Thursday, april 7, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Saraki received salary for 4 yrs after leaving as Kwara gov –Witness dOOsuur iwAmbe ABUJA

Saraki

ode of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, admitted 25 different

documents, including Access Bank salary account as exhibits in the ongoing trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over false assets declaration. Economic and Finan-

cial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, witness, Mr. Michael Wetkas, continuing his testimony yesterday, narrated how Saraki received salaries for four CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Court orders FG to allow Dasuki acccess to lawyer P.5

Dasuki

NLC to embark on warning strike over economy N Vol. 6 N0. 1343

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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Olufemi AdeOsun ABUJA

...says integrity of Buhari’s govt declining •TUC tasks FG to address crises

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, has hinted on plans to embark on a one-day protest and warning strike over the worsening economic situation. NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said this on the sidelines of the Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting of the congress in Abuja yesterday. He lamented the lack of a clear-cut programme of action by the three tiers CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Heavy rain, vandalism cause of drop in power supply –NERC P.5

Generator sets queue at a filling station in Maryland, Lagos, due to unsteady power supply and fuel scarcity, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

NASS finally sends 2016 budget details to Presidency

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Over 2m Nigerians are diabetic –NMA

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Tragedy as fuel explosion kills man, 2 daughters P.6

Boko Haram: Troops free 11,595 captives in one month P.12

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of government to respond to the near paralysis of the country’s socio-economic fibre. “The lingering fuel crisis has further compounded the economic woes occasioned by the fall in oil price and slide in the value of the Naira,” he said. According to Wabba, Nigerians are feeling the heat of the harsh realities of the economic crisis. Specifically, the NLC president decried the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff, saying it was “illegal, unfair, unjustifiable and a further exploitation of the already exploited Nigerians.” He pointed out that due process in the extant laws for such an increment was not followed in consonance with Section 76 of the Power Sector Reform Act, 2005. Besides, Wabba stated that there had not been significant improvement in service delivery coupled with the fact that most consumers are not metered in accordance with the signed Privatisation Memorandum (MoU) of November 21, 2013, which stipulates that all consumers be metered within 18 months. He regretted that despite the nationwide protest by organised labour in conjunction with civil society organisations, and the intervention of the National Assembly, nothing had been done on the planned hike in electricity tariffs. The NLC boss also insisted that the privatisation of the power sector was poorly done, stressing that it had become obvious that the investors lacked the capacity to improve power generation and supply in the country. He said the CWC would agree on a day to embark on the strike, because according to him, several actions promised by the Federal Government to checkmate the tariff increment had not been implemented. He said: “While the process is on, the tariff increase has remained, and under a worsening power supply situation. Not a few Nigerians are groaning under this burden. Not a few of them look to the Congress for a solution.” Wabba also berated government for not doing enough to stem the current fuel scarcity, which he said, was not acceptable to the union. “When the first incident occurred under this government, we put it to sabotage and urged the government to deal decisively with the saboteurs but with an eye to enhanced local production

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NLC to embark on warning strike over economy as an enduring solution. When the second incident happened, we similarly reasoned the same way. “However, with the latest incident of prolonged scarcity and confession by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources that scarcity will persist till May as he is not a magician, regular scarcity might as well be a familiar feature, and we would do well to brace ourselves for long spells, except government does the needful. “We must however make the point that spells of scarcity will not be acceptable to labour and other Nigerians because the human and economic costs are unimaginable. “While we appreciate government’s effort to make available on an uninterruptible basis, such effort must be seen to be result-yielding and immediate. Because of the place of petroleum products in the lives of the citizenry, its scarcity even for a day generates ripple and crippling effects,” he said. He warned that government might soon lose its credibility. He said: “One of the fastest ways for government to lose its credibility before the ordinary citizenry is scarcity of petroleum products because the combined effects of the scarcity and low power supply create misery for the people as well as have a damning impact on travel, jobs, productivity and the economy as a whole.” The NLC president called for immediate constitution of the board of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. In a related development, Trade Union Congress, TUC, yesterday called on the Muhammadu Buhari administration to concentrate on mapping out strategies to address the economic challenges facing the country. TUC, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting Secretary General, Simeso Amachree, urged the government to stop blaming the previous government for the numerous economic challenges in the country. TUC reminded the administration that the people voted for it because they believed in the change mantra and desired change in all facets of the nation’s lives.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: NPC Chairman, Eze Duruiheoma; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and NPC, Director-General, Dr. Ghaji Bello during a visit by the NPC to Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE It, however, lamented that the numerous economic problems facing the nation without any serious efforts by government to address them betrayed the expectations of the people. The statement said: “We are averse to people blaming any particular political party for the ordeals of the country. The people voted for the present federal administration because they desire change. “We need to see that

change now. The government should speedily put an end to the fuel crisis situation even if it means stepping on sacred toes.” The union also cited the fall in the value of the naira and poor business environment as some of the other serious issues that require urgent government attention. For instance, the union lamented that the food and beverage sector alone had lost over 500 employees in

the last few months, while naira currently exchanges for N197 to a dollar at the official window and N320 at the parallel market. TUC warned that firms that borrowed dollar-denominated loans were facing the risk of foreclosure on assets pledged as collateral and loss of credibility among creditors because of exchange rate fluctuations. “Of late, our desk has been inundated with in-

dustrial issues, redundancy complaints, anti-labour practices, casualisation of workers, mass sack of workers, etc. All these are caused because of unfriendly business environment,” the union added. On power, TUC demanded that the distribution companies should stop sending so-called “estimated” bills to Nigerians, adding that sending monthly bills to consumers without power amounted to fraud.

Saraki received salary for 4 yrs after leaving as Kwara gov –Witness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

years after the expiration of his tenure as governor of Kwara State. The documents also linked the Senate President with some properties acquired in Lagos, Abuja, United Kingdom and the United States of America, while in office, but which he failed to declare. The witness also told the Tribunal that 87 lodgements were made by different individuals in one day into the defendants naira account on October 26, 2009. “These payments were made to pay back the loans collected from Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB. Before the payment, the account was in debit balance,” he said. On the likely reasons for different lodgements, the witness said it might not be unconnected to the Money Laundering Act, which frowns at single heavy lodgements, hence, the amount was decimated

into several lodgements. He also testified that deposit slips were erroneously filled and sometimes one hand writing filled the slips. The bank management also said the suspicious transactions were reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. The witness said EFCC’s interest was aroused by five petitions out of which four were written by Kwara Freedom Network in 2012 appealing for an investigation into the management of revenue account of the 16 local governments in Kwara State, while the other petition was by concerned pensioners from the state. He told the Tribunal that his team had requested for the three personal accounts belonging to Saraki from GTB. “Part of the request was the loans statement on the naira account which was also provided. “Our letter of request

was also sent to GTB on the naira personal account of the Defendant. Same letter of request was sent to banks on his dollar and Pounds Sterling accounts,” he said. The witness also attached Certificate of Identification of Statement of Account showing the sole signatory to the account. Documents claiming to support the N375m which was used to purchase a landed property in London were identified by the letters. The defence team, led by Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, reserved their objection to the admissibility of the documents. The trial has been adjourned to April 18 for the continuation of trial. Meanwhile, Director General of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Constituency Office, otherwise known as Mandate, Abdulwahab Isa, has explained that since the Senate President left office in May 2011 as gov-

ernor, his pension which was paid into a special account has been managed by a group of trustees and used for education endowment for students across the state. Isa, in a statement made available to newsman, stated that the Senate President does not even have access to the account noting that a group of trustees led by him were mandated to use the money in paying scholarship grants and funds for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, forms for students across the state. “We have also used the money to pay for coaching of students who were preparing for JAMB examinations. “For example, the most recent beneficiaries from the funds were two University of Ilorin Faculty of Law students who were the best in their set and needed money for their enrolment into the Nigerian Law School,” he said.

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NASS finally sends 2016 budget details to Presidency GeorGe opara ABUJA

ational Assembly has completed work on the details of the 2016 budget and submitted same to the Clerk for onward transmission to the Presidency. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had said that he would not sign the 2016 budget as passed by the lawmakers until its details were provided for his perusal. Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, confirmed the availability of the details yesterday. “Am I holding the details of the 2016 budget? Yes. Have we completed work on the details? Yes. Have we transmitted it? Yes. We are going straight to the Clerk of the National Assembly for onward transmission to the presidency,” Jibrin told journalists. Jibrin later submitted the details to the Clerk for onward transmission to the executive. When asked if there were new issues or surprises different from what was submitted on March 23, he said: “I don’t know what you mean by surprises but we have done a thorough job. “The question everyone should be asking is whether we have done a good job. Of course, you know the challenges that the budget came with. I don’t want to go through that. We have gone through all that over and over. But even with that, we were able to put all our hands on the table. “We have done a lot of cleaning exercises, working in 16, 17 and 18 hours every day. And, yes, we have done the very best that we can. We really thank Nigerians for their understanding and patience. We share in their pains and we are also living in this country. And we just want Nigerians to understand that this year, is a completely different budget year. We have never dealt with such a challenging budget,” he added. When asked if the details were in tandem with what the president submitted, Jibrin responded that there were inputs from the lawmakers in the details. He added: “In every year budget, you always have situations where if it

comes to the details, you are faced with what the executive arm of government wants and what the lawmakers want.” He noted that the work of the Appropriation Committee was to find a middle ground between the two needs. “But I think with my colleagues from the Senate, we just signed off to the best of our knowledge, a budget that is implementable. And we believe it aligns with the policy thrust of this administration,” he said. The lawmaker was optimistic that the details would be received by the Presidency for the assent of President Buhari as soon as possible. He said the two National Assembly Liaison Officers to Mr. President, Ita-Enang and Abdulrahman Ismaila Kawu, had been told to pick up the 1,800 pages budget details.

L-R: Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal J.M. Gbum; Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Jomo Osahor and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadique Abubakar, arriving at the Chief of Air Staff meeting with Air Warrant Officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NANS gives education minister ultimatum to reinstate sacked VCs GeorGe oji ABUJA

ational Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has asked the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to immediately reinstate the 13 vice chancellors of some federal universities who were wrongly sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari. The call for their reinstatement followed President Buhari’s decision to rescind the sack. The students also asked the minister to apologise to Nigerians for the delay in recalling the sacked dons. “The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu should tender an unreserved apology to Nigerian students and the entire academic community for his misleading actions and statements thus far,” NANS said. National President of NANS, Comrade Tijani Usman Shehu stated the position of the students on the matter at a press conference in Abuja yesterday. The union commended President Buhari for taking the bold steps of apologising and rescinding what it described as

the unconstitutional action of sacking the governing boards of federal universities. NANS noted that by his actions, the President has demonstrated uncommon humility, commitment to national development and unparalleled submission to the tenets of democracy and good governance. The students maintained that the refusal of the minister to reinstate the vice chancellors

more than one week after the president’s action, shows contempt and disregard for constituted. According to the students, if any of the vice chancellors so affected has completed his tenure, due process as spelt out by universities rules should be followed for the appointment of a successor. NANS said: “National Association of Nigerian Students vowed to pursue this just course for the right thing to be done

in our universities. “We have peacefully taken our cry to Mr. President who gave his favourably attention and followed same with sincere apology. “Our demands have also been tabled before the National Assembly, which has also empathised with us and waded to resolve the crisis. “The minister of education on the contrary has adopted an adversary approach to our

genuine demand, choosing instead to harass the never intimidated Nigerian students via arrests by men of the Nigerian Police Force until the Inspector General of Police graciously intervened.” The students assured that as law abiding citizens and the principally affected stakeholders in the education sector, they would not rest on their oars until their demands are fully met.

NCC to embark on consultations for mobile roaming licence

igerian Communications Commission, NCC, said it will embark on consultations for National Mobile Roaming license in Nigeria, urging for inputs from stakeholders. This information was contained in NCC latest quarterly magazine made available in Abuja yesterday. NCC that the decision to embark in the consultations for the license was contained in a consultation paper on National Mobile Roaming to announce its intention and procedure for the consultative forum. According to the

commission, the National Mobile Roaming is the ability of a cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data or access other services. It said this include data services when travelling outside the coverage area of the home network via a visited network. “Such arrangements effectively multiply a carrier’s ability to cover those areas where they do not have the presence of their own network without actually having to deploy infrastructure,” it said. It said that prior agreement between

operators enabled the subscriber to roam into another network in case the home network was not available. “It is believed to be simpler and less costly to manage than active infrastructure sharing and may also ensure effective competition through a greater degree of uniformity among operators `retail offerings’. “The consultation for mobile roaming license is tandem with the policy of the NCC to always seek industry stakeholders inputs into a policy document to ensure their buy-in,” it added. NCC said it had

taken note of experts’ opinions that the implementation of National Mobile Roaming could bring in the following benefits: “Extra source of revenue for both mobile network operators, less investment costs since infrastructure sharing divides the investment burden among the operators rather than being shouldered by a single operator. “Promote efficient use of resources, easy market entry, better choice of service, less negative environmental inputs and promote universal service provision.”

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Over 2m Nigerians are diabetic – NMA marCus Fatunmole, AbujA

igerian Medical Association, NMA, yesterday revealed that over two million Nigerians are diabetic. The medical association disclosed this in a statement signed by its President and General-Secretary, Kayode Obembe, and Adewunmi Alayaki, respectively, to commemorate this year’s World Health Day. Revealing that over 40,000 Nigerians died from the disease last year, the association blamed the deaths on poverty and weak health system in the country. According to the group, about one million citizens of the nation

have diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed and treated, while another estimated 3.85 million people in the country live with impaired glucose tolerance - a pre-diabetic condition. The NMA said despite forewarning by epidemiologists of the ‘epidemic’ of non-communicable diseases of which diabetes and obesity are front runners, including the flag-off of a nationwide campaign for healthy living and periodic medical check-ups in 2013 by the NMA, not much had been done to chart a national response to halt the rise of the ailment. It urged government to declare “a national consciousness day for health awareness and medical check-ups in which the

ideals of healthy living including consumption of healthy diets, regular physical exercises, good environmental sanitation and personal hygiene practices, campaign for drug abuse, etc, would be re-enforced in the polity.” The group also called for improved universal health coverage in the country; prevention of import of fake and adulterated medical devices for treating patients, especially fake BP and blood glucose measuring devices; promotion of public-private-partnership among others. The World Health Organisation, WHO, defines diabetes as a chronic, progressive non-communicable disease, NCD, characterised by elevated levels

of blood glucose (blood sugar). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of the insulin hormone, which regulates blood sugar, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. In its yesterday’s release on diabetes, which is the focus of this year World Health Day, the agency said the number of persons with diabetes had almost quadrupled worldwide since 1980. The WHO noted that 422 million adults had been diabetic since 1980, rising from 108 million that was recorded that year. Most diabetics live in developing countries, while factors driving the dramatic rise include overweight and obesity, the organisation said.

Allow Dasuki access to lawyers, court orders FG Doosuur Iwambe AbujA

igh Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama yesterday ordered the Federal Government to allow embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), access to his lawyers during working hours. The trial judge, Hussein Baba-Yusuf, gave the order after Dasuki’s counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued the application he filed before the court that they had no access to him. Daudu had told the court that because they had no access to him, they could not get enough information for his defence. It would be recalled that Dasuki, Shuaibu Salisu, former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser and Aminu Baba-Kusa, former NNPC Executive Director, were arraigned before the court over alleged diversion of N13.6 billion meant to purchase arms.

The others were Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, Mr Adebisi Adeniyi, who held the brief for Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that they were ready with their witnesses to go on with the trial. Opposing the application, Dasuki’s counsel, Daudu prayed the court for a long adjournment, noting that since the defence had no access to Dauski, they would need time to prepare their defence. He also informed the court that he had an application before the Court of Appeal and urged it to stay proceedings pending the outcome of the appeal. Adeniyi, who also opposed the application for a long adjournment, prayed the court not to grant Daudu’s application on the ground that they did not place sufficient evidence before the court to warrant such adjournment.

FG pledges to complete reconstruction of UN building in October

F L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Manager, Energy and Extractives Global Practice, World Bank, Christopher Sheldon; Global Lead for Extractives, Michael Stanley; and Team Leader, Nigeria Mining Reform Program, Francisco Igualada, at a meeting with the minister in Abuja, yesterday.

Heavy rains, vandalism cause of power drop –NERC ChIDI ugwu, AbujA

igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, yesterday attributed the abysmal drop in electricity supply to vandalism and heavy downpour witnessed in parts of the country recently.

The regulatory agency, while appealing to Nigerians to exercise patience with power generation companies as regards the low supply of power, expressed optimism that

power situation would be better in no distant time. Acting Chief Executive of NERC, Dr. Tony Akah, disclosed this while hosting a delegation from the International Association of Energy Economics, IAEE, at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja. Akah said, “On the decline in power, as you may know, part of the reasons have to do with the issue of pipelines vandalism and the heavy downpour that happened in the past. But I must

say that all the agencies of government who are involved, even at the highest level in the country, are concerned and the vandalised gas pipelines are rapidly being repaired. “So there is hope that we will be having incremental power as the operating environment becomes more conducive. Given the regulatory framework we have put in place and the political will and policy thrust of the government, Nigerians in no distant time

will be experiencing additional or incremental power. “We ask (for) a little more patience because the power industry is a very complex, expensive and long-term turnover sector. Also, as you may be aware, we’ve given out a lot of licences. Most of those licences at that point in time could not get the necessary financial backing because of the non-conducive environment that they had in terms of business operating environment.

ederal Government said it will meet the October deadline for reconstruction of the UN building bombed by suspected members of Boko Haram terror group in 2011. A statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Charles Dafe, yesterday in Abuja, said the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo-Udoma, gave the assurance. He gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the UN led by the Resident Coordinator and UN Development Programme, UNDP, Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Fatma Samoura. Udo-Udoma said government was sorry about the inconveniences at the current UN office accommodation and promised that he would collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure timely completion of the building. Udo-Udoma commended the UNDP for its efforts and assistance towards the rehabilitation of the North East also ravaged by the at-

tacks. He said that rebuilding the zone was a big challenge to the government. Earlier, Samoura had said that no fewer than 1,900 UN workers were suffering from inconveniences at the UN office accommodation in Abuja. He said that the UN System had supported Nigeria over the years and would continue to offer its support to the country to achieve sustainable development. Samoura listed some of these supports to include technical assistance on zero based budgeting preparation, development and installation of the Development Assistance Data Base (DAD). Other assistance he listed included coordination of development partners through the National Donors’ Consultative Forum and support to INEC Electoral Reforms, among others. The 2011 incident at the UN building in Abuja was a car bomb explosion on Friday Aug. 26, 2011.

