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, in Abuja. Osinbajo, who wondered why the nation’s Gross Domestic Products, GDP, and foreign reserves were high in previous administrations with no commensurate impact on the lives of the people, noted that these were so because the structure and quality of growth were not considered.

According to him, the disjointed growth was as a result of the irony of top-down economic model, where major revenue is extractive and the value chain poorly developed. The vice president stressed that investing in the people: education, job creation, national school feeding scheme, conditional cash transfer and reflating economies of the states are the indices that would boost the economy. He pointed out that some of these ideas have already been put in place by the Buhari administration, including the bailout package for workers in the country, and some others that are currently being worked out. He said: “All Progressives Congress, APC, has made a commitment to provide one-meal-a-day for all primary school pupils that would create jobs in agriculture, including

poultry, catering and delivery services. “The multiplier effect of introduction of the scheme include 1.14 million new jobs; increased food production – up to 530,000mt/a; attracting investor by investment – up to N980bn.”

Osinbajo also identified conditional cash transfer as another avenue for alleviating poverty. He said the programme was intended to support 25 million poorest households to incentivize vaccination, education and production.

The multiplier effect of introduction of the programme, he noted, would include lifting millions out of poverty; putting millions into rural production, and boosting rural economy. On the power sector, Osinbajo noted that despite

challenges, there have been measurable improvements over the past three months. Earlier, President of ICAN, Otunba Samuel Deru, appreciated the Vice President for his commitment and being able to attend the programme in person.

NNPC set to unbundle PPMC Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

n a bid to ensure lean, efficient and profitable operations, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is to commence the unbundling of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, into three different outfits. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Ohi Alegbe, in a statement said the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, made this disclosure during an official tour

of Okrika Jetty and Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited yesterday. According to the statement, Kachikwu said PPMC would be split into a pipelines company that would focus primarily on maintenance of over 5,000 kilometres pipelines of the corporation; a storage company that would maintain all the over 23 depots and a products marketing company that would market and sell petroleum products. He added that the move would ensure that the right set of skills were rightly

positioned and the number of leakages in terms of pipelines break and products loss are reduced to the barest minimum. The GMD noted that the ongoing phased rehabilitation of all the state owned refineries would be given accelerated vigour with the aim of reducing petroleum products importation, adding that at full capacity, all the refineries could supply 20 million litres of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol on a daily basis. Kachikwu affirmed that there are no plans to sell the

refineries. Rather, according to him, joint venture partners with established track records of success in refining would be invited to support the running of the refineries in order to ensure efficiency. He stated that efforts are in top gear to fix all the crude and petroleum products pipelines across the country, stressing that the air force would be engaged to provide aerial survey, the Army Engineering corps to fix and police the pipelines, while the Navy provide marine security.

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Saraki at UN, seeks partnership to crush Boko Haram GEORGE OJI, INUSA NDAHI, AND UBONG UKPONG

enate President, Bukola Saraki, has appealed to the international community to partner with Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram insurgency in the country. Saraki made the call while delivering his keynote address at the ongoing 4th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, organised by the InterParliamentary Union, IPU, at the United Nations, UN, headquarters in New York. He noted that the menace of insurgency and all forms of brutality being visited on innocent citizens by terrorists across the world require international collaboration to curtail as they pose great threat to global peace and democracy. According to the Senate President, terrorism can no longer be treated like a local problem and that it was time the world joined Nigeria to decisively defeat Boko Haram while urgently rebuild the Northeast. Saraki said: “The time to act is now. For us in Nigeria, with the new leadership at the executive and legislature, we are reacting already. You have a reliable partner to work with. “Boko Haram represents the greatest terrorist threat we face. The insurgency’s senseless terror has brought untold destruction and hardship on our people in the North East of the country. I therefore call on the international community to partner with Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram. “Thankfully, our military has in recent times, significantly degraded the morale and capacity of the insurgents to launch attacks in the area, a feat that has since seen many settlements liberated, roads reopened and hope restored. I call on the global community to join hands with Nigeria to rebuild the overwhelming destruction of the North East.” According to him, the world today is embattled by challenges with no easy answers, ranging from climate change, regional conflicts and terrorism. He lamented that the conflicts have brought in their wake the problem of

internal destitution, displacement and dislocation of people, adding that democracy and development cannot take place in this type of atmosphere. He stated that the challenge the global community now faces is how to quickly turn the tide around to achieve sustainable development. Saraki said: “Since 2009, we have seen many of our innocent citizens brutally and senselessly murdered and others rendered internally displaced. The idea of a 15-year-old girl suicide bomber, wherever it may be in the world, be it in the Middle East, South America, Asia or in my country Nigeria is not the world of our dream. It is not reflective of a world where sustainable development is the agenda. “Surely, it is not a local problem. Terrorism is evil that we must confront. Its brutality, lack of purpose and cross border activities makes it imperative that we adopt a global approach in tackling it. Terrorism in one part of the world is no more important than in another.” He further bemoaned the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the Northeast and other parts of the country, saying the human misery in the various camps he recently visited is horrendous. “Nowhere are these challenges more keenly felt, than in the plight of displaced persons, migrants and refugees, where due to conflict and natural disasters, citizens are bereft of human rights, even certifiable citizenship identities, such as the ongoing situations in North-East Nigeria, with the attendant shockwaves being felt in other parts of the world through the rising tides of unsafe and unregulated, emergency migration, to Europe and other regions. “In my country alone, we have seen the displacement of over 2 million persons and about 10,000 children orphaned by the Boko Haram conflict. “The human misery has been unspeakable. I had the opportunity of an entire day visiting from camp to camp some of the IDPs, to see firsthand the real suffering that thousand of mostly women and children are

going through. It’s horrendous,” he said. He called on his colleagues to ensure the success of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, through enabling laws that will ensure the smooth implementation of embedded policies and programmes for the benefit of the global state. Saraki thanked the UN for involving the legislature early in the process of the adoption of the SDGs, saying it is time for action to make it work. He noted that with historic success of the 2015 general elections, Nigeria demonstrated an abiding commitment to democracy especially with the country’s rather long history of military rule, and its location on a continent still dotted by sit-tight presidents. However, he assured participants at the confer-

ence that the Nigerian parliament is committed and ready to play its part to deliver successful results. Meanwhile, about 26 people were feared dead, while several others sustained injuries during an attack by Boko Haram terrorists on the remote villages of Kolori and Ba’ana in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Damboa is located at the heart of the Sambisa Forest, currently witnessing heavy military onslaught with air strikes. The attack, our correspondent learnt, took place on Monday and was carried out by terrorists, who rode on horses. The attackers allegedly opened fire on the villagers, killing many and injuring others. One of the leaders of the Youth Vigilante Group, known as Civilian JTF, told

journalists on the phone yesterday, that many of the villagers fled to Biu on Tuesday, a day after the attack. “The attack occurred on Monday evening. Some Boko Haram members rode to Kolori on horses at about 5.35pm and were firing at residents and shooting into houses. “Accounts from the people showed that 18 people were killed at Kolori and eight died at Ba’ana Imam village. More than 12 people were said to be injured,” he said. All effort to get confirmation on the attack did not yield result at press time, as a text message sent to the Police Commissioner, Mr. Opadokun Aderemi, was not responded to. In another development, Nigerian Air Force Alpha jets have successfully hit vital targets in the Sambisa Forest in the ongoing air

bombardment. In an operational update yesterday, Director of Public Relations and Information, DOPRI, Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said troops, during the air assaults, successfully cut off electricity supply to the Boko Haram insurgents in the forest. Alonge said the successes were in view of the desire to decimate the capability and resolve of the members of sect to continue to fight. The DOPRI said the Alpha jets attacked Boko Haram’s targets in Ngoshe and Pulka, providing Close Air Support to ground forces. “The targets, which include solar panels believed to be used by the sect for generating electricity within the Sambisa Forest, were hit during the recent takeover of Gamboru-Ngala by our troops,” he said.

Scene of an accident in which a trailer fell off overhead bridge on moving cars below, at Ojuelegba in Lagos, yesterday.

Anti corruption campaign’ll secure future of youths –Buhari ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured youths in the country that the ongoing anti-corruption campaign would secure their future. In an address to members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, who marched to the Presidential Villa to pledge their full support for his anti-corruption campaign, Buhari promised that he would do his best to place the country well on the path of economy recovery

Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said everything the youths have asked for are what would make for a good country, Buhari explained that his administration was interested in ensuring a good country where youths can have bright future and hope. “We are totally committed to building a country where our youths can realise their full potential. “You can be assured that your welfare and well-being are topmost in our minds and very soon you will see

the things we have promised come to fruition. “During the campaigns, change was our slogan, but today it is no longer a mere slogan, it is now a reality and we will see it in every facet of our lives,” he said. Adesina later received a document from NANS President, Comrade Tijani Usman Shehu, addressed to the President. In his remarks, Shehu said the students were united against corruption, cyber crime, prostitution, human trafficking, drug abuse and other anti-social vices. Meanwhile, President Bu-

hari yesterday said Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe must find means to review the activities of their Joint Development Authority for efficiency and productivity. A statement issued by Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari spoke at a meeting with the Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Patrice Emery Trovoada. Buhari said both countries also need to intensify their collaborative efforts with other nations to curtail piracy and insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

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Police to strengthen security around INEC offices Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

igeria Police Force, NPF, has disclosed its resolve to tighten security in and around offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, across the country. Consequently, Command Commissioners of Police have been directed to ensure adequate security at such offices and also at election tribunal sittings. Inspector General

of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, stated this yesterday when he visited headquarters of INEC in Abuja, where he met Acting Chairperson, Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari. Force Public Relations Officer, Bisi Kolawole, in a statement said the visit was aimed at cementing existing relationship between the force and INEC in ensuring actualization of the commission’s mandate. Responding, Zakari used the occasion to intimate the IGP of INEC’s

readiness to work with the police in ensuring success during the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. In another development, the IGP has given state Police Commissioners one week ultimatum to report on their compliance to earlier directives on withdrawal of policemen attached to unauthorised persons and political office holders across the country. Meanwhile, INEC yesterday swore in a new Res-

ident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Abdullahi Adamu Kaugama, representing Jigawa State. Kaugama’s swearing in followed his nomination, clearance and appointment as REC after the demise of the previous occupant of the office in the state. The new REC, who has not been officially deployed, was INEC secretary for nearly six years before retiring from service. Zakari implored other members of staff to be dil-

L-R: Acting Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Hajia Amina Zakari; Director of Legal Services, Mr. Ibrahim Bawa and Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama, during the swearing-in ceremony of Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama as Jigawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Bonny Light export rises by 330,000bpd

…as Shell completes pipelines maintenance Udeme Akpan

igeria’s oil export has increased by 330,000bpd, worth N2.9bn, with the completion by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, of the rehabilitation of two major pipelines crippled by oil thieves. Attack on the pipelines, the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP and Nembe Creek Trunkline, NCTL, had affected export of Bonny Light, the nation’s premium crude oil grade, for many days. At the current crude price of about $45 per barrel, the coming back on stream of the pipe-

lines would culminate in the generation of $14.8m per day (N2.9bn). SPDC, which confirmed the lifting of force majeure earlier placed to protect itself against any liabilities from international oil traders and other parties, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Precious Okolobo, indicated that the maintenance has been completed. “Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd., SPDC, operated Joint Venture today (September 2) lifted the force majeure on Bonny Light exports following the repair and re-opening of Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, and Nembe Creek

Trunkline, NCTL. “The TNP was repaired after a joint investigation visit found that a leak was caused by an illegal connection that failed. A number of crude theft points were removed from the NCTL,” it maintained. But, the development did not make much impact on the volatile oil market yesterday as prices hovered at about $45 per barrel. The pipelines are strategic because of their locations in the Niger Delta where the bulk of the nation’s oil and gas operations take place. Specifically, the TNP and NCTL have the capacity to deliver 180,000bpd

and 150,000bpd of Bonny Light respectively to Bonny Terminal. However, there are strong indications that power generation would record improvement as TNP also constitutes an important facility for delivering gas liquids to Afam VI power plant. There was improvement in power supply yesterday, according to the Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP. PTFP puts the nation’s electricity generation and distribution at 3,922.72mw and 3,825.82mw respectively. But the megawatts supplied remains far below the 14,630mw estimated daily national demand.

igent and hard working to enjoy promotion. “Being part of the family, I am sure you know what your roles

and responsibilities are. We wish to tap into your experience and conduct in the discharge of our duties,” she said.

Law enforcers to go after Pension defaulters –Pencom boss Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

ational Pension Commission, PenCom, yesterday said law enforcement agencies would soon go after companies that defaulted in remittance of pension fund deducted from employees’ salaries. Director General of the Commission, Chinelo AnohuAmazu, disclosed this when speaking with State House Correspondents after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the position of the scheme. According to her, it is financial crime to take money out of an employee’s salary and fail to remit it to Retirement Savings Account of the worker. She said: “Right now, even in Pencom, we have a whole department devoted to enforcement and compliance, we have also engaged recovery agents because the compliance is on many level. “Some people have made deductions from salaries and have not been remitted into Retirement Savings Account, “We are calling on those people and we are going to work with the appropriate law enforcement agencies because it is financial crime to

take money out of an employee’s salary and fail to remit it to his Retirement Savings Account. It is something we take seriously.” Anohu-Amazu explained that the commission was also making effort to ensure that everyone, including those not in formal employment participate in the pension contributory scheme, which she said has 6. 637million retirement savings account representing 11 per cent working population. She stated that the scheme has also given retirement savings account holder freedom to determine how his benefit would be administered. According to her, those that are in the informal sector are those who are most in need of the retirement saving scheme. She noted that the challenges facing the commission are mostly in the area of compliance, stressing that a lot more people needed to be brought into the scheme. She disclosed that the President has already directed the commission to work with the Vice President in order to get the National Economic Council, NEC, to work with PenCom to ensure that all the states are in full compliance as soon as possible.

ICRC says 2nd Niger Bridge still on track

i re c t o r- G e n e r a l , The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Mr Aminu Diko, has said the construction of the longawaited 2nd Niger Bridge was still on course. This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by the Director-General in Abuja, yesterday. Diko disputed reports that the project was “on hold”, “stalled”, “being probed” or even “suspended”. It would be recalled that the Director-General recently briefed President Buhari and the media on the status of the bridge, which had since received bad publicity. “During my visit to the President, I expressed concern about the project cost

vis-à-vis projected toll fees and engagement of community stakeholders whose land would be affected along the bridge’s right of way. “The commission would like to see the Niger Bridge completed to alleviate the plight of travelers on that route, especially during festivities. “We know it is critical, we also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on that old bridge. The time has come to bring succor to Nigerians,” he said, adding that a Public Private Partnership, PPP, the project must pass through various checks to satisfy the Federal Government and investors alike of its viability and also to ensure people got value for money.

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

South West

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Amosun gets Assembly’s nod on N19bn bailout loan

Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

gun State House of Assembly yesterday approved Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s request to access N18.9 billion loan to offset outstanding salary deductions and subvention to workers on its payroll from Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, under the Federal Government bailout programme. According to Amosun’s letter to the Assembly, which was read by the Speaker, Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, during the plenary, the loans were broken down into

N9.779b for outstanding deductions/subvention and N9.139b for Local Governments in the state. The governor’s request was a follow up to the House Resolution 008/2015 authorising restructuring of the commercial bank loans into Federal Government of Nigeria bonds which would enable the state to fully participate in the bailout scheme. The approval was granted through a resolution passed after the motion for passage was moved by Majority Leader, Adeyinka Mafe, which was seconded by Oluwasesan Soyebo and supported by the entire House.

Earlier while opening debate on the motion, Mafe explained that the loan would cater for the backlogs of the civil servants deductions which would help in boosting their morale thereby enhancing productivity. He added that the loan which would be in a single digit interest rate would bring succour to civil servants at the state and local government levels. On their parts, members including Deputy speaker OlakunleOluomo, Chief WhipIdowuOlowofuja, Minority Leader Wale Alausa, PDP Whip JemiliAkingbade, AkanbiBankole, TundeSanusi and GaniyuOyedeji,

said the loans would cater for cooperative deductions, salaries and outstanding allowances of the civil servants who had been active partners in the implementation of various government policies and programmes leading to achievement of Amosun’s Rebuilding Mission. Others who contributed were OlusolaSonuga, YetundeSogbein and AdeleyeAdebiyi. They said payment of all the outstanding deductions from the loans would serve as a relief to government since the backlog of debt owed public servants in the state would be cleared.

Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation holding rally to mark the 6th memorial anniversary of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, in Lagos, yesterday

Police arrest man for sleeping with daughters BoladaleBamigbola OSOGBO

34-year-old father, Mohammed Ahmed, has been apprehended for having carnal knowledge of his daughters. The victims, said to be a primary 4 pupil of a government school and her younger sister, were living with their father in a single room apartment since their mother divorced him some years ago. Ahmed, it was also learnt, got married again but the second wife died after bearing two children, about two years ago. While being paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, at its Osun Com-

mand headquarters in Osogbo yesterday, Ahmed confessed to the crime, saying he only did it six times. His words: “I don’t know what came over me from April. I started having sex with my daughters that time. Any time I have sex with them, I don’t usually see anything wrong with it. “But I only had sex with them six times from April till date. I am sorry.” Briefing newsmen on how NSCDC got wind of the sad incident, Head of Public Relations and Protocol unit of the corps, Mr. Wale Folarin, said: “The incident was related to us by a neighbour to Ahmed.” Folarin said the informant used to hear the cry of the girls every night, a

development that made him to inquire from one of them what the matter was. “The girl then confessed

to her father’s neighbor which made him to relate the case to us after he had confirmed it,” he added.

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Lateness: 31 Ekiti civil servants get reprieve AbiodunNejo ADO EKITI

he 31 civil servants caught for lateness to work in Ekiti State on Monday can now heave a sigh of relief as they have been pardoned. The governor announced the pardon yesterday at a meeting with public servants to discuss whether Ekiti should obtain the bailout funds planned for states by the Federal Government or not. He urged the workers to change their attitude, saying: “I am begging workers to get to work on time. If we are paying salaries on time, then civil servants must also reciprocate by coming to work on time.” The governor had during an unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat on Monday morning, ordered the Head of Service, Dr GbengaFaseluka, to take disciplinary action against the 31 civil servants caught for lateness. The governor expressed reservations about the bailout funds, saying it would aggravate the debt profile of the state. According to him, even with the nine per cent interest on the fund, rolling it over with the debts and commitments the state already had would be too burdensome. He said: “They say they are restructuring N18.8 billion of our commercial loans and with the nine per cent interest, by the time the money is repaid in 20 years, we would have paid an extra N36 billion as interest. That means

Fayose

the N18 billion would have become N56 billion. “I am addressing you on the issue so that before I commit the state to taking the loan, I have to get your permission. The main consequence of the bailout is that it is from same monthly allocation from the federal that we will accommodate servicing the N25 bond we inherited from the previous administration, that bail out itself and commercial loans. “When allocation comes and they are deducting from source, do not say I did not tell you. I set up a technical committee to see to how we disburse monthly allocations coming to the state. The committee has members drawn from labour unions, tertiary institutions among others. We do this to allow for transparency in the system,” he said. He urged residents to be ready to pay rates, taxes and levies;“If civil servants are paying taxes, others should pay as well. Our Internally Generated Revenue must improve”. The Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka, promised the cooperation of civil servants to the government.

Protesters barricade road as LUTH demolishes houses in Ogun Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

here was pandemonium in four Ifo communities of Araromi, Lepa, Onihale and Pakoto located near the Lagos- Abeokuta expressway in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State as hundreds of residents protested against the demolition of their houses by agents of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. The irate protesters blocked the ever-busy highway and made bonfires to

protest the demolition of their houses worth several millions of naira. The development disrupted vehicular movements along the Ogun corridor for several hours before security agents could disperse the protesters and cleared the road. National Mirror gathered that it took the combined effort of the men of the Nigeria Police from Ewekoro and Ifo Division as well as men of the Nigerian Army who fired teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. It was further gathered

that LUTH officers who supervised the demolition exercise claimed the hospital had acquired the large expanse of land in contention since 1979 under the military administration of former president OlusegunObasanjo. But some affected residents, who spoke with our correspondent on phone, claimed ignorance that ‎the land belonged to the hospital. They maintained that they acquired the land and paid the stipulated charge levied by the Fabowale fam-

ily in the area who allegedly owned the disputed land. The exercise was monitored by uniformed armed policemen and military personnel.

Amosun

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Views

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Legal and moral dilemmas of Buhari’s appointments EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI Professor Ndubuisi is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

resident Muhammadu Buhari last Tuesday performed the swearing ceremony of his recently appointed “personal staff ”. Some of those sworn in included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Davis Lawal; the National Security Adviser, General Mohammed Babagana Monguno, and Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Femi Adesina. The President also made some other appointments that spurred serious controversies because of their geopolitical slant. They include the Comptroller General of the Customs Service; Controller General of Immigration Service; Chief Security Officer; Acting Chairman of INEC, among others. Out of about 31 such appointments, 24 are from the North, while only seven are from the South. Quite puzzling is the fact that none is from the South East. The exclusion of the South East has raised immense criticisms targeted at President Buhari, who has promised to be fair to

all parts of the country. It is to be noted that the President drew wide ovation when he averred in his swearing ceremony that he is ”for everybody and for nobody”. This sanctity of this promise was, however, circumscribed in an interview where he was quoted as saying that those that gave him 95 percent of votes should be more rewarded than those that gave him miserable five percent. The spirited efforts made to either deny this or to embellish its meaning were to no avail. Buhari’s obvious northernisation of the country has been received with outrage. This development has polarized Nigerians. For Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, the action of the President is not only an affront on the nation, it also has the potential to threaten its cooperate existence. He does not see how a Nigerian president that swore to an oath to protect all and sundry irrespective of religion and tribes should embark on such divisive actions that make him look like the president of Northern Nigeria. Fayose also highlights the abandonment of the Lagos/Ibadan expressway that was almost at the point of completion by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration; the suspension of the Second Niger Bridge that was kicked off by the same administration, among others. This is really a strange time; it is like Nigerians should be prepared for more surprises. It is to be recalled that not quite long ago, Dr. Mohammed Junaid, the convener of Coalition of Northern Politicians, unequiv-

THERE ARE BOTH MORAL AND LEGAL IMPURITIES INHERENT IN THE APPOINTMENTS THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE SO FAR ocally stated that President Buhari owed no obligation to anybody or group, challenging Igbo to secede if they liked, but promising them a repeat of the outcome of the last civil war. Presidential and ruling APC spokespersons have been frantically doing damage control and rationalising the lopsided appointments made. One argument bandied is that the administration is too young to be accused of bias or nepotism, adding that the president still has many appointments to make. Another argument is that the appointments made so far represent personal staff of the president and thus he must be careful in his selection. There is yet another argument that the president is making use of hands he knows and whose ability and honesty has trust and confidence in. And yet there is even the dimension that the president has no apology to offer as he is acting on the basis of his constitutional power. On a proper exegesis, there are both moral and legal impurities inherent in

the appointments the president has made so far. If he sees his actions right, and if this is his perception of Nigeria, it is very scandalous and sorely unfortunate. The founding fathers of this nation were from the beginning able to recognise our diversity, ethnic, linguistic and religious. That was why we operated as a federation in the first place at independence. Operating a federal constitution gives room for the various constituents of the federation to handle their unique peculiarities and challenges. At the federal level, however, there was and still is a clear constitutional provision for the reflection of federal character and quota system in appointments and admission into federal government institutions. Chapter two of the extant constitution of the country (as amended) is clear on the need for spread so as not allow a section of the country to dominate and enslave the others. It was in pursuance of both the spirit and letters of this provision that in admission into both the federal universities and unity schools, there is provision not only for federal character but for conscious effort to accommodate educationally disadvantaged states in the national scheme of things. If our president decides to go against this provision of our grundnorm, then there is need to worry. He can like or hate any side if that suits his temperament, but he is obliged to respect both the spirit and letters of our constitution.

Superstitions, retrogression and the way forward

‘H

ow Europe underdeveloped Africa’ is a popular book by Guyanaborn renowned African intellectual and political activist, Walter Rodney. In that 1972 classic, Rodney analysed the complex historical forces exerted on the continent and their impact on its socio-economic realities. He came to the conclusion that the systemic exploitation of Africa by imperialist Europe via slave trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism, was responsible for the poor state of African political and economic development in the late 20th Century, adding that development would only be feasible if Africa effected a radical break with the international capitalism. While there could be no denying the fact that exogenous factors like slave trade, colonialism, etc, have had pernicious effects on the continent’s quest for development, the factors could not totally explain why quality and sustainable development has always eluded Africa. To start with, the factors themselves do not explain why there is huge chasm in the rate of development in the first instance which made it possible for all the said exploitations to be possible -exploitations merely aggravated the existing differential rate of development among nations. Secondly, these traditional factors do not satisfactorily explain why, since the demise of colonialism (and neo-colonialism?), Africa has found it impossible to lay the foundation of her own progress. Thus, a new theory which goes beyond apportionment of blame is needed to unravel the basis of the unenviable status of the black man among the races. To this end, therefore, this writer hereby

OUR NOLLYWOOD FILMS ARE REPLETE WITH SCENES OF FANTASIES WHICH MOCK REALISM AND PROP ANTISCIENTIFIC VIEWS offers another theoretical causative agent of Africa’s underdevelopment. Africa’s woes are emanations of self-inflicted mental laxity borne of attitudinal lack of hunger for knowledge; undue complacency and uncritical acceptance of appearances as the real things. These deficiencies explain the comparative backwardness of this continent. It is not true that there is genetic deficiency in the constitution of an African which predisposes him to mental inferiority as some bigoted racists would have us belief. Rather, the whole problem is purely attitudinal. From time immemorial, Africans, in comparison to other races, have exhibited apathy to exploiting human greatest asset, the human brain, to the fullest. Yet, the human brain which God or nature (whichever you prefer) has endowed us with is the only proven tool through which the secrets of the universe could be unlocked. Knowledge is the only pathway to success via technological growth and development. All the peoples of the world had one time or the other been enveloped in the same dark age of ignorance -an era when recourse was always had to the supernatural forces for solutions to mankind’s problems. It was an era when diseases were seen as the handiwork of witches and wizards, and all forms of calamity were deemed orchestrated by incensed deities

who must be placated by sacrifices and propitiatory offerings. But the truth dawned on Europe long ago and it led to her renaissance and later the industrial revolution. Ever since that time, Europe has not looked back as she embarked on accelerated pursuit of empirical knowledge, while systematically demolishing the myths which had held mankind in bondage over the ages. Other parts of the world, like the Americas and the now successful countries of Asia, followed suit, channelling their energies to scientific researches and developmental pursuits. But here in Africa, we are still enmeshed in primitive superstitions, like we have always done, holding all sorts of beliefs that are not empirically verifiable and which are inimical to progress. The Europeans conquered our forefathers and imposed colonialism, not because they were inherently superior, but because they had superior understanding of the laws of nature, which aided them in the manufacture of superior weapons. We failed to learn anything from that. Even today, our society brims with behaviours informed by superstitions. Children are branded witches and wizards in some parts of country and are being subjected to harrowing experiences through trial by ordeal. We still see sacrifices, offered to some mediaeval spirits on our highways. People are still being kidnapped for ritual killing - the incidence of which has soared in this period of politics. Unfortunately, a lot of atrocities are being committed with im-

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

punity on accounts of ignorance. Our Nollywood films are replete with scenes of fantasies which mock realism and prop anti-scientific views. Little wonder then we rarely announce scientific breakthroughs in any fields of human endeavours. If our ancestors had held and practised certain beliefs which, instead of helping them, had made our continent the least developed part of the entire world, doesn’t commonsense dictate we should reject such beliefs in favour of logical and time-tested ones which had helped other people achieve greatness? It is high time we invested heavily on science and technology, the only guaranteed way to sustainable development. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday September 3, 2015

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

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

Tackling public infrastructure deficit

r. Wale Babalakin, a prominent lawyer and businessman, (we’ve cast all the controversies, short-comings and criticisms trailing him aside), drove home a very powerful point lately when he said Nigeria’s quest for massive development of critical public infrastructure will remain a mirage without a change of attitude by public officers. The current practice where public officers do not respect contract terms and agreements, for strictly self-serving reasons, we crave permission to add, but see private investors in public infrastructure as either competitors or inferior partners, will continue to work against the country’s quest to overcome its current deficit in the provisioning and maintenance of public infrastructure, he was quoted as saying at a seminar recently organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja. We recall that some eminent Nigerian leaders and intellectuals, some of the latter invited from other countries, who converged on Obasanjo Farms in Ota, Ogun State in 1991, advised that the government must strive to totally liberate the creative energies of Nigerian people; and that one of the most potent means of accomplishing this goal is for the government to concentrate on the provision of highly improved infrastructural facilities, especially in such areas

as transportation, communication and energy; as well as ensure that the facilities are constantly maintained in a good state of repair. Only under such a circumstance, according to them, can the government withdraw from direct involvement in all manner of productive activities and concentrate on policies and programmes that must be supportive of private initiative in the aforementioned areas for the purpose of fostering an environment that is stable and conducive to the pursuit of various economic undertakings for the improvement of the quality of life and living. “Of more fundamental importance”, they said, “is the need for government to ensure stability and consistency of policy over a sufficiently long period, to inculcate a strong sense of operational discipline and promote a high level of financial accountability”. They stated, in addition, that “regardless of a change in personnel, a culture of transparency in governance must be developed, whilst great attention must be paid to resource mobilization and financial prudency”. Twenty-four years on, however, all of the aforesaid are still either in deficit, while policies are churned out in the breach. Public infrastructure, inclusive of the basics, is not only decrepit, but in some critical areas it is non-existent at all. Babalakin rightly argued that public officers do not respect terms of contracts

WE LEND OUR SUPPORT TO ANY MEANINGFUL GOVERNMENT POLICY OR EFFORT THAT ENCOURAGES NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND WEALTH CREATION and agreements, but treat private investors in public infrastructure with suspicion, a development he said aggravates the current deficit in the provision and maintenance of public infrastructure. It may be rightly argued that because the self-centered disposition of public officials to service delivery overly favours corrupt self-enrichment, which is antithetical to painstaking development of requisite infrastructure and national wealth creation, achieving the latter is ringed by dumbfounding tales of woe. The President Muhammadu Buhari government, according to recent reports, inherited a liability of N4 trillion, the equivalence of a whole year’s budget, as contractual debt from the erstwhile administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, with scant facilities to show for it. The number of abandoned federal and state projects littering the entire nation is also simply outrageous.

ON THIS DAY

September 3, 1971

September 3, 2004

In a coup d’état in Burundi, President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza was deposed by Major Pierre Buyoya. Bagaza (born 1946) is a Burundian politician who was Chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Council in Burundi until November 10, 1976, and President from November 10, 1976 to September 3, 1987. While travelling abroad, Bagaza was deposed in a military coup d’état; and Buyoya took charge as the country’s president.

Beslan school hostage crisis – day 3: The Beslan hostage crisis ended with the deaths of over 380 people, more than half of which were children. The crisis began on September 1 when armed terrorists took children and adults hostage in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia. The crisis lasted three days and involved the capture of over 1,100 people as hostages (including 777 children) and ended with the death of over 380 people.

About three years ago, for example, an FG probe revealed that federal projects abandoned midway were over 20,000. Poor project performance and monitoring, which manifestation is in contractors collecting mobilization funds from the government and sharing same with dubious public servants and vanishing, were blamed. Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, we again recall, once spoke of FG’s decision to set up a project performance and monitoring taskforce to punish erring contractors. Indeed, when the number of abandoned projects in the country’s 36 states and 774 LGAs are added to FG’s 20,000, it will be better appreciated why Nigeria still belongs more to the cave era than a modern state over 50 years after her independence from colonial repression in 1960. Consequently, we lend our support to any meaningful government policy or effort that encourages national infrastructure development and wealth creation such that the nation is freed from the vice grip of corrupt public officials and their contractor accomplices, on the one hand; and yields value for money and other benefits for the majority, as well as encourages the unleashing of citizen’s latent and scarcely tapped potentials, on the other. For now, the country’s performance in this regard is still pathetic and tilts very much towards zero.

September 3, 2014 Heavy monsoon rains and flash floods left over 200 people dead across India and Pakistan. By September 24, 2014, nearly 277 people in India and 280 others in Pakistan had died due to the floods. The Indian administrated Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pakistan administered Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Punjab, were mostly affected by the floods. Heavy rainfall from September 2, 2014 onwards triggered the flooding and landslides.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today Financial burden of the post-UTME 23

Saidat Alausa

espite persistent warnings by the National Universities Commission (NUC) not to patronise any university that is not licensed by the Commission, more Nigerians are daily falling to the trap of the illegal operators scattered all over the country. Just last week, the commission, released a long list consisting no fewer than 50 names of such universities that are operating in different parts of the country with a sizeable number of students. The list reads: University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria; Christians of Charity American University of Science; Technology Nkpor, Anambra State; University of applied Sciences and Management Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; Blacksmith University, Awka; Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana; Royal University Izhia, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State; Sunday Adokpela University, Otada Adoka, Otukpo; Benue State. Others include: United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State; United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State; Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State; UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State; Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos Plateau State; The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres; Columbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria; Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria. Also in the list are Lobi Business School Makurdi, Benue; West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria; Bolta University College Aba; JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna Illegal Campus; Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State; St. Andrews University College, Abuja; EC- Council University, USA, Ikeja; Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo Akwa Ibom State; Concept College/University (London) Ilorin; Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja; Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja; Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State ; Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State ; Houdegbe North American University Campuses in Nigeria; Atlantic International University, Okija, Anambra State; Open International University, Akure among others.

Why Nigerians patronise fake universities —Stakeholders

It is as a result of looking for

short cuts that the ones that are not admitted get involved with these fake universities because they want to get certificate by all means.