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L-R: President, Computer Professionals Registration Council, Prof. Vincent Asor; Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu and representative of the Vice President, Mr Akingbolahan Adeniran, at the 2016 Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Corps Marshal, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem; National President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Najeem Yasin and National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Musa Isiewele, during a stakeholders meeting on ‘Overloading’ in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Representative of Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Nnenna Okoronkwo; Director, Education and Health, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Victor Glasglow; Acting Managing Director, NDDC, Mrs Ibim Semenitari and winner of NDDC Girls in Engineering, Maths and Science (GEMS) Competition, Miss Adeyeye Ayomide, at the grand finale in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

L-R: Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko; Secretary General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and a member of the Council, Prof Ishaq Akintola, during a meeting between NACA and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on ways to curb AIDS in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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Tragedy as fuel explodes, kills man, two daughters

•Civil Defence officer kills black market fuel seller Patience OgbO and Femi OyewesO

ragedy struck in Somolu area of Lagos State on Tuesday, following the death of a father and her two daughters after a fuel induced explosion in their home. The incident, which happened at No. 5, Adeniyi Street, Somolu Oja, also razed the property. The deceased man was identified as Shade Aduwo and his two daughters, 16-yearold Adura and 18-year-old Mistura. It was learnt that the explosion was caused by stored Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, which caught fire. Confirming the incident, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe said: “The Somolu scene of fire as we gathered was that the family was cooking close to the place they stored fuel. The fire

somehow entered the keg of fuel and it exploded, killing all three family members who were nearby. “We are appealing to Lagosians not to store fuel at this period given that its repercussions are dangerous to say the least. Landlords are to ensure their tenants do not store fuel at home.” It was also learnt that another fire incident occurred along Oyedele Street, off Liasu Road, Egbe, claiming the life of a 68-year-old man who was sick. According to Fadipe, the Egbe incident said was caused by a youngster who lit a candle, left it unattended and went out. He said: “The candle fell on some combustible and caught fire, killing the youngster’s sick grandfather who was sleeping. “In the wake of the fuel scarcity Lagosians are warned not to use candle-

sticks in their homes given that some of the fire incidents that occurred in the state was caused by candles.” In another development, a yet-to-be identified female personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has allegedly killed a black market dealer, simply identified as Dijo, in front of a filling station, located at 21 Road, FESTAC Town, Lagos. Three others were also said to have sustained varying degree of injuries, as they were hit by stray bullets. The NSCDC personnel were members of the Lagos State Task Force, deployed to the area to restore sanity, following the chaos created by fuel queues. It was however gathered that the deceased died on the spot before help could come his way. According to eyewitness account, the task force officials had tried to restore

sanity, but were repelled by the dealers, who were also struggling to buy fuel to sell to desperate motorists. An eyewitness who identified himself as Kelvin said: “The operatives had tried in vain to confiscate some of the products already purchased by these black market dealers. “The dealers teamed up to resist any attempts either to arrest them or to give away their products to motorists free of charge. “In the process, the operatives started firing indiscriminately into the air to dispel them but things went awry, thus exacerbating an already tense situation that led to the shooting of Dijo and three other persons. Immediately the incident happened, angry youths quickly mobilised to retaliate but the operatives were already whisked away to safety. “The mob made bonfire, even as the corpse of deceased was dumped on the

road by the protesters. “They made attempts to set the filling station on fire, but were prevented by teams of policemen deployed from both the FESTAC Police Division and the Area E Police Command.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, however debunked claims that policemen shot and killed the victim. She said: “There is no case of such. The report on ground at AP filling station is that some NSCDC men in a patrol vehicle had scuffle with some men at the filling station which led to indiscriminate firing. “One person was shot dead while three others were severely injured. The area commander, Area E, is on ground restoring normalcy, while the command has commenced investigation to identify the civil defence operatives that were involved.” In Ogun State, operatives of NSCDC yesterday picketed fuel dealers who sell the prod-

uct above the official pump price of N86.50k within the Abeokuta metropolis. The NSCDC officials, who were armed, began their operation around 9 a.m. and invaded some of the filling stations, noted for dispensing the product above the official pump price. While attendants at two filling stations who deliberately hoarded the product were arrested, three other filling stations which had the product but refused to sell were compelled to resume sales. At Ita - Eko, workers at the MAAN IPC filling station, which got product the previous night, took to their heels upon sighting the NSCDC anti - hoarding task force to escape being forced to dispense to customers. About three of the workers were however, arrested few hours later by the NSCDC officials who had laid siege for them to resurface. They were compelled to sell to motorists, who had been waiting anxiously.

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Navy shifts recruitment date to review strategies ubong ukpong abuja

igerian Navy yesterday said it has shifted its initial date for nationwide recruitment to enable it re-

view its strategies for a hitch-free exercise. This was contained in a press statement issued in Abuja, through its Director of Information, DINFO, Commodore Christian Ezekobe.

Recall that in 2014, poor strategies led to the death and injuries of several applicants during the recruitment exercise of another security agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, which attracted

so much criticisms and controversies. However, apparently not ready to allow a similar situation, the Nigerian Navy said it has decided to shift the date to ensure a well-planned and hitch-

free recruitment exercise. The aptitude test for applicants of the 2016 Nigerian Navy recruitment exercise was initially

Port Harcourt

L-R: Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Adaora Umeoji; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Peter Amangbo; Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia and Company Secretary, Mr. Michael Osilama, at the bank’s 25th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, yesterday.

Why we’ve cases of accidental discharge –IGP abuja

nspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has listed some reasons responsible for accidental discharge by some policemen handling firearms. One of these, according to him, is psychological problems affecting some officers handling firearms, which in some cases leads to the death of some members of the public. Arase said such cases of death had made the public to cast aspersions on the police, adding that henceforth, medical assessment to include psychological test would be part of the requirement for police recruitment. The IGP made this disclosure yesterday at the International PeaceKeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on the occasion of the launch of drug testing of police officers and campaign against sudden death of police officers. “With the coming on board of the new administration, the change mantra became imperative and the police management team and I have

keyed into it. We know we could not afford to allow things to be done the same old ways, especially when those ways had diminished the image of the police before the public,” he said. The IGP stated that some of the psychological problems were as a result of drug abuse by few police operatives and that an in-depth study showed that some of those fatal cases could be due to mishandling of firearms by police officers, who were psychologically unfit to handle firearms. “Some of these psychological problems could also have resulted from drug abuse by few of our men. We have therefore, decided that the medical assessment of persons we recruit into the police force will include a psychological assessment. We will carry out snap urine tests for signs of drug abuse on all policemen before we issue any lethal weapon to them or at their operational points,” he said. However, the IGP said apart from denying access to firearms or retrieval from unfit officers, the force would

provide appropriate help to discourage affected officers from drugs or other emotional or psychological diatribes that may trigger such unprecedented and fatal outcome in their line of duty. Further, Arase has promised a policing strategy that would witness the transition of the Nigeria police from exclusive reliance on lethal weapons in management of threats and social dis-

orders to the engagement of less lethal weapon system like stun guns. On the disturbing cases of sudden death of police officers attributed to avoidable health challenges like diabetes and hypertension, Arase said he had directed the force medical section to commence screening of all officers and urged the personnel to involve themselves in periodic sporting activities and make changes in their lifestyles.

scheduled to hold nationwide on Saturday, April 9. The Navy, however, warned the public to beware that in spite of shift in date to May 14, there was no extension of date for submission of online application forms.

4 killed as soldiers, cultists clash in Rivers Dennis naku

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NEWS

Thursday, April 7, 2016

o fewer than four persons, three of whom were suspected to be cultists, were killed in a shootout with soldiers on Tuesday in Oboburu community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was learnt that the cult members were said to have engaged the soldiers in a gun duel that lasted for several hours. The incident forced some indigenes of the community to flee their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire. The cultists, according to sources, were said to have their camp in Oboburu, which is the second largest community in Egiland, harassing and intimidating people and residents of the area. The soldiers were said to have been deployed in the area after reports of cult activities in the community got to the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. A woman leader in Oboburu, said three of those hit by the soldiers’ bullets were cultists, but the

fourth victim was a ‘law abiding’ indigene of the community, who was hit by a stray bullet. The source, who does not want her name mentioned for fear of her life, further told our reporter that one person, who was seriously injured during the shootout, had been rushed to hospital. According to her, “the bad boys most times wore military camouflage and have been terrorising people in the community. I think the soldiers heard about the situation in Oboburu and decided to come here. She explained that she also ran into hiding. The source said the soldiers were still in the community to rid the community of hoodlums. When contacted, Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, confirmed the incident, adding that the operation by soldiers was still ongoing in the community. Lazarus explained that the operation was aimed at flushing out the “bad boys” in the community and ensure that peace returned to the place.

Fraudsters clone Magu’s phone numbers, says EFCC Marcus FatunMole abuja

elephone numbers of Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, have been cloned, the commission raised the alarm yesterday. The commission through its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement made available to National Mirror that the numbers were cloned by fraudsters, who have since been using them to

demand “huge money” from prominent persons and friends of the commission’s boss. The anti-graft agency warned members of the public to ignore calls or requests from such persons who allegedly claim to be fronting for the commission’s chairman. It said the alarm came few weeks after it raised similar alarm over activities of similar syndicate, which opened a facebook account in the name of the EFCC boss and began soliciting for friendship from prominent individuals and all

manner of favours using the platform. “The latest group has been making calls to close contacts of the anti-graft boss and other prominent personalities demanding for huge sums of money using various pretexts. “Members of the public are hereby warned to disregard any call supposedly from the EFCC chairman, asking for payments to be made either to nominated proxies or accounts as such calls do not emanate from Ibrahim Magu. “For the avoidance

of doubt, the EFCC chairman, indeed all officials of the agency, do not solicit for or accept payments/gratification from persons or organisations under any guise. “Members of the public are enjoined to report anyone claiming to be acting on behalf of the acting chairman or other officials of the EFCC at any of the commission’s offices in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Gombe, Ibadan and Maiduguri or the nearest police station,” EFCC said.

South West

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Boripe North LCDA: Stakeholders reject Iree as headquarters

hree communities in the new Boripe North Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Osun State, have insisted that the idea of making Iree headquarters of the LCDA is unacceptable.

L-R: CEO, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Chris Olakpe; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, during a media briefing on traffic gridlock in the state due to fuel crisis, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

Unpaid salaries: Oyo NLC issues 24-hour ultimatum …ultimatum uncalled for, improper –Govt team K emi Olaitan IBADAN

n end may not be in sight to the crisis between Oyo State government and the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over unpaid salary arrears, as the NLC yesterday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government over their demands. Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Waheed Olojede, who disclosed this, said the workers will embark on industrial action if they are not granted the opportunity to have an audience with Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He said the NLC in the state would converge for an executive council meeting today where they would make their position known to their members. “You will recall that on March 29th, the entire labour union in Oyo State, comprising NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and Joint Negotiating Council held a meeting where we expressed our displeasure on the level

of insensitivity of government to the plight of the workers. Before then, we have sent three letters to the government, but only one was replied where government did not show a sense of concern and that was why we issued a seven days ultimatum. “Government responded to the ultimatum by inviting us for a meeting on March 31 where government sent its representatives and we presented our position that now that salaries of workers in the state have fallen short of five months, it is becoming hard for our members to survive, so we said if we sign an MoU with government on June 5, 2015, but we later discovered on November 13, 2015 that the MoU was no longer working for our interest. “We both mutually agreed that workers should be paid 90 per cent of federal allocation, but that has become obsolete and we need a review. We cannot wait again for the salaries of workers to be falling into arrears.

“When we met the government representatives on March 31, the governor was not there, although it had the mandate of the governor, but when we placed our demands before them, it shows that they lack the capacity to give us the answers. “The last meeting we had on Monday, April 4, some of the decision that was taking was that the money in the government coffers should be used to pay the November, 2015 salary. But we realised that what will become of the January, February, March and April 2016 salary. The government representatives do not have an answer to that and that is why we have demanded a meeting with the governor, but till now no response to that.” While reacting to the treat by the governor over the planned strike action, Olojede said, “I think the responsibility of any government or any employer of labour is to show a high level of commitment and responsibility even without showing any level of agitation from the union

leaders. He is failing in that responsibly. We are surprised that the governor can say no work no pay if we go on strike, this is a moral question for a governor who owes us five months salary.” He noted that government has the opportunity to meet them latest by today after which a meeting of labour leaders will pass their resolution to their members. “We demand for an audience with Governor Abiola Ajimobi where we shall be able to deliberate and brainstorm together in the way out of this logjam,” he said. But in a swift reaction, the former Secretary to the State Government and leader of the government team, Mr. Olalekan Alli, decribed the 24-hour ultimatum as shocking, uncalled for and improper, given the level they have gone in terms of negotiation. He said they ought to have a meeting on Wednesday to sign a communiqué before meeting the governor, but the union leaders failed to show up on the excuse that they are having a unit of the union executives.

They have resolved to pursue their position to have Modaa, Ada as headquarters of the LCDA as contained in a letter of protest earlier presented to Governor Rauf Aregbesola. In a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting of traditional rulers, religious groups, opinion and political leaders, youths and market women from the communities of Ada, Aagba and Ororuwo held recently, they dissociated themselves from the so-called rejoinder by some members of Aagba community, saying it was authored by impostors, impersonators and disgruntled elements, who are still smarting from their loss in an Obaship tussle that has been laid to rest. The stakeholders added that many of those named as signatories to the rejoinder have complained that their signatures were forged and that those responsible are well-known figures with criminal records in the community. According to the

communiqué, signed by 15 representatives, the three communities remained undaunted in their request to have Modaa, Ada as the headquarters of the new LCDA. Representatives of the three communities said if the government cannot rescind the decision to make Iree an LCDA headquarters, then it should accede to their request to make Modaa, Ada, their own headquarters, as contained in the memorandum they presented for the creation of the Boripe North LCDA, “which Iree was never party to.” The stakeholders enjoined the Osun State Government to immediately put the machinery in motion to address what they described as injustice to the three aggrieved communities. Those who signed the communiqué include: Oba Abimbola Olalekan Abioye II, the Olona of Ada; Oba Rufus Ilufemiloye Ogunwole, Kujoosin I, the Alaagba of Aagbaland; Oba Adewale Olugbemiga Abimbola, Chairman, Ada Development Council; Mr Anthony Oladipupo, Chairman, Aagba Development Council; and Mr. Oderinu Folorunso, Chairman, Ororuwo Development Council.

Ogun Assembly calls for referendum on proposed LCDA Femi OyewesO ABEOKUTA

gun State House of Assembly has directed the State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, to conduct a referendum in five of the 37 newly proposed Local Government Council Development Areas, LCDAs. The Speaker, Hon Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, who gave the directive during yesterday’s plenary, charged the electoral body to conduct the exercise within two weeks at Abeokuta North East, with proposed headquarters at Ita-Iyalode, San-

go/Ijoko with its proposed headquarter at Sango, Coker Ibogun, at Ibogun, Afon at Oloka Afon and Ifesowapo at Imodi-Imosan. Adekunbi further instructed the Transition Committee Chairmen of the affected Local Government Councils to forward a letter of resolution on the acceptance of the creation of the LCDAs to the Assembly after the exercise. He lauded people of the state for trooping out to be part of the public hearing on creation of the LCDAs, saying their presentations at the forum would assist the Assembly to give the best to the citizenry.

South East

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reject Equal Opportunity, Child Rights bills, Enugu Assembly told

n Enugu-based non-governmental organisation, Happy Home Foundation, has appealed to the state’s Assembly to reject the Equal Opportunity and Child Rights bills currently before it. Chairperson of the group, Mrs Dympna Ezeani, made the appeal in Enugu on Wednesday during a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo. Ezeani, who is a retired chief magistrate, said a cursory study of contents of the bills and what they sought to achieve in the long run was against Nigerian values. “We have heard of these two bills, which will soon be passed by the state’s House of Assembly. “These bills were rejected by the Sixth Enugu State House of Assembly. As a mother, we believe you cannot be part of a law that allows abortion in the name of a mother exercising her rights,” she said. Ezeani said the bills contained alien practices not pronounced, which would be degrading to humanity. “The dignity of the woman is being a woman as God has created her. We fear for our girls. We fear for our boys because there are alien practices the bills seek to promote. “Our foundation has studied the bills and the intention of the proponents and come to the conclusion that it is not the best for us,” she said, adding that former members of the Assembly understood the purposes the bills sought to achieve, which was why they rejected them. “To proponents of the bills, gender is a social construct and sex means anything the society calls it. “These bills will look down on motherhood.

They will in the long run promote gay and lesbian practices in the country,” she said. Ezeani said the foundation had the vision of making families and marriages happy, strong and stable. “Many marriages and families are sick and dysfunctional. These have an effect on the children and society. “Most of the societal ills we have today are partly or wholly due to these and we invite you to partner with us,” Ezeani said. Responding, Ezeilo urged the foundation to make its voice heard whenever the bills would be presented for public hearing. “I don’t know how far the bills have gone but whenever it is slated for public hearing you need to make your contribution and don’t develop apathy. “The proponents of the bills will also speak. Then the legislators will decide what to legislate on,” she said. Ezeilo said mothers have a big role to play to ensure families are given their rightful place in the society.

L-R: Officials of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Principal Manager, Mr Emeka Nnaji, Assistant Director, Mr Olawale Bakare and Representative of Managing Director, NDIC, Mr Ayuba Ibrahim and Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) Vice President, Trade Fair, Mr Jasper Nduagwuike, during NDIC Day at the 27th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu, recently. PHOTO:NAN

Cholera kills 76, Lassa fever 10 in Ebonyi AliunA Godwin AbAkAliki

bonyi State government yesterday said the state recorded deaths of 76 people to cholera within five months, while 10 others died of Lassa fever. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Um-

ezurike, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital. He noted that the state also recorded 73 suspected cases of Lassa fever. He stressed that the state became threatened by the epidemic shortly after his assumption of office some months ago.

“Upon assumption of office, I was welcomed with the outbreak of cholera, which started in February 2015 and claimed many lives. We quickly mobilised our Surveillance and Response Team to all the places discovered to have been ravaged by the deadly disease and

the fortunes of poor schools. He listed other achievements to include market development which resulted in the establishment of Abia State market Development Committee as well as modern conveniences and amenities in markets. He also said work was ongoing on 65 active roads in the 3 senatorial zones of the state out of which 27 have been completed, adding that agriculture has received the attention of the government with the launching of the Return to farming and Women in fish farming initiative, aimed at empowering youths and women through farm-

ing cooperatives. He revealed that government is sourcing N1b CBN loan for agricultural revolution which will be disbursed to genuine farmers in the state. He also said efforts were on by the state government to revitalise moribund industries in the state, stressing that the popular Aba Glass Industry that has been moribund for over 10 years was now operational with the first pharmaceutical bottle off to Lagos last week for sale. He added that the popular Golden Guinea Brewery, also moribund for over 10 years, would be ready for operation before June ending this year.

Ikpeazu restates resolve for sustained development ifeAnyi Ashikodi

overnor Okezie Ikpeazu’s consistency in his precepts and promises to Abians in the last 300 days of his administration has been responsible for the myriads of achievements recorded by the administration thus far. Briefing newsmen in his office on activities of the governor in the past 300 days, his chief press secretary, Mr Godwin Adindu, described his principal as a consistent brand that has kept his word as his bond. According to him, Ikpeazu’s brand is syn-

onymous with service and performance as evidenced in his scorecard of performance in the last 300 days. Adindu highlighted the governor’s achievements so far to include the establishment of the office of the Aba Urban Renewal to ensure that Aba is transformed to a city of basic modern amenities and to make Aba the SME capital of Nigeria. Others he listed as pension reform and payment of pensioners salaries, raising the state’s internal revenue, launch of education for employment programme, establishment of trade centres and Friends of Abia schools Adoption initiative to turn around

with the help and logistics support of Governor David Umahi we were able to control the five months old epidemic within two weeks.’’ The commissioner expressed gratitude to God for the state’s failure to record another case of the epidemic, especially in the last few months of dry season. “There is no more case of cholera in Ebonyi, even throughout this dry season; and we will sustain our surveillance efforts to avert its recurrence,” he said. He further lamented that Lassa fever was first recorded in Ebonyi in 2005, adding: “Lassa fever was discovered in Nigeria in the 1950s but was isolated in 1969 from a village called Lassa in Borno State. It is transmitted by a species of rats called Mastomy Nathalensis.” Umezurike noted that Ebonyi has been counted as an endemic state to Lassa fever. “In Ebonyi, the first case in this current outbreak was reported in January 2016 and all the suspected cases were properly diagnosed and treated free of charge.’’