Okojie The commission did not stop there. It also sealed up their operational base with a threat to prosecute them for operating illegally. But surprisingly, while many of these so-called universities have been operating for years without the knowledge of NUC, some that were closed down by the commission had reopened and were still carrying on their illegal business.. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Julius Okojie while releasing the latest list warned Nigerians again, especially the desperate admission seekers and their parents, to be wary of the activities of operators of illegal universities, saying patronising them is resource and time wasting. He however advised them to make themselves

Kogi teachers demand extension of retirement age to 65 20

familiar with the commission’s website where he said they would get authentic list of recognised Nigerian universities. According to him, any institution outside the list should be considered illegal and therefore should be avoided. On yearly basis, less than 30 per cent of over 1.5 million admission seekers who sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations are eventually admitted into the universities due to space constraint. This condition, among others, has made university admission in the country very competitive. In an interview with National Mirror, the Provost Michael Otedola College of Education, MOCPED, Noforija, Epe, Lagos, Prof. Olu Akesola said the problem is as a result of

‘Poor funding, bane of African higher education’ 20

ignorance on the part of parents. “The ignorance of the parents, the admission policy and establishment of universities, incessant strikes and high fees by the accredited private universities made parents to still patronise these universities.” The Professor of Comparative Language explained that with a population of about 200 million in which youths constitute 120 million, admissions quota might not work because only 10 per cent of qualified candidates who write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by JAMB eventually gain admission. “It is as a result of looking for short cuts that the ones that are not admitted get involved with these fake universities because they want to get certificate by all means” Prof. Akeusola explained that majority of the parents want to give their children qualitative education that is affordable and which will also have a timeline but unfortunately no federal and state university has the three qualities, because even if they have the quality this will be unachievable due to incessant strikes in the nation’s higher institutions. “Where you have qualitative education in private university, automatically it will be too expensive so it gives rooms to the criminals to establish fake universities at a cheaper price not minding the quality.” On what should be done to curb the situation, the renowned linguist, said the Federal CONTINUE ON PAGE 23

UNIMAID to open distance learning centre in Gombe 22

Education Today

Thursday, September 3, 2015

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Ekiti begins 2015/16 primary schools’ enrolment Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

arents and guardians in Ekiti State have been advised to enroll their children and wards of school age in public schools at no cost instead of keeping them at home or allowing them to roam the streets. Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, made the call at the flag-off ceremony of the registration of pupils into Primary One for the Year 2015/2016 academic session held at St Michael Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Ajilosun, AdoEkiti. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kolapo Olusola, said that steps taken by the state government to address the decay in the education sector had started yielding result as the ugly trend which made the public primary schools in the state lose ground to private institutions in the areas of enrollment and academic performance were being gradually reversed. He said that education would continue to receive prioritised attention under the present administration.

According to him, some of the steps already taken to restore the fortune of education in the state, include addressing the challenge of dilapidated physical infrastructures in schools to make teaching and learning environment more friendly and conducive to both pupils and teachers and developing the capacity of teachers through training and re-training programmes all round among others. The governor urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious bodies and other stakeholders to collaborate with the state government for the success of the pupils’ registration exercise by giving it a wide publicity in their domain in order to curb ignorance and poverty from Ekiti. He also charged teachers to rededicate themselves to service and be committed to their duties to justify the government huge investment The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Senator Bode Ola, described the flagoff ceremony as unique and an open demonstration of the government’s commitment to the advancement of the public primary schools in the state.

Lead City University extols motivational speaker Saidat Alausa

ead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State has expressed its delight to be associated with the presiding pastor and founder of Living Spring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel as he celebrate his 60th Birthday anniversary recently. The clergy was extolled for his leadership and mentorship qualities. A letter of tribute issued and signed by the registrar of the institution Dr. Oyebola Ayeni and made available to National Mirror described the clergy as kindhearted man who always demonstrates reverence for God. The institution however, appreciated the scholastic contributions of the Pastor through his daily motivational program, ‘The Turning point’ which has consistently been on the airwave, particularly in the Southwestern part of the country for more

than a decade which has shape the lives of youths in the country. “I wish to state that, we, at Lead City University are very happy to be associated with you and your Ministry. We are proud of your enviable achievements in terms of soul winning, philanthropic and social welfare activities. “We pray that almighty that has endowed you with great wisdom will continue to be your source of strength and guide your path. You will continue to be a vessel of honour to bring joy and happiness to countless human beings through your daily impartation of the words of God. “You are someone who sees possibilities where others see the need, rather than seeing the problem, you see opportunity, I’m sure everyone celebrating with you does have one admiration at heart, a man who leads by example, and who never quit until the job is done. , the statement reads.

L-R: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni; author of the book, Mr. Adetoro banwo; Chief Launcher, Administrator, Grace Schools, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun; Dr. Ayo Yusuff of the Department of Linguistics, University of Lagos and Co-Director, Confucius Institute, Prof Jiang Lirong, during the launch of the book, Chinese Made Easy, Introducing Chinese Language to Yoruba Speakers, in Lagos, on Tuesday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Kogi teachers demand extension of retirement age to 65 Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

he Nigerian Union of Teachers, Kogi State chapter has appealed to the state government to extend the retirement age of the members to 65 years. The State Chairman of the NUT who made this appeal while speaking at a seminar organised by the State Universal Basic Education Board in Lokoja, stated that there is need for training and retraining of teachers in the state. He explained that presently those that are going on retirement are those who had the best of training in those days when the standard of education was

Saidat Alausa

he 2013 Best Overall Graduating PhD Student of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Dr. Hallowed Olaoluwa has commenced a postdoctoral research programme at Harvard University, United States of America. Dr. Hallowed would serve as postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University from August 2015 to July 2016 under the

heightened. He stated that the best brains in the teaching profession are wasting away due to early retirement from service, stressing that there is need for government to extend the retirement age of teachers just as it did in the case of university lecturers and those in the judiciary. Abdullahi expressed worries that unlike in the past where core professional teachers were employed to teach in schools, stating that employments of teachers nowadays are done based on patronage thereby encouraging quackery. He charged the state government to give adequate attention to the remuner-

ation and welfare of teachers especially payment of minimum wage to teachers if it wants genuine restoration of the lost glory to public schools. “There is no amount of workshops or seminars that can ginger teachers to perform if there is no adequate remuneration and motivation for them. We have well trained teachers in the state but until the issue of welfare is taken care, you cannot see effective results”, he said. The chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) Dominic Ondeku also said the rate at which trained, active and productive teachers are retiring from service as a result of the 35 years service policy is alarming.

UNILAG best PhD graduate commences postdoctoral work at Harvard direct supervision of Prof. Mark Kisin, a renowned Mathematician, known for his work in algebraic number theory and arithmetic geometry. The postdoctoral training is fully sponsored by the University of Lagos where Dr. Olaoluwa currently holds a full-time job as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics.

Olaoluwa was born on September 27, 1989 into the family of Pastor and Mrs. Olaoluwa in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). Commencing his primary education at the age of 5, he progressively got four double-promotions in his pre-tertiary education (between Primary 5 and Higher School).

L-R: Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University, Oyo State, Prof. Jide Owoeye, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Olufemi Onabanjo, the Presiding Pastor, Living Spring Chapel, Femi Emmanuel and the registrar, Dr. Oyebola Ayeni during Pastor Emmanuel’s 60th birthday in Ibadan, recently.

At the age of 14 years, he became the youngest student to pass the French Baccalaureate, Science (HSC or ‘A’ Levels) at age 14 in the CAR. AT 15, he proceeded to the University of Bangui through direct entry, graduating three years later with First Class Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Physics respectably, which he offered concurrently. Similarly, at 19, he obtained two Master’s degrees (with Distinction) in Mathematics and Physics at the same university. Upon his return to Nigeria, Olaoluwa undertook the National Youth Services with the Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, and subsequently enrolled for the Ph.D. programme in the same department. He graduated in a record two years and ten months, thus emerging the Youngest Ph.D. holder in Mathematics in Africa.

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PAU records increase in post-graduate enrolment Tunbosun Ogundare

he School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos has recorded 29 percent increase in its post-graduate programmes enrolment. The school admitted a total of 129 new students for Master’s and Post Graduate Diploma programmes for the 2015/2016 academic session as against 96 recorded last year. 83 from the number will pursue M.Sc in Media and Communication on both

full and part-time arrangements while the rest will go for post graduate diploma programmes. The school started its post-graduate programmes in 2006 and now has added undergraduate programme in Mass Communication last year. The Dean of the school, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya while welcoming part-time MSc. students to the institution, expressed his excitement over the rise in the enrolment, saying it shows how important is the training and retraining of media professionals in the country.

SME conference to hold in Lagos Saidat Alausa

he ninth edition of the biggest SME conference in Nigeria organised by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the PanAtlantic University supported by Heritage Bank is scheduled to hold on Thursday September 10, 2015. Themed, “SME: the Emerging Horizon”, the conference is slated to hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from 9am prompt. One of the aims of the conference is to encourage SMEs to embrace the use of innovative technology and take advantage of opportunities in the market space.

The conference will feature presentations from eminent business personalities including, Founder Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL) and Senior Faculty Professor at the Lagos Business School, Professor Pat Utomi, Chief Executive Officer Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka and Chief Executive Officer of Design Options, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, among others. The essence is to help Small Growing Businesses (SGBs) find solutions to their daunting challenges. The conference will provide opportunities for SME operators to receive first hand information and expose them to the benefits of entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.

FUNAAB honours late professor

Saidat Alausa

ederal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, FUNAAB, recently hold the maiden Memorial Lecture in honour of late Prof. Bode Shopeju. It was titled, “Social Problems in Contemporary Nigeria: The Nexus of Studies and Citizenship Education.” Speaking on the topic, the lecturer from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi said what constituted social problems as basically the failure of institutions to perform their functions well. These institutions, according to him, include the government, economy, education, religion and family, among others. He listed poverty, unem-

Education Today

Thursday, September 3, 2015

ployment or underemployment, rape, women/child trafficking, terrorism, kidnapping, cyber-crime, corruption, academic fraud and examination malpractice, drug abuse, among others, as part of the social problems. The Guest Lecturer identified the various strategies that could be adopted in solving social problems to include the legal process, religion and citizenship education. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor, Development, Professor Felix Salako, commended the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), for the memorial lecture in honour of the scholar and great lecturer, who would always be remembered.

Saidat Alausa

ormer Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede has listed poor funding as a major pitfall of African higher education institutions. He stated this while delivering a keynote address at the third international conference organised by the School of Education and Humanities, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. In his paper titled, “the future of higher education in Africa,” the past president, Association of African Universities, said funding of all universities in Nigeria put together is less than the funding of one university in Europe and America.

Poor funding, bane of African higher education —Oloyede “In Nigeria for instance, government expenditure on education for period 20102012 was US$7.3b; thus averaging about US$2.4b for the entire sector,” he disclosed. He said, low as this might be, the amount constituted only nine per cent of annual government spending. Professor Oloyede said lack of inadequate planning and statistical data was also the undoing of the higher education institutions in Africa. According to him, the dearth of statistical information is caused largely by the varieties of the higher education institutions in Af-

rica as well as their nature of programmes, ownership and focus. While the universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education are captured by the federal ministry of education, other certificates and diplomas awarding institutions like nursing, agriculture, statistics, Ocean and Marine are unaccounted for by the education ministry. “This is a very serious problem for the African educational sector,” he said. “Other common problems of higher education institutions in Africa are brain drain, ‘falsification’ in enrolment, impatient pri-

vate proprietorship, high level of poverty, low level of technology, taste for foreign goods and bad governance amongst others. “The precarious situation should engender a strong commitment for positive change, which is a catalyst for rapid development,” he said. He said though the situation seems gloomy at the moment, there is a silver lining in the offing if there is a renewed commitment from political leaders and harmonisation of strategies and initiatives among African higher education institutions.

NUC grants Salem University operational license Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

private own university, Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State has been awarded full operating license by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations Unit of the University, Mr. Ocholi Ikani and which was made available to Journalists in Lokoja, stated that this gesture will boost the institution’s vision of being a centre of Academic excellence, innovation and research. According to the statement, Executive secretary of the Commission, Prof. Julius Okogie stated that the full operating license was granted to Salem University because of its adequate staff to student ratio and the standard learning facilities which support all the programmes offered by the university. The event which took place at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja saw eight other universities offered their full operating license, while eleven others were given two years extension to remedy their deficiencies. “This no doubt has raised the bar of academic excellence in the university and would enable Salem University to consolidate on its achievements in order to support the country’s growth and development through releasing top quality graduates, world class research and classical innovation. “It is the deliberate and visionary effort of the universi-

ty to tailor and design courses to meet with industry and professional standards that has led to Salem University graduates being offered gainful employment by reputable companies within and outside the country.” “A testimony to this is the offer of employment to Noble Elekwa, a graduate

of computer science from the university by the British Telecommunication company at United Kingdom,” the statement stressed. In its few years of existence, Salem University has been recognised as the fastest growing university in North Central Nigeria and the Best Web Technology

Management Institution in Kogi state among other numerous awards and recognition. It would be recalled that the 2014 visit by the NUC accreditation team to Salem University saw to the grant of full accreditation of all academic programmes offered in the university.

Education Today

TREM organises free summer school for children

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Attwool student wins cowbell award Tunbosun Ogundare

Saidat Alausa

he Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Ipaja branch has organised a free summer school for children in the community. The three-day programme which was tagged “Alpha City” was for children between 2 and 15 years. Speaking at the opening held in the church last week, the coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Ayo Olukorede said that the summer school is a vacation Bible school and it is aimed at children knowing God for themselves and for them to become better person in life through the activities lined up for them to participate in. She also explained that the event is aimed at developing a total child, spiritually, physically and mentality in order for the next generation to be a blessing to the society and the nation. “They will be empowered to make impact not only in their families, but in their schools as well as their communities, the nation and the world as a whole.” According to her, the summer school is an interdenominational programme that is open to all. Mrs. Olukorede who is also the branch pastor’s wife told National Mirror that the children participating in the programme have the opportunity to move from one section of the activities lined up which include, crafts, games, music, drama, Bible memory and laboratory to the other. The craft section according to her is geared towards bringing out the gift in the children. She advised parents to always encourage their children in whatever area they are gifted and should not restrict the children to academics because there is still other aspect of a total child that needs to be developed. “So it is better you allow them to do things through supervision because there is need for them to develop intellectually, spiritually and emotionally so that when you are not there, you will be assured that they are doing things in the right way. The coordinator children church, Mrs. Peace Amaechi said the programme is sponsored solely by the church but however called on sponsors for the programme. She disclosed that there are plans for the church to organise the programme bi-annually during the children’s holiday instead of once a year.

L-R: The Executive Director, Attwool School, Mr. Taiwo Adetunji, Bronze Medalist, Cowbell Mathematics Competition, Deborah Ajao and her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Ayoade Ajao during the prize presentation.

ttwool School,Lekki, Lagos,has Produces bronze medalist at the National Cowbell Mathematics competition. The journey to becoming a bronze medalist at the Cowbell Mathematics Competition for Deborah Ajao, a student of the school was a challenging one. “Going through the rigours of preparing for the competition was not an easy one as expected, “The competition was not easy at all. Getting ready was equally tedious, except with the help of my Math teacher,” she disclosed. According to Debby as she is fondly called by friends, she was not very sure of her fate after attempting the competition. The surprise however came a night before the award ceremony. “It was really a surprise when the call came that night; I was astonished to hear that in the whole of the nation I am to be honoured with a bronze medal.” “I really give God all the glory. I also seriously appreciate my teacher who gave me all the encouragement, support, and drilling. God bless him, she said.

NOUN alumni tasked on school development Saidat Alausa

he Vice President Southwest, National Open University of Nigeria, Alumni Association, Mr. Olutope Ayeni has urged old students of the university to take the development of the university very serious as this is the duty of all. He said this while addressing new students during the

university’s 14th matriculation ceremony for 2014/2015 Academic year which was held at all the 67 study centres across Nigeria last Saturday. “We should see beyond the financial benefits but service to humanity because this is the only way we can achieve positive change and development.” On the university, he said that the university is determined to be the foremost university in Nigeria by providing highly ac-

cessible and enhanced quality education to Nigerians especially young Nigerians seeking admission. “For all who seeks knowledge, NOUN is the best place because the university offers quality education with cost effective and flexible learning in which its graduates can compete anywhere in the world,” he said. Urging the new students to be committed to their studies,

Ayeni said that noun 67 study centres are being handled by best hands therefore the materials they needed will be always be available to them during their studies. He congratulated the new intakes and advised them to be dedicated to their studies. Ayeni also warned parents to beware of fake universities as continue patronage by Nigerians will reduce standard of education in the country. President, National Open University of Nigeria, Alumni association, Mr. Phil Colman (2nd right); Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (3rd right) with other national executive of the association during a visit to the former president in Abeokuta, recently.

UNIMAID to open distance learning centre in Gombe Williams Attah GOMBE

A Olukorede

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

uthorities of the University of Maiduguri has approved the establishment of its first Distance Learning Outreach Centre in Gombe with a call on the state government to utilise the opportunities derived from it. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi made the revelation recently when he led a delegation of the university’s leadership on a courtesy call on the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim

Dankwambo. He said the university expects the State Government to provide a befitting place for the immediate take off of the Centre which will afford more opportunities for the state and its environs. He explained that the objectives of the Distance learning initiative is to provide access to university education to large number of potential adults who have missed the opportunity of higher education at early stages of their lives. He said it is also aimed at widening opportunities to matured adults to combine

working and learning. He called on the governor to resuscitate the collaborative remedial programme between the state and the university which was regrettably suspended for some time now thus denying more potential students from the state the additional opening to get into the university. Responding, Governor Dankwambo stressed the desire of quality education for the North-East sub-region which has been bedeviled with insurgency and appreciated the efforts of the university in attaining that through several interventions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Financial burden of the post-UTME

n the year 2005, the Post-UME exercise, as it was then called, was introduced because of the consistent failure of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct a credible and acceptable University Matriculation Examination (UME). The UME as conducted by JAMB then was marred by rampant and persistent examination malpractice that virtually invalidated the examination. The quality of candidates that were being admitted through the UME then was extremely poor as most of the high scoring candidates were actually those most successful in cheating. The introduction of the Post-UME actually validated this assertion as the high flying JAMB candidates could neither write a simple composition nor answer relevant multiple choice questions selected from past UME papers. It is believed that the Post-UME greatly enhanced the quality of candidates that were selected for admission into the universities, by eliminating the charlatans who once laid claim to university positions through unprecedented examination malpractice. However, the National assembly lead by the Senate thought that the practice was “exploitative” and “wicked” and declared the exercise illegal on Thursday October 13, 2011 on a motion brought to the floor by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri of Bayelsa State. The timely intervention of the then Minister of Education Professor Nora Chinwe Obaji to peg the Post-UTME fees at N1,000 quickly doused the flames of criticism of the exercise which was perceived as exploitative. Notwithstanding the sinister plots of JAMB to regain its rapidly declining credibility and relevance in the admission process and the ill informed decisions of the National Assembly, the university system has successfully conducted the Post-UME for ten years. Many now believe that the Post-UTME is the best thing that has happened to the educational system in recent times. However, the discipline and effectiveness that characterized the Ministry of Education in the Obaji years seem to have evaporated over the years leaving key parastatals to

The universities must not lose focus of the original goal of the Post-UTME to improve the quality of university admissions. operate like Sheep without Shepherd, incapacitated by inefficiency, corruption and parochial interests. This is the scenario that has permitted the re-emergence of the exorbitant fees charged by the universities for the conduct of the Post-UTME exercise. Apart from the injustice of the extortionary tendencies of the fees charged by the various institutions, the act is bound to project the Post-UTME as a revenue generating venture rather than an academic exercise in pursuit of excellence. A cursory glance at the advertised fees for the Post-UTME exercise for the 2015 session would quickly reveal how the loss of effective leadership in the centre has given way to unbridled acts of indiscipline and corruption in the tertiary institutions. The University of Calabar (Unical) appears to lead the federal universities with the highest advertised Post-UTME fees of six thousand five hundred Naira (N6,500.00). The Rivers State University of Science and Technology heads the State owned university with advertised total fees of six

Dufil partners LEARN on summer school initiative Saidat Alausa

n an effort to positively impact the nation’s education sector, Dufil Prima Foods Plc makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has again partnered the Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network, LEARN on its 2015 Summer School Programme. LEARN is an initiative of the former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Emmanuella Fashola aimed at ignites passion for learning among the youths by equipping them with lead-

ership & entrepreneurial skills, good character development, vocational and other skills. With the partnership, Dufil supported the initiative with half a million naira and educational materials for secondary school students, drawn from 3 centres across Lagos Surulere, Agidingbi and Maryland. Speaking at the presentation of the cheque at one of the centres, New Era Senior Secondary School, Surulere, the Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, explained that the company’s 7years

L-R: Head, Public Relations Officer, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, students of Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Abari Oyindamola, Adekusibe Oluwatomigbekele, Kassim Idowu and Centre Coordinator of New Era Centre for LEARN summer School, Lagos, Mrs. Anu Adepoju during the presentation ceremony of cheque by Dufil Prima Foods Plc to LEARN Initiative held at New Era College, Gbaja Lagos.

thousand and thirty Naira only (N6,030.00). Included in the above lump sum is the examination fees of four thousand, two hundred and eighty Naira (N4,280.00), computer demonstration fees of six hundred Naira (600.00) and the “brain friend study CD” which cost one thousand one hundred and fifty Naira (N1,150.00). I would not take up arms against anyone who considers these fees exploitative and burdensome! A more disturbing and possibly deceptive aspect of these charges is the disparity between the advertised and the actual fees. Information from the grave vine suggests that the University of Calabar actually charged ten thousand Naira instead of the advertised amount of six thousand five hundred Naira. A similar tale was also told by a parent whose ward sat for the Obafemi Awolowo University Post-UTME. In addition to the advertised sum of three thousand five hundred Naira, they allegedly bought a scratch card for four thousand five hundred Naira to check the results of the examination! Another case which was brought to my notice by a distressed candidate was that of the University of Port Harcourt whose advertised Post-UTME fees was alleged to be three thousand Naira but actually charged five thousand Naira at the point of payment. I must quickly add that two universities namely, the University of Jos and the University of Nigeria with fees of just two thousand Naira each, could be exempted from the list of exploitative institutions which is less than half of the fees charged by JAMB. The universities must not lose focus of the original goal of the Post-UTME to improve the quality of university admissions through a credible selection process. A distraction by the potential for revenue generation would becloud the noble intentions of the Post-UTME. In the absence of a Minister of Education and a proactive Permanent Secretary, the NUC appears to have failed in its constitutional role of overseeing and moderating the activities of the universities. There is an urgent need to strengthen weak administrative institutions in order to achieve the expected turn around in the educational sector.

longstanding partnership with LEARN was hinged on the importance of education to the nation and the credibility of the people behind the initiative. “The Objective of this initiative is to bring secondary school students together in between terms to continue to encourage them in some form of academic and nonacademic exercise as time spent in school is virtually not enough to impact all required knowledge for the students. “Therefore this initiative serves as a platform for students to pursue further knowledge to aid in their academic and non-academic endeavours,” he explained. He added that Indomie as a brand believes in and had always been affiliated with the growth of the nation’s education sector at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, which informed its education-oriented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Also commenting on the partnership, the coordinator, LEARN, New Era Centre Surulere, Mrs. Anu Adepoju, said Dufil Prima Foods had been of great support to LEARN since its inception 7years ago. “The children always look forward to having a taste of their favourite noodles every afternoon, and this enables them pay attention in class and vocational activities without having to worry about where their lunch would come from,” she said. “The Indomie experience has added a new dimension to the summer schools with the provision of T-shirts, caps, pens, exercise books and most importantly, lunch,” she said.

Why Nigerians still patronise fake universities —Stakeholders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Government should endeavour to increase the admission capacity of the universities. “They should expand the admission capability of the state and federal universities by doubling the number they can admit.” Secondly, he said, all colleges of education and polytechnics should be degree-awarding. “They can be doing their OND and NCE but they should be awarding degrees in their area of jurisdiction. If majority of these people that are looking for admission have access to this, automatically the number of people seeking admission will reduce drastically,” he submitted, adding however that this should be done side by side with infrastructure development of the universities by the government. “In Nigeria we have misplaced priority, I never believed that the former president will just wake up and come up with more universities when we have dilapidated infrastructure in the old ones. So I am of the opinion that the government should improve on infrastructure that can give us quality education,” He said. Prof. Akeusola also believes that since NUC regulates the quality of private universities it should be able to regulate their school fees since, according to him, it is the high fees of the private universities that lead people to the fake universities. Corroborating Akeusola, a parent and Chief Education Officer, Education District 2, Hajia Nimotallai Abdulquadri said the eagerness of most parents to have their children gain admission make them to enrol in fake universities. “But what they fail to realised is that it is better to continue writing UTME until they get admission into accredited universities than going for unaccredited ones whose certificates will be useless in the end.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Freshers charge on good conduct

Eddy Uwoghiren

300L, MED AND SURG, UNIBEN

ewly admitted students in the School of Medicine, University of Benin, UNIBEN, have been charged to be focus and stay close to God in order to successfully scale through at the college. Dean, School of Medicine, Prof. Moses Mommoh gave the advice recently, during a fresher’s welcome programme organised by the University of Benin Medical Students Association’ (UBEMSA). He told the new students to strive to be humble, loyal and serious with their academics. He counseled them to desist from activities that could truncate their dreams of becoming Medical Doctors. Your parents sent you here to study, please do them proud by becoming the best you can be. Don’t be carried away by the volume of academic work you are to encounter that you forget the God that gave you the admission. He enjoined them to have a study group, take good care of their health and always attend lectures. Commending the association for the programme, a fresher, Osakue Gift , said the programme has enlightened her on what to expect in the medical school.

NAUS congratulates new CVCNU chairman

he leadership of the National Association of University Students’ (NAUS) has congratulates the Vice- Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, on his appointment as the Chairman, Committee of Vice - Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. He was appointed as the chairman of the body at the special meeting of the committee, recently. In a press release signed by the National President, Jonathan Adekunle and made available to National Mirror, the student body said, “We believed in your ideology and capacity of leadership, and the zeal to take Nigeria educational sector to the next level. “As you assume office as Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, we wish you a successful and fruitful term in office.

Students showcase skills at workshop I t was a rare show of innovation at the final showcase of ImpactLabs 2015 summer workshop that was held recently at Bells University, Ota, Ogun State. Participants had the opportunity to exhibit the various inventions they had come with within the two-week duration of the workshop. ImpactLabs workshop is an initiative launched in 2014 by graduates and students of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, USA. This year’s edition was held in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Labs (TIL) of the Bells University. According to the organisers, the workshop is aimed at providing engineering design education to Nigerian students through real life technology implementation projects. While addressing participants of the workshop, co-founder of ImpactLabs, Chukwunwike Iloeje, noted that one of the objectives of the programme was to provide quality training for Nigerian students, while encouraging them to identify problems and come up with solutions. The workshop had 31 participants who were selected out of

318 that applied. Olumurejiwa Fatunde, a Biomedical engineer and one of the founders of ImpactLabs revealed that the selected participants were applicants who showed interest in solving societal problems through engineering and innovations. At the workshop, the participants were grouped into six and each group came up with an invention before the end of the two weeks workshop. The inven-

tions were showcased on the final day of the workshop. Inventions that were exhibited include an automated septic tank sensor that monitors the level of a septic tank, a dual bin that hastens the rate of decomposition of biodegradable wastes, an ACME waste sensor that monitors the level of a waste bin and DynamoCare, a device that monitors the heart rate and body temperature among others.

The vice chancellor of Bells University, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, who was represented by the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Ogunmoyela, in his address expressed the commitment of Bells University to enhancing technological advancement. He also praised the participants of the workshop for being well behaved throughout their stay. Participants were awarded certificates at the end of the programme.

The students during the exhibition of their invention during the ImpactLabs 2015 summer workshop held in Bell University, Ogun State.

MSSN UNILAG set for annual ‘Dawah Week’ Miftaudeen Raji

100L, MASS COMM UNILAG

s part of efforts at propagating Islam on campus, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos (UNILAG) branch, has unveiled this year edition of its programme

tagged “Dawah Week.” The 10-day programme has been scheduled to hold between 4th and 13th September, 2015. Speaking at a press briefing held last week at the branch secretariat, UNILAG central mosque, the Amir of the branch, a 400L, Integrated Science and Education, Abdur-Rasheed Adeoye disclosed that the theme for this year

HOD, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development, Dr. Helen Bodunde(left), presenting copies of the books published in honour of late Prof. Shopeju to his son, Mr. Bode Shopeju during the Memorial Lecture in honour of the Professor, recently.

“Smeared Sheen” has been intellectually deliberated. According to him, the theme seeks to present the moral and ethical aspects of Islam as against the blasphemy on the media. The week-long event shall open with a procession scheduled for Friday, the 4th September, 2015. The formal opening of the event is slated for Saturday, 5th September. Amir’s Cup Final and Stage Play titled “A thousand question” shall be holding on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th September respectively. On Tuesday 8th September, popular comparative lecturer, Ustaz Abdul-Azeez AbdulRazaq (ACADIP) shall be discussing the topic “Which is the path to salvation: Islam Christianity or Judaism?” at the Cafe 2001 basement. Faculty fora and Arabic Nite have been slated for Wednesday 9th while the unit Usrah and room-to-room Dawah (Islamic Propagation) respectively shall be holding on Thursday the 10th. Community Service shall be held across all halls of residence on campus including a Humanitarian Visit to National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbogbi on Friday 11th. The 2015 edition of the MSSN UNILAG will end on Sunday, 13th September with an excursion to the Slave Elite, Badagry, Lagos.

Broad Street Diary

road Street on Lagos Island used to be a centre of attraction for business owners given its unique locations and nearness to the Apapa Sea Port; hence, it serves as the headquarters of some major organisations in the country. However, this attraction seems to be dwindling owing to some factors as highlighted by experts. The intention of every building developer or owners of commercial structures is to have value for their money and returns on investment in form of rents or lease of such properties for a period of time. However, it is a bad investment having committed so much capital to put up such gigantic structures only for such structures to be lying waste, yielding nothing in term of returns and depreciating in value over time because potential would-be occupants no longer find such properties attractive. Unfortunately, some of these abandoned structures that today adorn Broad Street and many parts of Lagos Island have been taken over by hoodlums who use such buildings as their hide out to perpetrate their nefarious and underhand dealings such as rape, kidnapping and smoking of hard drugs. Many examples of such structures can be found on Broad Street, Marina, Eko Idumota all in Lagos Island to mention but a few. However, a discerning mind would be tempted to ask the question, why are the buildings on the hitherto attractive locations on the Lagos Island suddenly become non attractive to business owners? Mr. Afolabi Adedeji a property consultant in trying to dissect this question stated that many factors were responsible for this. According to Adedeji; “There are so many factors that are responsible for this trend, one of such factors is the economic meltdown of the late 80s down to the present time. ‘’The economic downturn has whittled down peoples’ purchasing power, leading to their inability to afford the high cost of rent in these areas.” “Another important reason for this is the pattern of structures on the Island which do not conform to the contemporary demands. Adedeji said that developers in these areas, years back, did not take into cognizance the establishment of amenities such as hospitals, schools, residential plans among others which hitherto, supposed to add value to such structures on the Island. ‘’For instance, most of these structures do not have parking spaces for vehicles and because of the growing population;

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why unoccupied buildings continue to grow in Lagos Island

Some empty buildings on Broad Street, Lagos

some of the spaces meant for parking purposes have been used to erect structures such as shops and warehouses and so on to generate additional income for the owners even though, additional structure was not in the original master plan of such locations”. The property consultant further stated that developers and business owners in Lagos State have found other areas good enough to site their businesses other than Lagos Island. “There is a change in the taste of business owners and developers in Lagos State and its environs for more affordable, spacious and serene environment to establish their businesses. Places on the mainland like Ikeja, Gbagada, Ilupeju to mention but a few, have taken the shine off Lagos Island in terms of attraction and preference as they are more appealing, well planned, and more affordable for average business owners, hence, the influx of people into these new areas. He added that the movement of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja serve as a major contributor downward value for properties in the Island as most businesses and headquar-

ters of key organisations that were formerly located on the Island have moved to the new nation’s capital, Abuja. Key government ministries like the army headquarters, Federal Radio Corporation National Hospitals, Federal Secretariat among others that were formerly on Lagos Island have been moved to Abuja since its creation. Adedeji said all these contributed to the arrays of empty structures that now dotted many streets on the Island”. He, however, gave some clues as to what could be done to reverse this trend. Adedeji, who said hope is not however, not lost on such investment, advised that experts in building constructions such as Structural Engineers, Architects Quantity Surveyors and the like should always be consulted before construction takes place in the first place. These consultants will give professional advice regarding structures befitting of such acres of land. They can also make a projection of what the environment will look like in the next 10 to 100 years to come. ‘’With these experts in building constructions on your side, you will understand the capac-

ity of the land you are building on in order to put up the right structures in place,’’ he said. ‘’For examples, there are some structures with helipad and underground car park facilities which would-be occupants are looking for, that are obviously lacking in some of the structures on the Island”. He however, admitted that some of those structures could be redesigned to conform to the contemporary demands. “If you visit a place like the Banana Island and its environs in Ikoyi area of Lagos, you will discover that there is a new twist in the design of some of the old structures to meet up with modern tastes and demands. He nevertheless, stated that there is no justification for having structures that are otherwise supposed to be yielding some level of income to the owners and the state lying fallow. The expert said it is an economic aberration as such structures could still be used for certain social and economic purposes if they are properly managed. The old Ikoyi Federal Secretariat is a typical example of this kind of abandoned struc-

tures. You can imagine the depreciation this building has suffered over the years due to neglect. This building could be converted to a residential building, schools or other useful purposes rather than allowing it to keep wasting away he lamented”. Another important point to consider on this issue is the affordability of the rents in these areas. The rents are not within the reach of an average Lagos residence even if he wants to overlook the earlier highlighted factors. A situation where the rent on a small room apartment on the Island costs as high as N500, 000 a yearly is very much on the high side for the average residents. Adedeji concluded that government should make frantic efforts not only to ensure that structural master plan and layouts are followed by building contractors in order to reflect the features of ideal structures, but should also ensure that rents fees are controlled by regulatory agencies in these areas in order to protect the interest of would-be occupants from property owners. –Omoju Busayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun leads in support for police in Nigeria —Aregbesola Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said his administration leads in equipment support for the police among states in the country. Receiving the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, and his predecessor, Mr. Abubakar Marafa, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Osogbo, Aregbesola said Osun investments in police in the last five years has been the highest. He added that his administration was committed to ensuring that police and other security agencies were given maximum and adequate support to be able to protect lives and property as well as maintain peace and security. He noted that police are the extension of civil society and the most visible agents that protect people against any security threat. He called on the new police commissioner to maintain strict professionalism, and ensure that his officers and men uphold ethics, rules

South West

Thursday, September 3, 2015

and regulations of policing. He commended the outgoing commissioner for his quick response and capacity to checkmate crisis before it happens. Aregbesola pointed out that during the tenure of Mararfa, no single case of incident of armed robbery was recorded, stressing that virtually all former commissioners of police that have worked in Osun served without blemish. Responding, Sodipo promised to do his best to keep the state secured and devoid of criminal activities, noting that the police in Nigeria cannot succeed without community policing. While noting that police cannot succeed without cooperation of the people within the community, the new police boss promised to leave the state better and peaceful than his predecessors left it. “I want to do better than what Mararfa has done, I will do as much to keep the state peaceful. I will make use of community police; all over the world the police cannot succeed without community policing.