South South

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill 2 soldiers, kidnap expatriate in Bayelsa DeNNis Naku

Port HArcourt

wo military personnel attached to Setraco Nigeria Limited were on Wednesday killed by unknown gunmen at the OgbiaNembe axis of Bayelsa State. Also, an expatriate staff of the company was kidnapped during the attack. Already, the unfortunate incident has stalled the Ogbia-Nembe road project being undertaken by the Niger ‎Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC. Commenting on the incident, Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt decried the killings and kidnap of the expatriate staff of the construction firm, saying it was unacceptable. Semenitari said, “I

have just received the sad and unfortunate news of the death of two military personnel attached to Setraco Nigeria Limited and the kidnap of an expatriate working on the Ogbia–Nembe road project in Bayelsa State, following an unprovoked attack by unknown gunmen. “One civilian member of staff of the company sustained injuries during the attack. “I wish to convey, without reservations, my indignation and outrage at this dastardly act. This is unacceptable and must be condemned by all wellmeaning members of the public, as well as all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region and beyond. Semenitari said the Ogbia-Nembe road was aimed at opening up communities along the OgbiaNembe stretch of Bayelsa and improve living standards, among others. She said, “It is truly saddening that lives have been so brutally taken in the course of our effort to bring development to the

Parents petition police over killing of three in Ughelli Nosa akeNzua AsAbA

arents and relations of three persons allegedly killed last week Monday at Ekredjebo bush by some members of Vigilante Group of Nigeria led by one Pius Emurotu has registered their petition with the Delta State Police Commissioner, protesting and alleging the brutal killing of their children and calling for investigation into circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to the petition addressed to Delta State police commissioner, copies of which were sent to all relevant authorities and offices, dated March 4, 2016, and signed by their solicitor, Mr. Happy O. Oharisi, on behalf of the aggrieved parents, the petitioner called for the arrest of those involved

in the death of the three young men, alleging brutal murder. The petitioner further alleged that the three persons were murdered in cold blood, claiming that the late Odafe Iwhiwhu, Ogodo Kennedy and Otamediaye Onojighofia, among others, who narrowly escaped untimely death, went to the bush play to football and while waiting for other players to come, engaged themselves with playing game of cards (Whot) before they met their untimely death in the hand of the community’s security men. The legal practitioner, who signed the petition, claimed that he acted on behalf of HRM Oharisi III JP, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom and others whom he referred to as clients and called for urgent attention to the matter.

Niger Delta region. “The Ogbia–Nembe road, which is a major project undertaken by the Niger Delta Develop-

ment Commission, in partnership with Shell Petroleum Company, SPDC, is envisioned to open up communities

along this stretch, all the way to Nembe and from there to Brass, in order to improve commerce, re-

duce incidents of piracy and criminal acts such as this, and improve the living conditions of the people.

Members of Justice Monima Danagogo Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violence/killings of March 19 re-run election in Port Harcourt, taking oath of office before Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Strike takes toll on FMC Asaba Nosa akeNzua AsAbA

edical services at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba, in the past three weeks have been paralysed, leading to the death of six persons and severe pains on sick persons in Delta State. Expectedly, most pregnant women are at present either attending private clinics, maternity homes or traditional birth attendants as a result of the industrial action embarked on by resident doctors at the hospital. As at when our correspondent visited the hospital, it was virtually empty of its usual beehive of activities as doctors were not available to attend to patients, apart from some non-medical professionals who were found at their various duty posts. Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Asaba branch Chairman, Dr. Nwankwo Obinna, told our correspondent that the issue was being resolved. He said the strike has been called off, but for some obvious reasons canvassed by the workers, work has not resumed. He stated that the strike was occasioned by non-implementation of the full sal-

ary structure, adding that salaries of medical doctors were being reduced without cogent explanation. Nwankwo disclosed that though the issue was not peculiar to FMC Asaba, but other tertiary health institutions were able to manage the problem without allowing it to escalate into industrial action. Speaking on the issue, the former Secretary of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Benjamin Chukwunonso Ajufo, flayed the attitude of the Nigeria medical doctors,

adding that instead of reducing the pain of the people, they inflict more pains on the people by their attitude and actions which have led to loss of lives. He attributed the actions of resident doctors to lawlessness of the Nigeria society, saying that it was illegal for them to embark on strike as they are not trade union, the law states that unless you are a trade union, you cannot proceed on strike,” he stated. He noted however, that Resident Doctors were on scholarship under the government, were placed

on salary scale of Grade level 09, while on training to become consultant, adding that at the completion of the training, they would then be placed on salary Grade level (GL) 12 instead of GL 11 which was not in the scheme of service for public service. Ajufo revealed that government brought a chaos into the system when they abolished GL 11 scale for other health workers, which was tried at the Industrial Court and judgement was in favour of other health workers.

Group wants psychiatric hospital’s MD removed oNazeNa abbey benin

group under the auspices of Coalition of Concerned Staff of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Edo State, has expressed worry over the continued stay in office of Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Mr Sunday Osasu Olotu, even when his tenure has since elapsed. In a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman, All Progressives Con-

gress, APC, Chief OdigieOyegun, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Amina Shamaki, the group posited that the Medical Director’s tenure in office expired March 20th and therefore called for their timely intervention. Besides calling for a meeting of the hospital’s tenders board precisely on March 31, the group equally accused the outgoing Medical Director of embezzling a sum of N15 million from the hospital’s corporative accounts under the sub-heads of ex-

traneous purposes. They also accused the medical director for allegedly threatening to sack the acting president of the cooperative society, Dr. Owie, for his unyielding disposition to release the funds. They alleged that Olotu was not in tune with the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, as he was supplanted as managing director in 2012 as a result of his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the centre then.

North

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Senate version of PIB selfish, says Rep

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima (m) with UN Assistant Secretary General, Mr Toby Lanzer (l), during a visit to assess the humanitarian crisis in Bama, Borno State, yesterday.

hairman of House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Uzonna Nkem-Abonta (AbiaPDP), says the Senate was selfish in drafting a new Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. Nkem-Abonta told newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that the bill as redrafted excluded host communities from benefiting from 10 per cent development fund paid by oil majors operating in Nigeria, and described it as ‘‘improper.’’

B’Haram: Troops free 11,595 captives in one month

•We almost surrendered –COAS Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

igerian Army yesterday said its troops have so far freed 11,595 persons held captive by Boko Haram terrorists within the last one month. An operational update through the Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said most of the captives were rescued in various towns where remnants of the terrorists were hibernating before the clearance operations by various formations and units of the army, while others were received from neighbouring Cameroon. He said that on March 1, troops of 155 Task Force Battalion received 10,000 refugees from Cameroon at Banki and Bama axis. Two days later, Usman added, the Army Headquarters Special Forces (AHQ SF) Battalion also rescued 63 persons held captive by terrorists at Maleri. The same unit on March 5, was said to have rescued 779 persons at Fotokol general area, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon. The DAPR added that within the first week of March, the 254 Task Force Battalion also res-

cued 45 persons at Kuaguru, while 143 Battalion similarly rescued 27 persons at Gadayamo,15 at Galadadani Dam in Madagali and 10 persons from Disa village. He said on March 11, troops of 231 Battalion and Armed Forces Strike Force (AFSF) also rescued 7 persons held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Betso village; 5 of whom were elderly women and 2 young girls. Similarly, Usman disclosed that 117 Task Force Battalion on 15th March 2016, received 14 refugees from Sahuda a border town with Cameroon. The Battalion equally rescued 59 at Bitta general area on 19th March 2016. He added that troops of 22 Brigade in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) also rescued 309 hostages from Kala Balge general area on 23rd of March 2016. While on 30th March 2016 troops of 25 Task Force Brigade rescued 45 men, 85 women and 137 children from the Boko Haram terrorists at, Zahdra and Weige villages. Thus, he said 11,595 persons were rescued by the troops during the ongoing clearance operations between February 26 and April.‬

The DAPR said the gallant troops in the course of these clearance operations would continue to place high premium on respect for human rights and dignity, hence the rescue operations.‬ Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, LtGen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday refused to cover up the true position in the military onslaught against insurgents in the North East, as he confessed that the country almost surrendered to the terrorists. His predecessor, LtGen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd), had confessed last year that the Army had never been so embarrassed like it was by the Boko Haram sect. Buratai, who was so excited about troops’ victories in the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgency, also ordered the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, to push harder and go ahead to crush the remnants of the insurgents. The Army Chief spoke at the First Quarter COAS Conference, which he declared open in Abuja. Happy with the successes of the operations, the Army boss told his Commander to “put more push in the war so that we can get this nonsense behind us.’’ The Army Chief fur-

ther commended the troops for doing well in the battle, and confessed that, “terrorism almost brought Nigeria to its knees.” Thus, upon his appointment, he had to reorganise the top echelon of the force to face work and achieve his target of reversing all the gains made previously by Boko Haram and bring them to their knees. He said troops have continued to fight the insurgents with a high spirit, which was the basis of military’s present victory. Buratai told his troops they have nothing to fear while fighting as there would be no reason to regret, assuring that he had tabled all their problems and cases before President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly and had also secured assurances of goodwill to them. He said he was looking forward to a better equipped and better organised Army that would save the country from insurgency. Buratai pointed out that the Nigerian Army Aviation Corps would soon take off, confirming that arrangements were in top gear to this effect. He said the Army was perfecting arrangements to acquire series of air craft, adding that

the trainee pilots were already preparing to graduate around May 2016 from the aviation college where they are currently being trained. He confirmed also that the Aviation technicians trained by the Army were already being deployed to the North East for the war to work with the Nigerian Air Force, NAF. The COAS conference, he said, would afford them the opportunity to appraise their performance and prepare to face the nation’s security challenges. The conference had in attendance, all senior officers at the top echelon of the Army, commanders and Commanding Officers across all Army formations in the country. Highpoint of the opening ceremony was the launch of the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2016 by the COAS, which is the second edition of the Nigerian Army’s sacred book. The doctrine was first published in 2009 under the present minister of Interior, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), as the COAS. Buratai said the doctrine was a guide through administrative, logistics and operational functions of the Army, stressing that the newly introduced Motor Cycle Battalion was the innovation added to the doctrine.

He said the bill was intended to correct anomalies of the past, adding that what the Senate tended to do in the new draft would compound the situation in the oil industry, which government and stakeholders were seeking to resolve. “The Senate is being parochial in its proposal. Every law is made to correct a lacuna. “Host community funds means a certain percentage of revenue generated from the exploratory activities of oil is retained for the development of the host community. “So, when you take it out of the PIB, you are indirectly saying the host communities are not important. This is not right. “Mind you, the degradation of the environment is not peculiar to oil producing areas. If you go to Jos in Plateau, they are still suffering from adverse effects of long period of mining activities,” he stated. The lawmaker also called for the entrenchment of fiscal federalism in the country. He explained that if states and federal governments were jointly involved in the exploration of minerals, the tension created by the attention given to oil would be lessened. “I am also advocating for full fiscal federalism where states can partake in the exploration of any mineral content found in their locality.” Nkem-Abonta also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to usher in industrial and agricultural revolution in the country to help diversify the economy. A ccordin g to h im, Nig e ria h as e n ou g h a g ricu l tu ral pote n tial to be amon g th e top a g ricu l tu ral e con omie s of th e worl d. He said Nig e ria, wh ich is bl e sse d w ith ade qu ate n atu ral re sou rce s, sh ou l d do wh at w as rig h t to ach ieve su stain abil ity an d se l f-re l ian ce.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

We are striving to eliminate Almajiri system in Kaduna —el-Rufai 14

Aluko , former Ekiti Speaker disagree over truce meeting with Fayose abIodun nejo ado Ekiti

ormer Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Olugbemi and the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Secretary in the state, Dr Tope Aluko, disagreed yesterday on how the latter met the state governor in Lagos on Sunday. While Olugbemi said he took Aluko to the governor for reconciliation and that Aluko in the process prostrated to the governor three times to apologise for his

recent revelations against him, Aluko insisted that he was lured into the act, saying Olugbemi lied and that the former Speaker only barged into the meeting. Aluko had been in the eyes of the storm since the purported reconciliation with the governor whose election he had repeatedly said was rigged. Olugbemi said in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday that he actually brokered the peace deal, saying: “The existing cordial relationship between Aluko and myself brought us to a discussion that eventually led to the last

Sunday April 3, 2016 meeting. Olugbemi said that Aluko could not deny that he re-affirmed that Governor Fayose remained his mentor, leader and father, that all his previous actions were devil’s work and that he was under spiritual attack when he was saying all those things

against the Governor. “The Governor asked Aluko four questions: whether he knew the implication of his comng to him; why he behaved in that manner; how old he was; and whether he wanted the reconciliation to be total or partial and he (Aluko) replied that he knew the consequence of coming

to him and that if he did not want total reconciliation, he would not come to see the Governor. “At this point, Aluko stood up again, saying my mentor, my leader, my egbon, I am your boy, you know, I am your boy. Whatever step I have taken before now, forgive me. Aluko and myself

prostrated again,” the former speaker said. But Aluko said: “It is all lies. It is part of the plot to sustain the propaganda against me. Olugbemi is an appointee of the governor in the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB. So, he is doing the bid of his master.

Abia gov canvasses production, consumption of local foods robert awokuse

bia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated that the only way the country can come out of the prevailing economic glut, occasioned by the plunge in oil prices was to develop a new policy that would discourage importation of foreign foods for local production to thrive. The governor stated this in a statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Godwin Adindu. According to the governor, Nigeria with rich agricultural potential, has the capacity for self-sufficiency in food production, stressing that this is time for the country to value the richness of its local menu. Ikpeazu who has taken foreign rice out from his menu, said the reason is to demonstrate that Nigeria has rich agricultural potential. He said: “We cannot be blessed with the kind of arable land we have in the north and the fertile rainforest in the south and still be depen-

dent as a country on foreign food. Nigeria must develop a new policy that will discourage importation of foreign foods and encourage the cultivation and eating of local foods.” The governor urged the federal government to look for alternative measures of survival in agriculture, adding that the country has varieties of food, including sea food that could be sufficient for the people. Ikpeazu who is leading an agricultural revolution in Abia State and has compelled all members of his cabinet and principal officers to own a farm this year, stressing that the state must return to land as a way of recovering its original status as the food haven of Nigeria. While noting that Abia used to be the sixth producer of cocoa, number one producer of cassava, rubber and palm oil, he said his administration will orchestrate a massive proliferation of cassava, cocoa and oil palm and will deploy the latest specie of oil seedling called ‘tenera’ which was bred by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA.

L – R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; newly ratified Acting State Chairman, PDP, Mr. Cleopas Moses; State Secretary, PDP, Mr. Keku Godspower and a member of BoT, PDP, Chief(Mrs) Remi Kuku, during a meeting at the Party’s Secretariat in Yenagoa.

Ortom requests spirited individuals to assist Agatu

Henry Iyorkase Makurdi

overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has enjoined public spirited Nigerians and corporare organizations as well as the Federal Government to come to the aid of the devastated Agatu who have been ravaged by the Fulani insurgents

in the state. He also requested the Federal government’s support to institute a commission of inquiry to examine the causes of the attacks, document the losses and recommend solutions. Governor Ortom made the requests yesterday while speaking with journalists in Okoklo, Agatu local government area after the state ex-

ecutive and security council inspected some communities destroyed by herdsmen during the recent attacks. He described the magnitude of destruction as monumental and far beyond the financial capacity of the state to rehabilitate the affected communities. The Governor said he had visited some of the places at-

tacked by insurgents in the North East but the magnitude of devastation in Agatu far exceeded those places. Governor Ortom requested the Federal government and people of goodwill across the world to assist the Benue State government to enable the ravaged communities recover and get their lives together again.

Insurgency: Dankwambo commends World Bank’s continued assistance in North-East wIllIams attaH GoMbE

ombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has commended the World Bank, European Union and the United Nations’ continued support in the conduct of the recovery and peace building

assessment of the NorthEast Geo-Political zone of Nigeria. According to him, their assessment revealed the exact extent of devastation which is beyond the dwindling resources of the States in the region and stated that the well thought- out initiative couldn’t have come at a better time than now.

Speaking through his Deputy, Honourable Charles Iliya, at the World Bank Meeting on YESSO and CSDP additional financing for all the six States in the North-East held in Gombe yesterday, he stated that history of the World Bank support for the North-East region and Nigeria was a long one.

He said Gombe State has benefited from the World Bank supported Agricultural Development Project (ADP), the Fadama programme, Malaria Control and HIV/AIDS programmes. According to him, all these are important programmes touched the lives of many, especially the poor and vulnerable in the society.

Politics

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We are striving to eliminate Almajiri Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State was a Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT. In this interview with journalists in Kaduna, el-Rufai speaks about the activities of his government in the last ten months. AZA MSUE brings excerpts: As the Governor of this state, how has it been in the last ten months running a complex and combustible state like Kaduna? What are your tribulations and trials and challenges since you assumed office? I want to say it has been an interesting and successful journey and we are grateful to the Almighty God for his intervention in the state that led to our election. I know we got elected because the majority of the people of the state wanted a change because the way things were going was not acceptable to them and that is why they all came out to vote for us. We are very grateful. This is the toughest time in Nigerian history to be a state Governor, particularly states that have been ruled by the PDP for a long period of time. Taking over from a system that has institutionalised itself in 16 years and trying to change direction is always tough. But in addition, we are taking over at the time when the crude oil price has collapsed by 70% and we have inherited structures of government and machineries of government but most importantly, an attitude in the public service and within the larger community of a country that has been selling crude oil at $100 per barrel. So, expectations remain high while the revenues are very low. The third reason is that I never expected that running a state is very different from being a federal minister. I thought that running a state would be the same as running the Federal Capital Territory but I was wrong at that. I have seen that things are quite different and more complex. One of the challenges we are facing in this state is that everything seem to be politicised or ethnicised or ‘’religionised’’. A very simple problem that can be discussed and resolved by logic and facts becomes converted into issues of ethnicity and religion and so on. So, these are some of the challenges we have to face but we are doing the best we can. As far as governance is concerned, we have addressed frankly what we felt were the issues; first low revenues. In the first month, we got here, we got about N5 billion from Federal Allocation but in the last two months, we got N2.8billion each. So, even from the time we started till now, there has been massive changes, but we are taking steps. We knew that all things are scanty and we need to do some things. That is why, from day one, I and the deputy governor have decided to give 50% of our salaries as our contribution because we are going to ask public servants to make similar sacrifice. We also reduced the size of government; the number of commissioners has been reduced from 24 to 13. It was all in an effort to cut cost. We inherited 38 Permanent Secretaries, but now we are operating with about 18 of them. We are looking at Ministries, Departments and Agencies that have similar functions and merge them just to cut cost. This is because if your revenues are collapsing, you need to cut your cost. We are reducing the length of convoys; the governor’s convoy had 21 vehicles, but now, we only have five or six cars that go out with me and they are all essential. I don’t go out with ambulance because I don’t expect to drop dead anytime. This is all in the bid to reduce the cost of running the government. What we saw clearly in June was that unless we did something to reduce the cost of governance, we would end up being a government that only pays salary from month to month and nothing more, which was what the previous government ended up becoming in the last few months because they could not make the adjustment. But on the other hand, we are also raising revenue. In Decem-

el-Rufai

In December 2015, we collecteD n224 mIllIon as Internally GenerateD revenue. In January, we starteD blockInG leakaGes by sayInG no cash payments. we DeployeD pos to hospItals because people complaIneD of hospItals tellInG them to Go to banks to make theIr payment. ber 2015, we collected N224million as Internally Generated Revenue. In January, we started blocking leakages by saying no cash payments. We deployed POS to hospitals because people complained of hospitals telling them to go to banks to make their payment. So, in hospitals now, you don’t pay cash and the money doesn’t leak. After blocking these leakages, we raised N1.2billion in January and in February, it increased to about N2billion. It is looking like this year, we are going to be raising about N3-N4billion a month by the time all the policies are put in place and settled.

So, we are generating more internal revenue than depending on the federation account. We are doing all these because we know there is a limit to how you can cut cost. You can’t cut personnel cost. You can verify, remove ghost workers but salaries and pensions are fixed cost and you have to pay that every month. Unless pensioners die, the pension keeps on increasing. So, we have to ensure that we raise enough revenue to cover our fixed cost and also have some resources for development. So, that is what we have essentially been doing; it has been CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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Politics

Thursday, April 7, 2016

system in Kaduna —el-Rufai

cause of this arrangement issues. People in the system have been sabotaging our efforts. I don’t want to go into details but we have set strategies to deal with that. One area we have big problems is with the local government pay roll. Their records are much worse. We sorted out the states much earlier because those people that complain they have not been paid salaries are mostly teachers and local government employees but at the state level, we have more or less sorted everything out. We are focusing now on the local government. We are doing a census of teachers so that we can know for sure who our teachers are. We are deploying technology to know if the teacher comes to school or not. By God’s Grace, before the end of the year, many of these issues will be sorted out and things will begin to work better. One thing that we know for sure is that we need to hire more teachers. We need thousands of teachers because the quality of teachers we have is not up to a scratch. We are also introducing state wide mock examinations and also school sports so that we can catch our talented young people early. We are doing all that to make public education comprehensive and qualitative. It is something we are committed to and we are moving in that direction. Progress is slow because when you inherited sixteen years of problems, you cannot in ten months make huge headway, but I believe we have made a bit of progress.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 tough, as you know, 27 States of the federation have to be bailed out by the Central Bank and we were not one of those. But we went and got similar financial support because we inherited N14billion pension liability that we are planning to pay. We are just verifying the pensioners to be sure that they all exist. We have borrowed enough money from the Central Bank to pay gratuities and pensions. It has really been difficult, but we are lucky, we have a good and hardworking team in Kaduna. We try to bring the best people we know can deliver and we are making progress in many areas despite the challenges. In some states, the battle of salary alone has incapacitated the government. But in this state, we pay salaries. Yes, there are issues but on the whole we have done pretty well. Education is an area we want to revive. We inherited 4,225 primary schools in Kaduna state. We were told that 1.2 million pupils were sitting on the floor, we saw that virtually all the 4,225 primary schools have no windows, doors and seats in their classrooms. No toilets and roof. You find out that pupils have to go to the bush when they are pressed, girls cannot come to school when they are menstruating because there is no water. We had to take school as a priority and we started working by renovating them. In some classrooms, we have 200 pupils for classrooms that were built to accommodate 40 pupils. We can’t do anything immediately because we can’t build classrooms overnight but we are serious about correcting it. We need to make our children to like going to school and that is more important than anything. And we said one of the things that this administration wants to do is to eliminate the almajiri system in Kaduna state. The first thing is to ensure that there is an incentive for children to go to school and that is the logic behind the school feeding programme. We want children to go to school and look forward to something. Secondly, the first 100 months of a child’s development is when his brain develops, when he has adequate nutrition. So, there is also nutritional aspect to it. Thirdly, we decided that we want to take the burden of giving the children pocket money everyday off the parents. So we could not start it immediately because we had to do a lot of planning to minimise the problems. Then, we said we would fix the existing classrooms as they are; that is the doors, windows, roofs and what have you. Another thing we want to do is to improve teachers’ quality. We got report that 38-42% of our teachers are not qualified to teach and we can’t throw them out overnight. We want to give them a period to train and upgrade their skills but we intend to have good teachers in our primary and secondary schools. We are making progress on all fronts. In our boarding secondary schools, we have enhanced money for their feeding so that they can get better quality food and we took out an experiment of taking out the feeding from the hands of the principals and contracting it out to restaurants and caterers. This is because when you give the principal the money, you are making the principal a cook. He has to go and organise food from the market and that is not his job. Using Queen Amina College as example of where we have started, the students are so happy, because the quality of food has improved. We are spending N180 per day on each student. We are even looking at improving that if our finances increase. In the health sector, this state does not have more than 200 doctors and 80% of our pregnant women give birth outside the hospital environment and that is why we always have high maternal mortality. It is because we have allowed our Primary Health Care centres to collapse essentially. We have a duty to revive that and we are working on that. The state presently has 1,068 primary Healthcare Centres that need revival. We decided that we would take 255 health centres; one in each ward plus one in each local government making 278 health centres. We will equip them with all the

el-Rufai

In September 2015, we foreSaw thIS emergence of kIdnappIng aS the next threat tools needed to save the pregnant mothers and also to give medical support to infants up to the age of five because medical care for pregnant mothers and infants up to that age is free. We are also trying to see that 80% of the drugs that people need are available in the hospitals. We are doing all these in a very difficult time when our resources are low. The fiscal space is tightening, every month the revenue is going down. The only consolation for us in Kaduna is that the internal revenue is going up and that is because we are verifying workers and have reduced the payroll by about five hundred million naira . The first month we came, the state payroll was about N2.7 billion, we brought it down to N2.2 billion last month and with the final round of verification that we are doing now , we believe it could even go lower because we believe that there are still a lot of fraud in the system. We are taking steps to block them by requesting every employee of the state to open an account with a deposit Money Bank so that they can have a BVN. You cannot cheat on the BVN and that is the final thing that we are doing and I am very grateful to the public servants of Kaduna state for their patience because they have gone through this over and over again. After all these verifications and the real staff have been separated from the ghost workers, the people in account and personnel will remove the real staff and put back the ghost workers again just to cause confusion. It is a continuous battle because those that created these ghost workers are beneficiaries of huge amounts of money every month. We have had issues with payment of salaries, not because we don’t have the money like other states but be-

The government has tried in curtailing some of the security challenges that the state had been facing but we are witnessing the emergence of kidnapping. We had an instance where two clergymen and a military officer were abducted. Does that pose a threat to the quest of bringing peace to the state? In September 2015, we foresaw this emergence of kidnapping as the next threat because as Boko Haram is being disseminated and our cattle rustling operations are being successful, northern governors met and agreed to amend the Penal Code, to make kidnapping a more serious crime. What the Kaduna state is trying to do is to acquire equipment that would help track kidnappers. But to be quite honest with you and I am getting the reports everyday that kidnapping has gone down. The frequency and the intensity has gone down. In January, it was happening like five everyday but the security agencies launched an operation along Abuja road and cleared most of them . The reason why kidnapping is now catching your attention rather than the statistics is that they are trying to reorganize and their target are high profile citizens. The challenge of kidnapping is that you cannot launch a successful operation without jeopardising the life of the victim. So what we often do is to allow the exchange of money to take place and then we go after them. Most of the time we get them. Even now we have some of them in custody and they are giving useful information about the structures and the kingpins who are organising them. Interestingly, some patterns are emerging and the SSS are marking them. Very soon, they will be dealt with. But what we need in the state is a tracker so that when they make a phone call, we can pin- point them and from there map who they call because they usually split themselves into groups. The abductors are different, those that keep the victims are usually different, those that make the call for ransom are different and those that collect it are different. So, if you try to arrest any of the group, they will just kill the victim but when they pay the ransom, you will at least know the person that made the call and when the ransom is paid and once you are tracking the calls you will know all about them. This is why SIM registration is very important and that was why MTN was fined. We are in the process of acquiring our own. SSS and NSA’s office are the ones that have it. We have budgeted for it and we want the state to have its own. We have communicated to the NSS office. It is a big problem that has no easy solution but I want to assure you that we are on it and if we get that equipment then our capacity to deal with them will improve tremendously.

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Edo Speaker in eye of the storm Onazena abbey Benin

ive months after, palpable fear of being humiliated, coupled with judicial pressure and ultimately the possible anguish of going to jail may have compelled Edo House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Victor Edoroh to sworn- in the member representing Etsako West Constituency 11, Hon Sylvanus Eruaga last Tuesday ahead of the Court of Appeal’s order that he should appear before it today . The speaker is now between the devil and the deep blue sea following his failure to obey court pronouncement, the consequence that may follow and alleged plot by members of the House to have him impeached . He was last Monday ordered by the Appeal court alongside with the Clerk of the House, Barrister Lawson Ugiagbe to appear before it today over disobedience to its order to swear in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate , Mr. Sylvanus Eruaga Swearing- in the PDP member soon after administering oath of allegiance to the federal Republic of Nigeria and that of membership to the State House of Assembly , the speaker said besides been saddled with the responsibility of making laws in the 6th House of Assembly, he will always obey law as long as the necessary rudiments are put on the table. Hundreds of PDP faithful including Senator Matthew Urhoghide, PDP State Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, Senator Odion Ugbesia, PDP Gubernatorial Aspirant , Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu stormed the hallow chamber to witness the swearing in ceremony. Justice Olukayode Bada who had earlier prevailed on the warring parties to settle out of court two weeks ago noted with dismay the unwillingness of the counsel to the speaker to resolve the issues and thereafter mandated the Solicitor- General of the state, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu to produce Mr. Edoror and Barr. Ugiagbe personally in court so as to explain why they should not be committed to prison. The order to appear before the court was consequence to the issuance of Form 49 on the Speaker and the Clerk following refusal of the duo to comply with an earlier order of the court on Form 48 on its notice of consequence of disobedience of court order in the suit CAC/B/EPT/343/2015 between Gallant Commander Sylvanus Eruaga and Dr. Gowon Yakubu Marughu, INEC, REC Edo state, APC and others Besides the pressure of swearing in the member representing Etsako West 11, the Speaker is equally battling to regain the collected trust reposed in him by the entire members of the hallow chamber who have equally revolted against his leadership. The appellant court in its judgment precisely 12th , December 2015 declared Erauga winner of the State House of Assembly election held on April 11, 2015 as against the tribunal judgment which earlier upheld the election of Gowon Yakubu Marughu of the All Progressive Congress, APC , candidate representing Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s constituency Attempt by the speaker to convey plenary last month was not only resisted but snowballed into rowdy session as lawmakers rented the air with a shout no, no, no more proceedings over what they termed failure by the state government to buy them official vehicles , pay monthly entitlement and welfare packages . The speaker who consequently deduced inherent danger of prolonging the plenary was compelled to adjourn the House for two weeks break as against the wish of the angry legislators who clamoured for indefinite closure, ‘’sine die’’ The decision of the Court of Appeal to slam an order on the speaker may not be unconnected with purported manhandling of a court bailiff, one Mr , Abraham Ifijeh barely three weeks after a serving corps member attached to the speaker’s office suffered same fate for allegedly receiving letter from a court bailiff . All hell was however let loose when the Court of Appeal’s bailiff raised alarm of how he was allegedly beaten to a stupor by aides to the speaker whom he claimed were under instruction from the speaker not to receive any court processes from the appellant court .

Oshiomhole

Attempt by the speAker to convey plenAry lAst month wAs not only resisted but snowbAlled into rowdy session As lAwmAkers rented the

Air with A shout no, no, no more proceedings While narrating his ordeal, the court bailiff said “I was surprised at the way they behaved at the Speaker’s office. I went to serve court services to both the clerk and the speaker of the House of Assembly. On getting there, the secretary collected the papers and said there was an order for them not to collect any papers from the Court of Appeal. I went to the Speaker’s office and there I was pushed out and beaten up.” Meanwhile, the speaker who consistently denied the alleged inhuman treatment melted out to the court bailiff, attributed the delay over the swearing in of the PDP candidate to a petition written by some members of the public bordering on the authenticity of the certificate of return issued the PDP candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, adding that the House has commissioned a team to Abuja with a view to finding out the veracity of the claim. ‘’We are investigating a petition concerning forgery of certificate of return against him and until that is exhausted, he cannot be sworn-in,” The obviously furious 24 members of the House of Assembly had vowed to make the House ungovernable over what they described as betrayal of members by the speaker and they are yet to be pacified by the governor who after his juicy promises to the members travelled abroad overnight. It would be recalled however that the governor had during the signing into law of the 2016 budget, lamented the inability of the state government to purchase the vehicles for the lawmakers due to paucity of funds. The collective decision of the angry assembly members to cause ripple at the hallow chamber was an off- shoot of a previous night caucus meeting where they complained bitterly about the uninspiring leadership of the speaker who

Edoroh they said had since trade their right and interest to the executive arm of government . Narrating his frustration and present predicament, Eruaga who said he exploited all avenue to ensuring his swearing in, revealed he had to stooped to the extent of begging the speaker’s wife when observed that the Speaker had concluded in his heart not to accept a copy of the certificate of return and when it became obvious that he was mainly acting on instruction from above ’’ At a private meeting with him, the speaker told me in confident that it was the governor who gave him the directive that I should not be swore in and that my matter was not in his hand. He said he has minuted on it and sent to the governor. PDP will only be five members out of twenty four, APC will be nineteen. So why are they afraid? As a former era boy to the governor before I dumped APC for PDP I even called him, moment I was declared winner of the election by the appellant court, he refused to pick my calls. It is not about APC or PDP, it is about the constituency I’ m representing.’’ Meanwhile, the leadership of the PDP has commended the actions of the lawmakers over the sudden realization of the imminent danger of hobnobbing with what they called the anti- people policies of the Governor Oshiomhole- led administration PDP State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare opined : “Edo PDP have consistently maintained that the governor has since abandoned governance. Curiously, as we move towards the tail - end of his uneventful administration, all state resources are now diverted to scandalous projects. This is coming at a time pensioners are dying daily as a result of government insistence on physical appearance for verification of their claims knowing full well that the beneficiaries are frail and weak from months of non-payment of their entitlement. “This insensitive government has also made life hard for judicial workers who have been denied their entitlement and outstanding salaries as well as local government workers still owed months of unpaid salaries and subjected to untold hardship. It is now obvious that the governor has failed to come to terms with the harsh realities of the moment”, Nehikhare said. He added that, “We commend the leadership and members of the Edo State House of Assembly, EDHA for speaking out now on this burning issues. Just like Edo PDP has always advocated Although the speaker may have wisely pacified the severity of the consequences of continuous disobedience to court order by his decision to swear- in the PDP member ahead of today’s appearance, his fate and that of the Clerk now hang on the leniency and discretionary disposition of the Judge come tomorrow.

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South West

Thursday, April 7, 2016

We no longer recognise Eze Ndigbo –Olubadan-in-Council Kemi olAitAn IBADAN

Bishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Remo Diocese, Rt. Revd. Michael Akinwale, praying for former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel, at an interdenominational service held to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of Otunba Daniel in Sagamu, on Wednesday.

Cleric seeks prayers for Buhari, leaders A biodun n ejo ADO EKITI

eneral Overseer, The Word Bible Church, Prophet Julius Kumoluyi, has assured that the ongoing rebuilding of the country being undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will bring about restoration of lost glory. Kumoluyi, however, urged Nigerians to stepup prayers for the success of the administration, particularly for wisdom and knowledge for the president and other leaders as well as for God’s Spirit to direct the country’s affairs. The cleric said the hardship being experienced at the moment

was necessary in view of the nature of the rebuilding process and the targeted good life for the citizenry by the present administration. He said, “One has to pass through fire to become great. That is what Nigeria is passing through now. I always compare Nigeria to a 25-storey building that suddenly collapsed. The rebuilding has to take time and accompanied by some pains. The rebuilding of Nigeria is ongoing. Nigerians will soon laugh and everything will be okay.” The cleric, who was in Ekiti State for the monthly three-day programme of his church tagged, ‘The All Purpose Prayers,’ disclosed

these yesterday during a condolence visit to the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru, over the death of former APC Senatorial candidate, Gbenga Olofin. Olofin, a native of Igede Ekiti, died in a road crash last month. Kumoluyi implored the monarch and Igede people to take heart as death is a necessary end, saying what matters are the legacies of the individuals. “I did not know the late Ambassador Olofin, but what people say of him, his good works in this community and how God used him to touch the land and its people are the reasons for our visit,” the cleric

said. He reiterated the call for the setting up of separate court to try corrupt public office holders, saying “such will ensure speedy trial, check the trend of graft among politicians and public office holders and accelerate development as resources will be channeled to right quarters.” Kumoluyi, who expressed his belief in the corporate existence of Nigeria, also appealed to groups and individuals singing tunes of disintegration to tell the government their grievances for amicable resolution. This, he said, is necessary to arrest and reverse the country’s decline.

13 escape death in Lagos multiple road accidents PAtience o gbo

o fewer than 13 persons were injured yesterday when a petrol tanker fully-laden with AGO lost control while descending Otedola Bridge at Berger area of Lagos, and rammed into cars, causing mul-

tiple accidents on the busy road. Although it was uncertain if there were casualties apart from the injured as at press time, the accident grounded traffic at the bridge that links Otedola Jubilee Estate, Omole Phase 2 and the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The ghastly accidents

were said to have been caused by the long fuel queues that stretched onto the expressway, causing the ill-fated tanker to lose control while trying to manoeuvre to safety, and failing. In order to prevent a fire outbreak, some fire service men were deployed to the scene. They parked across the

road alongside men of the Lagos State Ambulances Services, LASAMBUS, who helped in conveying the injured to hospital after giving them first aid treatment. As at press time, traffic was still at a standstill despite vigorous efforts by different traffic agencies to control it.

risis over the use of Eze Ndigbo title in Ibadanland may have finally been laid to rest as the Olubadan-inCouncil yesterday said it will no longer recognise the title and ordered Igbo leaders in its domain to report to one of its warrior chiefs, Baale of Ekotedo, henceforth. This position was reached after a meeting of the council at Popoyemoja palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji. The meeting presided over by the monarch was attended by most members of the council that included High Chief Lekan Balogun, a senator; High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola and the Iyalode, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun. The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the council does not recognise the title because there cannot be two royal fathers in the domain of Olubadan. He said, “The only Oba in Ibadanland is our father, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I. So, no other person can call himself his royal highness in Ibadan. This is because we have three levels in the traditional chieftaincy system in Ibadanland. We have the Olubadan, his High Chiefs and the

Baales. You can see the levels one, two and three. Any other person comporting himself in form of royal highness is a counterfeit. “So, royal Ndigbo or any clubs, association or their heads comes under the Baale in that respective domain. So, if you say Eze Ndigbo or what, you come under the Baale of Ekotedo. So anything they have to do, they cannot come to the Kabiyesi directly. The Olubadan has somebody representing him. “During the days of war, we had them at the borders. We have Baale of Ido at the border, Baale Egbeda at the Egbeda point and at Oluyole point, and so many Baales like that as representatives of Olubadan and they are warriors. And they stand till today; any other person that wants to be a leader must come under that respective Baale. So Eze Ndigbo comes under the domain of Baale of Ekotedo who reports to Olubadan or Olubadanin-Council in return. “We don’t want to know whatever they are called. They are not our Baales. We don’t recognise them. If you have a club or association and they have their leaders, their leaders come under the authority of our Ibadan here. If they live in Ibadan and you want to trade or whatever, we bless them but they must come under our Baale. That is what we are saying.”