NAFDAC seals warehouse, shops, confiscates prohibited vegetable oil in Ibadan

ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, sealed a warehouse and five shops with over 1,500 kegs of contraband vegetable oil. This followed a simultaneous operation by enforcement team of the agency at the popular Agbeni and Bodija Markets in the metropolis, with the arrest of three suspects, while two escaped. The kegs of contraband vegetable oil carried the brand name “Moi-Gold Vegetable Oil”. It was also learnt that over 700 kegs of the pro-

hibited oil were found inside the warehouse located at Agbeni Market. One of the suspects, a 23-year-old graduate, Tunde Ayeni, said he was running the warehouse for his mother, who he referred to as “Alhaja”. Ayeni, however, refused to give any further statements, saying he would exercise his right to a lawyer. It was also observed that in the warehouse, the process of re-bagging and rebranding expired rice in new sacks labelled “Rising Sun Parboiled Rice” was ongoing upon arrival of the operatives. While addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, a Chief

Regulatory Officer of the agency, Mr. IdowuFolorunsho Joseph, said the operation followed intelligence reports and surveillance. Joseph, who is a member of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Lagos, said the consumption of uncertified and contraband foods could pose serious health hazards to people. “Our operation at Agbeni and Bodija Markets is to mop up sales of unregistered vegetable oil, particularly the Moi-Gold Oil. “This has been smuggled through the land border and is sold in the market without being tested and certified fit

for human consumption by NAFDAC or any approved laboratory. “We wish to sensitise people to the fact that MoiGold Vegetable Oil is not registered by NAFDAC and it is on the import prohibition list of the Nigerian Customs Service,” he said. The official said the revalidating, refilling, rebagging and re-branding of “caked rice” was illegal and a violation of NAFDAC regulations. It was gathered that the Moi-Gold Vegetable Oil, which comes in 25 litre kegs sells for N6, 200, while other certified brands of vegetable oil, also in 25 litres are sold for N6, 500.

Ekiti education summit to address decay —Former CJ Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

hairman, Ekiti State Education Summit and the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, has assured that the gathering will fashion out proper foundation to restore the state to its lost glory in education. Oba Ajakaye, who is a former Chief Judge of the state, said the summit “is quite important and special because it will focus on primary and secondary education, the foundation of education.” The monarch said at a pre-summit meeting in Ado Ekiti, with stakeholders in the education sector in attendance that the focus was to address decay in the sector. Oba Ajakaye urged parents to rally round the government to ensure proper education for their children. The summit chairman said vice chancellors, educationists and notable stakeholders had been invited to be part of the summit, which would hold on Tuesday next week.

The governor, who also spoke, lamented the deplorable state of education, expressing hope that the summit would pay special attention to the future of the children. He said the summit would be limited to primary and secondary education as the bedrock, adding that if that level is adequately taken care of, the other layers on top will be okay. Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, has stressed the need for a forum to assess the state of education in Ekiti for it to be repositioned and revitalised. The cleric, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday when the governor visited him in connection with the summit, said education was the only means to tackle poverty in the society. A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said the church would support the effort, but cautioned against not implementing the recommendations.

Director-General, National Center for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu, speaking to children during the opening ceremony of Summer Reading Programme of America Corner, in Abuja, yesterday.

FCE Osiele shut indefinitely over students union election Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

uthorities at the Federal College of Education, FCE, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has shut the institution, following the crisis over the outcome of elections of the Students’ Union Government, SUG. Registrar of the College, Mr. Abidemi Akinolato, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Abeokuta, said the management shut the

school to forestall any likely violence from some sections of the students, who were dissatisfied with the result of the election. Akinolato explained that a faction of the students had rejected the result of the SUG election, which was conducted on August 27 this year. The registrar stated that the aggrieved students had gone to the residence of the institution’s Provost, Dr Ayodele Ajayi, around 12:30am on August 28, and demanded

annulment of the election. He explained that all efforts by the Provost to pacify the agitating students proved abortive as they insisted on election nullification despite the fact that it was conducted under peaceful atmosphere. The registrar further said the agitating students alleged series of rigging to back up their demand, but the Provost refused to entertain their demand because it was based on factional argument. “The school set up a panel

to look into the election and asked the students to go back to their studies. The same set of agitated students insisted that they would not resume until the panel’s report is turned in. “The school had to act to forestall breakdown of law and order. We are the most peaceful campus in Ogun State and that is largely due to our proactive attitude and the makeup of our students. We train teachers and teachers train future leaders,” Akinola said.

South East

Gunmen kidnap retiree, demand N10m ransom Chris Njoku OWERRI

mudibia community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has been thrown into mourning following the kidnap of one of their prominent sons, Chief Raymond Irechukwu. The kidnappers, who have demanded N10 million ransom from the family for their son’s release, abducted the retired civil servant from inside his house at Umuofocha village, opposite Wintersuit Hotel near Nekede Poly, Ihiagwa Road, on Sunday. National Mirror gathered that the kidnappers gained access to Irechukwu’s home by climbing a ladder over the walls, and breaking the louvers. According to eyewitnesses that were returning from a night club around 1am, Irechukwu was seen blindfolded and led to a waiting okada at gunpoint. Some sympathisers, who thronged the home of the

victim, told National Mirror that there was no police patrol in the area as many students believed to be criminals and cult members moved freely and unchallenged around the school’s environment. “Dangerous criminals now live around the environment and we want the police to intensify effort in patrolling the area to protect indigenes. It is no longer safe to live in one’s house if criminals can now come to a populated environment to kidnap people unchallenged,” they said. They said three days after the abduction no clue had been established as to his whereabouts, though the police said they were on top of the matter. When contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, saying “We received the report of the incident of hoodlums numbering three who attacked the victim at around 0130 zero hours. We are on top of the incident trailing the hoodlums.”

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Onitsha 7: Ohanaeze youths give FG ultimatum Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

ollowing recent clash between members of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and Nigerian Navy personnel in Onitsha, Anambra State, where seven people were feared killed and 38 injured, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth wing yesterday gave the Federal Government 14 days to fish out and prosecute perpetrators of the crime. The apex Igbo group, in a two-page statement signed by State Deputy Youth leader and Director of Op-

erations, Ifeanyichukwu Chigbo, and issued to journalists in Onitsha, recalled that two MASSOB members were last week killed in Ugwuta Road, Onitsha, before the Sunday clash, which he said claimed seven lives and left scores injured. The group stated: “While we condemn the act of using sophisticated weapon against our youths, we are calling on both the federal and state governments to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing and prosecute the trigger-happy naval officials accordingly. Security agencies should use their arms responsibly. “We did not make repri-

sal attack on the Navy officials because our governor, who we hold in high esteem, is not in town. “We have not forgotten the Apo and Ezu killings where hundreds of our youths were wasted and nothing happened, which is why we are giving 14 days for necessary action to be taken. Enough is enough. Mr. President should call the security agencies to order, to halt the use of sophisticated weapons against civilians. Let them not push us to the wall.” However, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation,

Tony-Uche Ezekwelu, condemned the act, but asked the youths to remain calm until Governor Willie Obiano returns to handle the matter. “The governor is out of the country on official engagement, but official position of the government on the matter will be made known as soon as he comes back. Anambra youths are peace-loving people, not vandals and criminals,” he said. He consoled families of victims of the clash and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured who are receiving treatment in the hospital.

Group cautions against attacks on Buhari Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

orried by the growing wave of criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, particularly over appointment of key assistants, the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), an umbrella body of Ndigbo in the 19 northern states of Nigeria and the FCT, has called for caution, saying the success or failure of the president will rub off on the entire nation. A joint statement signed by its president, Chief Chi Nwogu and secretarygeneral, Auston Ifedinezi, after its general meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, noted that the best thing for Nigerians is to fully support the administration rather than find fault with it. The group, which expressed unflinching support for the fight against corruption, however, added that it must be thorough and unsparing of anybody, no matter how highly placed. “We call on all Nigerians and the world at large to

see the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari as the will of God and give him maximum support, through prayers, constructive advice, trust and good conduct, knowing that if Mr. President fails, Nigeria has failed and if he succeeds, Nigeria has succeeded. “We are unanimous in our resolve to support President Buhari’s zero tolerance for corruption. We are solidly behind him in his avowed determination to recover the stolen money belonging to Nigeria and the attendant punishment, no matter who is involved. We suggest that the investigation/ probe start from 1999 to date,” the group stated. The IDA equally advised the president to be more equitable and give every Nigerian a sense of belonging, adding that such could help address the incessant quest for self-determination by some ethnic nationalities as well as reduce religious sentiments which it regretted was fast assuming alarming proportion.

Commandant, Nigerian Army Language Institute, Ovim, Abia State, Col. Joseph Bamidele Ajanaku (middle), French Government Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Marc Humbert (right) and another French military officer, during a visit to the institute in Abia, yesterday

Anambra monarchs vow to fight drug abuse Gloria Anaeze ONITSHA

raditional rulers in Anambra State under the aegis of Traditional Rulers Council yesterday vowed to fight drug abuse and trafficking comprehensively in order to further stem criminality in 177 communities in the state. Spokesperson of the royal fathers, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, made the revelation during a sensitisation programme against drug abuse organised by Come Alive Initiative. The monarch, who identified drug abuse as the leading cause of criminality and violence among young people, noted that the monster

must be stopped. “We, monarchs in Anambra, have decided to fight drug abuse and trafficking comprehensively even as our governor, Willie Obiano, is tackling crime comprehensively in the state. “As traditional rulers, we want to assist, help coordinate or mobilise (groups) in taking the fight to the doorstep of every family in the state. “We need to redeem the legacies of greatness of our fathers and ourselves, by making sure our children are focused and disciplined to uphold the age-long positive legacies of our great state,” he said “Achebe, who is also chairman, Anambra State Tradi-

tional Rulers’ Council, said the monarchs were prepared to give their best in the war against drug abuse and trafficking. He added, “We are starting by talking directly to the students and motivating them to dream big and work hard towards their studies.’’ Achebe lauded the leaders of Come Alive Initiative for starting the nationwide outreach and rehabilitation of drug victims in Anambra. Vicar of St. Mary Catholic Church, In-land Town, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. John-Bosco Okafor, advised students to shun drugs and alcoholism since “these have been found to lead most students into cultism. “I will also urge you to use the free summer classes as

well as the opportunity you have to go to school properly through being studious, focused and hardworking. “The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and our archbishop, who is a lover of youths, would continue to give their support,’’ said Okafor, who donated N50,000 to the summer class teachers,. Earlier, National Coordinator of the initiative, Victor Enwezor, said the organisation was ready to stem the current rate of drug abuse and its sales throughout Anambra. Enwezor said the NGO had formed a students’ antidrug abuse club in Onitsha to be replicated in all Anambra communities, in a bid to catch-them-young.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

any Nigerians have expressed the opinion that they expected President Muhammadu Buhari to hit the ground running, galvanise the activities of government and deliver his electoral promises instead of 100 days of inaction, considering the high expectation of the people from the government that came to power on the “change” mantra. They have also faulted the appointments made so far by Buhari and accusing him of nepotism, saying that they were lopsided and do not reflect Federal Character and equity, as many of those appointed into key positions were from the Northern part of the country. For others, it was too early to draw conclusion on the achievements of the Buhari-led administration in 100 days, since he has a four-year mandate and therefore should he given time to settle down to the business of government. In his 100 days in office, many Nigerians have referred to Buhari as ‘Baba go glow,’ because of his perceived slow approach to governance. He has also been criticised for not making appointments into key positions and putting in place a cabinet to drive the affairs of government. Nigerians await the appointment of ministers this month by Buhari, who has continued to lay emphasis on the fact that he wants people of integrity and high moral standing to work with him in piloting the affairs of government.

Buhari has failed Nigerians says PDP Meanwhile, Nigeria’s main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has challenged the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government to present to Nigerians a score card of investments it has made in any critical sector of the economy in the last 100 days. PDP said it has noted the deliberate resort to diversionary blackmail and overused excuses by President

Politics

Assessing Buhari after 100 days in office

In his inaugural speech on Friday, May 29 at the Eagle Square in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari said his administration would tackle three major areas: security, corruption and unemployment, which he said had drawn the nation back over the years in its march towards progress and development. In about 72 hours from now, Buhari would have clocked 100 days in office, OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI and UBONG UKPONG take a look at some of his campaign promises and how he has fared so far.

100 days: We made no promise, says Presidency Ahead of the Buhari administration’s first 100 days in office, the Presidency on Tuesday insisted that President Buhari never promised Nigerians that he would achieve specific things within his first 100 days. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, while defending Buhari’s modest achievements, said he never authorised or signed any document in this regard in his capacity as the director, media and communications of the Buhari Campaign Organisation. Making reference to the President’s lecture at Chatham House in London, Shehu said: “The President never promised anything to anyone. It is on record that during lecture at Chatham House, they asked him a question relating to expectations and what he specifically would do in relation to certain documents that were flying around, committing him to this thing or that thing within 100 days. Disowning the documents allegedly containing the president’s 100 days promises, Shehu said: “My point is that as director, media and communications of the campaign, I was responsible for internal and external communications and these so-called documents that are been flown around didn’t have my signature. “We prefer to talk about milestones instead of achievements, whether they represent achievements or not, that is left for the people to decide. Milestones have been reached which is important for the country. “We will make sure that the misappropriation and misapplication of public resources will not be allowed. You would be surprised by how much savings we will realised. That saving will be ploughed back into development and this is what I can promise. But I would remove that ‘100 days’.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari

In his 100 days in office, many Nigerians have referred to Buhari as ‘Baba go glow,’ because of his perceived slow approach to governance Buhari-led APC government to shy away from providing answers to salient issue of unprecedented damage it has done to the nation’s economy since his assumption of office, adding that rather than hide their heads in shame for poor performance in the last 100 days, resulting in sudden economic retrogression, the worst ever experienced by the nation, the APC and Presidency continue to grope and look for excuses. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “We challenge this administration to present to Nigerians a score card of investments it has made in any critical sector of the economy in the last 90 days. What investment has the Buhari administration made in power, health, education, the railway or petroleum

sectors in the last 90 days, to warrant its posturing on achievements? “We challenge the APC and the Presidency to be honest enough to respond to issues instead of resorting to propaganda. Is the so-called mess clearing an answer for the adamant stance of the APC and President Buhari in running a government without a cabinet and precise fiscal policy direction, a strange totalitarian approach that have taken serious toll on the economy and the polity in general? “What has the APC and the Presidency to say to the official report by the National Bureau of Statistics that while they are busy celebrating imaginary achievements, the economy is running aground with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) plunging with about 2.35%, with job creation dropping by 69 percent under their watch? “Are we not already experiencing the consequences of abuse of rules such as the foisting of foreign exchange transaction restrictions in violation of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, otherwise known as Decree No. 17 of 1995? “What is the APC-led government’s answer to the report by Fitch Rating, which alerted that Nigerian banks and other businesses in the sector are now at risk following the economic slowdown occasioned by the incompetence of the President Buhari-led APC government? “Why have the government and the APC refused to provide answers to the recent depleting of funds inherited from the previous administration without recourse to appropriate statutory arms of government, while no corresponding improvement has been witnessed in the economy?”

Buhari in early search of focus As soon as he assumed office, Buhari took bold step to address the issue of insecurity in the country by increasing the tempo in the battle against terrorism, particularly the Boko Haram sect that had killed many Nigerians and destroyed valuable property. Just five days after his inauguration, he made his first official trip out of the country and headed for Niamey, the Niger capital to meet with President Mahamadou Issoufou, where he discussed how both countries could better cooperate and end insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region of the country. The visit yielded positive results as he was able to secure the commitment and support of the Nigerien government in the fight against Boko Haram. From Niamey, Buhari proceeded to N’djamena, capital of Chad Republic where he held meeting with President Idriss Deby on security challenges and key role neighboring countries and others in the sub-region CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assessing Buhari after 100 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 needed to play to assist Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram. Although he returned to the country after the visits to Niger and Chad, his stay back home was short, as he again left to attend the G-7 meeting in continuation of consultations across regional and continental borders. Although Nigeria is not a member of G-7, Buhari participated in some of the summit’s outreach programmes and was able to meet world leaders, including United States’ President Barrack Obama and United Nations, UN, Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon among other world leaders who pledged assistance to defeat Boko Haram. Buhari was able to secure assurances and commitments from Germany, France and Canada to assist in the area of military and intelligence cooperation in concerted efforts to end insurgency in the North-East region of the country. When he attended the 25th African Union summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, during his early days in office, Buhari sought support for the fight against Boko Haram, as he had the opportunity to chair for the first time, the meeting of the Peace and Security Committee of the AU summit. He was also in Cameroon, where he met with President Paul Biya to discuss cooperation and collaboration to end the activities of Boko Haram while also calling on other African leaders to stand firmly in support of the fight to defeat terrorism in the sub-region.

Earliest appointments and the sectional imbalance Buhari, who said that he was putting his experience as a former soldier to good use in the war against Boko Haram and considering his deep knowledge of the military and its operations, announced the sacked of all Service Chiefs he inherited from former President Goodluck Jonathan and appointed replacements. Former Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, CoAS, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu and National Security Adviser, NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, rtd, were all replaced with General Abayomi Olonishakin; Lt-General Tukur Buratai; Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; and Major-General Babagana Monguno respectively. Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was also appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence, CDI. Buhari also sacked Joseph Dawha as the Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, replacing him with Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. He also approved the appointment of Umaru Danbatta as new Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. The gale of sack also affected DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Pat-

Jonathan

Oyegun

rick Akpobolokemi, appointed by former President Jonathan. Buhari dissolved the management of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and appointed Ahmed Lawan Kuru new Managing Director to replace Mustafa Chike-Obi. He also sacked Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, and reinstated Habibu Abdullahi, earlier sacked by Jonathan on April 29. Just few days ago, Buhari announced Babachi David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF; Alhaji Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff, CoS, to the President; Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali, rtd, as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service, NSC, and Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service.

Fight against corruption Buhari said he would “go slow and steady” and had emphasised during his 30 days in office that his government was cleaning the Augean stable, left behind by the PDP. He did not mince words that he would probe Jonathan’s government, saying that ministers who served under the administration would face prosecution for looting the treasury and oil theft if found culpable. Buhari specifically accused some former ministers of selling one million barrels of oil daily while they also engage in stealing 250,000 barrels without regard for accountability and probity, maintaining that across all sectors, national life had been devalued, adding that it takes meticulousness and surefootedness to repair all the breaches.

Diplomacy One area the President has done so well within his 100 days in office was area of diplomacy. Buhari has been able to warm himself and his administration into the heart of the international community and within such a short period, he has been guest to over eight countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, Cameroon, Mali, Chad, Niger, amongst others. Through his diplomatic shuttle, Buhari has, to a large extent, been able to restore the respect and dignity of Nigeria within the global community. At his meeting with the G7 countries comprising the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, the seven most industrialised countries pledged to back Buhari because they acknowledged “the way and manner of his emergence and the tremendous challenges faced by the government he leads, not of his making, especially in its efforts to combat the Boko Haram.” They promised to “engage, cooperate and collaborate” with President Buhari’s government in tackling the serious problems that Nigeria faces. During his trip to the United States for instance where he was very warmly received by President Obama, Buhari elicited America’s support for and commitment to his avowed fight against insurgency as well as corruption. Accompanied on the trip by some state governors and other senior government officials, Buhari was invited by Obama for talks that would help strengthen bilateral relationship between both countries as well as how the USA could support the fight against the Boko Haram sect.

As the days, months and even years unfold in the administration of Buhari, only time would tell whether Nigerians would put him on the right or wrong side of history in the years ahead

The two leaders discussed several issues relating to security, economy, trade and bilateral cooperation with Obama declaring loud and clear his country’s commitment to assist Nigeria overcome the challenges she was presently facing. Obama had declared: “Nigeria is obviously one of the important countries in the world and one of the most important countries in the African continent. Recently, we saw an election in which a peaceful transition to a new government took place. “And it was an affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, a recognition that although Nigeria is a big and a diverse country with many different parts, nevertheless the people of Nigeria understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place.” Before leaving the US, the President sought Obama’s assistance in locating and returning $150 billion stolen in the past decade and held in foreign bank accounts on behalf of former corrupt officials. The UK government has also pledged support to the President in his fight against insurgency. During his May visit to the UK for instance, Prime Minister Raphael Cameron promised that UK military will continue to provide training and share intelligence with Nigeria in order to defeat insurgents. The two leaders agreed that corruption needs to be tackled to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity and success, even as Cameron promised to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian government to aid its anti-corruption reforms. Since returning home, Buhari had also held separate meetings with Benin Republic President Boni Yayi and UN Secretary-General, Ki-Moon at the Presidential Villa where security and economy were discussed. President Buhari has also through diplomatic shuttle been able to commit Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Mali to support the war against insurgency. These efforts have already started yielding results as Boko Haram members have been greatly degraded, even as they now resort to gorilla type operation, a clear sign that their end is near.

Economy No doubt, the President has come under serious knocks from Nigerians as the nation’s economy has continued to struggle to barely keep afloat. All the indices of growth for any economy have shown that the nation’s economy is presently not doing very well. For instance, recent figures released by the Bureau of Statistics show that Nigeria’s unemployment rate jumped to 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to 6.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2014. The report also stated that the number of the unemployed in the labour market increased by 18.43 per cent to 861,110 persons between Q4 2014 and Q1 2015. NBD report also shows that real Gross Domestic Product, GDP, growth rate further declined to 3.86 percent in the first

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Politics

Thursday, September 3, 2015

days in office quarter of the year compared to 5.94 percent the previous quarter. Also, the Consumer Price Index, CPI, which measures inflation rose further to 8.7 per cent in April compared to 8.5 percent in March. However, the country’s GDP growth rate was lower by 2.25 percent points from the preceding quarter and by 1.98 per cent from the corresponding quarter of 2014. Nominal GDP in Q1 2015 was estimatedat N21.04 trillion compared to N24.20 trillion in Q4 as well as N20.16 trillion in the corresponding quarter of 2014. It noted that in Q1 2015, labour force population increased to 73.4 million from 72.9million in Q4 2014, representing an increase of 0.69 per cent. The nation’s main currency, the Naira, has experienced the worst value vis-a-vis other major currencies of the world in recent times. At the peak of last month, the Naira ridiculously exchange at N248 to one US dollars and N365 to the British Pound.

How Buhari has tackled security challenges The emergence of President Buhari does not seem to have achieved reasonable successes yet in tackling the security challenges of the country, chief of which is the raging Boko Haram insurgency. Prior to his mandate as President, Nigeria under former President Jonathan, witnessed a high state of insecurity and insurgency that gave everyone, including the then administration, serious concern, in view of the consistent wanton destruction of lives and property with impunity by common criminals and terrorists. Most citizens became disenchanted with Jonathan and his styles of fighting insecurity and the then opposition APC capitalised on the security challenges to rubbish all efforts of Jonathan and the military in the war. Emphatically, APC and President Buhari turned the security challenges to a campaign issue, assuring citizens that Buhari was a security strategist, being a retired military General, and was the best for the country in this situation. Buhari himself spoke convincingly to win the votes that guaranteed his emergence as President, as citizens who were tired of insecurity expressed tiredness with Jonathan at the polls. Buhari had reminded how he fought the Maitatsine sect and pursued attackers from Chad down to their soil to win the war. He made bold to say that immediately he became President, Nigerians should watch how he would deal with the Boko Haram insurgents, whom he called common criminals. The instant victory impression was quite massive and the hopes rose to high heavens. Thus, no matter the eleventh hour efforts of Jonathan which crushed the insurgency in six weeks before the elections and restored sanity in the NorthEast, some citizens and the opposition discountenanced the achievement, judging them as campaign strategy as they

also accused Jonathan of achieving the feat after several lives and property have been destroyed over six years. In spite of his conceding victory to Buhari at the polls, Jonathan ensured that insurgency and insecurity greatly dropped and confined to the Sambisa forest, handing over a relatively peaceful country to Buhari. Of course, upon his assumption of office, he marshalled out directives, policies and strategies, with the first been the relocation of the Military Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri, Borno State, the heart of the war, as well as dismantling of military checkpoints. These were greeted by total resurgence of the insurgency, as, after a very long bomb blast holiday across the country, his administration witnessed its first bomb blast on May 30, after he was sworn in on May 29. And from that moment, till date, bombings and attacks by Boko Haram had persisted. In a recent development, last week, the CoAS, Lt-Gen Buratai, who has been leading the war by himself, narrowly escaped the insurgent’s ambush, where some soldiers on his team were killed and others wounded during an advance to Dikwa, Borno State. This was coming after one of the military aircrafts belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, was brought down by terrorists, though without casualty and the aircraft was said to have since been fixed and commenced operations. For a long time before Buhari’s Presidency, the military had reduced Boko Haram to mere thieves, with its leader, Abubakar Shekau, fleeing into hiding, and was quiet, with speculations about his death. The group stayed all those times without a leader, but only few weeks ago, the President of Chad, Idris Debby, announced that Boko Haram had a new leader replacing Shekau, and that the new man was so much yarning for dialogue. Not quite days after, Shekau spoke on a weekend that he was still alive and around and that he never had any replacement. There were cases of attack last week, where Boko Haram wiped off over 160 people in a village in Yobe State. Reports also had it that armed robbery attacks, cultism and other violent crimes were also on the rise within the past three months. However, Buhari is not sleeping. The country is getting co-operations it was not enjoying in the war from some countries like USA. Only last week, Ukraine threw its weight behind the country’s anti-Boko Haram war, offering to supply military hardware and also to train Nigerian soldiers. Buhari had also given the Service Chiefs an ultimatum to end Boko Haram in three months beginning from August. The Service Chiefs, very committed to the course, are working hard towards achieving this goal. The regional unity against insurgents has been further strengthened with the reinvigorated Multi National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, mandated to help the Nigerian military

Olonisakin

Ibas

in the prosecution of the war. In spite of all the temporary successes that Boko Haram may have achieved under Buhari, there is great hope of winning the war and stabilising the country’s security under him.

Chibok girls’ 500 days in captivity The captivity days of the over 200 girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted since April 14, 2014, by Boko Haram insurgents, have reached 500, with 400 days to the tenure of former President Jonathan and approximately, 100 days to President Buhari’s tenure. The controversial abduction five hundred days ago, had generated so much tension and attracted international attention, resulting in several international insincere promises to help the country under Jonathan, to crush Boko Haram and rescue the girls, which never happened. In the early days of the abduction, people like the wife of US President, Michelle Obama, led the #BringBackOurGirls’# campaign, weeping that her husband should do something to save the girls, which made the US government promise assistance. The assistance appeared to be a diplomatic politics as America found grounds in the widely acclaimed frivolous allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes against Nigerian military, to renege on its promised assistance. The Chibok girls’ abduction became more of internal and international politics material, as the then opposition APC aligned and championed the course of the #BringBackOurGirls’# group in Nigeria, to frustrate and discredit Jonathan and his administration. The APC, which was often seen around the group, used it as a campaign issue, with Buhari promising beyond reasonable doubt, that he knew what to do to free the girls and assuring of rescuing them immediately he was elected and sworn in as President. Having assumed power, it is about 100 days now, and there have been no tangible efforts or information about the girls. The last time there were efforts and information was during Jonathan’s administration, when Boko Haram asked to exchange the girls for their men in captivity. Information also filtered in that they have been married out and that most of them by now have given birth to

Monguno

children for the terrorists. And 100 days into Buhari’s administration, the Chibok schoolgirls, who Jonathan could not find and rescue before leaving office, have not been treated as a priority issue by APC and Buhari as they did during the campaigns. All statement have been about crushing Boko Haram, winning the war, acquiring weapons, not considering the possibilities of winning the war and not finding and rescuing the girls due to several reasons, either distributed into slavery far away, married out far away amongst others. That this issue is not enjoying the required priority attention and no information on efforts, is unhealthy for government, as there were doubts during the last administration as to the veracity of the claimed abduction, which made government to cause an inquiry into it. Security sources have continued to doubt the claims, even some politicians, as they were very careful not to call it fraud and incur the wrath of the people who could not stand such pronouncement as human lives were involved. Even the #BringBackOurGirls’# group appeared to have not given up the fight, even though with milder activities, with lesser pressures than faced by Jonathan, perhaps to score a political point that it was not a tool against Jonathan and his administration. As the days, months and even years unfold in the administration of Buhari, only time would tell whether Nigerians would put him on the right or wrong side of history in the years ahead.

Politics

Thursday, September 3, 2015

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A’Ibom tribunal: PDP opens defence Olajide Omojolomoju

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (right) presenting staff of office to the new Emir of Ilesha Baruba, His Royal Highness Prof. Halidu Abubakar, at Ilesha Baruba in Baruten LGA, yesterday.

Kogi guber: Protesters want Audu disqualified over graft Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

undreds of protesters yesterday practically shut down the national secretariat of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, demanding that the party leadership should withhold and reverse the emergence of former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, as its candidate for the November 21 Kogi gubernatorial election, over his alleged ongoing trial by anti corruption agency. Audu last Saturday emerged APC standard bearer, beating 27 other aspirants and was however denied certificate of re-

•Barricade APC secretariat

... most senators have cases with the EFCC –Audu turn by APC national secretariat on the ground that the grace given to other aspirants to submit petition against the primaries election conducted by Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led committee, was not over, got another shock of his life with the massive protest yesterday. Some of the protesters, carrying placards against the former kogi governor candidacy, with boldly inscriptions like: “Kogi State Say ‘No’ to Audu”, “We Need a Credible Leader in Kogi”, among others, were also seen throwing stone at Audu’s supporters within

the party premises. Leader of the protesters, identified as Suleiman Muhammad, told newsmen in an interview that Audu’s ongoing case with the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, was enough to disqualify him from the contest. He said: “We are here to protest against the candidature of Prince Audu, under the platform of APC for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi State. We say no to Audu because he has N11 billion corruption case with the EFCC, until he clear himself of the case,

Lagos West: Lawyer apologises to tribunal AYO ESAN

arr Oladotun Hassan, representing Concerned Stakeholders of Lagos West Senatorial District, has tendered an unreserved apology to the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice S.C. Oriji, in Lagos over allegation of missing documents in the case filed by Mr. Segun Adewale, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Lagos West senatorial district against the election of Senator Solomon Adeola. Barr Hassan, principal partner of Juryman Associates’ Chamber, in the apology letter dated August 18, reference number

JAC/2015/347, said he was humbly appealing and sincerely apologising to the tribunal, counsels to all the parties and all concerned parties to the matter. He also pleaded to formally withdraw the allegation letter dated July 8. He further stated that the apology was necessitated by the fact that all parties concerned in the issue have come to terms. Saying the July 8 letter was never intended to bring the good image of the court to disrepute nor envisaged the aftermath error of the misinformation received and causing the embarrassment to the court, he said: “We humbly appeal and sincerely apologise to your lordships, the court, counsels to all the

parties and all concerned parties to the matter for forgiveness. “With sublime respect and utmost sobriety, I am full of appreciation to your lordship’s magnanimity and compassionate pardon on the committal proceeding in the ongoing matter before your lordships, between Mr. Adewale, Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vs Hon. Olamilekan Solomon Adeola Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) both of Lagos West Senatorial District at the 2015 National Assembly Election. “I am indeed very grateful and promised to make good use of Your Lordship’s worthy advice,” he said.

he has no moral right to present himself for an election. “The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has declared war against corruption. We, the concern citizens of Kogi State are in support of his anti corruption move. We want to tow the line of the APC change mantra and we would not support Audu, because of his alleged corruption.” Sources at the party secretariat had on Tuesday confided in some newsmen that some party leaders were initially not comfortable with Audu’s candidacy, saying he will be too big for them to approach if he eventually emerges as governor.

kwa Ibom State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday resumed hearing, with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its gubernatorial candidate in the April 11 election, Mr Udom Emmanuel, beginning the defence of their victory at the polls, which is being challenged by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its gubernatorial candidate, Mr Umana Okon Umana. Before Justices A. S. Umar, K. O. Dawodu and P. T. Kwahar in Court 8 of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, PDP presented four witnesses on the day it began the defense of its mandate. Opening the account, Mr Imo Asuquo Okon, a medical scientist from Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo confirmed to the tribunal that he participated and voted in the Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial election and tendered his voter’s card which was accepted as an exhibit by the tribunal. Okon told the tribunal that apart from about three units in his ward which elections were disrupted by the APC Ward chairman, the elections went on smoothly in other units of the ward. A retired Permanent Secretary from Uyo, Mr Maxwell Jeremiah also confirmed that although he does not belong to any political party, he voted during the election which he

said went on smoothly in his area. The third witness and former Commissioner for Transport in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godwin Ntukude, debunked claim by APC that Akwa Ibom State Transport Company, AKTC, vehicles were used to convey materials during the election, adding that AKTC was a private company and was therefore not under his control and supervision. He also confirmed that he participated and monitored the election in his native Uruan Local Government Area and from the reports he got elections were held smoothly. The last witness of the day, Mr Isaiah Abia, an estate developer concluded the PDP account by also confirming that there were accreditation and election in his unit and ward, which the PDP won squarely, saying that it would be dishonest for anyone to claim there was no election in Akwa Ibom State. Earlier, counsel to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr Wole Olanipekun, SAN, had sought the consent of the tribunal for verification of ballot materials in the custody of the tribunal, a move objected to by Emmanuel’s counsel, Paul Usoro, SAN. The tribunal however held that such move could only be ordered if the need arose. Addressing newsmen after the sitting, Usoro said his client was ready to prove that he won fairly the April 11 election in Akwa Ibom State.

‘Stop sponsoring youths against centenary projects’ Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

igeria youths under the aeigis of Unemployed Youths Vanguard, UYV, has called on National Vice hairman, SouthSouth, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, to stop sponsoring its members, proposed protest and court actions against the Centenary City Project. At a press conference yesterday in Abuja, UYV Board of Governors’ chairman, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, said they

find malicious the recent outburst of Ojougboh, casting aspersions on all well meaning Nigerians that have supported the project as highly unbecoming and a threat to national development. Ogenyi said UYV is not in any way surprised at his recent behaviors which have clearly demonstrated his disdain for the progress of youths of this country and by extension the core reason why his party lost woefully at the last general elections. He said: “It is clear by the day that it is the hand of Ojougbo that is at work

whereas the actions suggest the voice of Bala Mohammed, another serial failure who pauperised the economy of our country during his stewardship as FCT Minister. “While many may be tempted to believe that President Muhammadu Buhari rode on popular opinion to power on the consideration of his anticorruption stance, we feel it will be apt to inform Nigerians and the rest of the world that the Nigerian youths who have suffered neglect and hunger in the hands of past administrations spearheaded his victory at the polls.