Ekiti works commissioner resigns Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr Kayode Oso, has resigned his appointment. A statement from Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Modupe Alade, said Oso resigned on health ground. Alade in the statement made available by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said: “Mr Kayode Oso has worked assiduously to add value to this

administration going by his effort towards the development of our state.” According to the SSG, Oso, in his resignation letter, stated that he decided to resign to attend to health challenges. She stated, “We wish him quick recovery. The government of Ekiti State will stand by him while he overcomes his health challenges.” Oso, who served as Chief of Staff and later Works commissioner during the present governor’s first tenure, was reappointed Works commissioner last year.

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Thursday, April 7, 2016

Why Gender Equality Bill must be resurrected! CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

ast March 15, Nigeria missed another opportunity to lay the foundations for social justice cum sustainable growth and development when the National Assembly rejected the Gender Equality Bill. The bill, formally entitled “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women”, had been sponsored by Senator Abiodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South. Olujimi had during the plenary session of the Senate shed light on the bill, stressing among other things that it would procure equal rights for women in marriage, education and job. The rationale for this kind of bill is easily grasped considering the deeply-entrenched practices in our society that are decidedly discriminatory, repressive and exploitative of women. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated during the first reading in the Senate with stern opposition coming from the controversial Senator Sani Yarima from Zamfara State and a handful of others. Mind you, the 8th Senate has only seven females out of 109 senators! The most “potent” argument of those op-

posed to the bill is that the 1999 Constitution has already guaranteed freedom from discrimination to women and other citizens and that the constitutional provisions should suffice without the need for any other special legislation. This argument is utterly fallacious in that the 1999 constitution itself is decidedly antiwomen and thus needs urgent amendment! To buttress my point, I will raise here a number of discriminatory provisions inherent in our hallowed constitution. There are basically two kinds of discrimination against women in the constitution which are the explicit and implicit. Examples of implicit discrimination include the gender-biased language of the constitution and fundamental omissions of some innovations in modern constitutions of the world, which have been employed to eliminate discrimination against women. The discrimination against women under the present constitution began from the process of making the constitution itself. An ideal constitution should have inputs of every shade of public opinion, every segment of the society and every sphere of distinct natural or convectional divides that constitute the eclectic mix of the country. But the 1999 constitution was made without the inputs of women, who constitute about half the population of Nigeria. On the constitution itself, Section 26 explicitly introduces what may be called dichotomy of a citizen’s spouse right to Nigerian citizenship. Under that section, a foreign woman married to a Nigerian man is eligible to Nigerian citizenship by registration, but the section fails to make the same right available to a foreign

the extAnt nigeriAn constitution is grossly inAdequAte to grAnt protection for the interests of women…

man who married a Nigerian woman. This is palpably at variance with Section 42 of the constitution, which provides the right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of SEX, religion, ethnicity, political affiliation etc. Another instance of discrimination is Section 29 of the constitution, which provides that for the purpose of renunciation of Nigerian citizenship, a married woman, irrespective of her biological age, shall be deemed to be of full age (an adult). The implication of this will be realized when it is borne in mind that the attainment of maturity of the mind is the legislative intention for making 18 years the minimum for eligibility to renounce citizenship. Now the provision that any woman that is married shall be deemed of full age for the purpose of the section is strange, especially in a country like Nigeria where girls as young as 10 years are given away in marriages. One may further cite the language of the constitution, which obviously is gender biased. There is the inordinate use of male pronouns like “He” “His” and

“Him” to the total exclusion of female pronouns. The male pronouns appear about 253 times in the 1999 constitution. While this may appear innocuous especially in the light of the Interpretation Act which makes all male pronouns used in statutes applicable to women as well, yet the fact still remains that most modern constitutions have moved away from the patriarchal mentality of using exclusive male pronouns in the constitution to the gender neutral of using “a person” instead of exclusive use of “he”. Furthermore, the 1999 constitution, apart from making a general provision forbidding discrimination against any person on the basis of sex and other factors, completely shies away from making genderspecific provisions to protect women from discrimination. Given the nature and scope of abuse of women right in the country, this almost amounts to a criminal omission. The conclusion here is that the extant Nigerian Constitution is grossly inadequate to grant protection for the interests of women, and therefore, it itself stands in need of urgent amendment to make it gender-compliant. Furthermore there is a need for a gender-specific legislation for the purpose of eliminating entrenched practices of discrimination against women, which is inimical to our nation’s developmental goals. The recently defeated Gender Equality Bill, therefore, should be reintroduced to the National Assembly and passed into law. Kayode Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco

Ambode’s sports and youth empowerment drive Rasak Musbau

s part of efforts aimed at addressing societal disadvantage, marginalisation, unemployment and other challenges which youths face today, the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State has made sport development an integral part of its youth empowerment drive. To the enlightened and open-minded, sport is an integral part of healthy living; it not only bring about healthy body, it also increases the energy and mental alertness of a person by improving blood circulation and eliminating mental exhaustion. Today, sport has become a business concern that contributes to gross earnings of many countries. In Nigeria, Lagos State remains a veritable breeding ground for budding sporting talents. Most of the celebrated Nigerian sportsmen had their sporting tutelage in Lagos. Current national soccer sensations, Odion Ighalo of Watford FC, England and Asisat Oshoala of Arsenal Ladies, England began their football career in Lagos. Same goes for Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh, Obafemi Martins and Taribo West. It is in order to properly leverage on sports as a platform for youth empowerment that the Ambode administration is deploying various strategies to harness the sporting potentials of youth in the state. One of the recent activities that mirrored the resolve of the govern-

Across the world, governments focus on developing sports infrAstructures to Add greAt vAlue to the life of the people ment to raise the bar in sports development was the sporting event, tagged, ‘Lagos City Marathon’. An initiative of the Lagos State government, Lagos City Marathon communicates creativity as an approach to sport development. As it has become characteristic of the administration, the Private Sector Participation (PPP) model was deployed in the funding of the world class event, with Access Bank and other partners like Eko Atlantic, Eko Hotel & Suites and Lucozade Sport coming on board to sponsor the race. The Lagos Marathon, which attracted over 50,000 spectators, was put together to boost the sporting and tourism sectors of the state. Prior to the event, organisers of the race had reiterated their resolve to use the event to drive investments into the two sectors. It is a universally accepted fact that sports, when well organized, is an excellent vehicle for teaching moral decision making and promoting fair play, trust, tolerance, team work, honesty, respect of the opponent, all of which stay with them for their entire life. In this respect, therefore, sport is the best school of life; the

skills learned through play, physical education and sport are fundamental to the holistic development of young people. These skills, such as cooperation and confidence, are essential for social cohesion and are carried through adult life. For this, across the world, governments focus on developing sports infrastructures to add great value to the life of the people. While the state was still basking in the euphoria of successfully hosting the international marathon, officials of Barcelona Football Club of Spain visited Governor Ambode to inform about their intention to establish its first African football academy in the state. In the words of the governor, the decision is in sync with his administration’s philosophy for sports development. “Whatever it is that we need to do to ensure that this project takes off as quickly as possible, we are ready to support you in the interest of all of us.” The governor used the occasion to affirm his belief that sports remains a solid platform to promote youth empowerment in Lagos. A member of the FC Barcelona Management Board, Pau Vilanova Vila-Abadal, who led the team to Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said FC Barcelona decided to establish its academy in Lagos due to the impressive sporting record of the state and the opportunity to share the philosophy of the team with the numerous burgeoning soccer talents across the state. According to Worldwide Direc-

tor of Barcelona Academy, Oscar Grau, famous football stars like Lionel Messi, Andre Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, among others, started their soccer career from Barcelona academy, adding that the club had a unique methodology of instilling great virtues in footballers. One dividend expected from this development is that it will create a very good platform for youth development and empowerment in the state. Many sports enthusiasts including NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, have pledged their support for the success of the academy. For obvious reasons, Lagos State has continued to be a major destination for various sporting events. Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved the hosting of the first ever Beach Soccer African Nations Cup in Lagos. The event, which is slated for December this year, is a major qualifier for the World Cup and eight best Beach Soccer teams in Africa will converge in Lagos for the tournament. This, no doubt, will provide another boost for the state’s economy as tourism and other related activities would effectively benefit from the tourney. Musbau wrote from Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. 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 April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Queens College, Lagos sexual harassment scandal

he dust raised by the allegations of sexual harassment the mother of an SS2 student of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, identified as Mrs. Chinenye Okoye, levelled against a Biology teacher in the school, Mr. Owoseni Osifala, is yet to settle. Mrs. Okoye, according to reports credited to her by the social media recently, revealed that one late Thursday night, her daughter called her on telephone and reported how the teacher living in the boarding house area allegedly cornered her on her way back from easing herself just before lights out. Mrs. Okoye’s words: “She told me that he called her and she thought he wanted to punish her for leaving her dorm room when it was almost lights out. But when she got closer to him, he was smelling of alcohol and she ran away from him. But he ran after her and grabbed her and tried to kiss her while touching her private parts. She started screaming and then students started coming out, so he left her and pretended to punish her. But the students already know his ways, so they started booing him until the housemistress came out and chased them inside, telling them to be quiet and that nothing was actually going on… ”. Mrs. Okoye lamented that all the efforts she made to ensure the

school authorities sanctioned the teacher was rebuffed, and that the teacher continued to taunt the girl notwithstanding the claim of sexual harassment against him. The matter has since been reported to the police. The Lagos State Police Command commenced investigation into the case almost immediately; and had quizzed Osifala and the Principal of Queens College, Dr. Lami Amodu; while the students of the school had staged a peaceful protest during which they vouched for Osifala’s innocence. Latest reports on the matter said members of a panel of enquiry set up by the Federal Ministry of Education to probe the incident; comprising six members – three males and three females – arrived at the school last Wednesday to commence work. While it is necessary to stress that the suspected Biology teacher remains innocent of any crime – in the eyes of the law – until he is formally arraigned and his alleged offences are proved beyond any reasonable doubt, shrugging off the significance of the scandal will amount to sheer hypocrisy. For it provides yet another unflattering clue to the huge loss of moral bearings and decay in the country. Not a few Nigerians will feel a deep sense of disappointment that the very

Shrugging off the Significance of the Scandal will amount to Sheer

hypocriSy.

for it

provideS yet another unflattering clue to the huge loSS of moral bearingS person entrusted with safeguarding the students from the menace of girl-child abusers has become a chief suspect in the very crime he was appointed, equipped and paid to eliminate. When teachers to whom society entrusts the safety, welfare and future of its youths betray the high trust of society; and are accused of destroying the youths instead, then should all be alarmed indeed at the level of moral degeneration in the land. Nonetheless, the panel of enquiry from the Federal Ministry of Education should do a thorough and dispassionate job of its charge, particularly against the backdrop of the insistence of Queens College authorities and the students on the innocence of Osifala, on the one hand, and claims that allegations of sexual harassment, sexual impropriety and indecent treatment of children by him and other male staff

were consistently reported to the school authorities and former Principals and Vice Principals of the college, and no steps were taken to stop the acts, on the other. Mrs. Okoye also alleged that the school authorities “deliberately suppressed several complaints of sexual harassment which my daughter and some other students have consistently reported to their class teacher, year head, the Head of Department of the accused teacher and the principal’s office”. Quite strange really has been the resolute stand of the school authorities, as has been widely reported, that the allegations against Osifala were unfounded, even before the conclusion of panel enquiries and police investigations. But a national daily (not National Mirror), quoted an old girl of the school as claiming that allegations of sexual harassment and indecent treatment of children by the teacher now in the eye of the storm dated as far back as 2005, when he was employed. However, what matters in the end is unravelling the truth through penetrating and diligent investigations, prosecuting and making the culprit pay for his crimes if found guilty as charged, or setting him free to get along with his life if proven to be truly innocent.

ON THIS DAY April 7, 1994 Massacres of Tutsis began in Kigali, Rwanda. The Rwandan Genocide was a genocidal mass slaughter of Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda by members of the Hutu majority. During the roughly 100-day period from April 7, 1994 to mid-July, an estimated 500,000 –1,000,000 Rwandans were killed, constituting as much as 20 percent of the country’s total population and 70 percent of the Tutsi then living in Rwanda.

April 7, 2009 Former Peruvian President, Alberto Fujimori, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for ordering killings and kidnappings by security forces. Fujimori (born July, 28, 1938) was a Peruvian politician. He was the President of Peru from July 28, 1990 to November 17, 2000. A controversial figure, he ended his presidency by fleeing Peru for Japan amid a major corruption scandal and allegations of human rights violations.

April 7, 2009 Mass protests began across Moldova in Eastern Europe , sparked by the belief that results of the parliamentary election were fraudulent. Demonstrators claimed the elections, which gave the ruling Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) a majority of seats, were fraudulent, and demanded a recount, new election or resignation of the government. Similar demonstrations took place in other major cities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Education Today

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) In ABUAD, You Get It All —Dr Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State Governor.

NOSA AKENZUA

hen many of his age mates are considering themselves too old to go to school, Mr. Adelabu Seribor, a 60-year-old cart pusher in Delta State has joyfully enrolled in school to acquire knowledge. His first day in class at Izon College, Bomadi-Overside in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State where he is currently in Junior Secondary School, JSS2, would remain memorable, for him and for others in the school community. He is not only the oldest person in the entire school, he is a well-known cart pusher in the community where he was born and bred. He was received in the school with a riotous welcome as everyone including the teachers trooped out to have a glimpse of him. Dressed in a complete school uniform- a lemon colour shirt and green trousers and a beret to match- Seribor hung his school bag on his back like school children. After all, he was once a student. He dropped out of school as a teenager in primary four when his father, a hunter, according to him, could no longer afford to pay his school fees and his mother was already no more. But after many years through menial jobs especially cart pushing, weeding and faeces disposal he was (and still) doing to earn a living on his own, he arranged for a home tutor who taught him both primary five and six syllabus. “Through that, I sat for the primary school leaving certificate examination and I thank God I passed it very well. I have that certificate already as a first step,” he noted. Since then, Seribor, popularly known in the community as Oyinbo (a light complexion man) had no opportunity to further his education, the condition he said was very painful to him. “I was not comfortable seeing myself in this computer age as a semi-illiterate. That is what I considered myself to be as a primary school leaver when it wasn’t that I am not brilliant. But something in me told me recently that it was never late for me to go back to school if I so desired and determined. That was how I enrolled again,” he told National Mirror. Interestingly, because of the deep interaction when the principal engaged him in an interview, he was considered for JSS2 on the ground that he would be able to cope successfully. Now about his future plans for taking this bold step at his age, he said apart from the

No age limit to schooling —60-yr-old JSS2 student 1. Seribor at school 2. With his class teacher 3. At work

I WILL ENSURE I FURTHER MY EDUCATION, GOD WILLING, AFTER MY SECONDARY SCHOOL TO AT LEAST COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND OBTAIN THE NATIONAL

CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION, NCE, AND BECOME A TEACHER

2. 2.

3. fact that there is no age limit to studies and knowledge acquisition except death and ill health, he wants to be addressed as a graduate and as a teacher. “ So, I will ensure I further my education,

God willing, after my secondary school to at least college of education and obtain the National Certificate in Education, NCE, and become a teacher,” he explained. It is not as if Seribor is not aware of the 60 years statutory retirement age for teachers and other civil servants in the country. Since he would be close to 70 years by the time he would be an NCE holder if everything works as assumed, he said he would take to private practice in a big term. “I just love teaching and that is why I don’t joke with my studies. Since I am already old, I cannot afford to repeat class. I ensure I don’t miss class and home assignments. And whenever I don’t understand something, I ask my teacher separately after class to help

me out and the method has been working out fine because all my subject teachers are always ready to help,” he explained further. He is also thinking that he may be appointed in future to hold a public office in his community or at the state level, thus the need to prepare himself well for such task. Interestingly Seribor, who is still a bachelor but hope to marry before completing his secondary education and raise a family of his own, is still engaging in the menial jobs he had been doing for about five decades. But now, he does these after school hours as many of his customers are aware of the development and as a way of supporting him wouldn’t mind to wait for his service till he shows face. Confirming Seribor’s seriousness and determination to come out of the school in five years time with good grade, his class teacher, Mr. Edsemi Anesah, told National Mirror that his student was not only committed and hardworking but he was also humbled and respectful. “If he should hold on to his dream and remain committed as he is presently doing, he would definitely become what he wants to become after school,” he added. “And that is why I see him as an encouragement to many youths and old adults who had no opportunity for formal education in their early life to now consider the second chance option.”

‘‘

Ex-student’s alleged ISIS recruitment: Our searchlight now on religious fanatics —VC, FUT Minna 20

‘Public universities are losing lecturers to private universities’ 22

Why many students graduated with ordinary pass —Rector, LASPOTECH

Education Today

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cleric begs Okorocha to rebuild community school

Ex-student’s alleged ISIS recruitment: Our searchlight now on religious fanatics —VC, FUT Minna

Chris Njoku

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger State, Prof. Musbau Adewumi Akanji is a renowned Bio-chemist and researcher. He speaks in this interview with PRISCILLA DENNIS about the funding, Treasury Single Account policy, the former student of the school linked with the Islamic State terror activities, among other issues. Excerpts:

Owerri

community leader and cleric, Prophet Godfrey Gbujie has called on Imo State Government and corporate and individual philanthropists to come to the aid of Ihenweorie Secondary School, Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government area of the state. He said the school was in total mess in terms of structures and facilities, the condition he said had led the over 10,000 students’ population to, among others learn and write examinations in the open. Gbujie, who is of the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise Church of Nigeria made the appeal when he conducted some journalists round the school premises, recently. He explained that the long neglect of the school by successive governments in the state caused the mess, noting that the only two structures which are still fairly good for use out of the 13 structures the school started with at inception in 1978 were grossly inadequate for students as well as teachers of the school. Gbujie said the community would have fixed the problem but incapacitated due to poor financial status of many in the area. He however regretted that the school was among the few designated centres in the entire Mbaise local government for WASSC examinations just because of its sustained good academic and moral records. He added that he was particularly worried that there are no well functioning science laboratories and libraries in the college. “That is why we want our governor, Rocha Okorocha to quickly intervene and bring life back to the college in the interest of development of the area and the state at large,” he pleaded.

NSIA holds conference kemi olaitaN ibadan

ll is now set for the 24th annual national conference of the National Society of International Affairs (NSIA). The event, which is been held in collaboration with the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, will hold between 11 and 12 April, 2016 at the university’s Conference Centre. According to a statement issued on behalf of the NSIA’s Secretary General, Prof. Chibuzo Nwoke, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the theme of the conference is “The Domestic Environment and Nigeria’s Influence in Global Affairs.” Sub themes for the conference include “Theoretical and Conceptual Issues,” “Nigeria and the outside world,” “The Economy: Nigeria’s Leadership Role in Africa,” “Nature of Politics, Nigeria as an emerging market,” “The military and insurgency in Nigeria polity.” Interested participants have thus been urged to send an abstract of 250 words on any of the sub themes and a list of up to six key words suitable for index and abstracting services to nsiasecretary@gmail.com .

Sir, many vice-chancellors always claim inadequate funding as their major challenge for their non performance, what is your own major challenge and how about funding in your institution? Well, funding of this university is mainly by the proprietor, which is the Federal Government. We are funded annually through the appropriation by the National Assembly. We don’t have problem with personnel funding, but we have been having problem with funding under capital expenditure. But that is not limited to our university alone, it is not also limited to the educational sector one. Prior to this time up to 2015, release for appropriated funding is not more than 30 per cent. So, it has been very difficult to plan. But, apart from that, we derive funding from developing partners. We have been able to derive funds from different centres around the world, so it is helping us for example, there is a centre here built by the Garman Ministry of Education and Research, our Wascom Centre. From 2016, we have the inspiration that likely the capital funding would be released. And that it would greatly improve, we hope so. Lack of funds for capital expenditure has limited our development as virtually 90 per cent of our money goes into the payment of salaries. We hope that with the present thrust of the new government, that would improve.

Akanji

In your view, what is more important between labour and capfake addresses for their parents, we will now be taking parent data ital to drive growth in an institution like yours? I think, the two of them are intertwined because, you need capital to when students admitted newly as the tendency to say the truth at that hire labour and you also need labour to drive the university forward. So, point will be higher. without adequate capital, you cannot have the desired labour, the two of Many institutions oppose the Federal Government directive them go hand in hand. on the Treasury Single Account, TSA, how is the policy as reRecently, a former student of this university was allegedly gards your university? We feel that TSA should not be extended to the universities and if linked with the IS, especially as regards recruitment of youths need be, probably after it would have been tested with other places to for the sect, how would you explain the development? It was a very unfortunate situation. When the news broke, we went be working effectively. So when we started the policy last September, FUT Minna was unthrough our records and we saw that the boy had seized to be our student after the first semester of 2014/2015 session that is about April last able to draw a Kobo from the account for the first six months because year. So, he had lots of time to himself. And it has come to our notice that what should come first, came last and vice versa. We were not taking through how to operate the platform. But, now most parents and guardians do not have the record of their children and wards in school. Their own is just to pay school fees and will not we have adjusted and the errors being corrected with time. There is bother on what happens again. Because, if the parents of the student in now a lot of improvement on the system. Government has reasons for introducing it and one of these is the question had followed the progress of their son, they would have known that he had been expelled from the university and they would be able to discovery of some dubious accounts, but I don’t see how this will affect universities substantially. track him. On the other hand, the development was also an unfortunate one for Sir, how far have you gone in achieving the vision you had for youths. From our records, the boy is just 23 years old from his looks, you will not think he would involve himself in that kind of thing and what the university when you assumed office years back? What I can say on this is that I have achieved up to 50 per cent of this has thought us is to beam our searchlight on students who pretend to take religion more seriously than their primary assignment in what I aim to achieve for the university. And this is with the support of school. So now we have put our searchlight on students to detect those my team members and the students. So I believe by the grace of God, we should be able to address other things within the next two years with similar tendency. when my term is expected to elapse. Sir, your tune on this matter suggests that you blamed the Many believe that once you are a VC, especially of a federal boy’s parents for this development? To me, parents have substantial blame, because we have other experi- university for just three months in Nigeria, you will become a ences that show that students who have been expelled for one reason or multi-millionaire, how do you see yourself in this respect? Shu…h. This is shocking. I know that I’m not even a hundrednaire the other, especially poor academic performance still live in town. Some even still come to campus. But now we have adopted a policy whereby let alone a multi-millionaire. I don’t know where a VC will get such every student must have to go about the campus with his or her identity money from. Up to about 90 per cent of money coming to a public unicard which is renewable every academic session. So with this, we can versity as far as Nigeria is concerned is spent on salaries and alloweasily check who is who in campus. Our lecturers and other workers ances. So, that position can’t be true. must also hang their ID cards on their necks. You are a Professor of Bio-chemistry; could you please share Each department must also account for its students at the end of every session. For instance, if 100 students checked in for a programme with us your striking professional achievements so far? I became a Professor in 1993 and I am lucky to have produced eight and reduce to 98 at the end of the session, the question would be what has happened to the remaining two? A check would then be carried out. professors and so many others with lesser ranks across fields of huAnd apart from that, we are now publishing names of students who are man endeavours. Also, I am a widely known specialist in Toxicology, expelled for whatever reasons on the school website and the newspa- which is the study of the effect of chemical compounds on human bodies. I have many published works that are today benefiting manpers. We will also be sending text messages to their parents to inform them kind. about the status of their children. Although, some students put down

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Osun warns WAEC candidates against exam disruption Boladale BamigBola OsOgbO.

ollowing report that some students may be planning to disrupt ongoing West African School Certificate Examination, WASCE, Osun State government on Tuesday said it would deal decisively with anyone caught engaging in any act capable of disrupting the examination. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Festus Olajide in Osogbo. The statement said government was aware that some students, who failed to meet up with 4 credit passes required in the mock examination conducted for prospective candidates before they could be eligible for state government registration for WAEC have decided to fight back with a plan to disrupt the on-going WAEC examination in the state. The government added that security agencies have been adequately briefed about the information at its disposal. The statement added that all schools where WAEC examination is taking place in the state have been placed on surveillance by security agencies, saying government is committed to its policy of enhancing communal peace and progress, being one of the Six Point Integral Action Plans. The release then warned any student with such a plan to desist from carrying it out in the interest of peace, threatening that the long hand of the law will surely catch them.

Olashore school rewards long serving workers Saidat alauSa

lashore International School, Iloko-Ijesa, Osun State recently during the school’s 20th Founders’ Day rewarded it employees who have served the school for many years. The Principal of the school, Mr. Derek Smith said the essence was to celebrate diligence and commitment as demonstrated by all the award recipients. The school according to him is 22 years old and there are some members of staffteachers and non-teachers alike- who have really stood by the school almost from inception giving out their best and contributing meaningfully to it progress. The guest speaker at the award ceremony, who is also the Chairman of Board of Directors, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren congratulated the awardees, saying the benefits of the Founders Day celebration is that it allows the present generation to enjoy the legacies left behind by their fore fathers. She however advised the students to make their parents proud by focusing on their studies considering fortune they have spent on their education. “So be passionate about your studies and ensure you be of good conduct in and outside the school. That is how to succeed in life,” she advised further.

Education Today

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Why many students graduated with ordinary pass —Rector, LASPOTECH Until Mr. Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro was appointed as the 10th Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, Ikorodu last June, he was the Deputy Rector in charge of the administration of the institution. He speaks in this interview with SAIDAT ALAUSA on his plans for the polytechnic and sundry issues. Excerpts:

Sir, the number of students who graduated from your polytechnic this year with pass grade was on the high side, how do you intend to address this? Well, comparing this to other year, you will see that this year is minimal; we are doing all our best to ensure that we impact on our students. Education as we all know does not start from tertiary. It is from primary to secondary then to tertiary institution. The background of most of the students is nothing to write home about, it is our responsibility to reshape them, to mould them and we are trying our best possible to ensure they come out better than the way they came in. Round peg are not put in a round hole from the beginning that is the major challenge we always have whenever they came in as fresh students but we will continue to do our best. Recently, the polytechnic acquired some acres of land somewhere far from the school, what is the land for? Let me put it straight, we are not paying for the land. It is on collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture and through that collaboration, we got the land. Also, we need to expand because I know before the expiration of my tenure as a rector; this polytechnic will be upgraded to university status. Is not that we are going to stop the OND and HND programmes but it will be different from what the conventional universities use to have. So, we must think ahead because apart from the expansion we are going to focus more on Agriculture. You should recall that the problem of Nigeria is similar to the problem of LASPOTECH. You know before we discovered oil, it was cocoa, groundnut and the likes that we relied on but the moment we discovered oil we abandoned them. Our land at Ikorodu then was where we got most of our IGR but the moment we commenced part-time programmes we forgot about it. So, now that Part-time programme is beginning to dwindle due to advent of private institutions, universities here and there and the economic situation, we have to go back to agriculture to raise money because we believe that the state government cannot do it alone. There was complaint sometime ago that the polytechnic raised its cut-off mark for new admission seekers above the one recommended by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, why was this so? We have not been doing that for some years now because we also participated where we fixed the cut off marks for universities and polytechnics and whatever the cut-off points we are given we stick by it. We pegged it on what JAMB is giving us because there are other measures by the time they sit for the post-UTME we can get

tunBoSun ogundare

ore lecturers in the public universities in the country are said to be going to private universities to take appointment. This was disclosed in Lagos by the National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Issa Fagae, during an interview. He said the lecturers who he described to be very competent in their respective fields were leaving in droves for greener pasture in private universities where salaries and fringe benefits seem to be better off. He noted that neither the federal nor the state universities are spared from the lecturers’ movement without replacing them. “Even some of those who have tired of

Sogunro the good ones out of the lots. So there is no need for us to raise our cut off marks. But I must say that we still need to get good candidates from the lots that apply to LASPOTECH because I must say students prefer our institution maybe because of the facilities we have, due to personnel, maybe because we take the lead in terms of our products or maybe because of the nature of Lagos. We usually have lots of them who wants to come here but through the postUTME we get the right candidates. What do you think is responsible for the peace the polytechnic is enjoying at present unlike before when it moved from one crisis to another? The peace we are enjoying on our campus is due to the good relationship between the management and the unions. The zeal in everyone is how we can move the institution forward. That is the orientation among both teaching and non-teaching staff to see development and good changes in the polytechnic because if there is industrial action, it will not only affect the students alone but also the staff. They are aware that if they strike they are the ones that work at the accounts, bursary and at the end the action can affect their salary so instead of going on strike we sit and find solution to it. And that is why our calendar has been stable. It is also compulsory to let the union know when there is fund and when there is none so that they will not think you are trying to hide some things from them. We are also transparent in our dealings and through this we have been enjoying peace in the polytechnic.

Public universities are losing lecturers to private universities —ASUU boss the poor conditions of service in the public universities are also going abroad including neighbouring African countries to secure teaching job in their universities,” he stressed. He pointed out that the effect of the movement on the remaining lecturers and the public university system, was huge. Many lecturers, according to him, are now overworked as they are being assigned with excess course load, the condition he said was causing many of them to fall sick or die when they cannot cope. He argued that virtually all the private universities in the country had no concrate plan for staff capacity development before taking off hence their over reliance on the public

university workers to survive. He however said to make the matter worse was that the managements of various universities found it difficult to replace those leaving mostly because fewer number of graduates are interested nowadays according to him in taking up teaching appointment coupled with the introduction of a Treasury Single Account, TSA policy, which he said was characterised with bureaucratic bottlenecks to implement. Fagae who said both the Federal and state governments were not showing enough commitment to move the university education forward urged them to look into the matter to save the system from degeneration.

Education Today

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSCDC asks school owners to step up security network Femi OyeweSO AbeokutA

gun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) has called on policy makers in both government and private schools in the state to step up efforts towards ensuring adequate security of students and members of staff in their institutions. The corp Commandant in the state, Aboluwoye Akinwande gave the charge while addressing participants in Abeokuta, the state capital at the one-day seminar/workshop organised for stakeholders in the state’s educational sector. Speaking at the event tagged: “Towards ensuring adequate security in our schools,” Akinwande explained that the move become necessary in view of the recent security challenges which has exposed public and private schools in the country to kidnap attack. While speaking against the backdrop of the kidnap of the three students of Babington Macurley Junior Seminary (BMJS) in Ikorodu, Lagos State in February this year, the NSCDC boss also charged federal and state governments to ensure that they follow due process as stipulated in the NSCDC/Private Guard Companies Act while engaging security personnel to guard schools. Also speaking about the kidnap of over 200 female students in Chibok, Borno State in 2014, Akinwande said NSCDC in Ogun was working towards preventing such occurrence in the state. The NSCDC boss however, assured that the corp would not hesitate at providing necessary assistance for stakeholders in their efforts towards engaging any of the licensed private security guard companies for their schools. In his own address, the state President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Olatunji Ogundele called for the establishment of a School Security Trust Fund (SSTF) which he said would be able to shoulder all the financial responsibilities associated with providing security for students in all Nigerian schools. Ogundele, who noted that government alone could not provide the security needs for all schools in the federation, also charged the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to see themselves as principal players in the business of policing and educating their children about school security issues. In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Licensed Private Guards Company in Ogun State, Reverend Reuben Lawani called on government as well as proprietors of private schools to desist from engaging security personnel from sources that would not be easy to trace in times of any attack. Lawani, who lamented the poor remuneration of some security guards often engaged by some families, stressed that poorly paid security guards could serve as source of external attack to their principals. He also charged government and private individuals to cultivate the habit of planning for the recruitment of trained security personnel from among the licensed private security companies in Nigeria.

Former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji(middle), Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Rev. Chris Ugorji(7th left) and other dignitaries cutting the anniversary cake during the school’s 45th annual inter-house sport competition, recently.

Physically-challenged, not a barrier to success —FUNAAB VC Saidat alauSa

ice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has encouraged physically-challenged students not to see their condition as a barrier to being successful in life, but rather look up to God as a source of inspiration and be focused. Speaking at a Talent Exhibition and Fund Raising, organised by the National Association of Physically-Challenged Students (NAPCS), FUNAAB Chapter, the Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancel-

AbujA

he Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has pledged to support the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) Abuja to host the African Academy of science (AAS) and African Mathematical Union (AMU) International Symposia on “Current Research Trends in the Mathematical Sciences and Applications scheduled to hold in Nigeria at a date to be

announced later. Onu promised to partner with the centre to promote and educate Nigerians by creating awareness on the subject areas of science and technology, engaged and enhance research skills, encourage academic excellence and build capacity of youths to promote Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Nigeria. According to him, with the quantum of human resources available in Nigeria, it was time to get the best brain in

yesi, stated that everything God made was good, saying rhetorically that what mattered in life was how one reacts to any situation that one finds himself/herself, but not the world itself. He charged the physically-challenged students to be confident and believe that there is ability in disability, because they were all wonderfully-made. Corroborating him, the Director, Academic Planning, FUNAAB, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, admonished the students to dwell less on their weaknesses and concentrate more on their strength. “Love yourself, love God, appreciate yourself and put your confidence in God”, he noted.

The President of NAPCS, FUNAAB Chapter, Mr. Ayetuoma Zion, a 400-level student in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Farm Management (AEFM), solicited for financial support from well-meaning community members of the university, saying that such support would ameliorate the association’s challenges in meeting both academic and logistic needs. According to him, the financial support would be used to photocopy lecture notes and course materials, purchase food stuffs, settle accommodation fees, procure crutches as well as manage emergencies among members.

Why I sponsored maths contest —Lawmaker BOladale BamigBOla osogbo.

member of House of Representatives, representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Mr. Ajibola Famurewa has urged privileged private in-

Minister pledges support for mathematical centre Regina OtOkpa

lor (Academic), Prof. Oluyemisi Eromosele made reference to one of the university graduates, Mr. Tayo Jubril, a physicallychallenged person, who graduated from the Department of Chemistry with a Second Class (Upper Division) degree. The Vice-Chancellor added that the student went through a skill acquisition programme on soap making in the university prior to his graduation and now was doing very well, saying his life was worthy of emulation. Delivering a sermon at the event, the Presiding Priest, Abigail Ajibola Anglican Church, Abeokuta, Venerable Charles Faki-

Mathematics to work in our universities and industries to create competition and improve productivity in the industry especially in the application of technology in farming and refining of petroleum products. Earlier, the Director/Chief Executive Officer of National Mathematical Center, Professor Adewale had called for the collaborative partnership and cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) to support the proposed international event.

dividuals and corporate bodies to do more in assisting government to provide funds for education sector. According to him, the reality on ground is that both federal and state governments cannot on their own provide enough funds to meet educational needs of all Nigerians, hence the need by the corporate world and wealthy individuals to step in and support them. Speaking at the award presentation to the winners of Mathematics Competition he organized for schools in his constituency, Famurewa said it was amazing that the first, second and third winners of the competition out of the schools that participated are all students of public schools. They are Ayodeji Ayodele, a student of Ilesa Grammar School, Okesa; Ayomide Faniyan of St Margret, High School II, Oke-Oye, Ilesa and

Joseph Shadrach of United Anglican School, Bolorunduro, Ilesa. He said he organised the competition to address the poor performance of students in mathematics in both WASSC exams conducted by WAEC and NECO. The lawmaker however said the feat achieved by the winners of the contest affirmed that the educational policies of Governor Rauf Aregbesola are in order and have helped to place on better footing public education in the state. Famurewa, who maintained that the ‘promotion of functional education’ which is part of the Six Integral Action Plan of the government, is yielding positive results, however, lamented the low turnout of students at the competition, saying that it was appalling that students did not participate massively as expected in

the competition. He said: “Out of all the secondary schools, both public and private in the four local government that formed the Ijesa-South Federal Constituency, only 100 students participated in all the stages of the Mathematics competition inspite of massive awareness. “Even at that, I don’t like that these students did not turnout as expected. I could not imagine if it were to be a programme where motorcycles or other material things were to be distributed, people would troop out in their large number. This is academic exercise with low turnout of students.” Commending the lawmaker for the initiative, the Obaala of Ilesa, High Chief Oyekanmi Ogedengbe, said the fallen standard of education would have been checked had well meaning Nigerians risen to address the challenges.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Don’t blame teachers for Nigeria’s education woes T he poor educational performance by Nigerian students in the secondary school examination has been a constant cause of concern to many stakeholders in the Nigerian educational theatre. The recent pronouncement by Professor Peter Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission during a recent workshop in Lagos has once more highlighted the nagging problems plaguing the Nigerian Educational system. According to Professor Okebukola, the blame for the poor performance in public examinations could be shared among the teachers, students, ministry of education, examination bodies and parents. He further suggested that incompetent teachers probably contribute about a third of the problems of the Nigerian educational system. In my opinion, the Lagos workshop and other workshops for that matter cannot achieve the objective of arresting the perennial poor performance of students in core subject areas. By their nature, educational workshops are more often designed to acquaint teachers with modern teaching methodologies and by so doing enhance their ability to impart their knowledge of the course content to the students. A second reason why the workshop may not achieve even the limited objective of the programme is the normal attitude of Nigerians to workshops; whereby the participants focus greater attention on the allowances paid by the sponsoring agency rather than the knowledge to be acquired. The truth remains: little is being done to improve the subject knowledge base of Nigerian teachers! It is obvious to all that many teachers in the service of the primary, junior and senior secondary education systems are grossly deficient in the basic indices of literacy including reading, writing, and speaking, and lack the fundamentals of the subject knowledge. These fundamental defects in the armamentum of the teachers along with poor supervision by the regulatory agencies are important factors in the decline in the quantum of learning in the nation’s primary and

NECO restructuring is for better service delivery —Mgt Priscilla dennis Minna

he management of the National Examinations Council, NECO, has approved the restructuring of the organisation to reposition it for better service delivery and productivity. The Head of Information and Public Relations of the organisation, Mr. Azeez Sani in a press release said the restructuring had given birth to zonal offices and new divisions. The zonal offices are situated in Ibadan, Enugu, PortHarcourt and Makurdi. Others are in Bauchi, Kano, FCT and Lagos. It stated that under the new arrangment, three new Divisions have been created in the Department of Examination Developmentm which include SSCE (external), Trade/Entrepreneurial Subjects and Evaluation and Item Banking. In the Department of Quality Assurance, the new divisions created are Psychometrics, Examination Malpractice and Investigation, and Policy Matters (ex-

ternal). Sani also disclosed that the three new Divisions in the Department of Human Resource Management are Maintenance, Sanitation and Staff Records/Nominal Roll; while Validation and 3rd Year Continuous Assessment, and Operations are the two new Divisions created in the Department of Examination Administration. The statement further added that the restructuring had led to the appointment of eight new zonal coordinators, 37 new state officers, including an FCT Liaison officer and 45 Divisional Heads. Those appointed to head the various zonal offices are: Dr. Abdullahi Williams - North West (Kano), Mr. Usman Abubakar – North Central (Makurdi), Mr. John Tumba – North East (Bauchi). Others are Dr. Kola Raheem – South West (Ibadan), Mrs. Mariana Ukaegbu – South East (Enugu), Mr. Lucky Ohwonigbo – South South (PortHarcourt), Mr. Mustapha Abdul – (FCT) and Mr. Michael Olapade – (Lagos) All the appointments according to the release took effect from April 4, 2016.

secondary educational institutions. These in turn would in no doubt account for the declining fortunes of education in Nigeria as measured by students’ performance in the public examinations. The declining interest in academic activity of Nigerian youths and the very troubling increase in the incidence of examination malpractice encapsulate the state of despondency of the afflicted populace. While it may be debatable whether the examination bodies actually contributed in any way to the poor performance of the Nigerian students in the public examinations, there is no doubt that poor teaching is a crucial factor in the continuing degeneration of the Nigerian education system. Poor teaching as used here embodies both the quality of teachers and their dedication to work. Ironically, I do not think that teachers should be made to shoulder any portion of the blame for their obvious incompetence except in a very remote way. Rather, they should be regarded as products of the collapsed educational system, and hence victims, rather the cause of the problem. Teachers are victims of a poor curriculum that emphasizes the how over the what. They are victims of “teachers” that are barely better than the students in depth of knowledge and delivery methodology. They are victims of a corrupt system which tolerates and sometimes idolizes the corrupt practices of exchange of cash or kind for grades. Many a time, they achieve success in examinations through malpractice encouraged by poor examina-

tion ethics and managerial ineptitude. In some cases, they are beneficiaries of official manipulation of graduation requirements to permit scarcely literate students to obtain degrees without sufficient knowledge: would you blame them for any of these? Though grossly incompetent by every applicable parameter, they are hired ahead of their relatively more competent compatriots by corrupt administrators of education because of who they know, where they come from, what they have to give, or a combination of all of these. The result is that a large pool of highly competent teachers remains outside the circle of active players in the teaching profession. But I wonder what the expectations should be when many at the helms of affairs in the educational sector were rejects of the academic world, who secured admissions without appropriate qualification, and traversed the tertiary education world through means that are altogether repugnant and objectionable to a decent system. To such candidates without sound academic foundations, the numerous money guzzling workshops are nothing more than additional fund raising events that must be fully utilized. The current efforts of government to improve on the qualities of teachers in our primary and secondary institutions are indeed laudable and commendable but the direction is wrong! The problems of teachers and instructions in our educational institutions which are both fundamental and administrative must be addressed. The defective or totally missing foundation of “subject knowledge” would need to be repaired or rebuilt before the necessary teaching methodologies can be effectively installed. Instead of workshops and short courses concentrating on pedagogy, longer in-service courses should be mounted in designated institutions to improve knowledge of core subjects of needy teachers. The initial problems would be identifying the needy teachers and the institutions where they could benefit from the proposed training.