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

An unoccupied building on Broad Streeet, Lagos

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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Department holds seminar for graduates Richard Enake

200L, INTER STU AND DIPL. UNIBEN.

reparing towards a successful life after graduation, the graduating students of the department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Benin, Edo State organised a one-day seminar, recently for students. The seminar, tagged ‘Life After School’ was organised to prepare the graduating students of the department on the exigencies of the life after school, where ‘alert’ may not be as frequent as it used to be compared to the school days. In his welcome address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor academics of the university, Abiodun Falogun, decried lack of adequate amount of jobs to absorb the multitudes of youths that graduate from the tertiary institutions in Nigeria yearly. According to him, the seminar is to display the anxiety that lay in the minds of the potential graduate and to prepare him to be committed and diligent in the work place and the life they live when they leave the university.

UNILAG to organise sports festival Miftaudeen Raji

100L, MASS COMM UNILAG

etermined to develop the best and most renewed sets of sports men and women across the nation, the University of Lagos Student Union (ULSU) has disclosed its plans to organise her maiden edition of a landmark sporting event and festival. Tagged “UNILAG Sports Festival 2015,” the week-long sporting event with the theme “Think Great, Do Great,” have been billed for the 6th to 11th September 2015 at the university sports center. This was disclosed recently during a press briefing held at the union Chambers. Speaking at the briefing, ULSU sports secretary, Stephine Etiaka, said the objective of the maiden edition of event was to discover and exploit fresh talents amongst sports male and females in the University. “The UNILAG Sports Festival has been set to be the hallmark sporting event of the first choice institution and the nation’s pride, which is planned with a mission to provide sporting activities and at the same time, to develop the best and most renewed sets of sports men and women across the nation,” she said. Meanwhile, the brand logo of the “UNILAG Sports Festival 2015,” was unveiled at the briefing by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ramon Ade-Bello. Prof. Bello noted that lot of attention was focused on conveying the message of positive thinking and its resultant effect of productivity and possibilities among the students. The VC, who was represented by the Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Babatunde Babawale added that UNILAG sports festival deemed to impact not only in the university community, but in the minds of the entire sports lovers all over the world.

Cross section of the new executive, Student Union Government, University of Ilorin during their swearing-in, recently.

UNILORIN gets new SUG president Afis Odeyemi,

400L HISTORY, UNILORIN

purred by the message of change and hope by President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign during the 2015 election; Alao Idris Ibrahim, a final year undergraduate of Law at the university of Ilorin outsmarted history to occupy the highest students leadership seat of the institution. He was not deterred by a mere first failed attempt until he succeeds. Like Buhari, Alao contested the seat of President, Students’ Union twice before he wins, a feat many has described historic since the history of the university. Alao had during the previous academic session contested the seat of the President which saw Ahmad

Yomi Ayeleso

300L, BUS ADMIN AAUA

t was amidst celebration last week as the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State chapter of Anglican Students fellowship (ASF) celebrated its 15th

L-R: Inaugural lecturer and Dean, School of Education, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Ibrahim Salawu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic), Prof. Patrick Eya and Registrar, Josephine Akinyemi during the institution’s 8th inaugural lecture entitled: “Educational technology in teacher education and distance learning: The facts, the puzzles and the remedies” in Lagos...on Tuesday. PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

Yakub Ishowo of the Faculty of Science emerged winner. Not dissuaded by his lost at the poll, he subsequently declared intention to re-contest the seat in the next academic session which brought about his present victory. Highlights of the electoral exercise which saw the emergence of the new sets of union executives can be traced down to the manifesto exercise, presidential debate and a direct manifestation of quality of candidateship. Convincingly, Alao Ibrahim surpassed all expectations at the debate with his brilliant performance as his teeming fans sang his praises. In this address, the university Vicechancellor Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali congratulated the new set of leaders for their victory at the poll, but quickly reminded them of the task ahead.

”You will soon realise that winning elections is even easier than managing thousands of your colleagues from diverse and varied backgrounds. Alao during his inaugural speech expressed his vision for the students and the institution saying “The central message of our campaign was ‘Positive Change’ and this shall remain the guiding principle of our administration.” Other executives include, Senate President, Mashood Orire, Vice-President Imam Ummulikhaeri, VicePresident; Afuye Olubunmi, General Sec. Akano Ifeoluwapo; Ass. General Sec., Sulaiman Saidat, Financial Sec., Oyekan Oluwadamiloju; P.R.O, Adeyemi Ademola, Social Sec., Aondongusha Tersoo; Welfare Sec. Abdulrasheed Mahmud; Welfare Sec. Ganiyu Kehinde and Sport Sec. Kerimu Joel.

Student fellowship celebrates anniversary year anniversary. The ceremony was well attended by students, lecturers and well wishers. Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Fellowship, Olaniyi Gbenga appreciated God for His grace and goodness upon the household. He said it has been the years of enjoyment of God in every area of endeavours such as in life, success, peace and provision. Olaniyi,a 400 Level student of Physics Electronic department, said upon inception, the student fellowship encounter several challenges like worship centre, the threat of being converted to church, competition from

other sister fellowships, but said it was sustained to become a fruitful tree. The President further explained that the tree is now bearing fruit as several students who were members of the fellowship are now taking the lead in academics and also in their various careers. He however, charged the students to be committed and supports the fellowship in order to complete the ongoing building of the fellowship chapel. Addressing the students, the pioneer president of the fellowship, Sen. Akinro congratulates the current generation of students in the fellowship for not allowing

mmended the students for keeping the light burning till the present time. Akinro, who is now a priest in the Anglican Communion, urged the students to be steadfast and see the building of the chapel as Gods ordained. He solicited for their supports towards the completion of the worship center. Also speaking, the chairman of Alumni, David Akinjebi congratulated the students for the anniversary saying the grace of God has been with the fellowship. He assured them of the support of the Alumni body in the quest for the completion of the fellowship worship centre.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

UITE in character with him, it was a lengthy lecture on ‘entitled’ and ‘titled’. My claim is authenticated by (1) Chambers’ 21st Century Dictionary, Revised Edition (2) Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 6th Edition. My grouse about Oguntunase is not so much on his stance on some grammar points as his excoriation of persons with opposing views. Consider this fiery dart at a contributor: ‘Ebere, your so-called 60-year old ‘uncle’ Danisa, is an intellectual thug. His linguistic problems are stereotypical;--not well-grounded in the grammaticality/grammatology of the language, he does not read everyday, he has no fundamental libraries; he is unschooled, unchurched, unlettered, uneducated and uncultured----” (The Nation on Sunday, August 4, 2013). Haba! Why was Oguntunase this implacably hurt? Anything personal? On yet another occasion, he referred to him as being mad and eccentric (The Nation on Sunday, July 19, 2015). It was such a vitriolic attack as the above that made me acknowledge Samson Dare thus, “---He is advised to maintain the style of ‘language & style’. “He needs to be satirical and humorous here, snide and pungent there, for effect. Unlike other garrulous and frivolous columnists, susceptible to committing grammatical blunders (I don’t have in mind erudite writers like Ladbone and Wordsworth) and having chips on their shoulders when corrected----, Samson Dare demonstrates he is master of his trade” I concluded. (Sunday Tribune, September 13, 1992). Oguntunase did not forget to remind us of his enviable antecedents, having taught in such famous institutions as the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and College of Journalism (COJ); and with his type of temper, he must have indeed been a wonderful teacher (mirabilis magister) loved by all his students.” However, we have not always been at daggers drawn as evidenced from this excerpt from my article “ Bravo Editor, But”: “Such instructive, entertaining and revealing columns as ‘Mind Your Language’, ‘Concord Laff’ and ‘Snooper’ have made the Sunday Concord a must for me in recent times. Bayo Oguntunase is making an indefatigable effort

Critics at loggerheads (2) to convey his much-needed message across to journalists and the public. Suffusing his articles with quotes and references, he is no doubt an epitome of a columnist well-versed in the English language”. I continued, “However…Oguntunase should note that the subject is ‘Technical Words’ not ‘Feedback’ in the last paragraph… of the September 17 edition. The verb, therefore, is ‘come’ not ‘comes’ (Sunday Concord, September 24 (?) 1989). I will say this much for him—he is an undeniable lover of good English with a burning passion for high linguistic standard and an uncommon knack for hard work, but he is much given to outbursts of temper. Our man will have to pay heavy costs for his numerous argumentum ad hominem charges (I am not a lawyer, please). Talking seriously, I am advocating we do away with these frivolities and trivialities; let there be no discrimination between British English and Americanisms, more so, since they both observe the basics; promotion of adherence to basic rules should be the be-all and end-all of all advocates. May I conclude this essay with the admonition of Gbenga Hassan-Ayoola; “…Bayo Oguntunase should take better cognisance of the varieties of the English language, even among the native users than get embarrassed, and equally embarrass a Nigerian for saying the obvious”. (The Guardian, Wednesday, February 1, 1989) The above was not lost on Oguntuanse when he responded, “Grammar is so subtle and complicated and the ‘rules’ do not always lead to acceptable solution”. He observed further, “one thing is certain: people will not give up arguing about language usage”, he finally concurred. “On this note, I rest my submission,” Oguntunase concluded (The Guardian, Tuesday, February 14, 1989). Some three decades after, as one casts a retrospective glance over the role played by these newspapers (especially The Guardian) that untiringly carried all the articles, one is overwhelmed by admiration for them.

NGO, Shoprite support school with learning materials Saidat Alausa

etail giant, Shoprite has continued its Community Network in local communities in conjunction with Save Our Needy International, a Non Governmental Organisation as it donates learning materials to the Progressive Nursery and Primary School in Festac Town, Lagos. The retailer which opened its new outlet in Festac town donated a set of chairs, tables, whiteboards and stationeries to the school. The donation is part of Shoprite’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where they have stores. Speaking on its contributions to the school, Shoprite’s Festac’ store manager, Jide Ahmadu asserts

that the donation forms part of the outfit’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) plans to impact their Community. “We understand the fact that learning materials are important because they can significantly increase students’ achievement by sup-

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porting their learning as well as assisting the teachers to efficiently perform their professional duties. “We also want a better life through education for our youths and that’s why we support early childhood development and also assist to create a conducive

environment for learning” Ahmadu explained. The teachers and students of Progressive Nursery and Primary school expressed sincere appreciation for the donation and encouraged other well meaning organisations to emulate the gesture.

Director General Save Our Needy NGO, Marvella Odili (5th right); Shoprite Festac store manager, Olajide Ahmadu; Shoprite Festac Store Cashier, Benedicta Ibe and Principal Progressive Nursery and Primary School Festac, Mrs. Ajayi with other staff of the school and members of the NGO during the presentation, recently.

CONCLUDED KOMOLAFE G. O., ILESA “TRAGEDY as dog eats 4-months-old baby” Voice of the nation: either 4-month-old baby or 4 months’ old baby “To probe or not to probe” Get it right: To probe or not to probe? THE NATION ON SUNDAY of August 23 offered readers a few howlers: “Ex-PHCN workers protest non-payment of 16 months (months’) salaries, allowances” NATIONAL MIRROR front and inside pages of August 20 disseminated kindergarten flaws: “The PDP Representative said it would be a clear case of witch-hunting (witch-hunt) to limit the graft war….” “NIPSS alumni backs (back or alumni association backs) FG’s anti-corruption crusade” “From May 30, there have (has) been a resurgence of violent and bomb attacks….” Just by the way, is bombing not a violent attack? Next is NATIONAL MIRROR Editorial: “Following the formal commissioning (inauguration/auspication) of the Orient Petroleum Resources….” “Scholar advocates new approach to Africa (Africa’s) problems”

FEEDBACK “CASH cow”, meaning “a business or part of one, that provides a steady cash flow”, is colloquial, old–fashioned and an informal term, while “Milch Cow” (note the spelling), meaning “a source of easy profit” (Germanism) is formal and preferred in modern English. Please, take note that being human presupposes fallibility. Yes, there will be mistakes. Therefore, what? “Even Jesus Christ Himself made a mistake when He selected Judas Iscariot (let me add, a Chartered Accountant) in His choice of the Twelve Disciples”, so asserts Charles William Golding. Ebere, I have since left Egypt and moved on! Keep smiling, my brother! (BAYO OGUNTUNASE/08056180046)

Bogoro NOUN centre matriculates 50 students

Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

ational Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Bogoro study centre in Bauch State matriculated about 50 students in various disciplines for the 2014/2015 academic year. Speaking with Journalists shortly after the matriculation, the centre Director, Dr. James Landi disclosed that NOUN admission policy is not different from that of conventional universities in terms of requirement. The Director stressed that the centre is offering degrees in Physics, Chemistry, Peace and Conflict resolutions, Masters in Education among others saying that NOUN only depends on information and communication Technology (ICT) as a substitute to lectures as

in the case of conventional universities. He also said that the aim of the NOUN centre in Bauchi was born out of the genuine desire to provide education to grassroots irrespective of age, time and genders saying doors are still open for admission in the centre. Commending Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, for its intervention in universities, Landi said without the agency, tertiary institutions would have been compared to secondary school because both federal and state tertiary institutions depends solely on its interventions. He urged the federal government to increase the agency funding from 2 to 4 percent to enable TETFUND to expand its scope for improved education.

Business Thursday, September 3, 2015

Gulder Ultimate: A brand’s drive for global recognition 35

Demand, supply forces redefine telecom operators’ market shares 31

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Absence of minister hampers mining sector’s operations

BoI charges textile producers on technology acquisition Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

he Managing Director Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa has said that for the nation’s textile producers to remain competitive, they must leverage on the emerging technology in the sector.

Olaoluwa, who spoke during the Annual National Education Conference in Kaduna, noted that the adoption of new technology would not only help textile producers in cutting the cost of production, it would also make their products competitive in the global market. The forum, which has as its theme: “Buhari Administration: Revival of Textile Industry and Creation of Decent Jobs”, was organised by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria(NUTGTWN) and Nigeria Textile, Garment and Tailoring Employers’ Association. The conference brought together various stakeholders to deliberate on the state of the textile sector with a view to addressing some of the constraints that have held it down from realizing its potential in employment generation and capital flow.

National Mirror investigation, has however, revealed that while over 121,100 jobs have been lost as a result of inactivity in the sector, only 39 out of the 143 textile mills across the country currently in operation. However, beyond the issue of finance and smuggling, the BoI boss stated that it was imperative for the operators in the sector to be innovative, adding that textile business had gone digital. He stated,”The textile union education conference is very timely in the sense that, as you

are aware, the President, Mohammadu Buhari has been quite emphatic on the need for Nigeria to revive the textile sector. “Some of the issues that have come out today has to do with how to deal with the issue of smuggling. It is an issue government needs to deal with firmly, especially with the Nigeria Customs Service. What also came out clear is the need for the textile industry to also be up and doing in term of embracing new technology.

“Textile industry globally has gone digital and for us to be competitive, we need to invest in new technology and ensure that textile industry is able to do cost effective short-run. New technology we enable textile producers to come up with product sample very quickly, come out with new designs just by operating the computer. “There is a lot of computer aided designs that have gone into textile printing today. That is the challenge to the industry.”

L-R: Group Chief Information Officer, Chellarams Plc, Dr Harbhajan Batth; Managing Director, Angus Montegomery, Damion Angus; President, Nigeria Institute of Packaging, Mr Mike Adekola; President, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, Wahab Lawal and Regional Director for West Africa, Afrocet Montgomery,Mr George Pearson, at the opening of the Propak West Africa 2015 Packaging, Printing and Plastics Exhibition, in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

…as goods undergo 25 checks before clearance

ore than eight years after the conclusion of port reforms designed to bring about a level of efficiency in port operations and cargo delivery, it still takes over 25 signatures to clear one consignment from the seaports.

The Federal Government had between 2003 and 2006 embarked on a reform programme, which transferred cargo handling operations from the Nigerian Ports Authority

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

Bureaucracy takes toll on Nigeria’s imports Francis Ezem

to private terminal operators with the aims and objectives include to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and the number of agencies operating the ports, among several others. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, observed that before the port concession programme, it took a minimum of 46 signatures for a cargo to be cleared out of the ports, a process that has now reduced to about 25 checks. According to Bello, with the completion of the reform, there has been a level of improvement in terms of

efficiency, noting that it was not yet Eldorado for the port system, as there is still need for serious improvement While taking a swipe at successive governments in the country over their failure to take concrete steps to develop the port industry dubbed ‘Gateway to Nigeria’s Economy’, he noted that the ports need to be developed to be efficient and competitive. “Nigeria seems to politicise the development of the port industry. It seems to pay even more attention to the Nollywood industry. What is the contribution of the entertainment industry to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product GDP? Government needs to take urgent step towards

developing the industry”, Bello had said. He clarified: “There is huge infrastructural deficit in the maritime industry. In fact the government needs to spend an average of $10billion per annum consistently for 10 years to be able to address this infrastructural deficit” Apart from the huge infrastructural deficit, he also argued that the absence of a commercial regulator for the ports about seven years after the completion of the reform and the subsequent coming on stream of privater terminal operator denied stakeholders the benefits of the rorm programme.

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

Business News

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EU supports FG on budgeting, strategic planning T

he European Union (EU), has organised a training workshop on strategic planning, budgeting and medium term expenditure framework (MTEF), and research methodology and policy analysis for Staff of the National Planning Commission and some selected Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to enhance the technical expertise of the Civil Servants for effective service delivery. The Workshop is being organised as part of the 10th European Union Development Fund (EDF) support to Federal Governance Reform Programme (SUFEGOR) in Nigeria to improve technical expertise of the public servants, for enhanced service delivery in the country. In his opening remarks, the Secretary to the Commission, Bassey Akpanyung, represented by the NPC Director of Administration, Chris Ezeilo, stated that the programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity of officers in the area of strategic Planning and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) with a view to ensuring that credible national, sub- national and sectoral strategic plans are developed with the associated financing framework.

The Secretary said that, ‘as you are aware, the rebirth of national development planning in Nigeria has placed strategic planning at the forefront of the nation’s economic, social and policy design, as well as monitoring and evaluation. This underscores the concerted efforts which have been made by successive governments to build the capacity of planners and policy makers in the areas of strategic planning and budgeting’ Accordingly, Akpanyung also stated that, there is need to draw attention to the fact that most of the medium term plans and annual budgets have not been effectively implemented due to several factors, amongst which is the skills gap; as well as arguing that the training programme will enable participants learn how to develop strategic plans, budgets and ensure their effective linkage with medium term expenditure framework for enhanced socioeconomic development in the country. He noted that, it has become more imperative to organize the training, especially now that the current Administration intends to implement a zero- based budgeting system as against the envelop system which is consistent with the aspirations of the medium term strategic plan which

ICPC sensitises aviation workers on harms of corrupt practices Olusegun Koiki

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has urged aviation sector workers to shun all corrupt practices in the sector in order to ensure its sustainable growth and improved contribution to national development. The anti-graft agency stated that the training was in-line with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reduce corruption to the barest minimum not just in the industry, but in the country as a whole. A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona, indicated that before now, the agency had embarked on several interventions to sensitise workers in the sector on the effect of corruption in the system with a view to cleansing the sector of such practices. Adetona stated that apart from NAMA, which partook in the three-day training in Nasarawa

State, other aviation agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, also participated in the training. Others are Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Airport Police, Cargo handlers and airlines. She gave the title of the training as ‘Anti-corruption Ethics and Training,’ adding that the workshop treated crucial topics such as ‘Effective Communication: A Veritable Tool for Entrenching Transparency and Accountability’ and ‘Work Ethics and Integrity in Public Service; Ethical Issues in the Aviation Sector: Departure and Arrival at the Airport and International Standards and Best Practices in Aviation.’ She recalled that Federal Ministry of Aviation in December 2014 launched a partnership with ICPC for anti-corruption initiative to improve processes in operations for better service delivery in the aviation sector.

focuses on issues of employment creation, infrastructure development, social protection, fighting corruption, solid minerals development among others. Stressing further, the NPC Secretary said that, the role of strategic planning and budgeting is very critical towards the real-

ization of the aspirations of any nation, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where economic development is much desired. The EU SUFEGOR project is providing technical assistance to the government agencies namely; NPC, Federal Ministry of Fi-

nance, Budget Office, BPRS, NBS, FIRS and Office of the Head of Civil Service, for the management and implementation of the project, including policy advisory services, transfer of knowledge and skills, building technical capacities of personnel in the beneficiary agencies through mentoring, coaching and training.

L-R Wives of the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omo and Ayaba Folashade; CEO Ashmart Super Stores, Hon Tony Ashamu and his wife, Mary, representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor/ Director, Admin and Human Resources, Deputy Governor’s Office Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, at the Commissioning of Ashmart Super Stores, in Lagos State.

Keystone Bank gets ISO certifications 27001, 20000

eystone Bank, one of Nigeria’s commercial banks, has obtained two certifications from the International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO. The certifications are, the ISO 20000 for IT Service Management Systems (ITMS) and ISO 27001 for Information Security System (ISMS). The certification attests that Keystone Bank has aligned with world class standards in protecting customer information and providing stellar services to its stakeholders via efficient and effective use of Information Tech-

nology. The certification was issued after a rigorous audit exercise conducted by the British Standard Institute (BSI), in keeping with Keystone Bank’s vision to be the preferred partner to its customers via the use of Information Technology. According to the Executive Director, Operations & Technology, Mrs. Yvonne Isichei, the Bank “is committed to following global best practices and standards in all its operations because we believe our customers should be assured of consistent service delivery, convenience and reliability.

“These certifications also give our stakeholders increased confidence and confirms the security of information and information technology service at all levels. With this, customers can be assured that we have put processes in place to protect the information that they give us.”, Isichei assured. The British Standard Institute (BSI) recognizes companies that have implemented systems and structures that ensure their operations are in line with international best practices. The BSI Group is one of the largest and most experienced certification bodies focused primarily on training, auditing

Factory slowdown douses U.S. growth outlook

.S. factory activity braked to a more than two-year low in August, but sturdy gains in automobile sales and construction spending suggested the economy remained on solid footing. The sharp slowdown in manufacturing, which has been hurt by a strong dollar and deep spending cuts in the energy sector, was probably an early indication of fallout from the recent turmoil in stock markets, economists said. And it could bolster the case against the Federal Reserve raising interest rates later this month, they said. “It suggests that the recent eruption in uncertainty toward Chinese and global growth is

beginning to affect U.S. business decisions,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief economist at TD Securities in New York. “We look for the Fed to take a pass on raising rates this month as they continue to assess the incoming economic data for any evidence of fallout.” Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer told CNBC last week it was too early to decide whether the stock market rout had made a rate hike this month less compelling. The U.S. central bank’s policy-setting committee meets Sept. 16-17. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Tuesday its national factory activity index fell to 51.1 last month, the

lowest reading since May 2013, from 52.7 in July. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector. The ISM’s new orders subindex fell 4.8 percentage points to 51.7, also the lowest level since May 2013. The employment index slipped to 51.2 last month from a reading of 52.7 in July. The weak employment reading suggests a moderation in factory payroll gains in August. Ten out of 18 manufacturing industries, including machinery and furniture, reported growth last month. Six industries, including apparel, primary metals, and computer and electronic products, said activity had contracted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Stakeholders support proposed review of rice import tariff, levy FRANCIS EZEM

aritime stakeholders have welcomed plans by the Federal Government to review its policy on the importation of some agricultural products such as wheat, fish and parboiled rice. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Sonny Echono, had disclosed recently that the government was working on a new fiscal policy to reduce the import tariff imposed on these products, which experts believe has fuelled the smuggling of the products across the borders. Echono, who made the disclosure during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission NIPC, Mr. Uju Hassan-Baba, described the high tariff policy as unfavourable. He argued that the review would ensure that Nigeria became self sufficient in food production. Meanwhile, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Dr. Eugene, noted that the decision of the former President Goodluck Jona-

than’s administration to impose high tariff on the affected products, especially rice in order to boost local production was well intended. He regretted that some unscrupulous elements as well as neighbouring African countries took undue advantage of the policy by drastically reducing the tariff on the affected products, which fuelled their smuggling across the border. But he however noted that a review of the policy was a welcome development in order to check loss of revenue by the government to the benefit of these neighbouring countries, who took advantage of the policy. According to him, the government should also use the period of the review to work on the nation’s porous borders, arguing that the country would not continue to import these products for ever while the local industry suffers. President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who reacted to the proposed review, also charged the government to evolve a time limit when the nation would stop the importation of the products. He argued that it is not just

enough that the government would review the fiscal policy, it should also work towards local sufficiency by adopting measures to boost local output. Amiwero insisted that the policy hiking the tariff on the products as a strategy to bost local production was not a bad one, adding that while

the review is in place, urgent measures should be adopted to boost local production, which he said is the ultimate, especially given the dwindling value of the naira. The immediate past administration had imposed a 110 per cent tariff on imported parboiled rice as part of fiscal

measures to boost local rice production. But in reaction to public outcry, the government reduced the tariff to 30 per cent for importers of rice in its original form with capacity for backward integration while 60 per cent tariff was imposed on merchants.

Adeduntan, Kumapayi, others set for CFO awards Angolan Minister seeks measures on Africa’s illicit financial outflows L-R: Head, Efritin.com, Zakaria Hersi; Marketing Manager, Uche Ajene and Chief Operating Officer, Slatside Technologies, Babak Tinvard, during the launch of Efritin.com in Lagos, yesterday.

Johnson Okanlawon

ctivities lined up for the maiden edition of the Nigeria Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Awards scheduled for this month have heightened, as nominees for the best Chief Financial Officers of highly rated banks have emerged The CFOs nominated in the banking institutions are, Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan FirstBank, Ugo Nwaghodoh, Group Chief Financial Officer UBA, Stanley Amuchie, CFO Zenith Bank, Oluseyi Kumapayi, CFO Access Bank, and Oyinkan Adewale, ED/ Chief Financial Officer, Union Bank. Unveiling the final nominees for the awards in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Instinct Business magazine, Akin Naphtal, explained that the awards is borne out of the need to recognise the achievements of financial executives who have been outstanding in their profession and have contributed in no small measure to

the growth of their organisations and the economy at large. “The final list is out and we are proud to say that the wait has been worthwhile,” he said. Other firms nominated for various awards include Akintola Williams Delloite, Coca Cola, PWC, Forte Oil , Seplat ,and many more. The award ceremony will also provide a platform for top CFOs, heads of finance, high-level executive, analysts, academics and pundits in the business and financial sector to participate in conversations that will highlight shortfalls in the sector and shape future policy decisions. Instinct Business is Africa’s business and financial magazine with a reach that cuts across Africa and extends to the United Kingdom. It is behind the highly successful MarketingWorld Awards, Ghana Telecoms Awards & West Africa Telecom Summit and a host of other industry events which have attracted industry chieftains globally.

he development of the continent continues to be affected by insufficient resources. The President of the African Group and Minister of Finance of Angola, Armando Manuel, declared in the welcoming speech to the participants at the Luanda Caucus- 2015 meeting. “This obliges us to look for other sources of financing including savings that can be made from restricting illicit financial flows from Africa, especially measures that can be taken to radically reduce these mass monetary outflows and guarantee that they are used for development in the African continent”, he noted. Meanwhile, David Robinson, the Vice-Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and one of the speak-

ers at the African Caucus said that the fall in oil prices is a significant negative shock for the oil exporting countries which have had to make marked adjustments. Robinson, who presented the theme “Africa: Regional Economic Outlooks” pointed to the following public financial measures: budget cuts in the 2015 expenditure, above all in investments, fuel subsidies reform, taxation measures, including tax rate increases, and greater exchange rate flexibility wherever possible. Indeed, the representative of the IMF to the African Caucus noted that the oil producing countries have to tackle issues such as the orderly implementation of spending cuts, prioritise social sectors and infrastructure and mo-

bilise non-oil revenues. It is necessary to address low liquidity in the foreign exchange markets in countries with flexible arrangements and the absence of foreign exchange instruments in countries whose currency is indexed to the Euro. The emphasis of this Thursday afternoon fell on combatting illicit financial flows to improve the mobilisation of internal resources, a topic addressed by Thabo Mbeki, the Ex-President of South Africa. The forum assembles more than nineteen Ministers of Finance and fourteen Governors of the Central Banks representing approximately forty member countries of the African Caucus, including Angola.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Steel & Mining Industry

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Absence of minister hampers mining sector’s operations CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

he absence of substantive Minister for Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel have slowed down activities in the mining and steel sub sectors of the economy, National Mirror investigations have revealed. Our correspondent gathered that not many developments have taken place in the sector since May 29, when the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated. Early last month, President Muhammadu Buhari received a briefing from top officials of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk. Buhari had warned that the Federal Government will no longer tolerate illegal mining and other improper activities inhibiting the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. But, a top official of the ministry, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that since the directive nothing has been done to stem the rising cases of illegal mining across the country. The source attributed the lull to the absence of a minister in the ministry, stressing that everything appears to have put on hold awaiting the appointment of a minister.

Mining site

“I can tell you there is nothing fresh. In the absence of minister no policy directive have been issued” he stated. President Buhari had noted that the mines and steel sector was very important for the diversification of the economy, expressed displeasure at Farouk’s report that the sector had been overrun by illegal min-

ers. “This is one of the most demoralising briefs I have received. The biggest threat to this country besides the Boko Haram is unemployment and the mining sector is key to employment creation. “We cannot be held back on such a strategic industry that can give us much need-

crease in cash balance of US$2.8 million to bring the total to US$23.2 million. “The increased costs were due to lower grades at El Castillo and higher cyanide consumption,” noted president and CEO Pete Dougherty during a conference call. “We expect our all-in sustaining cost to drop further as we lower our capital spending throughout the remainder of the year and into next year we should see a significant reduction in our capital spending.” Argonaut is in the midst of a number of cost control measures, including lay-offs at El Castillo and La Colorada, contract renegotiations with major suppliers, and operational adjustments in case gold were to drop below the US$1,100 per oz. level for an extended period. The company completed the “majority of work” on its capital projects during the first half of the year. Argonaut spent around US$22 million of its US$37 million capital expenditure budget through the end of June, which includes US$16 million at El Castillo and US$11 million at La Colorada. The company completed a new heap-leach pad at El Castillo and installed an overland conveying system and new heap leach pads

at La Colorada. “I’m happy to report that the heap leach pad at El Castillo has been complete, which was the major capital undertaking for the project this year,” elaborated Dougherty.

Argonaut aims to balance expansion, cost control A rgonaut Gold is attempting to walk a fine line by expanding its production profile while simultaneously controlling operating costs in a bid to maximize free cash flow. The company’s goal is to boost its annual gold output to between 300,000 oz. and 500,000 gold equivalent oz., but volatile precious metals’ prices have made it imperative that capital spending and development be pursued with a careful eye on the balance sheet. During the second quarter Argonaut produced approximately 37,000 gold equivalent oz. at overall cash costs of roughly US$779 per oz. The result marks a 21% production improvement compared to the same period in 2014, though quarterly cash costs jumped around US$20 to US$756 per oz. The company’s production assets include the wholly-owned El Castillo open-pit mine and La Colorada underground operation in Sonora, Mexico. Though operating costs were on the rise Argonaut did generate positive cash flow for its third-consecutive quarter. The company registered quarterly cash flow from operations before changes in non-cash working capital of US$11.4 million, and a net in-

(Source -Northernminers.com)

ed jobs and promote economic growth. “There must be more seriousness in running this country and we are determined to instill that seriousness,” the President said. The Permanent Secretary had said Nigeria’s mining sector had been infiltrated by “illegal aliens” who carried out unlawful mining activities in the country. It is recalled that the federal government has identified 44 solid minerals that are available in commercial quantities in the country. Stakeholders believe that these minerals, when effectively harnessed, can uplift the nation’s economy through value addition, employment generation, improved tax revenue and general economic growth. In 2007, Nigeria passed a new Minerals and Mining Act which is largely considered to be investor-friendly. Mining regulations were also issued in 2010.

SA seals mining jobs deal, proposes platinum plan

outh Africa’s mining industry, unions and the government signed a broad plan on Monday to stem a wave of job losses triggered by falling commodity prices and soaring costs. The document of the blue print seen by Reuters last week included boosting platinum by promoting the metal as a central bank reserve asset. Mines Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said the government planned to negotiate this issue with the SA Reserve Bank and the New Development Bank, which has been launched by the Brics group of emerging economies. “I had hoped we can reach a point

where it says ‘I promise to pay the bearer in platinum equivalent’ to add to the basket, so we are looking at internal promotion,” he said. South Africa sits on close to 80% of the world’s known reserves of platinum, a metal used in emissions-capping catalytic converters, which is facing depressed demand. Platinum’s spot price XPT= is pinned near six-and-a-half year lows below $1 000 an ounce. Commitments to delay lay-offs, sell distressed mining assets instead of closing them, and the creation of a “development fund” to provide possible employment to laid-off miners are also part of the plan.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Demand, supply forces redefine telecoms operators’ market shares

investors who desire regulatory certainty to guide their decisions will be disturbed where the industry regulator undertakes far reaching decisions without transparently seeking the input of

Source: NCC

The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, was some years ago accused by industry watchers of giving undue advantage of dominance to one mobile network operator. Latest findings showed that in the past year, the market share structure has been altered by intensive competitive drives by players for control of subscribers’ loyalty. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

espite placing ban on two mobile network operators, MNO, over allegations that they used their market dominance to compete unfairly in the telecoms market, recent investigations showed that the market had actually created the environment that put them in the advantage position as dominant operator. The National Mirror uncovered in a report obtained from the NCC that patronage of mobile subscribers across the country between 2013 and 2014 indicated that each of the four MNOs actually battled fiercely to become the leading operator in the rapidly changing, innovation-driven market. The former Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Eugene Juwah had in April 25, 2013 pronounced South Africa’s MTN and Globacom, second national carrier as dominant mobile operators in critical segments of the nation’s telecoms market. Our latest investigation showed that only one MNO continued to lead the market of the GSM while the others struggle to claim the same position, which it was gathered the operator may have ascribe to it. For instance, reports from the NCC showed that mobile market segment figure as at December, 2014 recorded a total of 136,772,475 active voice subscriptions indicating that it accounted for 97.83 percent of the entire market. However, 44 percent of the 97.83 percent mobile market segment share went

to Mobile Telephone Network, MTN, with a whopping figure of 59,893,093 leaving the other three operators to scramble for the remaining 53.83 percent. While MTN took that chunk of the market share, national carrier, Globacom snatched 21 percent of the 53.83 percent thereby placing second with a lead figure of 28,219,089 but Airtel Nigeria was quick to trail behind with less than one percent scuttling with 20 percent of the active voice subscription of the market share with a figure of 27,556,544 such hat later comer into the industry and Arab owned operator trail far way with 14 percent share of the mobile GSM market, which is 21,103,749. Although the dominant operator quest did not look the direction of the Mobile CDMA and the Fixed Wired/ Wireless market segments operators due to the crisis in the segment, which analysis have blamed on the superior technology of the mobile GSM, statistics revealed that there had indeed been a dominant operator without a pronouncement from the operator. While each accounted for 1.57 percent and 0.13 percent share of the entire market, the NCC which appears silent on the state of that segment indicated Visafone has consistently dominate that market segment. Investigation revealed a different outlook of market dominance as reflected by the cumulative total numbers ported incoming and outgoing across the all network particular reference to the mobile

stakeholders GSM segment. The porting trend report from inception between May, 2013 and December, 2014 for the four major GSM operators revealed that Etisalat, which trails behind the three other MNO as the least dominant operator had the highest number of ported subscribers of 92946 from other networks. On the other, MTN Nigeria, which has consistently occupied the position of dominancy in the last two years, recorded the least ported numbers of with 16,434 followed by Globacom and Airtel with 85,918 and 38,156 respectively. Under the same, it was gathered that MTN Nigeria suffered a massive exit of subscribers out of its network as 96,496 subscribers moved their numbers to other network. However, the Etisalat, which industry analyst have classified as the least growing network in the GSM segment suffered the least porting disadvantage with just only 28,164 of its subscribers leaving its network while growing network Airtel Nigeria and Globacom lost 51,902 and 42,091 their subscribers respectively to other network. According to a Lagos based Consumer Rights Advocate, Mr. Damian Eze, blamed the regulator for the current trend of growth in the industry saying that the MNO have been urging NCC to review the 30 per cent differential it recently granted to MTN Nigeria for off-net and on-net retail mobile voice tariffs as it is a threat to their business. He made reference to the MTN’s “Family and Friends” promo, which he said was is in violation of NCC’s regulation noting that “it remains a puzzle why the regulator would change the rule of the game midway

without informing stakeholders of its intention and explain why it should favour a player at the detriment of others.” According to him, the Commission has an obligation to promote fair competition and prevent the misuse of market power or anti-competitive practices by any licensee stressing that investors who desire regulatory certainty to guide their decisions will be disturbed where the industry regulator undertakes far reaching decisions without transparently seeking the input of stakeholders. Eze called for on the NCC and the supervising Ministry of Communications Technology to put in place policies to address challenges affecting broadband development in Nigeria saying that in spite of its huge resources and market potential, the country continued to underperform in the area of broadband development in comparison to its peers. “While Nigeria’s mobile broadband penetration stands at 10.1 per cent, the average for peer countries in Africa is 30 per cent. Again, peer countries have an average Smartphone penetration of 26 per cent, as against Nigeria’s dismal averages 12 per cent”, he said. The spokesman for the NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo said that the regulator is committed to providing a level playing field for all operators noting that its concern as a regulator is to ensure that the industry performance meets the expectation of all stakeholders. According to him, all polices of the NCC foster the growth of the industry and the development of the economy as well as ensuring that subscribers get value for their money.

Info Tech

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Lenovo slashes prices of P70, A5000 smartphones

MTN hinges internet penetration on LTE-smartphone technology Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he massive rollout of LTE broadband technology, coupled with the increased rollout of smartphones at affordable rates in Nigeria, would further drive broadband penetration in the country, beginning from 2017. Senior Manager, Transmission Access Planning Network Group at MTN, Mr. Olusegun Salami, who disclosed that at the quarterly industry agenda setting seminar organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association, NITRA, disclosed that the actual journey of broadband penetration started in 2007, with the launch of the third generation technology called the 3G, which he said, put an end to the narrowband service being provided through the 2G networks. In a paper presentation titled: ‘Foreign Direct Investment-An

obile communications company, Lenovo has reduced the prices of its P70 and A5000 smartphones in Nigeria, in a drive to deliver rich mobile experiences and superior smartphone technology to more Nigerians. Through this offer, customers can now purchase the Lenovo P70 or A5000 smartphones from accredited retail outlets nationwide at a recommended retail prices. According to the Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo Middle East and Africa (MEA), Shashank Sharma P70 and A5000 smartphones are built to meet Nigerians’ demand for mobile phones with first-class design, smarter features and improved functionalities. The Lenovo P70 Smartphone features a huge 4000mAh battery with a ‘Quick Charge’ feature that allows you to charge the battery to 100 per cent in just 3 hours, power-saving software that extends the battery even further and an OTG charging functionality to power other devices.

The Lenovo A5000 smartphone also features a longlasting 4000mAh battery with a Quick Charge feature, energy saving software as well as a splash-proof Nano coating that protects from rain and spills. The company has also announced the availability of three brand new members of its ground-breaking YOGA series of convertible laptops, the YOGA 300, the YOGA 500 and the YOGA 3 Pro into Nigeria. As with other members of Lenovo’s YOGA family, the new YOGA range of laptops offers 360 degrees of flexibility and can be used both as tablets and laptop computers. The devices boast four user modes – Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet ‐ coupled with intelligent software that optimizes user experience. Lenovo’s YOGA series of laptops were first introduced in 2012 for the premium market segment but with a N89,000 price tag for the new YOGA 300, the company has brought the category to individuals who are looking for powerful and stylish convertibles at affordable costs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Impetus To Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Penetration,’ he said Nigerians were beginning to see significant improvement in broadband penetration, but explained that by 2017, when more service providers must have launched their LTE services the broadband landscape would change. According to him, Nigerians would experience faster browsing speed and navigation, while on the internet stressing that smartphone, which would help drive the use of broadband internet, must come cheap. “It is for this reason that MTN decided to come with low pricing smartphone that will enhance increased use of the internet, through mobile devices,” Salami said. He disclosed that fibre system remains the best way to achieve broadband penetration in an economy with population like Nigeria, adding that MTN is appreciative of Government

efforts in employing policies to further open up the economy in a manner that the economy will be able to attract more FDI noting that further devaluation of Naira will attract FDI. Salami lauded Government for moving in the direction of increasing its investment in the development of the nation’s infrastructure particularly in the areas of electricity power supply, roads, telecommunication saying that such would reduce the cost of doing business thereby wooing more FDI. He called on the Government to encourage production activity via production incentives and/or subsidies in order to increase the nation’s GDP. Chairman of the event and Group Chairman, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem kicked against the devaluation of the naira in order to encourage FDIs noting that it place indigenous investors at disadvantage.

L-R: Assistant Director, Monitoring, NBC Lagos Zone, Ijeoma Theo-Obodo, Tope Adeogun, Head of Operations, MultiChoice Nigeria, Hasiyah Abudu, and General Manager, Details Nigeria Limited, Chris Obasi during the launch of MultiChoice Certified Installers in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Huawei deploys 200 commercial networks

global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei said its Agile Network has been deployed in nearly 200 networks for commercial use in seven industries including government, finance, medical services, large enterprise, transport, education, and broadcast media. President of Huawei West Africa Region, Mr. Shi Weiliang who made disclosure during the launch of the Huawei Agile Network in Lagos, said that Huawei’s Agile Network is the industry’s first network centered on services, users, and experiences. The launch of the Huawei Agile Network was part of event

meant to declare open the Huawei Network Congress (HNC) West Africa 2015, which was held in Lagos with the theme: “From Agility to Imagination” focusing on “introducing SDN technology” and “upgrading customer experience”. More than 200 stakeholders from Banks, Power DisCos, Government and channel partners were at the event attended by chief executive officers, chief technical officers and analysts. Weiliang said that Huawei’s Agile Network has helped customers build multiple high-profile solutions such as intelligent transport, wireless cities, smart shopping malls, and smart travel noting that the HNC 2015 is

the forum being used to share and discuss with industry partners the practices and future of the Agile Network, with the aim of helping enterprises to quickly enter the age of agility. “We are now in a fast-changing era where Cloud computing, Big Data, and Softwaredefined networking (SDN) are no strangers to us. As mobility, Bring your own device (BYOD) , and digital social networking become terms commonly used in our work and life, the rapid changes of this era are more and more evident. In such an era, IT capability is becoming an extremely important core competency for an enterprise”, said Weiliang.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Government Technology

We shifted NIN usage to allow MDAs harmonise their database –NIMC Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has said that it shifted the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN), to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to harmonise their data base. The Commission had last Tuesday disclosed that it shifted the date for the commencement of the mandatory use across the country from September 1, 2015 to January 9, 2016. According to the Commission, the extension of the September date follows the recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the extension will enable the Commission progress further on the harmonisation database of ministries, departments and agencies of government with that of NIMC. The Commission’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, said that the shift was meant to avoid the situation similar to what was experienced when the CBN wanted to enforce the

deadline date for the BVN, which eventually led to a late rush and a massive turn out of citizens and the attendant struggles they had to go through. It explained that the shift would ensure that double enrolment was reduced to the barest minimum during the transition period when the harmonisation is being implemented. He said that NIMC management has taken into consideration the deadline for the completion of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise thus extending the time frame for the completion of the harmonisation it has begun with the CBN on the BVN programme. Umar disclosed that with the planned harmonisation citizens will not be required to have their biometrics taken every time by government institutions in the near future noting the MDAs will invariably act as valid agents to the NIMC, collecting their own data as well as providing data required for the issuance of the NIN by the NIMC based on the minimum national standards for biometric and demographic data capture already set by the MDAs.

Group Head Financial Institutions/International Organisation, Mr Babasola Aluko (left)and Portfolio Relationship Manager Private Sector Engagement The Global Fund, Mr. Andrew Redpath during Ecobank/The Global Fund workshop in Abuja.

NIMC disclosed that it has concluded plans to provide preenrolment services on smartphones to ensure that citizens do their enrolment using their smart phones, adding that it would ensure that more citizens completed their demographic

enrolment before they proceed to NIMC Enrolment Centres for their biometric data capture to complete their enrolment. The Commission said that the method will help to decongest the Enrolment Centres as well as ensure that citizens enroll at their

convenience to beat the deadline. The NIN is an 11 digit number assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB) is what represents the unique entry of individual’s personal information in the National Identity Database.

Financial Technology

Airtel unveils solution to expand financial inclusion

new payment solution intended to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria using the Airtel network has been introduced into the economy. Introduced in partnership with a payment solution provider, Wari, the solution is part of its contribution towards Federal Government’s efforts to deepen financial inclusion in the country. Designed as a convenient and easy-to-use payment solution, Wari allows users to make payment for goods and services, buy airtime, pay bills, deposit cash and make withdrawals within the country or outside. Wari can also be used to transfer money and remit through accredited agents across Nigeria, and the service is available to anyone irrespective of whether they are account holders or not. Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa, described Airtel’s partnership with Wari as a collaboration of two forwardthinking brands, coming together to offer accessible and

convenient payment service to millions of Nigerians, helping them carry out their day-today transactions seamlessly. ‘Wari is designed to meet the needs of Nigerians, including the banked and unbanked; everyone who needs to make or receive payment for goods and services. It also reduces the risk of carrying cash while travelling since you can deposit and withdraw at your destination through Wari agents whether within the country or outside Nigeria,” Newa noted. Country Manager, Wari Nigeria, Mr. Damilola Bamiro, said that the partnership will strengthen Wari’s local presence in all the local governments in Nigeria noting that “this strategic plan will greatly increase access to financial services of the various institutions especially to the unbanked.” According to him, Wari as an African grown agent network has always ensured the best user experience, taking into consideration all local peculiarities and cultures say-

ing that it has presence in 23 countries. As part of the partnership, Airtel Nigeria is expected to identify potential Wari agents across the country for the purpose of providing the product

and services. According to Airtel, to start using the Wari, its subscribers and non-subscribers can visit any designated Wari agent in their locality and request for the services, saying “the agent

will then facilitate the specific transaction on behalf of the customer. Both customer and Wari agent will receive alerts as confirmation of the transaction carried out.”

Visa expands financial partners to 300 Isaiah Erhiawarien

lobal payments company, Visa Incorporated, has grown its financial institution partners to over 330. It also announced the continued global success of Visa Checkout, the online check out service that allows shoppers to pay with their cards online and on any device, with just a few clicks. Only one year after launching, the service has more than six million registered users, and has seen registered user sign ups increase by more than 92 percent since the beginning of 2015. Visa recently announced that no less than thirty-three new merchants, in the United States,

Australia, Canada and Colombia signed on to offer Visa Checkout; ranging from Best Buy, Student Universe, The Roses Only Group and Ticketek, Grand & Toy, Exito. com, Falabella.com, Under Armour to Barnes & Noble and Taco Bell. Country Manager for Visa in Nigeria, Ade Ashaye, while commenting on the development said that the rapidly expanding list of merchants will continue to make it easier for consumers to buy everything they need online, on any device, using Visa Checkout. Ashaye said: “Visa Checkout is the platform that has been developed to help provide ease of access during the online purchasing process”, adding that the range of new, global merchants, more issu-

ers around the world are also offering Visa Checkout to their customers to enable fast, secure online shopping from anywhere. He said that China and United Arab Emirates, consumer demands for overseas goods continue to grow, and issuer partners now include China Merchants Bank, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, China Everbright Bank, Bank of Guangzhou, and The Card Center, China Minsheng Banking Corporation Limited, Mashreq, Emirates NBD, Majid Al Futtaim Finance, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates Islamic Bank. Senior Vice President of Visa’s Digital Solutions, Sam Shrauger, said it’s great to see banks like CMB and SPDB bringing best-inclass enrollment experiences to their customers in China.

Global News

Thursday, September 3, 2015

U.S auto sales stronger in August on trucks, SUVs

he U.S. auto industry powered ahead in August, topping sales estimates and shrugging off gyrating stock markets as consumers continued to show their penchant for pickup trucks and SUVs. U.S. auto sales were the strongest in any month since July 2005. The annualized selling rate in August was 17.8 million vehicles, according to Autodata Corp, well above expectations of 17.3 million. The six largest automakers in the U.S. market all beat the sales forecasts of industry analysts, with Toyota, Honda, Nissan and GM reporting declines that were not as severe as expected. Roller-coaster stock markets appeared to have no major impact on auto purchases, which each month are an early indicator of consumer spending. “All of the economic fundamentals that we look at, including job growth, disposable income and fuel prices, are in good shape and that should keep sales strong,” said Kurt McNeil, head of U.S. sales for General Motors Co (GM.N). Bill Fay, head of Toyota brand sales in the U.S. market, pointed out that U.S. consumer confidence in August was at its highest since January. GM, the No. 1 automaker in the U.S. market, reported that sales

Ford car

dropped 0.7 per cent. Ford Motor Co (F.N), the No. 2 U.S. automaker by vehicle sales, showed a gain of five per cent, easily outdistancing expectations. Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) (TM.N), No. 3 in U.S. sales, reported an 8.8 per cent decline in August. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCAU.N)(FCHA.MI) showed a rise of two per cent, boosted by Jeep SUVs. Analysts had been looking for a decline in FCA sales. Honda Motor Co (7267.T) (HMC.N) reported a drop of seven per cent and Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) a one per cent dip. August industry sales were expected to be down largely based on a quirk in the calendar that put re-

sults over the U.S. Labor Day holiday weekend into September sales. Although Labor Day is always in September, the U.S. auto industry usually counts the sales in August results. Ford said sales of its F-Series pickup trucks topped 70,000 for the first time this year - at 71,332, up 4.7 per cent. Mark LeNeve, head of Ford’s U.S. sales, said Ford SUV and truck sales both rose about 12 percent while car sedan sales fell seven per cent. GM’s Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks together outsold Ford’s F-Series, at more than 76,000. Silverado sales rose 11.7 per cent and Sierra sales were up seven per cent.

Apple explores move into original programing business – Variety

pple Inc is looking to move into the original programing business to compete with video streaming companies such as Netflix Inc, Variety reported on Monday. Apple, which aims to begin offering the service next year, has held preliminary talks with executives from Hollywood in recent weeks to gauge their interest in producing entertainment content, Variety reported, citing sources. Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr declined to comment. Such a move could mean increased competition for Netflix and Amazon.com Inc’s Prime Video streaming service. Netflix shares fell more than eight per cent to $105.74 on Tuesday. Amazon shares declined 2.2 per

Apple iphone-3g

cent to $501.64, while Apple shares fell 2.4 per cent to $111.05 amid a sharp fall in the broader market. Netflix has won over viewers with its award-winning original programs such as “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black. Amazon has built up credibility, most notably with its television series “Transparent,” which won two Golden Globes earlier this year. Streaming services are becoming increasingly popular especially with younger viewers who often binge watch TV shows and do not want to pay for costly cable TV bundles. This has hit traditional media companies such as Viacom Inc, Walt Disney and Twenty-First Century Fox Inc, which posted disappointing numbers this earnings

season. Apple’s goal is to create development and production divisions that would churn out long-form content for online streaming, Variety said, quoting a “high-level executive” at the company. Cupertino, California-based Apple is looking to start hiring for the planned division in the coming months, Variety said, adding that it was not clear whether the focus would be on TV series, movies or both. “..I don’t think Apple can produce enough original content to launch a standalone service in at least 10 years or may be 20,” Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter said. Pachter, however, said Apple’s large cash reserves would make Netflix investors nervous, because the tech giant could easily match Netflix’s spending. Apple had $202.85 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 27. Bloomberg reported last month that Apple would delay its live TV service to at least next year. It had planned to introduce the service, delivered over the Internet, this year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Eurozone jobless rate lowest for three years

nemployment in the eurozone fell to its lowest rate in July for more than three years, figures have shown. European Union statistics agency Eurostat said the jobless rate in the currency union fell to 10.9 per cent in July from 11.1 per cent the month before. The fall was helped by a sharp fall in unemployment in Italy, where the jobless total fell by 143,000. It is the first time the unemployment rate in the eurozone has been below 11 per cent since February 2012. The wider 28-member EU saw the unemployment rate fall to 9.5 per cent, the lowest rate since June 2011. The lowest unemployment rate was in Germany, at 4.7 per cent. Greece had the highest unemployment rate, at 25 per cent, the latest available data from May showed, followed by Spain at 22.2 per cent. The rate of youth unemployment across the eurozone also declined to 21.9 per cent in July from 22.3 per cent a month earlier. A survey released earlier on Tuesday suggested that growth in the eurozone’s manufacturing sector had eased slightly in August, despite factories barely raising prices. The closely-watched Markit eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) was 52.3 last month, below a preliminary reading that suggested it had held steady at July’s reading of 52.4. However, it has remained above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction for more than two years.

There was some good news within the data. Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy all saw strong growth, with Germany’s manufacturing PMI reading jumping to 53.3 in August from 51.8 a month earlier. Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit, said the data suggested the eurozone manufacturing sector showed continued resilience in August, with output growth and inflows of new business both strengthening. “Based on the historical relationship, the PMI is tracking at somewhere close to a two per cent annualised increase in industrial production so far in the third quarter, a modest gain but still representing a positive step forward,” he said. “The job numbers are also looking more positive, with employment rising at the fastest pace in four years. On the inflation front, lower oil prices led to the first dip in input costs since February, while selling prices remained close to stagnation.”

EU President, Claude Juncker

Google has unveiled a new logo for its core search services.

he change smoothes out some of the features in the letters that make up the well-known colourful logo spelling out its name. It said the change was needed because people were now reaching Google on lots of mobile de-

Google Chairman, Eric Schmidt

vices rather than just desktop computers. The change comes after Google put its many divisions under an umbrella company called Alphabet. It said that the logo, and its many variations, would work better on the many differentsized screens through which people used or encountered Google and its services. As well as the full logo of the company’s name, it also plans to use four dots in its signature blue, red, yellow and green colours and a single, multi-coloured capital “G” to represent it. Google announced the change on its official blog and illustrated what was different via a series of animated gifs. It said the revamped logo was “simple, uncluttered, colorful, friendly” and represented the best of Google.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 3 2015

Brands & Marketing

Gulder Ultimate Promo: A brand’s innovative drive for global recognition Recently, Nigerian Breweries, through one of its brand, Gulder, gathered journalists in Enugu, Enugu State, to unveil its land mark poster and to launch the 2015 ‘Gulder Ultimate Promo’ campaign. DAVID AUDU, who was there, reports.

he world breaking event can be described as a marketing strategy as well as an adventure of excitement in the quest to deepen brand penetration through land mark promotions. Gulder’s recent outing in Enugu, while breaking one of the world records in marketing communications- promotion posters, also engaged its media practitioner in a game of who will win the ultimate prize of a new Hyundai car in a mock rehearsal of the popular Gulder Ultimate Search, GUS. For the avoidance of doubts, Gulder’s quest to unveil the largest poster in world history can also be described as rivalries among breweries in Nigeria. It started with Guinness, which Few years ago, as part of preparations towards the Super Eagles appearance in the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in South Africa in 2013, the official sponsor of the Nigerian team, Guinness Plc, then unveiled the world largest Football Jersey. Guinness Nigeria did actually received their certificate from the global record keeper, The Guinness Book of World Records, to confirm the record breaking event. This time however it is Nigerian Breweries Plc, which staged a world breaking promo poster. The excitement however stems from the facts that through such events there will be greater levels of buy-in from participants and also the increased media attention that comes with such event. For the brand, according to analysts, it is seeking the ‘perfect mix of grass-roots marketing combined with mass-media coverage’. It is also believed that a record event, particularly a mass-participation event in a public place, touches consumers personally and makes headlines nationally, and often internationally, thereby promoting the brand visibility, especially, among consumers. According to online dictionary, the Wiki-

THE FEAT ACHIEVED BY GULDER IS “AN ATTESTATION TO THE ULTIMATE BEER AND THE ULTIMATE MAN WHO STANDS UP TO BE COUNTED WITH HIS BEER pedia, “Guinness World Records was known from its inception in 1955 through 1998 as The Guinness Book of Records and in previous U.S. editions, as The Guinness Book of World Records. It is a reference book published annually, listing world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. “The book itself holds a world record, as the best-selling copyrighted book of all time. It is one of the most frequently stolen books from public libraries in the United States. As of the 2015 edition, it is now in its 61st year of publication”. Before the Gulder poster, the record for promotional poster as in the Guinness Book of World Records was previously held by the ‘Baahubali’ Film poster measuring 4,793.65 sq ft set in June, 2015 in India. It was an event held in Cochin, Kerala, where the cast – Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia and Anushka Shetty were present along with the crew. ‘Baahubali’ was said to

Winner of the Guilder Ultimate Promo, Chuka Nnabuife holding the key of a new Hyundai

Elantra car and surrounded by officials of Nigeria Breweries Plc

be the most expensive Indian film. Attesting to the size of the Gulder poster, a chartered quantity surveyor, Mr. Nath Agu and Barrister Onyekwuluje Ogochukwu, a lawyer, legally affirmed the measurement. The poster unveiled at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu State measured 5,367 square metres, thus breaking the record for the existing largest poster measuring 4,793.65 square metres, which was displayed in India on June 27, 2015. Commenting on the event, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, commended the Gulder brand for the feat. He said: “Indeed, this is a very momentous feat and I applaud Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Gulder for choosing Enugu as the take off point for this milestone event. Enugu has also been one of the most lucrative tourist destinations for businesses. By implication, Enugu will also be in the Guinness book of world records for hosting this event”. He said the world breaking event came at a time when the United Nations through the Rockefeller Foundation in the United States of America has just announced Enugu as one of the most resilient cities in the world, the 58th cities in the world son honoured and the first among Africa cities to receive such recognition. He said such recognition motivates government to continue to provide enabling environment and adequate security for forward-thinking companies like Nigerian Breweries. In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, recounted Gulder’s journey in the beer market and the company’s choice of

Enugu as the rallying point. He said through the commissioning of the company’s second brewery in Aba in 1957, the South East has been a solid base for their operations and has become a home to their brands. “It is in continuation of this robust relationship with the South East that we are here in Enugu courtesy of Gulder the ultimate lager beer”. He described the largest poster as “The Gulder Ultimate Poster”. Vervelde said the feat achieved by Gulder is “an attestation to the Ultimate beer and the Ultimate Man who stands up to be counted with his beer. It is a testament to Nigerian Breweries commitment to winning with Nigeria. “This commitment covers all aspects of our investments, our footprint, our people and our socio-economic impact. This feat showcases Nigeria Breweries Plc’s continuous commitment to expanding the frontiers of consumer promotion in the history of Gulder with over four million prizes to be won.’’ Speaking on the connection between the Gulder brand and Enugu, Mr. Hubert Eze, the Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. said: “The truth is that the Gulder brand has a lot in common with Enugu and Nigerian Breweries Plc. is at home in Enugu. So, when we want to break history, we break it at home and ensure that every corner of the earth salutes this feat.” On that occasion, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, his wife, Mrs. Clementina Vervelde and the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, all signed the poster, followed by numerous consumers present. The high point of the event was the take off of the 2015 edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion for media practitioners. The event brought together over 123 journalists invited from all over Nigeria as participants. In the end, a journalist who works with National Light newspaper in Anambra State, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, emerged the winner of first Hyundai Elantra car. Other journalists went home with consolatory prizes. Speaking on his feat Nnabuife said: “I feel highly rewarded by a brand that I have followed for over 21 years. Initially, I never wanted to be a part of the Ultimate Chase but eventually I participated. Nigerian Breweries Plc., through Gulder, has continued to show why it is the biggest beer brand in Nigeria. I thank Gulder for creating this platform which I have benefited immensely from, and all my colleagues who participated with me. I dedicate the prize to them all.”

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ExxonMobil, NB, others beat SERAs deadline Megaplux rebrands to focus on DAVID AUDU

ruContact CSR Nigeria, organizers of the annual Nigeria CSR awards, has announced the receipt of 47 entries from participating organisations for the 2015 Awards so far. According to the company, which is also known as The SERAs, entries were received from ExxonMobil, Nigerian Breweries, Lafarge, Total, Cornerstone Insurance, Etisalat, BATN, Airtel, DHL, Nigerian Stock Exchange, FCMB, Promasidor, First Bank amongst others The award, which is Nigeria’s top CSR and sustainability honour enters its ninth year. The awards process is designed to integrate principles and framework of the

Global compact, global reporting Initiative and ISO 26000. The SERAs is reputed to be the promoter and advocate of the ethos of CSR and sustainability among corporate entities across the various sectors of the economy. The theme of the 2015 awards is ‘Building partnerships for a sustainable future; Business leadership as a Catalyst for Development’. According to the organizers, the theme seeks to highlight the lessons learned from Nigeria’s inability to completely attain the millennium development goals targets and building on the lessons of the MDG’s to begin a move towards attaining the sustainability development goals, SDG’s, and also promoting the vital roles that cooperation and partnerships will play in efforts to achieve the SDG’s.

The commencement of verification and facility visit to projects and locations entered by the organizations is expected to kick-off soon. The SERA involves the production of an annual Nigeria Social Enterprise Report that documents the CSR and sustainability interventions of corporate organizations countrywide. Meanwhile, the organizers have released a call for entry for the Tunmise Adekunle Awards for CSR reporting, a category introduce in 2009 to promote media excellence in reporting CSR and sustainability in Nigeria. Entries for this category close third week of this month. To date the SERAs, which began in 2007, has registered more than 520 applications from 92 organisations from 13 different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

core competence

David Audu

egaplux Global Access Limited, a point of sales materials engineering firm,has repositioned to go beyond the business of branding to become a specialized company in fabrication and engineering of POSM. The move, heralded by launch of new logo is with the objective of mastering the art of fabrication of all forms of POSM. Megaplux, which has been involved in branding has evoled to become a ‘general’ identity for all companies in that field. Chief Executive officer of the company, Paul Inyang, declared that the commitment of the company to innovate and deliver quality products and services that provide strategic value to clients’ brands, businesses and reputation. “Our resolution is to offer the top-of-the-world products and services to our clients, in our world,

excellence is not our culture, it is what we are. Our uniqueness is not so much of our fine fabrication detailing, but our intellectual and psychological understanding of a brand’s impact on its consumer base. “When it comes to delivering pristine fabrication output, we dig to unearth the precious rocks embedded deep within your brand’s ‘DNA’.” He said. “It is also good to note that our years of experience coupled with quality of jobs we have perpetually delivered to its clients have brought us to where we are now. It is our belief that brand presence is much more than being there on time, it is also being there in style, this is one of our guiding principles. “We specialize in creating effective themed environments for the positive brand-consumer association, whatever the personality of your brand, we are sure to give the right theme and ambience each time, every time”, he said.

Truemessenger empowers mobile phone users

T L-R: Managing Director, SSA, DHL Supply Chain, DSC, Paul Stone; Country Manager, DHL Supply Chain, DSC, Nigeria, Johan Coetzer; Frank Appel; Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Post, DHL Group, Heather Frankle and Country manager, DHL Global Forwarding Nigeria, DGF, and Country Manager, DHL Express, Nigeria, Randy Buday at a media parley during Mr. Appel’s recent visit to Nigeria.

Peak Milk rewards 16 winners in ‘Reach for Millions’ Promo

ixteen consumers from different states and Abuja have won a million naira each in less than three weeks in the Peak ‘Reach for Millions’ promo. Some of the winners include hairdressers, students, custom officer and construction workers among others. According to the company, the lucky consumers of Peak were presented with their prizes at a location nearest to their homes and will redeem their cash in selected First Bank branches through First Monie, the financial partner of the promo. Winners of a million naira in the promo so far are Minchi Dandoka from Abuja, Mohammad Shayau from Kebbi State, Jefrey Kor from Benue, Franca Chire, Custom officer from Jos, Ndubuisi Dibio from Enugu, Sheu Abdulahi from Abuja, Danjuma Garba from Yola, and Okpara Gregory, a trader and student from Lagos. Others are Ikaroha Samuel from Kano, Raji Muideen Taiwo from Lagos State, Atsacha Ishaku, a student from Maiduguri, Mrs Amaka Nweke from Enugu, Chris Ikoh from Kano, Aniamalu Nnamdi Fabian from Enugu and Ugochukwu Okafor also from Enugu.

Comfort Anthony, an Abuja based hairdresser and student won the first one million naira of the 60 million naira promo. She intends to expand her hairdressing business with the money among other plans. Another winner, Franca Chire, a Custom officer based in Jos, the Plateau State capital, expressed happiness with thanks to Peak for the ‘gift’ given to her. Ndubuisi Dibio, a petty trader and an electrical building technician who resides in Awgu Local Government area of Enugu State disclosed he heard about the promo on a television program. he said he had to buy two cartons of Peak brand in order to win and that his effort was not in vain after he was declared winner of a million naira. “I bought about two cartons of peak milk. I am very happy, I give thanks to God. I will use the money to improve on my business and also for further studies.” “Well I was hoping to win and prayed to God to make me one of the lucky winners in the promo. I participated to win and not to lose, I thank God for making me one of the winners of this unique promo.”

Ndubuisi stated after collecting his cash prize of a million naira. Meanwhile, consolation prizes of N1,000, N5,000, N10,000 and N15,000 among others prizes have also been doled out to other participants of the promo across the country. Peak ‘Reach for Millions’ promo is part of 60th anniversary celebration of the Peak brand in Nigeria. The promo reward consumers for 60 years of loyalty and patronage and also to build brand love with consumers who have been consuming and are willing to consume more of Peak. Speaking during the cheque presentation in Enugu, Mr. Rahul Colaco, Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO told the audience that the Peak ‘Reach for Millions’ promo is designed to transform 60 consumers into instant millionaires. “This promo is aimed at rewarding loyal customers who have decided to identify with the brand. This promo is just another channel for us to say a big thank you to consumers who have stood with the brand for the past 60 years. To this end I say congratulations to all winners and participants of this rare promo.”

ruemessenger, a new app recently launched by search technology company, Truecaller, will empower Nigerian mobile phone users to enjoy a smarter and more social SMS experience on their mobile devices. CEO of Truecaller, Alan Mamedi, said: “With Truemessenger’s global rollout, we’re bringing you the combined power of our global community with information from your own personal networks so you’ll never again have to worry about anonymous numbers.” Powered by a 150 million active mobile community, Truemessenger

allows you to put a name to a number while blocking and filtering out SMS spam from your inbox. The app is integrated with Truecaller and its network of more than 1.7 billion numbers from across the globe. It pulls information from social networks and automatically assigns photos, nicknames, and other contact information to incoming texts. Truemessenger also enables mobile phone owners to assign their own spam rules. SMS spam is then either filtered out of your inbox or blocked altogether, so your inbox is kept clean, and you are never left guessing who might be trying to reach you.

Klarna penetrates US market, announces retail partner

ayments firm, Klarna launched its U.S business on Tuesday and said Overstock. com, one of the biggest U.S. online retailers, would be its first major retail partner. The company, which has expanded in Europe and gained a 10 percent share of the Northern European e-commerce market, said it had partnered with around 10 U.S. merchants so far. Sweden-based Klarna, founded in 2005 and backed by investors such as Sequoia Capital and Atomico, is now planning for rapid expansion in the United States, where it will take on rivals such as PayPal and Stripe. “I would be disappointed if we didn’t have hundreds of merchants on the platform doing millions of transactions as early as in 2016,” Klarna North America CEO Brian Billingsley, told Reuters. Klarna’s services allow online consumers to buy goods by entering easy-to-remember details such as an

e-mail address and zip code. It also lets consumers pay after delivery with Klarna assuming the risk in the interim and paying the retailer immediately. Klarna, which had net sales of $319 million last year, said it was currently seeing “significant growth” in its core markets in the Nordics and Germany. Asked how much the group could grow in 2016, Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said it was to early to tell as the U.S business was still in its infancy. “There is definitely a potential to quickly reach half a billion dollars in revenue in a very short period of time,” he said. Klarna said the company would double in size if it was to capture half a percentage of the U.S market. “And while of course our ambitions are much higher than half a percentage, it is definitely an interesting reflection of how extremely big the market is,” Siemiatkowski said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Street Toolz offers free digital trainings to agencies DAVID AUDU

he Street Toolz Digital Centre, SDC, in partnership with Digital Marketing Institute, Ireland has announced a free digital marketing Masterclass in Nigeria to help marketing firms, advertising agencies and brands reinvent themselves in today’s digital marketing economy. This is part of its commitment to a digital Nigeria and contribution to the Integrated Marketing Communications industry, IMC, Street Toolz Digital Centre, SDC, in partnership Digital Marketing Institute, DMI, will be offering free tailored Digital Marketing Masterclass to PR, Media, Advertising and Marketing Executives to understand the digital marketing landscape, digital PR, digital strategy, digital trends, search marketing, mobile marketing, social media marketing, digital budgeting, content marketing, agency deliverables and brand expectation. According to the centre, with about 65 per cent of marketing and

advertising job roles are expected to change in the next five years, yet approximately 80 per cent of advertising and media executives struggle to reinvent themselves in the digital marketing space. The Centre’s Director of Training, Babajide Alaka, disclosed that participants would have the opportunity to take a practical digital diagnostic test to benchmark their current skills with global industry standards and to determine their individual digital skills level, and thereafter custom training solutions will be advised and recommended for the agency or individual. He further explained that agencies and brands such as Dana Airlines, KIA Motors, Golden Lite, Property Mart, Renault Motors, Fuel Communications, Verdant Zeal, Eslia Communications, TBWA, Creative Xone, Mediacraft Associates, and Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN) amongst others have benefited from the centre’s masterclases Chief Marketing Officer of the centre, Jerry Oche, noted that the

centre aims to reinvent marketers and change the phase of marketing and advertising in Nigeria with digital talents and strategic insights of Street Toolz and the teaching modules standard of DMI Founder and President of DMI, Ian Dodson, said, “Street Toolz, with its knowledge of the industry and the numerous subject matter experts was a prime candidate for Digital Marketing Institute’s partnership”. “Street Toolz is trying to prepare the nest generation for the business opportunities that are continually opening up on the continent,” Dodson added. Business Director of TBWA, Mr. Osibo Imhoitsike, commended the effort of the Centre, adding that the training has shown him and his agency that there needs to be a digital revolution in their midst instead of a digital culling. “Those that are here already know the agency mindset and how it succeeds, but they need to do the same jobs with new tools as Street Toolz Digital Centre has clearly showed.