Tunbosun ogundare

he Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idia Oluranti Adebule has identified the Etisalat Prize for Literature as a strong driver for literary development in Africa. She made the assertion while speaking at the awards ceremony for the 2015 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature held in Lagos last weekend. Fiston Mwanza Mujila from the Democratic Republic of Congo emerged winner of the edition with his debut fiction novel, Tram 83. And for the effort, he went home with £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück and an iPhone 6s and he will also attend a fellowship programme at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. However, the deputy governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Lagos, Dr. Yinka Ayandele at the event, commended Etisalat for instituting the Pan-African Literature Prize three years ago, saying the scheme would in no small measure boost the reading

L-R: Dean, Students’ Affairs, Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Kabir Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fidelis Njokanma; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. ‘Lanre Fagbohun;, Ag: Registrar Mr. R.M Mustapha; Bursar, Mr. Hassan Adetayo; Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole at the 2015/2016 Matriculation Ceremony for the newly admitted students last week.

Etisalat literary contests will boost reading culture —Adebule culture and writing skills of students on the continent. According to her, this initiative is a demonstration of commitment to the promotion of African literature and creative writing capable of bringing Africa out of poverty since we run a knowledge-based economy. “It can only bring the students to limelight and

become famous in the field like Chinua Achebe, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiango, among others,” she stressed. Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willshe said the company was delighted to celebrate again the richness and strength of African literature through this year’s theme “Representing the

diversity of African voices” of the competition. He added that diversity was a huge source of innovation making the concept increasingly recognised as new approach to world literature. Kuti Ojuolape Modupe won the Flash Fiction category of the award and received 1,000 pounds and a high-end device for the effort.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNIJOS gets new Registrar JamEs. abraham Jos

new Registrar has been appointed for the University of Jos. He is Mr Monday Danjem who until his appointment was the Deputy-Registrar in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. A statement signed by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar,Abdullahi Abdullahi said the appointment, takes effect from the 24th June, 2016,.According to him,this was approved by the Governing Council of the University after considering the Report of the Selection Board for the appointment of a substantive Registrar for the University. It is for a term of five years. Mr Monday Danjem, a career University Administrator, takes over from Mr Danjuma Jilli-Dandam whose tenure will end on the 23rd June, 2016. Aged 52, Mr. Danjem obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Public Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1990. He has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Jos. Mr. Danjem began his administrative career in the University of Jos as an Administrative Officer I in 1997 steadily rising to the position of Deputy-Registrar in 18th Nov. 2012.

Two FUTA lecturers win Euro26,000 grants wo biochemistry lecturers at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, have won research grants of 26,000 Euro an equavalent of N5.6 million at the CBN official rate on Tuesday . They are Professor Ganiyu Oboh and Dr. Ayokunle Ademosun. The former, sponsoring by Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Foundation of Germany with 25,000 Euro from the money is expected to host a Humboldt Kolleg (Conference) in the second month of next year. The conference with the theme: “Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Translating the knowledge of Food Bioactive Compounds to Effective Health Care Delivery in Developing World” is expected to draw many researchers as participants from across the country. The FUTA’s spokesman, Mr. Adegbenro Adebayo in a press release said the foundation would also sponsor air ticket of two researchers from Germany to participate

in the conference. He noted that the letter to that effect which was signed by Dr. Daniela KneiBI from the foundation encouraged award recipient to key into the aim of the foundation which is to organise Humboldt Kollegs in as many countries as possible at intervals while wishing Professor Oboh a success. Ademosun on his part was given the African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) grant for Junior Researchers 2015. The award, valued at EUR 1,000 is jointly sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). The spokesman added that Ademosun had the opportunity to seek a post-doc fellowship and to join the ranks of AGNES fellows and start contributing to the scientific welfare of Africa. The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola congratulated the two dons, promising that the university would continue to support collaborations in cutting-edge research.

Ademosun

Oboh

Tunbosun ogundarE

Provost, Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu (middle first row) with the newly elected SUG executives during their inauguration, last week.

Provost warns students to shun unruly behaviour EzEkiEl TiTus, Bauchi

he Provost of Institute of Education, Kangere, Bauchi State, Dr Ibrahim Garba has warned the newly admitted students of the school to shun all forms of unruly behaviours. He gave the warning in his address during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the institute with a total of 1,672 new students formally admitted

into the school. Breaking down the statistics, Garba said while 823 students were for NCE, 840 were for diploma programmes in various departments. He urged them to face their studies by regularly attending classes and participating in other activities that could aid their learning with a view to graduating not only in record time but also with good grades. “So, don’t involve in any form of vices including cultism, exam mal-

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practice and hooliganism so as not to truncate your future,” he further advised. The Director, Higher Education, State Ministry of Education, Dan Azumi Ladan Sambo who represented the Commissioner for Education congratulated the students and urged them to eschew every forms of misconduct. He however promised that the government was determined to ensure standard in education at all levels.

Igbinedion University shows way to job creation omooba ‘JidE ilugbo

hile coordinating activities at the just concluded product exhibition at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State involving 300 level students of the institution, I had reasons to rethink my position on the issue of unemployed graduates roaming the street of our nation. There on the exhibition ground were undergraduates who with only six weeks of training were exhibiting their self-made products, ranging from foods, detergent, clothes, fragrance to fashion accessories, among others. Catfishes reared by students studying animal husbandry were also on display while motor driving learners also displayed skill at the event which took place at the David Osunde Centre for

Entrepreneurship within the school premises. Another striking event at the forum was the block moulding by the students from various colleges including Law and Pharmacy. While these were going on, many questions came my mind, among which was why many of our graduates still roam the streets or looking for office jobs when in actual fact they could easily lay their hands in one vocational job or the other after school? So, as I watched each group showcasing skills in their chosen fields of interest, I marvelled at the depth of understanding and practical knowledge on display. With impeccable deliveries, about five groups from the school of Fashion made their presentations to the audience. The most shocking fact is that the students only

had one day interaction per week in the six weeks long training with their instructors. Meaning that these undergraduates from the school of fashion for instance who made the dresses they wore and those displayed on the exhibition ground only had six days direct instruction lessons to produce the set of clothing on exhibition that day. If that be the case, if in six days within six weeks, a person can be trained to become a tailor, then, what are the graduates doing on the street? If in six days within six weeks, undergraduates can master the art of block moulding, then what are the Nigerian youths who are jobless doing at home when there are developing areas all around and people are buying concrete blocks daily. I guess the time has come for us as a nation to redefine our values and

relate with our environment and its opportunities to create a viable economy that will relate our needs with our skills. Maybe elected officers and governmental agencies should look inward and partner with institutions like the Dr. David Osunde Centre for Entrepreneurship to provide this kind of training on a continual basis as constituency projects under their youth empowerment programmes to erode the mounting debris of unemployment in our nation. Other tertiary institutions, private and public alike from college of education to university should also borrow a leaf from the Igbinedion University Centre for Entrepreneurship and stop paying lip service to their Entrepreneurship programme. Ilugbo is from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

EKSU students to live on campus soon —VC sAidAt AlAusA

he Vice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Samuel Bandele has disclosed that as from next session all first and final year students will, compulsorily, live on campus when hostels under construction in the institution are completed. He said this in the university during a press briefing recently. He stated that he knew the problems the university was battling with because of his experience as an insider and a staff before becoming the vice-chancellor. He stressed that the idea was in line with the vision to transform the university to a prestigious citadel of learning. The Vice-Chancellor said that the university has a lot of resources, ideas, skills and knowledge at its disposal that could easily become wealth with the right implementation adding that the two summits held recently on Academic and Internally Revenue Generation have revealed this. Prof. Bandele said that the Part Time Programme has now undergone changes due to the uprooting of the corrupt elements there shortly after his appointment. “Integrity is now recognized once again and there will be no room for manipulation of results anymore.” The Vice-Chancellor announced at the occasion that the university website has been re-positioned and that the university portal has been very active. “Today, for the first time, EKSU students can register anywhere in the world and results can be uploaded and checked on the portal,” Professor Bandele said. Talking about late admissions for some students, the ViceChancellor said “everyone knows where they belong. So those that were given late admissions will have a lot more pressure to work harder than those that were admitted earlier, and this will not affect the academic calendar.”

FCET students elect SUG exco emekA ChukwuemekA, UmUnze

tudents of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State recently went to poll to elect new executive members of the Student Union Government of the institution. The results of the election which were announced at the election ground shortly after the exercise by Dean, Students Affairs, Mrs. Okoye saw Okoye Augustine emerged the President with 269 votes to defeat his closest rival Okeke Chibunna who polled 188 votes. Okeke Grace emerged the Vice-President, Okoli Chinonso(Secretary General), Ezeokafor Tinatamar as Assistant Secretary General, Ibe Innocent as Director of Transport. Also, Nnadi Goodluck emerged as Director of Information, Okafor Kelechukwu as Director of Socials, Ebubeoha Obianuju as Financial Secretary, among others. Following the announcement of the results, some students who could not hide their feelings expressed their excitement, reactions to the conduct of the election. An electoral official, Pat Agha described the election as free and fair. Speaking during the inauguration, college Provost, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu warned the new officers not to joke with the oath of allegiance. He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election which he said was very peaceful. He told them that they were not bigger than their fellow students, “so you shouldn’t use your power to intimidate others.” Prof. Ogbuagu advised the new President to co-operate with his exco and dialogue with the school administration in order to move the college forward.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lawrence Ezemwonye (5th left) with Bingham University’s football team during the 16th Biennial National Medical Students’ Games hosted by UNIBEN, recently.

AAU students want NDDC, OSOPADEC to complete abandoned hostels ‘Yomi AYeleso

300L, AAUA, AkUngbA-Akoko

tudents of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, AAUA, Ondo State have called on the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) and the Ondo State Oil Producing Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to complete the ongoing female hostel project in the campus. It will be recalled that the two agencies started the construction of the hostel projects few years ago and have abandoned them since 2014, the condition that make over 95 per cent of students of the school to live off campus. A 200-level Mass communication student, Mary Adeola, called on the agencies to resume work and complete the project without further delay so as to enable more students live on campus. On his part, Faniyi Inumidun, 400 level Accounting student expressed his displeasure over how the hostel projects, which was nearing completion, were abandoned over the years with-

out any official communication. He called on the school management to engage the agencies in this regards. Also speaking, the student Union President, Adegbola Odunyemi said many students of the institution are facing not only accommodation problem but also water scarcity, epileptic power supply, insecurity, among others, which he said seriously affecting their academic performance. He however urged the school management to approach corporate bodies and private individuals to help build more hostels in the university. The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Bolanle Ogungbamila on his part, said while the university aware of some hardships faced by the students off campus, he promised that the school would look into the matter. He pointed out that to ensure the safety of the students, the management had approved the creation of an off campus student affairs unit saddled with the responsibility of getting the outside hostels accredited.

Bida Poly students crave repair of link bridge A resident of Darachita community, sion. Mr. Muhammed Dani Yisah from Gbako Another resident of the community , HnD 2, mAss Comm FeDPoLY, biDA Mr. Muhammed Sani pleaded with the Local Government also pointed out that tudents of Federal Polytechnic, state Government to intervene in re- the bridge collapsed because of the inBida in Niger State and members constructing the bridge to ameliorate ability of the State Government to reof the community have continued the suffering of the people in the com- construct the main channel of the River. to lament over the deplorable state of munity. Landu Bridge. The collapse of the bridge has made movement unbearable for students and community members who need to pass the bridge to get to other communities in Bida. Landu Bridge is the major link between Esonangi Community, Junior Secondary School Shaba Maliki, Yeboji International School Bida, Bagudu Primary School Bida and Niger State Polytechnic Bida campus, Federal Polytechnic Bida and among other important institutions. A Civil Servant, Mr. Gimba Muhammed said the bridge was constructL-R: Head, Information Communication Technology Resource Centre, Federal ed in Esonangi community by the mili- University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Olutayo Ajayi; Programme Instructor, tary administration in 1988, noting that Mr. Essienekpo Emmanuel and Director, Centre for Innovation and Strategy in the bridge collapsed when two of the Learning and Teaching, Dr. Olusegun Folorunso (right) presenting certificate to a student during presentation of certificates to certified students of the CISCO IT ends were washed away by gully ero- Essentials Course held in the university, recently.

ugwu ugdChukwu

Thursday, April 7, 2016

SUV: Sport-utility vehicle

RONG: Sport utility vehicle; right: sport-utility vehicle (please note the hyphenation) THISDAY Front Page of February 27 contained two blunders: “…they also have reason to mourn a sad news that filtered in from the Supreme Court.” ‘News’ is uncountable. So, mourn sad news that…. “He also said the first five counts against Ezeugo was (were) for attempted murder which carried a penalty of 20 years (years’) imprisonment….” “But we must join hands together to fight this corruption in Nigeria because….” Do we join hands separately? ‘Join together’ is Abrahamic English conservatively explicated in the Bible! “For me, what is happening now in a few years (years’) time every one (everyone) will be thanking God for this President.” “Life returning back to parts of Borno State as security stabilises” Yank off ‘back’, which is implied in ‘returning’ to avoid padding. “Air Force bursts job recruitment (job-recruitment) syndicate” “NDLEA seize (seizes) N5m cannabis in Kogi” Still on THISDAY under reference: “How does he convince Rivers people that the insecurity that stares them on (in) the face daily is a choice they made?” “The payment process, she said, has (had) been automated for the convenience of pensioners.” “…asks if Emenike can catch (cash) in on his loan spell….” “After two weeks (weeks’) break due to the English FA Cup….” “NFF reappoints Siasia as Eagles (Eagles’) coach” “Fire guts late (the late) Audu’s office complex, vehicles destroyed”

Saidat alauSa

he King’s College Old Boys’ Association Centenary Committee recently signed agreement with Glendora International Limited and FedEx Red Star Express, to distribute copies of the history of King’s College, titled: “Floreat Collegium 100 Years of King’s College, Lagos.” The contract permits Glendora to handle the sales and distribution of the books,

From City News of February 29 comes the next goof: “Why I threw seven-year-old boy in (into) septic tank” “We’ll commission (inaugurate) new facility next month” “…was a giant Iroko in the forest of contemporary African and Nigerian art.” There is no lilliputian Iroko! Therefore, the amplification is unnecessary. The man was an Iroko…conveys the same message. “It is even more worrisome that while the economy is already in shambles (a shambles) and insecurity pervades the land….” NATIONAL MIRROR of March 3 offered readers improprieties right from its front page: “National Assembly, NASS, yesterday said it has (had) scheduled March 17 to pass the Appropriation Bill of N6.08 trillion.” “Bello assures on resolving Kogi, Anambra oil dispute” Who did he assure? The Guardian on Saturday of March 5 nurtured two infelicities: “Southeast bound (Southeast-bound) passengers stranded at Lagos Airport” “JTF says Kano not under any threat, as it deploys armoured vehicles on (to) major streets” NATIONAL MIRROR of March 7 contributed the next six infelicities: “Facilities at AOCOED excites (why?) NCCE team” “I had it rough at (in) the beginning—Proprietress, Carol School” “CAF mourns late Somalia FA boss” A rewrite: CAF mourns Somali FA boss. Do we mourn someone who is alive? “CSR: Between philantropy and palliatives” Brands and marketing: philanthropy” “...Toure’s kids’ gloves treatment of the Tuareg rebels (rebels’) insurgence as its main reason to....” All the facts, all the

King’s College history book out while FedEx Red Star Express will handle the delivery of the books to the buyers nationwide, meaning that the books are now available in the market. Arrangements have also been concluded with the courier outfit to provide information and distribute copies of the book through all its outlets nationwide. According to Chairman Centenary Publication,

Prince Tola Sotinwa, “The book is of deep historical value not only to past and present staff and students of King’s College, but to all Nigerians. “So significant have the achievements of the College been throughout its existence, that in 2009, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), thought it fit to celebrate the Centenary of

King’s College, Lagos.” The celebration according to him commenced at the UNESCO’s 34th General Assembly held in Paris, France in 2007 and was the first time a secondary school in Africa would be so honoured. In affirmation of the primacy of place of the institution, the 100th Foundation Day Lecture was delivered at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Campus of the College by the

L-R (Sitting): Cash Sales Manager Red Star Express, Ekata Ohiwerei; Trustee, King’s College Old Boys Association, Capt. Femi Adegoke; Chairman, Publication Committee, Prince Tola Sotinwa; Facilitator, Mr. Busuyi Onabolu and Marketing Manager, Red Star Express, Mrs. Ngozi Ochokwu with other KCOBA executives during the signing of MoU between Glendora and FedEx Red Star Express in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

sides: kid gloves THE NATION ON SUNDAY of March 6 contained a catalogue of solecisms: “Woman arrested for killing mum” It is obvious that the sub-editor who treated this story has never heard of ‘matricide’! So, woman arrested for matricide. “The elevation of some police officers and retirement of 13 Assistant Inspectors General has (have) led to some bad blood (delete the word preceding bad blood) in the force....” Elevation and retirement are distinct milestones that cannot be collapsed into singularity! “When Hafeez Ringim, then an Assistant Inspector General (a comma) was elevated to the rank of Inspector General (another comma) all his seniors (DIGs) had to retire.” No truth: they were retired to pave way for the Ringim ultimate disaster! “Your ability to work out (answer/do) knotty political puzzles...makes you” “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.” Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “...the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State at (in) the April 2015 elections....” “Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.” All it takes are different accessories. “Singapore jails senior civil servants over (for) corruption” “ANA postponements (sic) (postpones) February reading” “Peugeot plans to inject $7.26b on (into) research, development” “South African Airways celebrates 80 years (years’ or 80th year) anniversary” “LASU Management re-opens (reopens) the university”

UNIPORT graduate wins Sesema PR essay contest tunboSun ogundare

graduate of Linguistics and Communication’s from the University of Port Harcourt, Onoriode Edafe has emerged winner of the maiden edition of Corporate Communications Pitch essay Competition (CCPC) organised and sponsored by Sesema Public Relations in conjunction with Alima Atta Empowerment Fund. He was rewarded in Lagos for his effort with N130, 000 alongside the first runner-up Ibukunoluwa Oyegbesan, a graduate of Economics from University of Bradford, UK who went home with N70, 000. In addition, Edafe and Oyegbesan are entitled to six and three months internship programme at Sesema Public Relations firm. The duo emerged from a total of 91 applicants who submitted entries on the

topic “How public relations agencies have transformed brands in Nigeria and the key drivers that have made it possible.” And their works were judged by industry experts led by Mrs. Habiba Balogun of HB consulting. Speaking at the award presentation, Managing Director of Sesema PR, Tampiri Irimagha-Akemu congratulated the winners, saying the competition was designed to encourage more youths in building a career in Public Relations and Digital Communications as well as healthy competition among them. He added that the company would continue to develop programmes that would impact youth development in the country. The winner who said the topic of the essay had broadened his knowledge on public relations practice added that the internship programme would further expose him in the field.