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

Tel: 08023117969/08031100462 Email: michael.umogun@millwardbrown.com

Why choose brand performance programmes

s a brand owner, you’re answering more challenging questions in an increasingly complicated market and often with a tighter research budget. Invariably single studies can no longer answer all your marketing questions; however brand performance programmes are able to address these pressures and harness new opportunities. Designed to help marketers identify growth opportunities with the speed needed to compete in today’s complex markets, brand performance programmes are the best-in-class suite of in-market measurement solutions designed to diagnose and drive brand performance. These programmes help you make informed decisions that lead to stronger brand positioning, more profitable brands and more efficient budget allocation. Each element of a brand performance programme is optimised to fulfill a specific need, as well as share marketing best learning, knowledge and expertise about how to grow your brands now and in the future. The programmes are based on a consistent, yet flexible, framework that leverages technology to improve speed, delivery and cost without compromising the quality or value of research. Speaking to a select audience recently in Lagos, Ugo Geri-Robert,

MD of Millward Brown in Nigeria, explained how brand performance programmes are, in spirit, totally in tune with the idea that gave birth to tracking 40 years ago. “Action oriented and designed to give timely advice on important investment decisions, brand performance programmes will provide a set of linked solutions, each solution chosen because it is the best one to answer a specific question. It harnesses the latest available technology to be cost-efficient and timely. And because the most crucial factors for the category will be identified early on through detailed brand equity work, the questionnaires that make up the rest of the programme can be short and tightly focused”. She added that the Meaningfully Different Framework at its core of Millward Brown’s brand performance programmes, and is based on key learnings about how successful brands develop meaning, differentiate themselves and create salience. Geri-Robert concluded by saying that the market is mobile, and continuous research is needed to stay in touch and relevant, especially in a dynamic market like Nigeria. For more literature and useful introductory guide on this subject connect with me at michael.umogun@miillwardbrown.com / 08023117969

Rebranded More Lager Beer excites consumers DAVID AUDU

L-R: Business Director, Audax Solutions, Emeka Onyenwe; Marketing Associate, Konga.com, Nneka Obiano and Child Experience Coordinator, Lagos State Government Motherless Babbies Home, Lekki, Olutunu Oyelola, at the Audax Code School Summer Classes Graduation in Lagos.

NGT extends ‘Healthy Hair’ campaign to campuses DAVID AUDU

n a bid to reach out to more people, personal style brand, Natures Gentle Touch hair cream has extended its ‘Healthy Hair’ campaign to tertiary institutions across the country. The campaign which kicked off at the University of Benin and the University of Lagos respectively is aimed at educating individuals, especially women, on how to grow and maintain healthy hair and scalp by cultivating healthy hair routine. Public Relations Manager, Natures Gentle Touch, Mrs. Toyin Adepegba, noted that the campaign was borne out

of the need to empower women with the knowledge to make informed choices in the face of frequent and persistent hair and scalp challenges. She highlighted the common hair and scalp challenges faced by Nigerian women as hair breakage, dandruff, receding hairline, split ends and hair loss. She added that the Healthy Hair Campaign focuses on educating women on the various unhealthy habits they indulge in that make their hair vulnerable to breakage, and eventual hair loss. “The benefits of the exercise are immeasurable as it allows more women to get to know

their hair and the required treatment to keep it healthy. This is another way the brand is empowering women to embrace their unique sense of style and reveal the beauty within.’’, said Toyin. The campaign features a oneon-one consultation with hair consultants who diagnose the hair and scalp and offer professional hair care tips and practical demonstrations on ways to maintain healthy hair. Launched earlier in the year, the campaign has benefitted several corporate bodies, individuals, communities and will roll out to other higher institutions.

onsumers in Benue State and its environs have applauded the newly re-launched More Lager Beer, brewed by Nigerian Breweries in its Makurdi brewery. The consumers expressed their views at the consumer experience which took place in Makurdi, the Benue State capital recently. The event was to formally reintroduce the brand that now boasts a new look and a new taste experience for consumers. Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem ealier, briefed the media on the new More lager saying the relaunch of the brand is meant to reinforce the heritage embedded in the product and its connection with consumers in Benue State and its environs. “Our enlarged Company embarked on an upgrade of the Makurdi brewery to deliver on

stakeholder expectations and reflect the world class standard of Nigerian Breweries Plc. This upgrade has led to the enhancement of the brewery’s infrastructure and production process which is evident in the improved quality of More Lager beer that offers our consumers a new taste experience.” He stressed that today’s More Lager Beer, “still proudly brewed in Benue is comparable to any international beer of repute. More lager is specially brewed in controlled manner under closely monitored processes to confine with precise parameters which gives the beer that special aroma and taste that is uniquely Benue.” John Depine, a musician, said he is excited about this rebirth. He said More has been around since the 1980s and for it to have remained this long show how the people cherish it. Nigerian Breweries has also done a great job with the beer.”

Insight

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Women’s football: Genesis of

ootball, which is the king of all sports, many years ago was believed to be exclusively for men. While some see women as too fragile to play the round leather game, others believe that women should be more involved in lesser sports than soccer which is not only physical, but requires a lot of energy and creativity. This belief affected the womenfolk for decades, as religion and tradition cum culture combined to hinder women from embracing the game competitively earlier. In Nigeria, before the introduction of women football, it was a taboo to see a girl play the game which was considered to be only preserved for boys. This misconception and belief affected a lot of women and prevented them from participating in the sport until it was generally and widely accepted in the nation. The story of Nigeria women football began in the 1960s when a group of visionaries founded a “Women’s Amateur Football Association” (WAFA) in Lagos, which attracted a lot of crowds watching them play at the Lagos Mainland pitches. The group’s secretariat then was located on Western Avenue, near Ojuelegba junction and many sales girls of famous departmental stores on Lagos Island like Leventis, Kingsway and Union Trading Company (UTC) featured for the affiliated clubs. Few years later nothing was heard of the club again probably because of the official indifference or players getting married and some went into furthering their education. As a result of this nothing was heard about female football again in Nigeria in an organised level until late 1970s, mostly because of custom and beliefs. In 1978, female football was re-introduced by Mr. Christopher Akintunde Abisuga, a chartered accountant who when he arrived in Nigeria after many years in England, formed the first all women football club known as “Sugar Babes Ladies FC.” Players of the club were made up of ladies working with the Nigeria Hotels Limited (NHL), Ikoyi and they were talked into playing “SundaySunday” football as part time as well as keep-fit exercise. And as years went by, they developed love for the game. Abisuga who formed this team was a grade three referee of the English FA, later acquired sports management expertise and persuaded the NHL to sponsor the newly formed club with his position as a senior executive of the company, a role the company played until the club was disbanded because the world and Nigeria seemed not to be ready for female football, secondly for social and religious reasons, people felt that women should be confined to the kitchen, saying they had no business on the football pitch. Thirdly FIFA had not given a nod for female football and lastly male soccer had not achieved anything worthwhile by then. Before the disbandment the club being the only female soccer outfit then, could always play against “ball boys” and 10-year-old boys inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, whenever there

Nigeria’s senior national women’s football team, Super Falcons, will be missing from next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the second time in a row, after failing to qualify for the London 2012 Games, a development that is worrying stakeholders in the country. But MERCY JACOB reports that the team’s loss of continental supremacy and downward slide may continue until the NFF reorganises the female league.

Super Falcons before a match at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada last July

The story of Nigeria women football began in the 1960s when a group of visionaries founded a “Women’s Amateur Football Association” (WAFA) in Lagos, which attracted a lot of crowds watching them play at the

Lagos Mainland pitches

was a big match. Girls were picked literally on the streets to be taught the rudiments of football by individual coaches who wanted to raise their own club sides after watching the Sugar Babes. But nine years later after the first female club side came on stream, well established outfits started springing up, among which were Golden Wonders floated by Abisuga. He built the club from the disbanded Sugar Babes in May 1987. Later, Indomitable Tigress, Hamza Admirers and NAF Queens were formed and other clubs also sprang up. Among the first female clubs that were formed were Golden Wonders Ladies FC Lagos, C.N. Okoli Ladies FC Lagos, Yaba Queens Ladies FC Lagos, Princess Jegede Babes FC Lagos and Liberty Stars Ladies FC Ibadan. Others were TinCity Queens Ladies FC Jos, Northern Queens Ladies FC Kano, Ufuoma Babes Ladies FC Warri and Coal City Ladies FC

Enugu .In all they were about 28 clubs. With the increase in number of club sides, owners of the outfits came together in 1987 to form an association which would champion the cause of female football in Nigeria. Thus, Nigeria Female Football Organisers Association (NIFFOA) was formed in 1987 by club owners across the country with Mr. Abisuga as chairman. As years went by the number of clubs kept increasing, culminating in the NIFFOA taking a decision to divide the country into zones for more effective administration. The five zones formed were Lagos, Eastern, Western, North-West and North East zone. Zonal chairmen and secretaries were selected, with national head quarters in Lagos. In 1989 female football witnessed tremendous growth in the football activities as it was the year government indicated interest in the affairs of the female foot-

ball organising association, and NIFFOA was made public. It was the year that Pa Chuba Ikpeazu led Nigeria Football Association (NFA) invited NIFFOA for a round table discussion. At the end of the meeting that was well attended by all the big wigs of NFA such as the secretary-general, late Mr. Patrick Okpomo, they resolved to change the name of NIFFOA to Nigeria Female Football Proprietors Association (NIFFPA) on the advice of NFA to avoid clash of interests between the two bodies. With the spirited determination of some individuals and organisations, the maiden female national team came into existence in 1991 and 50 players were invited to camp to form the core of maiden female national team. These players were drawn from the Princess Bola Jegede sponsored first national women championship held in Lagos between 14-23 September 1990. The players who made the maiden edition of the women national team were Ann Agumanu, Florence Omagbemi, Eucharia Uche, Nkiru Okosieme, Chioma Ajunwa, Okunwa Igunbor and others tutored by Coach Paul Hamilton assisted by Niyi Akande and David Oyamunugha. Eagles Queens, nicknamed Super Falcons today, played their first international game against Ghana Black Queens on February 16, 1991 at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. And the epic match was watched by impressive number of fans which included the then First Lady, late Mrs. Maryam Babangida, Minister of Youth and

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Super Falcons continental decline Sports, Major Gen. Yohana Kure (retd) and top government officials as well as diplomats, who were in the VIP Box for the match that ended 5-1 in favour of the “Eagles Queens.” The history making female team that crushed Ghana 5-1 were Agumanu (goalkeeper), Esther Nwaiwu, Ngozi Ezeocha, Francisca Williams, (Defence),while the midfielders were Omagbemi who was the captain, Christiana Akpuluo and Patricia Okorom while the attackers were Uche, Louisa Akpagu, Marvis Oguns and Robina Andrews. Nigeria’s Eagles Queens, later christened Falcons and more recently Super Falcons, have since inception dominated the African continent, but same dominance has not been extended to the world stage where they have not been able to break through. Super Falcons have participated in seven FIFA Women World Cup finals since their debut in1991 and their best result was a quarter-finals finish in 1999. And in Africa they have made eleven appearances in the CAF Women Championship (AWC) and won nine titles, first at the maiden edition in 1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 2008 the Nigerian ladies were dethroned, but in 2010 they came back and clinched the title again. In 2012 it slipped out of their hands and in 2014 they lifted it once more. The Falcons in 1996 failed to qualify for the Olympics and made it to the group stage in 2000; in 2004 they got to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but have since relapsed and unable to make it to the Olympics. The team has also won the All Africa Games (AAG) football gold medal twice, a feat they first achieved in 2003 when Nigeria was as the host in Abuja and 2007 but failed to make it in 2011, and most recently qualified for the impending AAG 2015 edition beginning in Brazzaville, Congo on Saturday. But the team is beginning to lose its African dominance, which manifested in its recent failure to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a slide that is worrying the technocrats, stakeholders and their fans in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. According to the maiden coach of the senior women national team, Paul Hamilton, bad football administration and lack of continuity in leadership at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is the bane of development of female soccer in the country, of which he said that Falcons recent slip on the continent is a wake-up call. In an interview with National Mirror, Hamilton stated that the Falcons’ fading glory can only be restored when all hands are on deck. “Falcons of my days made this country proud, even till today they are still a force to reckon with. Despite the setbacks they are witnessing now, yet they are still the champions of Africa. “It is the small lapses we are experiencing that give other countries room to rise and this problem is caused by ad-

Ex-Falcons winger, Stella Mbachu

ministrators, coaches and Nigerians as a whole,” Hamilton said. The former Super Eagles coach added, “Those early days of Falcons we enjoyed so much support from government such that they (government officials) came to the stadium to watch us play. People like late Maryam Babangida, the former First Lady of Nigeria, late Chief (Mrs.) Simbiat Abiola, Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu, MKO Abiola and all the football administrators in the NFA. “But today the reverse is the case. There are no more true female football lovers who are ready to stake their money or time to support these girls. Besides, the football administration is another big problem because there is no continuity, the changes from one administrator to another affects development of female football. The coaches on their own have not proved their worth, otherwise the call for a foreign coach would not arise. “If we want our Super Falcons to become super again there is need for us to develop our female football league and make it to be standard.” For ex-Super Falcons player, Stella Mbachu and female football sports journalist, Humphrey Njoku, the problems of the Falcons could be traced way back to 2005 at the AWC hosted by Nigeria in Warri, Delta State. According to Njoku, that was the first time the Nigerian ladies were defeated by any opponent in Africa. After that loss against Ghana’s Black Queens, the team started having problems that are still affecting them till date. “World over, female football is viewed as an entertainment not a competitive game and Nigeria seems to be the worst. Little wonder female football is not blossoming in Nigeria,” Njoku posited. He added, “What we are witnessing today in the Super Falcons is not strange it is the law of diminishing return and it affects everybody at one time or the other. There is no champion for life, even though it can be sustained.” Nigeria had early organised female football than every other African country, but over a period of time things started changing because at some point the

Mauren Mmadu on international duty for Nigeria

There are no more true female football lovers who are ready to stake their money or time to support these girls girls and the NFF started relaxing from doing the right things, thinking that it is their birthright to always win, not until 2005 in Warri when they suffered first defeat to the Black Queens at the AWC, even though they won the trophy, but their weak points were exposed. Ghana’s breaking of the team’s invincibility gave other teams courage and opened doors for Cameroun and Equatorial Guinea which are today, a torn in the flesh of the Falcons. Njoku continued, “After the defeat we suffered at Warri we failed to learn from our mistakes, but Ghana went back home instead of relaxing from the victory they got over the Falcons, they started developing their female football. “Ghana has three categories of female football competitions: U-17, U-20 and the Olympic team and it is developmental. It is not like in Nigeria where we have coaches who specialise in using established players instead of grooming new ones. For instance, Perpetua Nkwocha and Stella Mbachu were there for 20 years and we cannot boast of good replacements for them until they were burn out. “What Falcons is suffering is what we overlooked for many years. To worsen the situation the process of grooming players in Nigeria is weak, which is the league. Other countries have done better in the grassroots and they are reaping the fruits today.” Stakeholders agree that the system needs overhaul for things to move up

Legendary striker, Perpetua Nkwocha

again because the women’s team has been neglected over the years and it is the same team that has given Nigeria more trophies than every other team. In terms of welfare the men are overpampered than the female teams and when their welfare is not taken care of it will affect their performance and commitment. Going forward, something needs to be done about the female league; what Nigeria is running presently is not a league because there are many walk overs. The NFF needs to place the female league where it puts the male ones On the way forward, Mbachu advised the football governing body in Nigeria to introduce four-nation tournaments for Falcons. “One of the things we enjoyed in my days was the four-nation tournaments; it is disheartening to see Super Falcons playing boys in Abuja while preparing for the World Cup. It is at this four-nation tournament that most times the girls test might with their opponents and it helps to boost their morale. “In 2010 after playing Germany in the four-nation tournament, it helped us to know how to handle them in the real tournament matches,” Mbachu said.

Cocktail

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Danes send man to space

enmark will send its first man into space today and in keeping with the country’s love of all things cycling, one of his jobs will be to test new equipment on Danish-made exercise bikes at the International Space Station. Dubbed “Denmark’s Gagarin” by European Space Agency officials after the first man in space, Andreas Mogensen will lift off at 0437 GMT (12:37 a.m. EDT) accompanied by Russian Sergei Volkov and Kazakh Aidyn Aimbetov on

ESA’s 10-day “sprint” mission. The aim is to test equipment in areas of telerobotics and communications as well as monitoring the impact of space travel on Mogensen himself as his short voyage is unique in missions that normally last several months, according to ESA. But he will also test out a new heart rate monitor and force-measuring pedals on exercise bikes built by the Danish Aerospace Company (DAC), according to the company’s website.

Baby delivered at Tunnel’s mouth O fficials yesterday said a baby girl was successfully delivered in the backseat of an Uber car parked at the mouth of the Lincoln Tunnel. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the tunnel, said the birthing process began around 5:15 p.m. on Monday while the baby’s 32-year-old mother was riding in the ride-

hailing company’s car. The driver flagged down two Port Authority officers, telling them he had woman in labor who “couldn’t wait.” The Port Authority said

Court denies animal rights activists

n animal rights group seeking legal personhood for chimpanzees will not get a hearing in the state’s highest court. The Court of Appeals, without comment yesterday, declined to hear the appeals by The Nonhuman Rights Project on behalf of Kiko and Tommy. Lower courts had rejected the organization’s argument that scientific evidence of chimps’ emotional and cognitive abilities should qualify them for basic rights, including

freedom from imprisonment. In December, a midlevel court unanimously denied human legal rights to Tommy, who lives alone in a cage. The three justices said chimps “cannot bear any legal duties, submit to societal responsibilities or be held legally accountable for their actions.” Tommy’s owner said he was cared for under strict state and federal license rules and inspections. The Nonhuman Rights Project, a nonprofit, was

founded in 2007 by Massachusetts lawyer Steven Wise. When he filed the lawsuits two years ago, he told The Associated Press: “These are the first in a long series of suits that will chip away at the legal thinghood of such nonhuman animals as chimpanzees.” If the lawsuits succeed, he said, similar ones could eventually be filed on behalf of other species considered autonomous, such as gorillas, orangutans, whales, dolphins and elephants.

The baby girl and her parents

an employee delivered a healthy baby in just minutes. It was the second baby senior agent Greg Nimmo has delivered while working for the authority.

The mother, who had been traveling to the hospital from Hoboken, New Jersey, was transported to a hospital along with her new daughter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Market Index dips 1.17%, unlisted securities gain 0.7% Johnson Okanlawon

quities trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange lost its fourday positive run yesterday, as the lead indicator closed lower. The All Share Index depreciated 1.17 per cent to close at 29,870.86 points, in contrast to the increase of 1.82 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 30,225.34 points. Market capitalization dropped N122 billion to close at N10.2 trillion, as against the rise of N186 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.3 trillion. Investment analysts at Meristem Securities Limited,

an investment firm, noted that the swing in market mood was largely due to profit taking activities by market participants following four consecutive days of gains. “We expect sustained changes in investor sentiments in the coming weeks, as the market continues to react to news flows,” the firm said. Another investment’s firm, DLM Securities Limited, said that the market remains oversold, but attributed the bearish trend to the speculative traders seeking to exit their respective positions. Cutix Plc led the gainers’ table with 14 kobo or 9.93 per

cent to close at N1.55 per share, followed by Julius Berger Plc with 43 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N9.05 per share. Conversely, Dangote Sugar Plc dipped 63 kobo or 9.16 per cent to close at N6.25 per share, while Forte Oil Plc depreciated N12.42 or five per cent to close at N236.08 per share. Meanwhile, unlisted securities index and market capitalisation gained on the NASD Over The Counter (OTC) Market yesterday. The index rose by 0.71 per cent to close at 938.44 points, as against the previous value of 931.80 points, while the market capitalisation also appreciated by 0.54 per cent

to close at N481.36 billion as against previous close of N478.79billion. Volume traded fell by 93.1 per cent, from 2.60 million units to 178,360 units, while total value of shares traded also depreciated by 32.9 per cent, from N10.46 million to N7.01 million in 20 deals. Nine securities were traded out of the 22 securities admitted to trade the NASD OTC market. The shares of Central Securities Clearing System, ACORN and WAMCO emerged as the most active securities by volume while WAMCO, CSCS and NDEP emerged as the most active securities by value.

UPDC restates commitment to long term value creation Johnson Okanlawon

ACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc is focused on long term value creation and has put in place strategies to enable it take advantage of emerging opportunities in the market place. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Larry Ettah, stated this while addressing shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos yesterday. He noted that the Nigerian market remained attractive as there were significant untapped potentials in the residential segment, and numerous opportunities in the hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial segments of the market in the

near term. He, however, pointed out that the challenges being faced by the industry in terms of title uncertainties, high cost of funding, inadequate mortgage financing and poor infrastructure were expected to persist in the medium term and would continue to prevent effective demand in the low/medium residential market segments. Commenting on the operational environment, he noted that in recent years, foreign private equity firms have invested millions of dollars in the Nigerian real estate market, attributing the interest in the country’s market to huge demand which is driven by increasing urban population and

changing shopping culture among the expanding middle class. He said: “The real estate market is gradually rebounding and has experienced reasonable growth and performance in the last few years. This performance is largely driven by the re-emergence of the Nigerian middle-class and the increasing demand for decent residential and commercial accommodation by high net-worth individuals, corporate organizations and key players in the retail segment of the economy.” Ettah explained that the upturn in economic activity experienced from fourth quarter of 2011 to date, has led to an increase in demand and supply for commercial and high end residential developments,

particularly in the key cities of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. He revealed that the company continued its ongoing developments in 2014 and commenced some new ones. Providing details on the company’s plan for the future, he said, “Our strategy for 2015 and beyond include deleveraging the business through equity capital injection, disposal of the surplus stake currently held in UPDC REIT (21.5 per cent) to generate liquidity and re-creating our products portfolio to include more commercial and retail offerings which have proven to be more resilient revenue sources in periods of depression.”

Global stocks rebound as China worries ease

lobal stock indexes recovered some of their recent losses yesterday, drawing support from reports of brokerage measures in China to invigorate the country’s battered markets, while US oil extended losses from the day before. The S&P 500 was up 0.7 per cent in early trading, also boosted by upbeat data on US productivity. European equities also were higher, building on early relief after Chinese stocks managed to bounce from steep losses before closing slightly lower. Nine Chinese brokerages pledged to buy more than 30 billion yuan of shares, ac-

cording to the China Securities Journal. That eased investor fears that Beijing may be intensifying a trading crackdown. The news stabilized global markets and soothed concerns that slowing growth in China will hurt the global economy. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 99.41 points, or 0.62 per cent, to 16,157.76, the S&P 500 gained 8.22 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 1,922.07 and the Nasdaq Composite added 30.16 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 4,666.26. US data showed nonfarm productivity increased at its strongest pace in 1-1/2 years in the second quarter, keeping wage inflation subdued

for now. Oil prices retreated. Data from the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday showed US crude stocks surged last week. The move followed a big drop in Brent and US crude prices on Tuesday, which ended a 25 per cent three-session surge, the largest such gain since 1990. “A rise of around 25 percent in three consecutive days was not going to be sustained,” BNP Paribas oil analyst Harry Tchilinguirian said. “The underlying fundamentals are bearish.” Brent crude for October was down 78 cents at $48.80 a barrel. US crude for October

was down $1.34 at $44.07. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,870.86 points Market capitalisation 10.27trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CUTIX

1.41

1.55

0.14

9.93

BERGER

8.62

9.05

0.43

4.99

IKEJAHOTEL

2.98

3.12

0.14

4.70

AGLEVENT

0.91

0.95

0.04

4.40

VITAFOAM

5.76

6.00

0.24

4.17

NPFMCRFBK

0.97

1.01

0.04

4.12

DIAMONDBNK

3.31

3.40

0.09

2.72

WEMABANK

0.88

0.90

0.02

2.27

JOHNHOLT

0.94

0.96

0.02

2.13

STANBIC

21.65

22.00

0.35

1.62

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

DANGSUGAR

6.88

6.25

-0.63

-9.16

248.50

236.08

-12.42

-5.00

UACN

35.00

33.25

-1.75

-5.00

SEPLAT

244.69

232.46

-12.23

-5.00

UBN

6.44

6.12

-0.32

-4.97

OANDO

11.07

10.52

-0.55

-4.97

UAC-PROP

8.26

7.85

-0.41

-4.96

CCNN

8.73

8.30

-0.43

-4.93

NAHCO

4.68

4.45

-0.23

-4.91

ETRANZACT

2.46

2.34

-0.12

-4.88

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.65

98.98

15.78

99.13

15.68

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.82

100.38

15.84

100.68

15.73

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.45

99.09

15.82

99.39

15.73

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.40

102.31

15.79

102.61

15.72

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.53

92.34

15.87

92.64

15.80

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.89 68.00

15.58

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 2, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

03-Dec-15

10.31

10.59

WAUA

270

USD

197

03-Mar-16

13.78

14.80

EURO

214

04-Aug-16

13.86

15.90

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

9.3750

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.6591

16.5951

SDR

273

18.1300

NIBOR

The Fixings of September 2, 2015

News

Francis Ezem

igerian Ports Authority, NPA, has said the nation’s cargo volume grew by over 87 per cent in the last nine years. Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, made this disclosure yesterday at the official launch of Revenue Invoicing Management Systems, RIMS, and Self-Service Customer Portal in Lagos. The RIMS and Customer Portal are fully convergent and real time platforms for the authority’s processes, which are expected to reduce operational cost and also shorten the time for documentation. He said that the nation’s cargo volume as at 2006 stood at 46.2million metric tonnes, which grew to 86.6million metric tonnes as at the end of 2014, representing a growth rate of

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Nigeria’s cargo volume up 87% in nine years 87 per cent. The managing director who attributed this growth in cargo throughput to the automation of the port processes, among other factors, also disclosed that the Registered Gross Tonnage of ports also rose from N6.75 billion in 2014 to a projected N9.2 billion in 2015, representing a 27.9 per cent growth rate. According to him, these platforms, which would fully integrate the electronic flow of information for business-tocustomer and businessto-business streams real-time with higher availability and flexible architecture would greatly enhance processes and further boost efficiency with checking revenue leakages. It was also gathered

that the fully integrated invoicing system will work with the Electronic Payment System E-Payment and the Electronic Ship Entry Notice e-SEN, introduced last year to enhance improved customer service delivery etc with a view to enhancing efficiency, block revenue leakages and reduced cost and time of doing business at the ports. Some of the features of the Customer Self Service Portal is that it will provide a platform for the authority’s customs to initiate and conclude their business processes with the authority and also communicate with the authority. Some of the benefits include improved customer service delivery, easy access to customer accounts status, enable NPA to

view all transactions and status in respect of bills, enhance electronic upload of the ship manifest and lead to generating invoice and receipts electronically. The NPA-boss said: “It is obvious that the introduction of these solutions would facilitate business growth with high performance and unlimited scalability of the operations of the authority”. Investigations also showed that the modules of the authority’s billing applications, some of which are already operational in all port locations across the country, will soon move to the next stage, even as its covers payment processes in areas such as lease fees, service boats, passenger boats and oil terminal dues etc are already op-

Nigerian Army at a bunkering site near Government House at Makoba Beach, Rivers State.

Obasanjo moves to resolve NOUN law graduates admission dispute Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

ormer Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has waded into the admission dispute between law graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, and the country’s Council of Legal Education over refusal to admit NOUN graduates into the Nigerian Law School. Obasanjo on Tuesday disclosed that he has written to Council of Legal Education, CLE, over the purported refusal to address the lingering impasse, while insisting that any attempt to stop NOUN

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law graduates from attending Nigerian Law School was a plot to undermine the whole institution. The former president, who is also a graduate of NOUN, disclosed this while granting audience to members of National Executive of NOUN Law Students Association of Nigeria, LAWSA, led by Paul Ndi Oyemike, as well as its alumni led by Lawal Olutoyin, at his Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The unions were in Ogun State to appeal to Obasanjo to use his connection to plead on their behalf to the appropriate quarters to allow them admission into law school to enable them practice law in the country.

It’s mandatory for law graduates to attend the Nigerian Law School before they could be call to the Nigerian bar. Obasanjo, who is currently running his Ph.D. programme in the institution, insisted that NOUN was not running a correspondence programme, but a full time study, adding that he receives lectures in the institution and not correspondence as being peddled in some quarters. One of the leaders on the visit told National Mirror in Asaba that the former president expressed dissatisfaction with the development. The former Nigerian leader was quoted to visiting delegation that, “I’ve

written to the CLE, but it seems some people out there didn’t get it right. They said the school of law is offering corresponding programmes and I said it to anyone I met that I graduated from the school and I am presently running my master and PHD in NOUN, so the notion is incorrect.” He said that undermining part or portion in NOUN is undermining the whole institution, adding that such development will be resisted as it does not speak well of the entire institution. But he urged students particularly law graduates of NOUN to be patient with the authorities, saying that getting accreditation is not automatic.

erational. Executive Director of the authority in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan, had while speaking at the launch, said the deployment of these electronic platforms was part of measures adopted by the management to boost efficiency and revenue.

He pointed out that the growth recorded both in terms of volume of cargo and revenue was primarily due to the automation of the processes at the ports, arguing that the depth of the channels have remained the same as well as the crop of work force at the authority.

DEVCOM visits National Mirror, solicits media partnership Eric Elezuo

team of three delegates from Development Communication Network, DEVCOM, a media development nonprofit outfit dedicated to publicising and galvanising science, public health and social sector journalism, yesterday visited premises of Global Media Mirror, owners of National Mirror Newspapers, on advocacy tour. While speaking with a select group of National Mirror staff, led by Acting Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Ben Memuletiwon, who represented Managing Director, Mr. Sunday Olajide, head of DEVCOM delegation, Mr. Bolaji Adetiba, expressed gratitude at the organisation’s front line stance in publishing health-related matters as well as being at the forefront of intimating the public on health issues, especially as it relates to women and children, whom he said were endangered species, and formed the bulk of the reason for their visit “Our organisation, founded by Akin Jimoh, is a science journalism outfit, concerned majorly with health matters of women and children, who are grossly under reported,” he said. He added that the organisation was on advocacy visit to the media house to get the media to do more than they are doing at the moment in projecting the health of women and children, and to crave further co-operation to maternal and child health matters. “We are here on an advocacy visit to get the media, especially National Mirror, to do more than they are doing at the moment in projecting the health of women and children, as well as forge further co-operation to maternal/child health matters to create an expanded reportage so that those who should know will get to know,” Adetiba said. Collaborating his stance,

Programming Officer, DEVCOM, Abiodun Owoh, said women and children were dying on a daily basis, and promotions have to be done in terms of reportage to curb the deaths. She lauded the Federal Government on its decision to increase budgetary allocation to the Health Ministry to 15%. “Our mission is to put the government on its toes as regards women and children in order to save them from dying at birth,” Owoh said. In his response, Mr. Memuletiwon, who represented Global Media Mirror MD, thanked the group for choosing National Mirror, describing the issue they raised as fundamental. He decried the trend where babies or mothers die during childbirth, restating that National Mirror is in the forefront of covering health matters. He also promised that the company will consider their request, and get back to them in the shortest possible time. “We dedicate our page 3 every Monday, and three pages on Wednesdays to health-related issues, and we will be represented in DEVCOM programmes once invited, and would do justice to its reportage. In his remarks, National Mirror Health Editor, Sam Eferaro, noted that the company was passionate about DEVCOM, saying that health occupies more spaces in newspapers, however, the content is the issue to be tackled. In his closing remarks, Bolaji Adetiba agreed that things are getting out of hand, and urgent steps must be taken to address it from the media point of view through projecting issues that will stop people from dying. DEVCOM is in the business of improving reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. DEVCOM is in the business of improving reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 3, 2015

I started coding at 15 –Gamsole founder

Leonard Okachie

is name is Abiola Olaniran and he is the Chief Executive Officer of Gamsole, a mobile game apps development company that currently develops games for Windows phone mobile and Windows 8 PC. The games has over 9 million downloads around the world. For Abioola, the success story would not be complete without acknowledging the support and mentorship of Microsoft Nigeria and hw was amazed what the right support and mentorship given to the younger generation can do. “I started coding at age 15 and later went to the University to study Computer Science. With my mentorship by one of Microsoft’s finest developer platform evangelists as one of Microsoft Student Partners, in 2010 together with my team, we won the Imagine Cup national finals in Nigeria and went on to represent Nigeria at the Microsoft Imagine Cup Finals in Poland.

From then, I have been able to develop myself to become an entrepreneur to reckon with in the technology space,” he boasted. Growing up in Nigeria, Abiola was always going to the Microsoft office to get support from the evangelist. He got involved with Microsoft when a couple of technology evangelists came to his school, and the interaction with them led him into taking technology and software programming seriously. “First of all, Microsoft developer tools have the best support and online developer community. Hence, learning any of these tools is very easy compared to other platforms. As a student, I was very surprised at how fast I was able to learn frameworks like XNA game studio and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). In this age of rapid innovations, a developer must go with a technology that is not just fantastic but also easy to learn in order to move ahead of competition,” he said. Upon graduation from the university, he founded Gamsole and he has been developing

Olaniran games solely for the Windows Phone store since April, 2013. Recently, Gamsole added 19 games from creativity to casual games to its inventions and has on its stable, 36 apps. “Gamsole is a leading gaming company in Africa. We create fun mobile games for smartphones and distribute them to users all over the world. Our goal is to make games that are fun to play, plain and simple. Each game offers a wildly imaginative and irresistibly fun game-

play experience that appeals to gamers of all age groups,” he explained. The company also develops feature phones and has in its employ close to 20 employees. Today, he is an inspiring story of a young entrepreneur of African descent from Nigeria to the rest world. His company has been able to reach a milestone of over one million downloads on their games, barely three months after launch.

Abiola has won several recognitions, with some of them being the 2010 winner of the Microsoft Imagine Cup software competition in Nigeria. Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria, KabeloMakwane, elated by this celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur enthused that “In Abiola’s case, if we can inspire, if we can enable, if we can support more of this kind, I see we can begin to make meaningful impact.” His mentor at Microsoft Nigeria, Shina Oyetosho, now Director, Developer Platform who is passionate about start-ups said: “I discovered Abiola and his innovation at a very early stage and I figured that this is someone I can help grow. With good mentorship, I imagined what he would be in two years. The two years is now.” Dele Akinsade, Server & Tool BG Lead, Microsoft WECA, Microsoft Nigeria explained that “the fact that a story like this could come out very quickly from a student to a business owner is something that we are proud of collectively as a company. I am also very proud of the fact that he is now seen as a mentor to others as well.” Ali Faramawy, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft MEA said: “Abiola is an amazing example of the Africa that we want the world to know about. He is young, he is creative, he is ambitious and he is very, very hardworking. Abiola is Africa.”

Stakeholders seek removal of age limit for elective posts Dare Akogun

olitical figures including the former Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, former presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu have called for the removal of age limit for elective posts across the country. Speaking at different times Fashola, Abati and Momodu urged the youths to close the rank between the older politicians and themselves if they must wrestle power from the older politicians. They stated this during the Nigerian commemoration of the United Nations International Youth Day 2015 organised by RISE Networks, which held recently at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Dele Momodu cited the case of his presidential campaign manager, Ohimai Godwin who was only 26-year-old and told the students to draw inspiration from such and

aspire to contest for elective posts. Speaking to the youths, Fashola said Nigerian youths have prayed and talked more about their problems rather than take actions. “I left school 28 years ago, my son has graduated from the university. I cannot be a youth and there is no reason for a 50 something year old man to be a youth leader of a political party. This is because you (youths) left a vacuum. “Youths issues will not go away if we keep talking. I urge all of you to please try and find materials on Nigeria history. I think if you do, you will find out what young Nigerians have done,” he said. The former governor who was intermittently disrupted with loud ovation and exaltation by the audience further urged young Nigerians not to give up and find strength to always win. He said in spite of governments’ failure, Nigerian youths can win. Speaking during a panel

session, Rueben Abati tasked youths to be more responsible on social media rather than turn it to a vehicle to abuse someone that they can’t stand before. Abati quickly threw a jab at the moderator; Tolu Ogunlesi who he said called someone an idiot after another twitter user attacked him. The former presidential spokesperson said the social media at several instances aided his job as Fashola hinted that he is optimistic that soon, no one would remain anonymous on social media before adding that he only engages people who are constructive and can be identified on his social media accounts. It would be recalled that Moses Siasia, a governorship aspirant in Bayelsa state, who is just 35-year-old recently said that the Peoples Democratic Party does not have respect for youths. The event also features debate with theme ‘My political party’s policy on youth inclusion in governance and politics

Cross section of participants at the Rise Networks commemoration of 2014 International Youth Day. is the best for Nigeria’ with representatives from the two major political parties in Nigeria namely; Acting President, APC Young Women’s Forum and Member, APC Board of Trustees Rinsola Abiola, and Volunteer Secretary, RETHINK Nigeria, a PDP-affiliated Youth Group

Anthony Ehilebo. The activities of the day also included art and photo exhibition, satirical stage play by the Crown Troupe of Africa, inter-generational dialogue on topical issues such as entrepreneurship, education, security and quality of governance, among others.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 3, 2015

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Group to train 20,000 youths for African devt. Joel Ajayi ABUJA

ational Coordinator of the Golden Heart Foundation, Mr. Norbert Onaga has said that the responsibility of changing Africa largely depends on the youth in the continent. To this effect, the foundation is conveying a National Youth Summit 2015 in a bid to build a new generation of value driven

and responsible leaders that will promote excellence, accountability and passion for common good. Onaga, who stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja said the society is fast developed when its youth is equipped, vibrant and given conducive atmosphere to thrive in. Golden Heart Foundation has opened online registration for all African youths interested in participating at the forthcoming

National Youth Summit Pan-African Edition holding at the Abuja’s International Conference Centre. According to the National Coordinator, Mr. Norbert Onaga, the summit, which is scheduled to hold between 24th and 26th of September, 2015, will train over 20,000 youths across Africa. He said: “Dr. David Ogbueli, the president of the foundation will be leading other seasoned facilitators in the likes

A skills acquisition centre in Lagos.

of Professor Vincent Anigbogu, Andrily Kuksenko, Olusina Gori Daniel and others in series of in-depth developmental trainings and workshops. “Schools that will be featured in the 3-day summit are Global School of Leadership; Institute for National Transformation; History Makers Institute; School of Business Development; School of Social Entrepreneurs; School of Career Development and School of Arts & Entertainment.” Unity Concert and Award Night, which will take place on the 26th September, will feature the likes of J-Martins, Samsong, Klint De Drunk, Mr. Steve, Ajebo, Osama and many others. Upcoming artistes and talents will also be given opportunity to showcase what they have got. President of the Foundation, Dr. David said: “Anytime you want to address the problem of any nation, go to the young people who are the grassroots, because it is better to train a child than to amend an adult. “The responsibility of changing Africa rests on the youths of Africa. We are in the lookout for those that are gifted in different areas and help them discover their potentials, develop and deploy them to bring change to their societies. “In National Youth Summit, what we do is to help equip and train those that will play major roles in shaping the New Africa. We want to build a new generation of value driven and responsible leaders that will think excellence, integrity, accountability, vision and passion for common good.”

Science for Kids Rotary Club launches initiative to curb unemployment Why do spiders have 8 eyes? Marcus Fatunmole and Joel Ajayi ABUJA

n a bid to promote entrepreneurial development and skill acquisition in Nigeria, First Lady of Rotary Club District 9125 of Abuja, Mrs. Yemisi Omotosho has encouraged Nigerian youths to look beyond their present circumstance and break any limitation that may be standing between them and their dream. Speaking in Abuja at the flag-off of the initiative called “the Rotary Employability Skills Temp REST” and empowerment programme of over 20 Nigerian youth she disclosed that, Rotary club embarked on the initiatives to curb unemployment as well as assist to be self-employee. According to her, the programme REST is to creating a about creating a bridge between unemployed youth and organizations. She said: “We did a bit a research and we discover that all the noise about creating more jobs, no job every day is not the way it is, there are a lot of organizations in Nigeria who are looking for employers but they made us to understand that Nigeria is not employable. “A lot of them are employing Nigeria from Diaspora and says they will rather paid more they said that many graduate just hold certificate that they don’t know anything. “We understand that, we can only have a better Nigeria through a value system that is working It is not about certificate, it’s all about writing the CV, That is why we initiate this programme to see how to connect these two groups.”

She added that Nigerian youth need to wake up from there slumber “the truth of the matter is that, a job has to be a means of end is not the end and a lot our youth don’t understand what means to work is not big certificate you acquired what they need is to re-package and rebrand themselves to become get job and be productive. Youth should not wait for government to do everything for them, but instead they should use incredible vocational skills in them so that they can even create jobs.” Omotosho disclosed. she however, revealed that, about 20 Nigerian youth are currently enjoyed the maiden edition of REST initiatives “We don’t just training them we also place them, so when they leave here today they get letter to go and work in different organizations for three months and they can now decide from their whether to work with such organization or begin to develop something on their own.”

Participants at the REST initiative programme in Abuja, recently.

piders belong to the group in Zoological classification known as Arachnida. It was observed that all the arachnids do not possess eight eyes. Some of the spiders having eight eyes will not be able to see as the humans can see with two eyes. Spiders are known to visualize with the help of shadows and light than with images. Arachnids were found to be having simple eyes unlike that of compound eyes that are present in the insects. It is reported that nearly 99 percent of spiders have eight eyes while one percent have six eyes. Very few of them possess two or even zero. The features that are complying with the number eight of spiders are that they have separate legs which are eight in number. The Ostia which are otherwise called as blood intake holes in the heart of spiders are also eight in number. It is found that the tarantulas and their relatives will have four pairs of Ostia. There are certain exceptions in this category where some of the primitive spiders have five pairs while those that are much evolved were found to be having about three or two pairs. Since the spider is bilaterally symmetrical animal it generally should possess the same number of body parts on both of its halves. Hence two pairs of

legs and eyes on one side will show that it has the same number on the other side too. It is also said that spiders do not have a head that can be moved independently. They are observed to be having a cephalothorax which is association of head and chest. It was also found that spiders cannot move their eyes as humans do. The eyes of the spiders are arranged on their body in such a way that they have a proper and maximum field of vision though they are able to see only the shadow and light. This makes the animal to have a 360 degree vision with a wide range of focus. It is the survival mechanism that is available with the animal to find food better as it can sense better with eight eyes. Source: Knowswhy.com

Spider

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Media

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Editors urge government’s synergy with mass media Leonard Okachie

ditors have urged the government at all levels to carry the mass media along in planning and execution of critical developmental policies and programmes. They also said that media will remain steadfast in objective reportage of events in the country as well as facilitators and agents of the positive change that Nigerians desire. The editors under the aegis of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) stated these in a communiqué issued at the end of the just concluded 11th Annual All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC), held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. In the communiqué signed by its newly elected president, Garbadeen Muhammad, and general secretary, Victoria Ibanga, the guild said: “ “Editors must do more to bring about the change that Nigerians are yearning for by playing the watchdog role assigned to them by section 22 of the Nigerian constitution.” The editors tasked all the governors of the 36 states of the federation through the Nigeria Governors Forum to make more efforts to build more synergy

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson (2nd) and others at the 2015 All Nigeria Editors Conference.

among themselves and function as a peer review mechanism, for sharing experiences and learning from each other’s policies and programmes that would make their states better. While commending President Buhari for the step so far in the fight against terrorism, they cautioned Nigerians “not to politicalize or ethnicise the war against the scourge”.

Journalist wins car at Gulder Ultimate promo Chris Njoku OWERRI

n exciting Gulder Ultimate contest, the Managing Director and Editor -In -Chief, of the Anambra State owned National Light, Chuka Nnabuife, penultimate Monday won a grand prize Hyundai Elantra car at Gulder Ultimate Promotion organized by the Nigerian Breweries Limited for journalists at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

Nnabuife and other select journalists from the South –East (Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi States) had vigorous physical exercises before they were subjected to search and lift a box chase. After opening the boxes, anything written on the documents found inside the boxes were given to each of over 120 participants. Physically unhealthy journalists were advised not to participate because of the hazardous event even though all journalists went through Blood Pressure (BP) test before they were allowed to participate. Out of the 120 journalists who took part in the first chase, 10 were chosen to participate for the second. Those who got instructions on the boxes to participate in the second phase were asked to search for second box where the win-

ning document was hidden. Nnabuife found it and was subsequently handed a new car which the management of the company as part of the conditions of winning the ultimate prize, would maintain the vehicle for one year, while the branded name on it would be left for stipulated time. Other journalists who participated had consolation prizes ranging from power bank chargers to fans, and household equipment. Jubilant winner expressed his appreciation, saying that he had consumed Gulder for 17 years. Before the event, the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the NBL, Nicolaas Vervelde, while launching the biggest advert in the world, said the beer was launched in 1970, remarking that the biggest advert was unveiled measuring about 5,307 square meters. The Gulder Ultimate poster beats the current record of 4.7 square meters achieved in Kochi, India on June 27, 2015. He commended the consumers of the brand, promising to sustain the taste and quality of the larger brand. The governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented, said Enugu was grateful to host the event, adding that the city as assessed was declared one of the 100 most revered cities in the world.

The editors also advised Buhari not to be selective in the ongoing fight against corruption, even as they stressed : “Every Nigerian must support the battle to eradicate the monster which has adversely affected the country.” The guild urged Nigerians to support President Buhari in his quest to revive the nation’s economy and also called on the populace to imbibe values that would bring about positive change in the country. They also called on media owners in Nigeria to ensure regular payment of salaries of journalists and to also improve working conditions of media practitioners. Members of the guild were also charged to strive to continually improve their skills and acquire new ones that

would prepare them for life after the editorial chair. Meanwhile, Garba Deen Muhammad was unanimously elected as the new President of the NGE at the convention attended by about 300 editors from the print, electronic and online media. Muhammad replaced Femi Adesina who was appointed the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari. Muhammad, was the guild’s Deputy President, was elected following the recommendation of a standing committee set up after Adesina’s departure. Steve Ayorinde, who was the guild’s Vice President ( West), also elected as deputy president of the guild while Funke Egbemode was elected as Ayorinde’s replacement as Vice President ( West).

NAWOJ wants more govt appointments for women in Plateau

ational Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau chapter, has appealed to the state governor to appoint more women into the state executive council. The state chairman of the association, Mrs. Jemimah Yerima made the appeal on Tuesday in Jos during a courtesy call on Mrs. Hilda Fwangchi the new Head of Service. She said that such appointment would give women the opportunity to prove their mettle, saying that women possess the wherewithal to perform their functions effectively if appointed into office. “We have the experience and educational qualifications required to hold key positions in Plateau and in Nigeria,’’ she said. Yerima congratulated the new Head of Service for her appointment and noted that she was the first female Head of

Service in Plateau. She advised Fwangchi to use her office to carve a niche for women, saying that excellent performance by her would open more doors for women. Noting that women were usually the worse hit during communal crisis, Yerima commended the government for creating a platform for negotiation between disputing communities in some parts of the state. She urged the new administration to address the issue of education for the girl-child as well as upsurge in the rate of molestation of women. Yerima said that NAWOJ had assisted in the establishment of a VVF centre in Plateau and plans to establish such centres in some IDP camps in Plateau. In her remarks, Fwangchi commended NAWOJ for the pivotal role it had been playing in the campaign for peace in Plateau.

Media

Thursday, September 3, 2015

MRA condemns arrest, detention of journalist Leonard Okachie

edia Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the arrest and continued detention of Nigeriabased Cameroonian journalist, Simon Ateba, by the Cameroonian authorities on allegations of espionage. Ateba, a Cameroonian who has worked as a journalist in Nigeria for over a decade, was arrested at about noon on August 29, 2015 at the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon and taken to Makolo, about 12 kilometres away in the far north of the country. Ateba, who was at the camp to report on the conditions of refugees there, was accused of spying for the Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram. He said the authorities have informed him that he would be taken to Yaoundé, the Cameroonian capital, and handed over to the secret police which will try him for espionage.

His trip to the refugee camp was a part of the Nigerian Investigative Reporting Project (NIRP), an initiative of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo said: “By resorting to such tactics, which are becoming increasingly evident in different countries, whereby governments and security agencies level ridiculous charges of espionage and supporting terrorism against journalists who write critical reports or investigate official wrongdoing, the governments are doing themselves a great disservice. “The governments must understand that while they may actually be successful in punishing the affected journalists, this ‘success’ comes at a great cost as the governments lose credibility every time they engage in this practice, the ultimate consequence being that they trivialize and undermine any legitimate effort they may be making to combat terrorism.”

Ojo therefore called for his immediate and unconditional release, adding that “the Government of Cameroon and its security agencies must allow him to carry out his work unhindered and ensure that they live up to their responsibility to protect him while he is within their territory.”

Ateba

Media Abroad

Mozambican journalist on trial over Facebook post

rominent Mozambican economist Carlos Nuno Castel-Branco on Monday told a Maputo court that a Facebook post he wrote in November 2012 was intended as part of a political debate on the problems the country faced, and not an attack on the honour and dignity of the then president, Armando Guebuza. Castel-Branco is on trial before the KaMpfumo urban district court for supposedly libeling Guebuza in his Facebook post. Since libeling senior political figures is classified as a crime against state security, it is not Guebuza himself who brought the case, but the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Fernando Mbanze, editor of the independent newssheet “Mediafax”, is in the dock alongside Castel-Branco. He had republished the Facebook post, and now finds himself accused of the crime of “abuse of press freedom”. Guebuza has made no comment on the case, and there is no indication that the prosecutors even questioned Guebuza. The prosecution claims that various of the statements made by Castel-Branco in his post were untrue, including his opening line “Mr. President, you are out of control”. It also did not like the claim that Guebuza had surrounded himself with “boot-lickers”, or that he had repeatedly insulted “those who have ideas about national problems, rather than creating opportunities to benefit from their experience and knowledge”. The prosecution claims, in a willful misreading of the post, that Castel-Branco had compared Guebuza to fascist dictators. In fact, the post warned, not that Guebuza was a fascist, but that his governance might pave the way for fascism. The politico-military crisis of 2013, Castel-Branco wrote “makes us remember the preludes to fascism. In similar

Facebook co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg

situations, Hitler, Mussolini, Salazar, Franco and Pinochet were installed in power, and were defended by big capital as long as they defended the interests of big capital”.

Article Continues After Advertisement”I did not compare the former president to fascists”, Castel-Branco told the court. “But the processes in Mozambique are similar to the processes leading up to fascist dictatorships”. As for saying that there bootlickers around Guebuza, he pointed out that many others had made similar claims - including senior figures in the ruling Frelimo Party, such as the former head of the Frelimo ideology department, Jorge Rebelo. Castel-Branco was once close to Guebuza. In 1977, when he was just 17 years old, he joined the revolutionary armed forces (FPLM), and was placed in the FPLM political commissariat, which was headed by Guebuza. Three years later, it was Guebuza who ensured that Castel-Branco went to university.

Apple plans to make own movies, TV shows

pple is in talks as part of a possible move into producing its own original programming, Variety reports. According to the publication, the company is looking to start hiring for a new development and production division in the next few months that would go into operation next year, producing content to rival streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. It’s not clear whether this new division would produce TV shows, movies, or both, but a unit within the Apple has reportedly already entered discussions with Hollywood executives, reporting back to Eddy Cue. Variety says that Apple’s plans are in the early stages, but that the company has increased its interest in producing its own TV shows or movies in recent months. The company reportedly made an offer to ex-Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in July, before the trio were eventually snapped up by Amazon. Apple certainly has the coffers to be able to afford such deals, but the company may not

have been ready to pull the trigger at the time, having reportedly pushed the launch of its rumoured internet TV service back to 2016 at the earliest. New Apple TV hardware is apparently set for a September launch. It’s too early to say whether Apple intends to follow Netflix’s monthly subscription model exactly, or simply make shows available on iTunes as it has with several independent movies in recent years, but the recent launch of Apple Music has shown the company is not shy of copying other streaming services in terms of payment structure. Apple Music could serve as something of a test bed for Apple’s reported TV ambitions, combining outside content in the form of music with original programming like Apple’s Beats 1 radio station. It’s understood that Apple has been in negotiations with networks and production companies to feature on its own internet TV service for years, meaning the company may already have the relationships in place to produce its own content.

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UNDP launches storytelling contest on climate change

n opportunity for African jour nalists to reconfigure state-society relations and contribute to the development of the continent The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, has launched a global storytelling contest, Voices2Paris; to contribute to raising public awareness on the negative impacts of climate change as well as on the opportunities and solutions seen in actions by individuals and gover nments alike across vulnerable developing countries worldwide. “We want to provide young journalists in developing countries a unique opportunity to contribute to the global debate on climate change in the run-up to COP21, while building their capacity and providing recognition for excellence” noted Neil Buhne, UNDP Geneva Director. UNDP targets jour nalists 35 years of age and under from developing countries who are already engaged in public writing and want to contribute ¬– locally and internationally – towards greater public awareness on climate change. The best stories will be published every day in the immediate runup to COP21, carrying messages of struggle, opportunity and hope from the climate change frontlines worldwide. The authors of the top two prize-winning stories will be invited to attend and cover the COP21 UN climate summit in Paris this December. Stories can be submitted by young jour nalists from developing countries in English, and in Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish with an English translation, on a rolling basis until October 11th, 2015. Guidelines to participate are available on UNDP Geneva website (http://www.apo.af/bXq9up). A team of senior jour nalists reporting on climate change from toptier inter national media outlets, regional media associations, and representatives from major international organizations, will review the entries and mentor the participants. “The contest is an excellent initiative to promote investigative and innovative coverage from the young generation of jour nalists. It is also an opportunity for African journalists to reconfigure state-society relations and contribute to the development of the continent” added Sidi El Moctar Cheiguer, President of the African Network of Environmental Jour nalists. Stories, once screened and scored will be published on UNDP’s website and disseminated through partners’ channels to ensure maximum outreach and support the call for an ambitious agenda to be endorsed during the COP21.

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Broad Street Diary

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Porters say job tasking, but dignifying

he job of porters in the market is vital, although not many would like to take to it; however, many see it as a veritable means of survival in these days of mass unemployment. Broad Street Dairy went into the adjoining market around the Lagos Business District to get the views of porters, the challenges confronting their operations, how rewarding it is among other issues. Speaking to Broad Street Diary, BSD, a porter at the popular Balogun market in Lagos Island, a lady, who simply identifies herself as Madam Asake, narrated her travails in the business to BSD. Asake, aged 42, said she hails from Saki in Oyo State to hustle in Lagos, adding that the ugly and the beautiful sides of the trade is that sometimes you lose out while at another time you gain. Asake stated that sometimes some potential customers would feel reluctant to give their loads to her particularly when they see her as an old or elderly person. This reluctance may sometimes stem from the African tradition of respect for the elders and their view that carrying loads at old age may be tantamount to suicide attempt. She added that on bad days, one may go home with just N300 out of which one would have to buy drugs for use. She further stated that due to her age, she has to beg many clients before they would allow her to carry their loads, adding that this prevented her from making money like other porters in the market. “The highest amount of money I make on a good day is about N500. That’s my regular income per day,” Asake said. Another porter, who identifies herself as Joke, but seems to be younger than Asake, said she came from Iseyin in Oyo State: “I cannot say much, as for me, I do this work because I need to earn money to buy equipment for my tailoring business.” Joke, however, admitted that the job is full of challenges; we have to move around the market to look for people with loads and most of them sometimes do not always give us due to suspicions that we may disappear with their goods. She also identify some of their challenges to disturbances by street urchins ‘’Area boys’’ who are found of using every opportunity to extort money from them, even when they are with heavy loads on their heads. “These Area boys would not allow you to go unless they collect money from you, not minding whether you are carrying heavy loads or not” she said.

Another porter, Mr Yemi, from Osun State said; ‘’I do make about N1, 000 daily, but the fact is that I do not see the realities of porters’ job as challenges, there is no where or work without its own challenges. I live in lock up shops, we are five in numbers sleeping in a room and we do pay between N500 to N1, 000 every month as rent. Although, is quite challenging, I will appreciate if the governments could help us in this regard, the insults, pains, and stress are just too much for us,’’ said Yemi. Yemi further told Broad Street Diary that in order to foster trust and confidence among their members and their potentials customers, porters operating in the various markets on the Lagos Business Districts comprising Balogun, Idumota, Martins, Broad Street Ebute–Ero among others have established an Association of Porters, ‘’This is to ensure that people can trust us with their goods. We have tags and numbers for easy identification. – Darasimi Ayeni

Kai clamp down on street traders on Broad Street, Lagos.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

KAI officials clamp down on street traders

fficials of the Lagos State Government in charge of sanitation, popularly known as Kick Against Indiscipline “KAI” had in the course of the week descended heavily on illegal traders on Lagos Island particularly Broad Street and its environ. Some of the officials of the agency in their green and light brown uniform stated under anonymity that they were bent on ridding the streets of unauthorised trading activities which hinders free-flow of vehicular and human movement in the area.

In their statement, “we have always asked the traders not to display their wares on the pathway and flower pots, but they would not listen”. It is not as if we are totally against them, we only asked them to move away from the pathway completely to give room for freeflow of both human and vehicular traffic. But, some of them, until they put their wares on the main road, don’t believe that they can get patronage”. “For instance, look at how these okada riders packed on the pathway, it is wrong, but we can-

not indict them because it is not within our jurisdiction to do so, it is the work of the police.” They resolved to continue with the clamp down until the traders do the needful. Some of the traders on their part agreed that their excesses needed to be curbed, but pleaded with the KAI officials to allow them display their wares on the flower pots which according to them, would not cause any hindrance. The affected traders who spoke through their leader Mrs. Blessing A.K noted that they were guilty of

the offence. “We know that we are wrong, but we appeal to the authority of KAI to allow us make do with the flower pots for now, because obtaining a shop on the Island is at a premium which is not within our reach for now.” She added; “majority of us are the ones fending for our families with no husbands and we cannot resort to prostitution. We call on the state government to erect affordable shops for people in our category so that we can be off the street.” – Omoju Busayo

Retail price N21,600 Unit price N900 BETA CURSTARD 2gm 4 per pack Wholesale price N 1,600 Retail price N 2,000 Unit price N 500 BETA CURSTARD 500gm 6 per pack Wholesale price N 620 Retail price N 900 Unit price N 150 PEEJAY CUSTARD 2gm 4 per pack Wholesale price N 2,000 Retail price N2, 400 Unit price N600 OLYMPIC REFILL 48 in pack Wholesale price N3, 900 Retail price N4, 000 Unit price N130 THREE CROWN 48 per pack Whole per pack N5, 760 Retail price N5, 780 Unit price N 130

GOLDEN MORN 1kg 6 per pack Wholesale price N4, 800 Retail price N5, 400 Unit price N900 MINIMIE INDOMIE Carton 40 pieces Wholesale price N900 Retail price N 1,200 Unit price N30 ROYAL INDOMIE 40 per Carton Wholesale price N1, 500 Retail price N2, 700 Unit price N50 CHICKEN INDOMIE 40 per carton Wholesale price N950 Retail price N1, 300 Unit price N50 HONEYWELL INDOMIE 40 per carton Wholesale price N950 Retail price N1, 200 Unit price N30

Price index for frozen foods Close Up Toothpaste Big size pack Wholesale price N1, 800 Retail price N2,000 Unit Price N200 Milo Refill 200gm Wholesale price N6, 000 Retail price N7, 200 Unit price N300 MILO Can 500gm 24 per pack Wholesale price N16, 000 Retail price N18, 600 Unit price N750 BOURVITA 900gm 6 per pack Wholesale price N7, 500 Retail price N 7,800 Unit price N1, 300 500gm 24 per pack Wholesale price N16, 320 Retail price N16, 800 Unit price N700 Blueband Per pack 75g Wholesale price N 1,560

Retail price Unit price 250gm 12 per pack Wholesale price Retail price Unit price 450gm 12 per pack Wholesale price Retail price Unit price SARDINES Titus: 50 per pack Whole sales price Retail price Unit price Napal: 50 per pack Whole sale price Retail price Unit price Peak milk powder 400g 24 per pack Whole sale price Retail price Unit price Baby food 440gm 24 per pack Wholesale price

N1, 680 N70 N2, 160 N2, 400 N300 N3, 000 N3,600 N450

N 6,000 N8, 000 N160 N 4,800 N6,000 N120

N20, 400 N21, 600 N900 123 N20,400

•Compiled by Darasimi Ayeni

Thursday, September 3, 2015

World News

Nuclear deal: Obama gets ‘concrete Senate support’

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

iffering opinions have welcomed Monday’s visit of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his pledges to invest billions of his wealth in Zimbabwe which is currently regarded as an investment risk. Opposition politicians were adamant that the Nigerian billionaire would not blindly pour in cash into a dysfunctional economy plagued by political instability, corruption and recurrent power outages. Ordinary Zimbabweans took to social media to question how an astute tycoon as Dangote would consciously invest a generous chunk of his riches in a country with no regard for property rights. Former finance minister and now MDC Renewal Team president designate, Tendai Biti, insisted yesterday that Dangote was way too smart to squander his fortune in a comatose economy. “Dangote is a smart man that I know at a personal level,” Biti told the local media. “He is not going to pour billions into an economy that is as dysfunctional, as dishonest and as broken down as that of Zimbabwe,” he added, stressing, “Zimbabweans should not read too much into comments made by the billionaire.” He urged the ruling ZANU PF government to attend to broader economic issues to expand

What we value more are the policies adopted by the US towards China as well as the mainstream opinion of the US people. –CHINA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING

Zimbabwe: Reactions trail Dangote’s proposed bailout

Dangote

the cake as opposed to opening the gates for a single investor. “We have to fix the economy so that we are able to attract investors from all corners of the world,” Biti further said. “The Indigenisation and Empowerment Act has to be repealed and it will affect Dangote, anyway, because he is a foreigner.” MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu, also wrote on his personal Facebook page that Dangote

would be risking his investment in an environment he described as unfavourable. “Dangote is a very smart and shrewd entrepreneur who will never invest in a corruptioninfested and lawless country,” Gutu said. Media rights activist and political commentator, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, also felt the Mugabe government was out to placate a restless population by projecting Dangote’s intended invest-

ment in billions. “Dangote’s claim to pour in billions is typical feel-good propaganda that Zimbabweans have been fed on but continue to see their lives deteriorate,” Ngwenya argued. But a senior private media journalist who preferred not to be named for professional reasons felt Dangote was a businessman cut from a totally different cloth. “There are other investors who argue that this is the right time to invest in Zimbabwe,” he said. “They feel that once the current problems which are mainly anchored on the politics of the day are resolved one day, it would be very difficult to come in and Dangote could as well belong to that group. “You could see the enthusiasm he exuded soon after meeting President Mugabe and his ministers.” Interestingly, Dangote’s high profile visit to the crisis-weary and landlocked southern African country was covered in screaming headlines from the state media with top government officials, among them the controversial Jonathan Moyo, celebrating the deal.

ICC trial: Ntaganda pleads not guilty

ormer Congolese rebel leader, General Bosco Ntaganda, yesterday pleaded not guilty to all charges at the start of his war crimes trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. The 18 charges include murder, rape and the recruitment of child soldiers. Evidence has been gathered from more than 2, 000 alleged victims, including former child soldiers. Nicknamed “The Terminator”, Ntaganda’s trial is the biggest and most complex case in the ICC’s history. He fought for different rebel groups as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army. He made his not guilty plea in a barely audible voice, standing in the dock with his signature pencil moustache, according to reports. The start of the trial was a historic moment for interna-

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tional justice and for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 41-year-old is accused of killing at least 800 civilians during separate attacks on a number of villages between 2002 and 2003. He is also accused of raping girl soldiers and keeping them

Gen. Ntaganda

as sex slaves. “Humanity demands justice for these crimes,” ICC Chief Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, told the court. The prosecutor used her opening statement to describe the experience of one witness in chilling detail. It was the after-

math of an attack on a village in the Ituri region of eastern DR Congo. According to the prosecutor, the rape and sexual enslavement of girls was so prevalent in Ntaganda’s Union of Congolese Patriots (UCP) rebel army, that girls were referred to as “a large communal cooking pot” commanders, she alleged, could pass the girls around and use them for sex whenever they pleased. Human rights groups here in The Hague have celebrated Ntaganda’s appearance, saying it is proof that even the most powerful leaders may one day be brought to justice. He had evaded capture for seven years after the ICC first issued warrants for his arrest. He was also part of the UCP rebel group, led by Thomas Lubanga, who in 2014 became the first person to be convicted by the ICC.

AFRICAN BULLETIN

Al Shabaab sweep forces in raid At least 45 African Union and Somali national army forces died in an al Shabaab raid on their base in southern Somalia yesterday, according to reports. More than 100 troops were unaccounted for. At least 20 of the troops were Ugandans taking part in the mission to hold a base in Janaale, Somalia, the sources said Wednesday. Al Shabaab has been designated a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States. It has waged a long insurgency in Somalia. The extremist group has stepped up hit-and-run raids on remote bases as a tactic to fight the African Union forces seeking to break their insurgency.

Cape Verde faces hurricane threat The Cape Verde Islands were under a hurricane warning last night as Hurricane Fred lashed the eastern Atlantic chain, bringing 75-mph winds and heavy rains, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is rare for a hurricane to form so near the African coast, and though a handful of tropical storms have formed this far east in the tropical Atlantic, Fred marks the easternmost formation of a hurricane, according to hurricane records in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database. (Hurricane Vince in 2005 formed at the easternmost point in the entire Atlantic.) Fred is the first hurricane to pass through the Cape Verde Islands since 1892. Forecasters began collecting tropical cyclone data in the Atlantic in 1851, though they warn the data that preceded the advent of satellite technology in the 1960s is less reliable than the data collected since.

Springboks win racial case A legal attempt to block the South African team flying to the UK to play in the Rugby World Cup in a row over racial discrimination has failed. A judge in Pretoria dismissed an opposition political party’s bid to block the Springboks over a perceived lack of black players. Nine non-white players have been named in the 31-man Springbok squad. Rugby has historically been a white-dominated sport in South Africa, where apartheid ended in 1994. Judge Ntendeya Mavundla said the court did not have the power to hear the case brought by the The Agency for New Agenda (ANA), a small party made up of disgruntled members of the governing African National Congress (ANC). The ANA had demanded that the passports of Springbok players and coaching staff be confiscated.

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WORLD BULLETIN

Migrants’ protest worsens in Budapest Hundreds of migrants yesterday protested for a second day at Hungary’s decision to stop them travelling on to Germany and other EU countries. They are among 2, 000 people camped at Budapest’s Keleti train station, having bought tickets for onward journeys. It comes as more than 4, 000 migrants arrived in mainland Greece from the island of Lesbos overnight. Meanwhile, Germany, Italy and France have called for what they call fair distribution of refugees throughout the EU. In a joint declaration, the country’s three foreign ministers also called for Europe’s asylum laws to be revised, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement (in Italian). With thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa on the move through Europe, the EU’s member states are struggling to agree a common policy for dealing with the crisis.

Bangkok: Finger print matches bomb suspect Thai police investigating the deadly Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok yesterday said fingerprints on possible bomb-making equipment found at the weekend matched those of a man detained on Tuesday. They believed the foreign man, arrested close to the Cambodian border, was a key part of a network behind the attack. Police spokesman, Prawut Thavornsiri, said he could have carried the bomb to the Bangkok flat or the shrine itself. He also said an eighth arrest warrant had now been issued over the blast. Thavornsiri said the new suspect was Emrah Davutoglu, a Turkish man and the husband of Thai suspect Wanna Suansan. Her name was on the lease of one of the flats raided at the weekend.

Beijing lockdown for military parade Chinese President, Xi Jinping, is determined that today’s massive military parade, the first since he came to power in 2012, will proceed without a hitch. Hundreds of factories have been shut to ensure that when the 12,000 troops, 200 fighter jets and 500 pieces of military hardware make their way through the ancient heart of the Chinese capital they will do so under clear, smog-free skies. Flights in and out of Beijing will be cancelled for the parade’s duration and, just to ensure that the city’s air space is safe, monkeys, falcons and dogs have been deployed to scare away birds. The Chinese will enjoy a threeday public holiday as part of the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Broadcasters are prohibited from airing any entertainment programs, half of Beijing’s five million registered cars are banned from streets and many of the city’s parks and tourist attractions are shuttered.

World News 49

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Nuclear deal: Obama gets ‘concrete Senate support’ U S President, Barack Obama, has secured enough support in the US Senate to ensure that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect. Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland became the 34th senator to back the deal yesterday. US Congress could still oppose the deal, but Obama has now enough votes to override any resolution of disapproval. He has said the deal cuts off “every pathway to a nuclear weapon” for Iran. “No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime,” Mikulski said in a statement. “I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb,” she added. Republicans have been unified in their opposition to the Iran accord, saying the deal would only “embolden” Iran. Two Democratic senatorsChuck Schumer of New York and Robert Menendez of New Jersey- are also opposed, as are a handful of Democrats in the House. Congress is set to vote on the accord later this month, but the White House is hopeful it can

President Obama

secure seven additional votes to allow for a legislative move known as a filibuster. A filibuster would prevent a final vote and Obama would not need to use his veto power to keep the Iran deal on track. Obama has secured only the minimum number of votes

needed to ensure that Congress cannot ultimately block the Iran deal. The latest event is a major foreign policy achievement for Obama who has managed to negotiate a diplomatic agreement with America’s avowed enemy. Internationally, it means that

Cheney warns of ‘deadlier impact’

ormer US vice president, Dick Cheney, yesterday said a “deadlier” attack than 9/11 could happen on American soil if the Iran nuclear deal passes Congress. Cheney doubled down on his stance against the Middle Eastern country gaining access to weapons of mass destruction,

saying the next strike “may involve something far deadlier than airline tickets and box cutters.” When asked what he thought was currently the biggest threat to the country, the former member of the Bush administration warned of a potential nucleararms in the Middle East.

“This isn’t just about Iran just getting nukes. This is also about the neighboring states that are going to insist on getting their own,” he said. “They have money to pay for it. That will be a big problem. It’s going to happen right away. That is not going to be the kind of thing that 15 years down the

Iran will be brought in from the cold, which will change the dynamics of the Middle East for good or ill. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly spoken out against the deal, calling it a “bad mistake” and that it provides a “sure path

road they may do it. It will be far shorter.” Saudi Arabia has alluded that it hasn’t ruled out creating its own arsenal of nuclear weapons. Last week, Saudi Ambassador Adel al-Jubeir said the country “will take whatever measures are necessary in order to protect its security.” Cheney on Monday blamed President Obama for the rise of ISIS, saying he “failed to follow through” on the progress made by the Bush administration prior to 2009. “They withdrew as quickly as possible and left no stay-behind force there. They created a vacuum. And the vacuum was filled by ISIS,” he added. Cheney is set to deliver a speech at the American Enterprise Institute on September 8, just one week before Congress’ deadline to vote on its authorization, speaking out against the president’s views on the nuclear agreement.

CHANGE OF NAME

Cheney

I formerly known and addressed as OKANLAWON FOLUKE ALICE now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI FOLUKE ALICE. All my official documents remain valid. General public take note.

North

Thursday, September 3, 2015

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My govt’ll end incessant strikes –Buhari ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

P L-R: Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar; Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Shehu Daminah; former Governor of Bauchi State, retired Col. Theopilus Bamiboye and new Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, during swearing-in of the new Secretary to Bauchi State Government in Bauchi, yesterday.

CCC backs Buhari on anti-corruption war UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

non-gover nmental organisation, NGO, Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, yesterday, expressed total support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to rout corruption from the country, even as it urged him to ensure that anti-corruption agencies do their works independent of the presidency. At its regular monthly media briefing in Abuja, Executive Secretary of the centre, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), asked the president to ignore those asking him to back down on the fight against corruption. Anas advised that the various anti-corruption agencies should, as a matter of urgency, be strengthened and empowered to carry out the war effec-

tively, without often being prompted by the presidency. The centre commended government’s decision to maintain a Treasury Single Account, TSA, which Anas said was already paying off in ensuring financial transparency in government. The former Air Force spokesman insisted that the culture of impunity and non-compliance with due process needed to be checked, especially considering that the international oil market with prices diving as low as about $40 a barrel, perhaps, the lowest since 1986. The CCC, which is an independent non-governmental organisation floated by Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies, FOSSRA, also expressed the belief that introduction of TSA was a step in the right

direction capable of ending leakages of revenues meant for the federation account. Anas said that states and local governments should also key into the fight against corruption at their own levels, saying that everyone was witness to the wanton impunity of leaving behind billions of naira in debts by various state governments to their successors. Nonetheless, he warned that due process must be followed in the fight against corruption in order to ensure that no one eluded the justice system. Furthermore, the centre recommended to government at all levels and other stakeholders to begin the processes of rebuilding communities destroyed by terrorism in the North East so that displaces Nigerians can begin to return home.

On Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, living in and outside official camps, Anas said the centre recently organised visits to some of the IDP camps in the North East, which afforded the centre opportunity to critically evaluate the humanitarian efforts of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the military, international bodies, NGOs and civil society groups. He said it was discovered from available records that there are presently 27 official camps coordinated by NEMA where internally displaced persons were managed, this comprise the following: 16 camps in Borno State, four camps in Adamawa State, four camps in Yode State, one camp in Edo State, one camp in FCT and one in Plateau State.

Appointments: N’East NASS caucus back Buhari

…says Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet came from South GEORGE OJI ABUJA

ational Assembly members from North Eastern part of the country under the aegis of North East National Assembly Caucus have thrown their weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari over the president’s recent political appointments and his leadership style. In particular, the group commended the appointment of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and Chief of

Staff to the President, who are all from the North East zone. Buhari has been facing criticisms following his recent appointments of Babachir David Lawal as SGF, Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service, Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service, Senator Ita S.J. Enang as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu as SSA to

the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). The president is being criticised as favoring the north more than other parts of the country in the appointments. But members of the North East National Assembly Caucus who addressed newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday, through their leader, Senator Danjuma Goje while defending the president’s appointments, noted that it is not about where a man comes from, but what he can deliver, especially in

the interest of his people. Drawing experiences from the U.S. and the UK, the group stated that, President Barrack Obama started with over 20 of his Harvard classmates and David Cameron of Britain started with most of his school mates, stressing that, “This has in no way made the news in those countries because they had their eyes set on the bigger national picture.” The group recalled that most key appointments in the last administration, especially that of the Chief of staff to the President,

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared his administration’s commitment to boost national productivity by taking all necessary actions to end incessant strikes by workers in vital sectors of the Nigerian economy. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke at a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Federal Ministry of Labour, At the meeting, Buhari said he was particularly disturbed by the seemingly endless strikes in the country’s health sector, which has contributed to the fall in standard of health services available in the country. The president directed the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Clement Illoh, and directors in the Ministry of Labour to liaise with

other stakeholders and quickly work out proposals for ending the recurring strikes in the health, education, transport, oil and gas, power and other critical sectors of the national economy. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was also present at the meeting, urged Illoh and his staff to make an input to ongoing plans for the extension of welfare services to poor and disabled persons. Illoh had earlier attributed some of the recurrent strikes in the country to the inclination of some government officials to enter into agreements with financial implications without carrying the Ministries of Finance and Labour along. He said that the Ministry of Labour has now introduced a Code of Conduct for government negotiators barring them from entering into agreements with financial implications without the consent of the president.

190,000 Nigerian children die of diarrhoea yearly –Expert

member of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Abuja chapter, Dr Jude Oko, has said no fewer than 190,000 children die of diarrhoea in Nigeria every year. Oko, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday, described the situation as

the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Special Adviser on Media, Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters and other key appointments were from the Southern region and nobody made huge cry about it. The lawmakers appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government because it is just about 100 days old and that there are thousands of appointments to be made by the president, moving forward. They assured that no section of the country would be marginalised by the president in his administration.

regrettable, and emphasised the need for regular hand-washing, which he said, was crucial in preventing the disease. “The very simple act of hand-washing with soap can save hundreds of thousands of children, who needlessly die every year.’’ Oko added that regular hand washing with soap had become even more necessary in view of the ongoing effects of contaminated water from floods in some parts of the country. According to him, diarrhoea is a frequent and excessive discharge of the bowels, producing thin and watery stools, usually a symptom of gastro-intestinal infection. Oko, who stressed the need for increased sensitisation about the ailment, said that diarrhoea could be treated with Oral Rehydration Salt, ORS, and zinc tablet for fast relief and energy restoration. “There is need to educate people on the use of ORS and zinc as the best recommended treatment for diarrhoea disease.’’

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North

Thursday, September 3, 2015

NIPC to help women entrepreneurs access funds OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

L-R: Plateau State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden; Governor Simon Lalong and leader of delegation from Bill and Melinda-Gate Foundation, China, Qian Qian, during the delegation’s courtesy visit to Government House, Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG mandates patronage of local vehicles A ZA MSUE KADUNA

irector General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Aminu Jalal, yesterday said government has approved mandatory patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles to boost local automotive industries. Jalal at the flag-off of assessor and verifiers training by National Board for Technical Education in Kaduna, said strict implementation of the national automotive industrialisation development plan would reduce

importation of fairly used vehicles (tokunbo) in the country. The NADDC boss, who was represented by his Director of Infrastructure, Abdulwaheed Adetoro, stressed that its mandate to ensure development of the automotive industry using local human and material resources would be sustained. “Right now, the automotive council has taken cognizance of the need to promote and boost market, particularly for local manufacturers, there must be enough market for them to sell. This will lead to the importation of

vehicles coming down. “That is why government has approved mandatory patronage of local goods especially vehicles, when the states key into the mandatory patronage of vehicles, influx of tokunbo vehicles in Nigeria will reduce. “The council is also collaborating with West Bank of South Africa to inject more money into vehicle finance scheme, which will encourage manufacturing of local vehicles and create local volumes of vehicles. “Internal market will be created for local vehicles. If you use your

vehicle for two or three years and want a new one, the current value of the vehicle will be ascertained. You will then take it to their assembly plants and they will change it for you. With this, gradually, tokunbo vehicles will be phased out,” Jalal said. Meanwhile, Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Dr. Adamu Kazaure, said the board has sponsored the training of 91 quality assurance assessors, adding that NADDC had supported them to equip some polytechnic and technical colleges with training equipment.

Al-Makura redeems N20m pledge to traders IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday redeemed his pledge of N20 million to traders of Mararraba Orange Market in Karu Local Government Area of the state. Al-Makura had made the pledge during his seven days tour of the Greater Karu axis that habours most Federal Capital Territory’s satellite towns, to carry out total sanitation of the area that has been bedeviled with environmental degradation. This is contained in a statement signed by Special Assistant

on Media and Publicity to the gover nor, Ahmed Tukur, which added that Al-Makura presented a cheque to that effect to the market leader, Baba AliyuIbrahim, at Gover nment House, Lafia. The governor said during presentation of the cheque that his gesture was to enable the traders settle down for commercial activities in the new market. He therefore, appreciated the traders for complementing government’s effort towards curtailing the menace of congestion that has often characterised the popular Mararraba Orange market, by building an alternative market

through communal efforts. The governor, who was impressed with the traders’ compliance with government directive to keep off the road by acquiring another land and constructing the new market, explained that it was because of their relocation to a befitting environment that government decised to assist them with the donation. Consequently, AlMakura said the state government would waive all land titles due to the market, just as it will ensure the traders are provided with the land documents. He therefore tasked other groups and individuals in the state to

emulate the traders even as he added that “Government would not hesitate to support any such effort as well.” Appreciating AlMakura’s gesture on behalf of other traders, the Mararraba Orange Market leader, Alhaji Aliyu-Ibrahim, commended the governor’s benevolence and assured that the N20m would be judiciously used.

Gov. Al-Makura

igerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, has expressed readiness to help women entrepreneurs in Nigeria access funds and investment opportunities to enable them play active role in the real sector of the nation’s economy. NIPC Executive Secretary, Mrs Uju Baba, stated this in Abuja during an investment forum for women entrepreneurs. Baba disclosed that the forum was organised primarily for Nigerian women entrepreneurs with a view to availing them with numerous investment opportunities and available source of funding locally and internationally. She added that the commission had come up with strategic framework that would enable the country leverage on the oil glut to facilitate inflow of investment into the country as well as support existing ones.

According to her, the framework would focus on investment climate, financial value chain, sectoral and geographical prioritisation, regulatory support and investor aftercare, market intelligence, national branding and image and investor engagement platform. The NIPC Executive Secretary stressed the need to recognise the role women play in the economic transformation of the county despite the challenges, nothing that the commission would do all within its power to support them. Baba said in line with the drive of the current administration to diversify the economy, the commission is promoting economic linkages and technology transfer between major projects to boost employment. The NIPC boss noted that the commission is poised to remove all impediments to investment opportunities in the country, particularly the issue of double taxation.

Mohammed swears in new SSG EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

auchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar yesterday said office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, required knowledgeable, experience and competent hand to function effectively in administration of the state. The governor spoke during the swearing in of Bello Shehu Ilelah as t new SSG. He emphasised the need to have those conversant with the complexity and technicality of operations of government machinery to be at the helm of the office. Abubakar said it was for this reason that he initially took his time to scout for a suitably qualified person to be appointed as SSG. The governor also said what the people expect from the government is not only change, but positive impact on their living condition. According to him, the

administration must therefore, work relentlessly towards meeting the yearnings and aspirations of people of the state. He said the government was working tirelessly to put in place a transparent, accountable and result-oriented government that would see to the overall development of Bauchi State. Abubakar said although he assumed office only three months ago, and having inherited a virtually empty treasury, his administration had made appreciable impact on various facets of human development in the state. He also stated that the government has been able to offset substantial backlog of salaries, thereby alleviating the sufferings of the teeming workers. It would be recalled that the former SSG, Ahmed Suleiman, was appointed the Emir of Misau after the death of the late monarch, and has since assumed office in full capacity

South South

‘E-registration will open PDP to Nigerians’ Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

cting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, has stated that the proposed eregistration of the party was designed to ensure that all Nigerians, who share the party’s ideology, are properly registered without hindrance through the online platform. Secondus noted that the National Working Committee of PDP was working to ensure the party regains power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, at the centre in 2019. The PDP chairman stated this yesterday in Asaba, Delta State capital, when he led members of the PDP National Working Committee on a visit to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House ahead of the pilot flagoff of the e-membership registration in Benin, Edo State capital. He said with the e-membership registration, the party was now open to all interested members, and insisted that the party will seize power from the ruling APC in 2019. According to him, “the reason for e-registration is

to open the party to all, especially the grassroots.” Secondus, who used the visit to thank Okowa on his development strides since assuming office, told the governor that the national leadership of the party was very proud of the developmental programmes rolled out by his administration. Responding, Okowa told the visiting PDP NWC that he will remain focused on his promise to improve the standard of living of the average Deltan through various programmes his administration has lined up. The governor stated, “Though the times are harsh economically, but the situation has propelled us to seek ways of restructuring our debt profile. We have been able to stabilise our government and we are on course with our Smart Agenda.” He added that his administration’s target of creating 6,000 direct employments every six months through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme, YAGEP and the Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme, STEP, has commenced with the first two batches already enrolled into the scheme at Songhai Delta, Amukpe.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC, Peterside shun inspection of Rivers election materials Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

overnorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, his party and other petitioners in the Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday boycotted inspection of materials used in the last general election in the state. External Solicitor to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Julius Mba, stated this yesterday at the commission’s office at Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Mba disclosed that parties involved in the case had in their meeting on Septem-

ber 1, agreed to partake in the inspection of the election materials slated for 9am yesterday, expressing concern over their absence. He noted that inspection of the materials was in compliance with the order by the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja on June 11 and reaffirmed by the same tribunal at a later sitting, that INEC should allow the petitioners access to the materials. “We are surprised that after agreeing in our meeting yesterday to meet by 9am today (Wednesday), to inspect the materials used in the April 11 election, none of the petitioners, their solicitors or agents were present. We wouldn’t mind to stay

throughout today or even tomorrow, to wait for them. “We, the commission, entrusted to conduct the said election in question, have played our role. We are not supporting any party. Our position is clear; we are not taking sides,” he stated. The INEC external solicitor said the petitioners were allowed to inspect the materials as the commission had obeyed the tribunal’s order by making available the documents. “INEC in due compliance with the tribunal order of June 11, 2015 obeyed; but the petitioners are not available. It is our documents; we cannot inspect them. They are to inspect them,” he said. Reacting to the statement,

counsel to APC, Henry Odili, stated that INEC had denied them access to “photocopy, inspect and scan all the materials” used for the election, which was granted by the tribunal. Odili maintained that INEC refused to obey the first order by the tribunal and wondered why the commission would be playing to the gallery. Those present at the inspection were INEC’s Resident Commissioner in the state, Dame Gesila Khan, the External Solicitor, Mba, Governor Nyesom Wike’s team of solicitors led by Dan Okoh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), his agents and solicitor to People’s Democratic Party.

Okunola replaces Atewe as JTF commander Osahon Julius YENAGOA

aj.-Gen. Alani Okunola yesterday assumed duty as new Commander of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Niger Delta, nicknamed ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, with the outgoing commander, Maj.Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, urging all officers and men of the taskforce to extend the support he enjoyed to the new commander. At a brief ceremony at Igbogene, Bayelsa State, operational headquarters of the security outfit, Atewe noted that he found Bayelsa communities very hospitable and cooperative in the effort to fight oil thieves, illegal refining, illegal oil bunkering and other criminalities in the oil-rich region. Atewe, whose carrot and stick approach to the fight against oil thieves in the region has endeared him to many in the creeks and brought so much success to

the security outfit, has been redeployed as Chief of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Speaking after taking over command of the JTF, Okunola pledged to approach his new assignment with commitment, adding that the fight against oil theft was critical to the economy of the country. He urged the various stakeholders including oil communities, troops of the JTF and other security agencies to assist the organisation ensure steady oil production and reduce incidence of pipeline vandalism. Bayelsa deputy governor, Chief John Jonah, applauded the role of JTF in maintenance of law and order in the state, adding that the state government relies on the outfit for security. He urged the outgoing commander to prioritise the needs of JTF in his new office as Chief of Defense Logistics.

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; former Military Administrator of Delta and Ebonyi states, Chief Walter Feghabo Amain and first military governor of old Rivers State/Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, during a meeting between the governor and all political appointees, in Yenagoa, yesterday.

Bayelsa APC chair defends Buhari’s appointments Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ayelsa State Chairman of the All Progressives Party, APC, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, has called for calm over the brouhaha that followed recent appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying there is nothing wrong with the appointments. He said the appointments made so far could be taken as the President’s kitchen cabinet and domestic staff, which should come from among his trusted friends.

“The appointments are such that belong to him; they are like his domestic staff and he should appoint his own trusted persons, not his enemies. So, the president must appoint someone who has the capacity to work with him, not tribe or religion, or ethnicity. There are up to 5,000 appointments to be made, and if that is the case and we are talking of federal character and zones, North East and North Central are not the same. It’s still different zones. We should look at the direction the country is going. If you watch now, you will see that

Nigeria is beginning to take shape,” Orunimighe stated. The APC chairman, who spoke yesterday in his office after a meeting of the party’s leadership and governorship aspirants in the state, recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan equally appointed Southerners to compose his kitchen cabinet. He noted that when Buhari was campaigning, he made specific promises like curbing corruption, insurgency, and fixing the economy, pointing out that all those promises were being vigorously pursued.

On the tussle by APC big weights for governorship ticket, the party chairman noted that APC is not the kind of party that runs from pillar to pole, seeking candidates to endorse.

Buhari

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

Glo to Eagles: Show your strength in Tanzania

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Critics will get off my back as soon as I start doing what I do best for PSG. It’s just a matter of time

–PSG winger, Angel Di Maria

L-R: Aloy Agu, Coach Yusuf, Sunday Oliseh and Jean Francois-Loscuito at the press conference

Glo League Result Taraba

Sharks

Enyimba

IfeanyiUbah

Bayelsa

Giwa

Lobi

Dolphins

Akwa

El-Kanemi

Rangers

Wikki

Wolves

3SC

Abia

Nasarawa

Pillars

Kwara

Sunshine

Heartland

I’m not under pressure to beat Tanzania –Oliseh Joel Ajayi ABUJA

uper Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has said that he is not under pressure to beat Taifa Stars of Tanzania when the two teams clash in Dar es Salam on Saturday in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match. The match will be Oliseh’s first since taking over the Eagles from sacked Stephen Keshi in July, and would be made tougher for Nigeria with the last minute withdrawal of the captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, from the trip. At a media parley in Abuja yesterday before the Eagles flew out to Tanzania in a chartered aircraft, Oliseh said win or lose, the struggle to win the AFCON ticket had just begun. “I think the only time in my life when I was really, really under pressure was 20 minutes of getting on to the pitch of the World Cup match between Nigeria and Bulgaria in 1994. “Ever since then, we have learnt that pressure is what you bring on yourself

...as Enyeama withdraws

and there are three things that can happen in the game, either lose, win or draw,” the coach said. The former Super Eagles captain added, “As you can see it, we are just building the team, we are getting to know each other. I am very optimistic that we will win; I am not looking at what happens if we lose or whatever. What we are going there to do is to see my team go there and play to serve Nigeria and whatever the result we get, we take it like that. “Our objective is to qualify: if we win or lose on Saturday, we never qualify anyway and is not because we lose that we are out. The journey just started.” On Enyeama’s eleventh hour withdrawal, Oliseh accepted that the goalkeeper’s pullout has complicated the precarious condition of the Eagles. “The player said we should excuse him from this job for whatever reasons I don’t know. But what I can say is that the late withdrawal of Vincent has put us in very tight situation. I must confess that.

“I made it clear from the onset that the task ahead of us is a very difficult one, I don’t need this extra burden on it,” he explained. Oliseh, however, said notwithstanding the development, the rest players of the team were determined to do Nigeria proud. “With all due respect Vincent Enyeama is a very classic goalkeeper, but let me ask if our best players fall sick the night before the match should Nigeria withdraw from

the match? Also, it is not a sign of respect to my other players because one person is not there, then the team will fumble. So, we have to move on.” Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme and Sunshine Stars of Akure’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa are the two goalkeepers in camp and Enyimba’s Femi Thomas, who was earlier decamped, has rejoined the team.

Glo League: Sunshine survives Heartland scare

unshine Stars head coach, Kennedy Boboye, is happy with the point his side picked against Heartland yesterday. The Akure Gunners were held to a goalless draw by the Owerri outfit in the midweek Globacom Nigeria Professional Football League match day 27 clash at the Akure Township Stadium.

Boboye said his side actually prepared to claim the all three points and make it a double against Heartland in the ongoing league season. “We wanted all three points at stake but we were only able to pick up a point, which is not really a bad result. “We defeated Heartland 3-0 in Owerri and they actually came out here de-

termined to make the difference,” Boboye told supersport.com. He added, “I give them kudos for their fighting spirit. They deservedly earned a point in the grudge encounter. We will go to Ibadan to fight for the three points at 3SC. If we fail to pick up three points we may as well kiss the title dream for this season goodbye.”

Sports

Thursday, September 3, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Euro qualifier:

We’re out to crush Poland

Cameroun Coach, Finke

AFCON qualifiers: Lions aim group leadership

Thomas Muller

–Muller

ermany striker, Thomas Muller, says he is targeting revenge against Poland in their 2016 European Championship qualifier tomorrow. The 2014 World Cup winners were beaten 2-0 by their Group D rivals in the reverse fixture last year, with Die Mannschaft sitting second on the table in their qualify-

ing group behind this week’s counterparts. “We have a score to settle with Poland,” the Bayern Munich star said yesterday. “They are first, we are second, of course, we want to pass them in the table. “But it’s going to be tough work, we know that. We need to play the sort of football again which we haven’t seen

C for a while.” Muller’s club teammate Robert Lewandowski will be leading the line for Poland, yet he feels his side should not only focus on the proven goalscorer. “It’s not just about Lewandowski,” he said, adding, “We have to stop their counter-attack and defend the space as well.”

ameroon will look to take control of Group M in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Gambia in Bakau on Sunday. The Indomitable Lions currently enjoy a twopoint lead at the top of the pool, with their 1-0 win over Mauritania in June-secured by a late goal from Vincent Aboubakar-placing them in pole position after South Africa and Gambia drew 0-0 in the other match. Cameroon has been dealt a blow in the lead up to the match, with striker Clinton Njie and defender Aurelien Chedjou both ruled out. However, the return of Joel Matip is a big boost for Coach Volker Finke. The Schalke player has not appeared for his national team since last year’s World Cup. This will be the first official senior international match between Gambia and Cameroon, while Tunisian referee Mohamed Said Kordi will take charge of the fixture in Bakau. The other Group M match this weekend sees Mauritania host South Africa in Nouakchott on Saturday.

…Djibouti at Togo’s mercy F

Adebayor

avourite Togo will face Djibouti tomorrow in their second Group A outing of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Djibouti got thrashed 8-1 by Tunisia in Radès in their campaign opener last June. But the Togolese kicked their continental journey off to a winning start with a 2-1 home victory over Liberia, thanks to a last-minute goal from Emmanuel Adebayor, and will climb provisionally to top spot should they avoid defeat in Djibouti. However, Togo will be without the Spurs’ unsettled striker, who is understood to have declined his international call-up. Sparrows’ Coach Tom Saintfiet will also be without first choice keeper Kossi Agassa, who suffered a thigh injury with Stade de Reims in the French Ligue 1 and was replaced by AS Togo Port de Lome’s Jean-Robert Klomegah. It is the first time the two sides will face each other. Liberia will host Tunisia in Monrovia the next day, in the group’s other fixture.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, September 3, 2015

NUJ Games kicks off Monday

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo

Ifeanyi Eduzor

Glo to Eagles: Show your strength in Tanzania

ponsor of Nigerian national teams, Globacom, has advised the Super Eagles to embrace the new dawn inspired by the team’s new technical crew and show the stuff they are made of when they play the Tanzanian national team this weekend. Nigeria will trade tackles with Tanzania in a 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Globacom, in a statement in Lagos yesterday tasked the Eagles to ensure a victorious outing by defeating the Taifa Stars

and picking the three points at stake to lead their group. “It’s a crucial encounter from where the Eagles must emerge victorious and take the commanding position in the group,” Globacom said. Egypt presently tops Group G with 3 points but with superior goals having walloped Tanzania 3-0 in Cairo while Nigeria, also with 3 points occupies second place with two goals from the victory of Super Eagles over Chad in Kaduna in the first match. “We believe that the stiff competition for shirts among

the Eagles introduced by Coach Sunday Oliseh would help to raise a daring squad that would make Nigeria’s qualification for the Gabon 2017 finals a possibility,” the statement added, stressing, “The match is a must-win for Nigeria.” The company further enjoined the Glo Premier League players in the Eagles’ squad to maximize the opportunity of the selection to live up to the mark they have made on the domestic league by demonstrating that their selection was not a fluke. “We strongly believe that the players in the Glo Premier

League will not disappoint Nigeria, especially with the successes they have recorded in the camp since preparation began for this match,” the statement further stated, while urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to waver in its robust support for the team. “At a time like this, all hands must be on deck to enable the Eagles beat Taifa Stars in their home,” the statement concluded. Globacom is the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation and the major sponsor of the Nigerian national teams.

NTU championship gets date T Yakmut

he Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) has finalised plans to organise its annual championship slated for November 27 to 29 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. President of the NTU, Dr Lanre Glover, said the competition would involve school age athletes and adult athletes from 36 states and the Federal Capital

Territory (FCT), Abuja, while some foreign-based stars are also expected to add glamour. “The young athletes would see the more established athletes as role models and strive to become like them while getting useful success tips,” Glover said. Glover stated that the NTU expected support from traditional sponsors like Dufil (in-

domie), DHL and Linkage Assurance, even as he called on others to support the NTU initiative. “We are counting on all concerned to come so that we can organise a hitch-free event,” he added. Winners of the championship will represent Nigeria in various continental championships.

Football: ESOCS commemorates 90th anniversary Paul Erewuba

he Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) has concluded plans to host the final football match to commemorate the church’s 90th anniversary on September 11. The church, the first African instituted Pentecostal church

and pioneer member of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, clocks 90 years on September 9. Organisers told National Mirror yesterday that the final match would feature Central Management Committee (CMC 1) against Central Management Committee (CMC 5). To reach the final, CMC 1 walked over both CMC 7 and 11

and defeated Mount Zion National Headquarters 2-1, while CMC 5 beat CMC 9, 4-0 to set the stage for the epic final. According to the organisers, there will be a novelty match between the male Sunday School Children (age 10-12) and Female members of Mount Zion Society, while the Elders of the Church will play the Women of the church before the final match

billed for 4pm. Other activities to mark the 90th anniversary “Elders courtesy call on government officials in all the states, a visit to traditional rulers on September 7, a visit to the motherless babies home the next day, a Seraphic anniversary, an all night musical jamboree and an induction/90th anniversary award luncheon at the NTA 10 Lagos grounds.

he Lagos Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists has announced that ten events will be competed for at this year’s NUJ Games which begins on September 7. The annual competition slated for the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos will end of September 12. The events are 11-aside football competition, Athletics (100meters, 200 and 4x100meters for men and women, Ayo (men and women), Chess (men), Draughts (men) and Marathon (men and women). Others are Scrabble (men and women), Tennis, Table Tennis and Tug of War (men), Chairman of Lagos NUJ, Deji Elumoye, who spoke yesterday at a briefing in Lagos, noted that the games tagged “MED-VIEW/ NUJ Media Games” would be an improvement with previous editions, even as all participating teams would be adequately motivated while winners would win prizes. “The event has received blessings of Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, who has promised to perform the opening ceremony,” Elumoye said. The Lagos NUJ boss stressed that only practicing journalists would be allowed to participate in the games. “The closing ceremony will be spice up with a march past by all the participating chapels while football matches will be played from Monday to Saturday,” he added. Draws for the football competition revealed that Vanguard Newspaper will open the games with a match against Complete Sports while Lagos State Ministry of Information will meet Federal Ministry of Information in a Group B encounter. In Group C, Lagos Television will meet Daar Communications while last year’s runners-up, Sportsday will face Daily Independent in Group D. Sixteen teams registered for the football event.

WORLD RECORD

Largest dessert pizza The largest dessert pizza has a total surface area of 14.28 m² (153.71 ft²) and was prepared by the Record Pizza Men team

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1191 Thursday, September 3, 2015

Endangering a nation by lopsided appointments

y friends all, Citizen Muhammadu Buhari is Nigeria’s president. So he has the right to appoint anybody as enshrined in the law. But when in the exercise of that right he falters, on balance of probabilities, the right to call him to question is also righteous. That is the story of President Buhari and his much criticised recent appointments. For what is to many a dangerously lopsided recruitment of the egg heads who would work with him at the Presidency, he has in the past week incurred copious opprobrium from, most especially, the southern part of the country. I will assert here that the President gave his critics the voice. And it is a sad dialectics of leadership when a man wearing the toga of integrity inadvertently renders himself prone to the accusation of nepotism, another branch

ormer Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, feels striker Emmanuel Adebayor is wasting his career by staying at White Hart Lane. The Togo forward, who has been at Spurs since 2011, has fallen out of favour at the London club, yet reportedly refused a

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

of corruption that is lethal as its twin brother, graft. I still want to believe that the President means well. He only needs to be reminded of salient undertones of our corporate existence and why they still matter in today’s Nigeria. The constitution of Nigeria demands fairness in whatever the President does, no matter his political sentiments. His appointments so far have, to many, not reflected that deference to the spirit of this Constitution. Federalism is enshrined in the letters of our Constitution. It is also enshrined in its spirit. Even though the offices of the Chief of Staff and the SGF are not bound to be confirmed by the Senate and are thus subject to the whims of the President, it behooves a truly statesmanlike leader to be conscious of the undertones and the interest of the super structure when making these appointments. America, after which our Constitution is mirrored and to which we always defer in democratic matters, recognizes balancing. That is why a government is not considered complete without African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities in the cabinet. Obama himself is the product of the recognition of ethnic and geo-political balance in the American leadership geography and ethno-social architecture. Nigeria is still a fragile commonwealth. We must recognize the ethnic sentiments that may otherwise sound the death knell on our national unity and derail the President’s determination to revive our nation. The dangers of unfettered lop-

BALANCE IS THE ETHNO-GEOGRAPHIC INFRASTRUCTURE UPON WHICH THE PILLAR OF OUR UNITY STANDS sidedness abound. One is the clear and present danger of the President’s anticorruption war being discredited by allegation of ethnic bias. If the psyche of a section of the nation is already clouded by fear of nepotism and discrimination, whatever the President does in his anti graft war will be seen in the light of unfairness. There is also the argument that the President is bent on working with competent hands. Good. Does that still excuse the allegation of nepotism and ethnic bias? Every section of Nigeria, tiny or huge, is blessed with people of immense competence. So, no region has a monopoly of competent hands. In a situation where the most influential of positions have been coveted by a section of the country to the detriment of other sections, fairness in decision making is already cast in doubt. The most powerful forces in any government anywhere in the world are members of the kitchen cabinet. These are the guys who remain after the other appointees have retired to their homes. They stay with the leaders to do justice to

suggestions that come from the other appointees, ministers and all. They are the ones who influence the leader the most. And when these people are from one section of the nation, your guess is as good as mine as to the direction of their sentiments. On the contrary, in a situation where the kitchen cabinet is ethnically balanced, even when the leader, as a mortal makes the mistake of omission, he will be called to order. The Nigerian kitchen cabinet is already coveted by a section of the country and fairness stands the risk of being seen by many as having been coveted. That is the dilemma the President must urgently redress. Balance is the ethno-geographic infrastructure upon which the pillar of our unity stands and when that balance is threatened, the leader must be called to order. Even Jonathan, in spite of all, created a clear balance in his appointments. Jonathan might have been accused of many things but you can’t pin down nepotism on him. The clarion call of history is coming to this President with the highest decibel possible. Buhari has the golden chance to make a difference and be the true apostle of change based on justice and fairness to all. In a federation this fragile, in a nation just surviving 2015, the year stipulated by foreign doomsayers as the year of its implosion, executive decisions must be thoroughly circumspect and forward looking. According to a Yoruba proverb, “Owo eni la fi n tun oro ara eni i se (We sanctify our own fortunes with our own hands). The President must use the hands that sanctioned this anomaly to correct it. President Buhari’s patriotism is not in doubt. Any attempt to call him an ethnic jingoist or a rabid protector of the Caliphate interest is to me wrong because neither Abba Kyari (COS) nor David Lawal (SGF), for instance, are of any so-called Caliphate leaning. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

EPL: ‘Adebayor wasting away at Spurs’ move away this transfer window, saying he had not received a sign from God. The 31-year-old has played just 46 minutes in three substitute League appearances this calendar year and has not been included in the Spurs’ squad for

any League games thus far this season. “I never had a problem with Emmanuel,” Redknapp said of the 2008 African Player of the Year. “But he needs to play somewhere as he is getting older and

his career is wasting away. “I think somewhere along the line he has to think: ‘I’ve plenty of money and I need to play football before it’s too late’. That’s what I’d like to see him do. It looks like he won’t do it again this window.”

Adebayor

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