Business Thursday, April 7, 2016

FPSO integration: Customs boss assures LADOL of government’s support

Exploring ICT industry’s revenue potential for nation’s fiscal efficiency

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NCC remits N35bn to Federation Account in Dec 2015 32

Eight banks make N86.3bn provisions for bad loans

ight banks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have provided N86.3 billion for bad loans in the financial year ended December 31, 2015 This indicated a rise of about 38.8 per cent in loan impairment charges from the N62 billion provisions made by the banks in the previous year, and showed that Nigerian banks continued to face serious hurdles in loan portfolio management. The banks, had earlier in their profit warnings notices to the NSE, given some hint about their loan impairment challenges which they attributed largely to increasingly harsh macroeconomic environment occasioned by dwindling crude oil prices, and recognition of impairment charges on some specific commercial banking businesses. National Mirror analysis of the results of banks so far released to the NSE in 2015 indicated that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc topped loan impairment charges’ chart with a growth of 106 per cent from N4.8 billion to N9.9 billion. The bank is closely followed by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc with a growth rate of 74.8 per cent to N12.4 billion from N7.1 billion provided in 2014. United Bank for Africa Plc came third when its loans provisioning rose by 58.7 per cent to N5.05 billion, from N3.18 billion in the corresponding period of 2014. First

City Moment bank loan impairment charges rose by 41per cent from N10.6 billion to N15 billion while Fidelity Bank Plc, witnessed an increase of 33.9 per cent in impairment charges, which rose from N4.3 billion to N5.76 billion in 2015. Similarly, Access Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc recorded a growth of 22.1 per cent and 20 per cent in impairment charges respectively. Access Bank impairment charges moved from N11.65 billion to N14

IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

total assets in excess of US$3.2 billion, net interest income increased by 39 per cent to $108.4 million with net interest margins growing to 4.4 per cent, a 7 per cent improvement over the prior year, as the Corporation continues to lower its borrowing costs. It stated further that fees, commissions and other income however declined by 85 per cent largely due to one-off revenues of $46 million recorded in 2014 stressing that in April 2015, as part of its efforts to diversify its funding base, the Corporation successfully issued its maiden eurobond of $750 million as part of its established $3 billion Eurobond Global Medium Term Notes (“GMTN”) Programme. The AFC described the reception of the bond as strong, adding that it was six times over-subscribed, posi-

billion while Zenith bank recorded N15.67 billion in 2015 as against N13.06 billion in 2014. Sterling Bank had the lowest growth in loan impairment charges of the eight banks . The bank recorded 10.3 per cent growth in impairment from N7.4 billion to N8.15 billion recorded in 2015. Since the major banking reform embarked upon by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) in 2009/2010 in the

banking industry, which led to improved risk management strategies by banks, it was expected that impairment charges that had negatively affected the profitability of banks, would reduce. However, the operating environment continues to through up challenges that had made banks to raise their level of provisioning for bad loans.

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

Dana Air

L-R: Members, Disciplinary Tribunal of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Oluwole Adeosun; Mr. Muritala Olushekun; Chairman of the Disciplinary Tribunal, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe; Legal Assessor to the Disciplinary Tribunal, Justice George Oguntade; and another member, Mr. Mike Itegboje, during the sitting of the Disciplinary Tribunal of CIS in Lagos… on Tuesday

AFC reports $3.2bn investment in asset in 2015 mid the difficult operating environment, Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Africa’s global investment bank, 2015 fiscal year results revealed that the financial institution made a $3.2 billion asset investment. The Corporation has invested US$3.2 billion in projects across 22 African countries and in its core sectors including power, telecommunications, transport and logistics, natural resources and heavy industries. In statement released in Lagos Tuesday, the Corporation indicated that it delivered strong underlying operating results, achieving 25 per cent growth in its balance sheet, with

tioning AFC in the capital markets as a strong African credit. It also pointed out that as a result of the challenging 2015 economic environment there was the need to maintain a tight rein on costs, noting that its management has strong oversight on operating costs resulting in a 22 per cent yearly decline to $30 million delivering a cost to income ratio of 22 per cent, down from 26 per cent recorded in 2014. “Although no risk asset was impaired during the year under review, the Corporation’s first portfolio impairment charge of $26.7 million was recorded, in light of increased default risks, particularly in the Corporation’s oil and gas risk asset portfolio. “Overall, the Corporation remains strongly capitalised, with a capital adequacy of 50 per cent. AFC is also

very liquid, with approximately US$1 billion liquidity as at December 2015, positioning the Corporation to take advantage of investment opportunities in 2016.” The Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Alli, said that despite the economic headwinds “we have seen our total assets grow by 25 per cent. Support for the AFC and its mandate as an investor in crucial infrastructure across Africa has also been met with the launch of our US$750 million Eurobond, which was six times oversubscribed.” He said that as global economic uncertainty persists, the AFC was well placed to continue to deliver returns to shareholders and new infrastructure that will bolster economic growth and have real social impact across Africa.

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, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FPSO integration: Customs boss assures LADOL of government’s support FrancIs eZeM

he Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) has assured the board and management of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base LADOL, that the Federal Government would stop at nothing in ensuring sustainable operations of indigenous maritime company. Ali, who paid his maiden visit in company of the entire management team of the service to the LADOL Free Zone, located in Tarkwa Bay, Apapa –Lagos, made the commitment against the background of the $3.8 billion Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading FPSO vessel integration project, which is nearly completed. He expressed delight that a Nigerian firm could make such massive investment that has huge potential for the nation’s economy. The project, which has over $600 million local content input, was awarded to Samsung Heavy Industry SHI in 2013 to build a world class oil production platform in Nigeria with LADOL under which LADOL is the local content partner. According to him, the successful completion of the Egina plat-

form in the country remains the first made n Nigeria vessel, which would excite any well meaning Nigerians, adding that the project remains one of the prides of the President, especially given his passion for repositioning the nation’s economy. The CG said: “I have come and I have seen because it goes without saying that ‘seeing is believing’. I will take this message to President Muhammadu Buhari whom I am sure, will be impressed if he gets to know what you are doing here. The President is interested more in such projects and so there is every assurance that he would support and encourage such courage to invest massively in the country” “With what you are doing here, I have no doubt that government will continue to support and encourage you because the sky is the limit. Any government will be glad to support an entity such as this that will put the country at par with other industrially developed economies of the world Ali also observed that not too many indigenous investors would want to take the risk that the company had taken, adding that the service is equally glad with the revenue the company generates into government coffers through its activities at the base. The company’s Managing Di-

FG tasks HoS, NAICOM on public assets’ protection Zaka Olalekan

he Presidency has directed the Head of Service to work with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to ensure adequate protection of government’s assets. The directive was made through a letter signed by Alhaji Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari According to the source, the Head of Service has been directed to coordinate all relevant permanent secretaries and Heads of extra ministerial departments to ensure compliance with the NAICOM Act 1997. The apex insurance regulator, in a notice, requested for details of all insurance policies in respect of all government assets and liabilities as at February. The notice stated that the Act mandated NAICOM to ensure adequate protection of government assets as well as advise the government on all insurance related matters, adding that the commission has put in place necessary machinery to effectively discharge the function, to ensure proper protection of public assets and value added transactions for the government. “Pursuant to the exercise of the powers conferred on it by extant laws, NAICOM hereby requests all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to furnish it with details of their insurances. The required information will enable the commission to keep accurate data for effective tracking of insurances of

rector, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, said that the Free Zone was developed into a world-class facility from a swamp land and has so far generated about N16.9billion in customs revenue in the past 10 years. “Over the years, we have done our best in terms of customs revenue generation. So far, we have generated almost N16.9billion as customs revenue”, she said.

She also assured that even more revenue would accrue to the government in the coming years when the project becomes fully operational. According to her, given that the FPSO is going to arrive partially integrated before it goes out, the customs duty on the FPSO will be paid through the Apapa Customs command, which will be deter-

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru; Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Soromidayo George; Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Finance Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Desola Sotande-Peters and Legal Director, Mrs. Bidemi Ademola, during a courtesy visit by Unilever Management Team to the Governor in Ogun State, yesterday.

Guinea Insurance appoints acting Managing Director Isaac asabOr

The appointment was announced with the retirement of the Chairman together with four other directors who had served on the board of the underwriting firm for over nine years. A statement by the firm’s Team Lead, Corporate Communications, Ufot Hanson, said that the latest decisions were taken to

government property and assets and assist in ensuring their conformity with appropriate insurance principles. “The information to be provided are as specified in the template enclosed in the letter already circulated to all MDAs by the commission,’’ it stated.

Isaac asabOr

the Apex bank attended The Biennial National Conference held at the Conference Room, CBN Learning Centre, Alakija, Satelite Town in Lagos. At the conference, 12 members short -listed as newly elected officers to serve in the NEXCO. The new NEXCO is headed by Omoyemi Banjo, a former Branch Controller, CBN Minna branch, Niger State, who was massively voted to head the club for the next two years. The list of elected officers in-

clude; Omoyemi Banjo, President; Chief Charles Katchy, 1st Vice President; Bon Onwubualili, 2nd Vice President; Nicholas Mbah, General Secretary and Micheal Akinbola, Asst. General Secretary. Others are, Chief Chimezie Ahaneku, Publicity Secretary; Barth Eyo, Asst. Publicity Secretary; Mrs. Francisca Arueze, Treasurer; Charles Ughulu, Financial Secretary; Mallam Al-Hassan Bala, Asst. Financial secretary; Anthony Egbenyor, Provost (1) and Jamiu Akanbi, Provost (2).

and health insurance increased by 9% to CNY22,978 million; and that for primary P&C insurance grew by 18.8% to CNY26,685 million. These numbers are before inter-segment elimination. Net profits from the three key business segments increased by over 40%. China Re stated that with the company’s successful IPO in 2015, its capital was further strengthened. Total equity grew by 29.9% to CNY70,957 million at 31 December 2015 compared to the begin-

ning of the year. Total investment assets reached CNY163,138 million at 31 December 2015, up by 17.5% from the beginning of the year. The total investment yield reached 8.48%, outperforming the industry average. The statement added: “The company actively catered to the changing demands of the industry and the clients while playing a key role in the development of new insurance products including the first prototype equipment

n its bid to move with the current tide of structural and operational changes in the insurance industry, Guinea Insurance Plc has announced the appointment of Isioma Omoshie as its acting Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

CBN’s Pensioners Club elects National Executive Committee

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Pensioners Club has elected a new National Executive Committee (NEXCO) to oversee the affairs of the pensioners. The outcome of the election was conveyed through a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Club, Chimezie Ahaneku, and distributed to journalists in Lagos. Delegates from 21 branches of

mined by the customs assessment team in the area of value. Jadesimi said: “What we can tell you is that the value of what we have been doing is put at about $20 million. We are sure that with that, we will be able to give you the per-cent value of the $3.8billion, which is the worth of the entire vessel for your overall assessment”

ensure sound business practice and effective compliance with all statutory requirements and the code of good corporate goverance as stipulated in section 5.04 (vii) of the 2009 Corporate Governance Code of NAICOM As contained in his statement, Sir Emeka Offor (Chairman) and four Non-Executive Directors namely, Fred Udechukwu, HRH Eze Smart Nze, Prof. E.L.C Nnabuife and Engr. Emeka Agusiobo had with effect from March 23, 2016 retired from the Board of the company. He said those that have been approved for appointment on the board are: Anthony Achebe, Alhaji Hassan Dantata, Simon Bolaji, Chief Osita Chidoka, Emeka Uzoukwu, Dr. Mohammed Tahir Attahir as Non-Executive Directors while Alhaji A.O. Kadiri was returned as the Independent Director of the company. Barrister Godson Ugochukwu was also appointed Chairman of the Company to replace Sir Emeka Offor.

China Re’s net profit soars by 40% in 2015

hina Reinsurance (Group) Corporation (China Re), the country’s pioneer and largest reinsurer, has announced that its net profit for 2015 reached CNY7,675 million (US$1,185 million), representing a y-o-y increase of 40.2%. Gross written premiums improved steadily, rising by 9.1% to CNY80,434 in 2015, China Re said in a statement released last week. In 2015, GWP from P&C reinsurance grew by 2.5% to CNY31,924 million; while the figure for life

insurance, inherent defect insurance and the 2nd generation of cancer insurance, as well as in technical expertise cooperation and reinsurance support. “It also actively promoted catastrophe insurance pilot programmes, was actively involved in the establishment of Earthquake Catastrophe Insurance Pool, explored the establishment of a tiered and decentralised mechanism for catastrophe risks and played a key role in product design and premium-rate setting.”, it added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, April 7, 2016

to cut thousands of jobs U.K. banks struggle to lure talent Nokia on Alcatel deal for top jobs T L ondon’s banks that were once among the most coveted employers in the global financial system are struggling to fill top roles because potential penalties are seen to outweigh the perks. Standard Chartered Plc has been seeking an external replacement for Chairman John Peace for more than a year. Barclays Plc has been hunting for a successor to oversee the investment bank since last year after Tom King made it known he wanted to retire more than nine months ago, according to people with knowledge of the plan who asked not to be identified as recruitment is private. Bankers are concerned about regulations that could see executives thrown in jail for failing to spot serious misconduct on their watch, which has shifted the City of London’s reputation from a light-touch Babylon to a risky place to work. Combined with British politicians’ desire to name and shame, an unforgiving press and diminishing cash compensation, the nation’s banks have been left struggling to fill senior positions, lawyers and recruiters said. “Top jobs at banks are very exposed nowadays, especially with grandstanding politicians out to humiliate them,” said Simon Morris, a lawyer at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP in London. “Markets are poor, dampening returns, the regulators’ increased risk-averse approach limits the gambles a bank can make and

hence further the rewards for its managers.” British lawmakers introduced the rules in response to public anger after many top executives of bailed-out lenders including Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc and Lloyds Banking Group Plc received millions in compensation. Banks were also fined for a series of market abuses, including manipulation of the London interbank offered rate, that further undermined the reputation of the City, as the U.K. capital’s main financial district is known. The searches face specific obstacles as well. Both banks are in the midst of turnaround efforts that will probably take several years and are pushing through thousands of job cuts. Barclays Chief Executive Officer Jes Staley and Standard Chartered’s Bill Winters both took on their own roles within the last year and have been working to set out new strategies. Standard Chartered, which makes almost all of its profits in Asia, offered the chairman’s seat to former Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. CEO Mike Smith, only to be turned down, people familiar with the search said. Smith, 59, rejected the role in part because he didn’t want to relocate to London. Barclays has contacted several senior investment bankers in New York about its opening, people with knowledge of the search said. Deterrents cited by potential candidates include

Cameron

a hardening stance of the U.K. government against banks, tough market conditions and disgruntled investors in Britain’s second-largest lender, the people said. Blythe Masters, who worked under Staley at JPMorgan Chase & Co., said in December she’s committed to her current job at a financial startup after Reuters reported Staley approached her to run Barclays’s investment bank. “The risk and reward dynamic has shifted to make these roles far less appealing,” said John Purcell, founder and CEO of London’s Purcell & Co., an executive-search firm. There is a “culture of scalp-hunting, compensation restrictions, an onerous regulatory environment and consequent personal reputational risk. For these reasons, many senior executives are leaving the industry, compounding the problem by reducing the supply of suitably experienced candidates.”

Airline hedges fuel rally in later dated oil prices

ig airlines are making waves in the oil market for the first time since prices went into a tailspin nearly two years ago, betting this may be their best chance to lock in cheap jet fuel for years to come, industry and market sources say. A number of airlines moved last week to place significant oil price hedges for 2017, 2018 and even 2019, according to three trading sources familiar with money flows. They declined to specify companies, but said it was the largest flurry of such activity in more

Boeing aircraft

than a year. A fourth trading source indicated that bigger trades occurred in the over the counter market last week. While still small relative to previous years, when some carriers hedged as much as 40 percent of their fuel costs, the recent activity was robust and included larger players, the source added. The renewed interest suggests that airlines executives who were stung by billions of dollars in hedging-related losses last year are more confident that they’re buying at the bottom, a further

sign of shifting sentiment in the oil market after an over 60-percent price slump since mid-2014 LCOc1. Big oil consumers are coming around to the idea that “we’re not going to see too many more legs down” in prices, said Steve Sinos, vice president at consultancy Mercatus Energy, which advises corporations including airlines on hedging strategies. Their clients are “getting comfortable with the idea that this is a good price if not the best price.” The activity has helped buoy socalled longer-dated oil prices, with December 2017 and 2018 U.S. crude futures LCOZ7 enjoying their most sustained rally since prices began tumbling in the second half of 2014. Selling pressure has resumed in recent days amid concerns that a promise among major global oil producers to ‘freeze’ output was in danger of falling apart. The number of clients calling Mercatus for advice has increased lately compared to six months ago, when prices were also in free-fall but companies were less certain that they had seen the end of a historic price rout.

elecom network equipment maker Nokia (NOKIA.HE) is planning to cut thousands of jobs worldwide, including 1,400 in Germany and 1,300 in its native Finland, as part of a cost-cutting program following its acquisition of AlcatelLucent. Finland’s biggest company has cut thousands of Finnish jobs over the past decade as its once-dominant phone business was eclipsed by the rise of smartphone rivals. The phone business was eventually sold to Microsoft (MSFT.O), which has continued cutting jobs in the recession-hit country. Now focused on telecoms network gear, Nokia is looking to reduce operational costs by 900 million euros ($1.03 billion) by 2018 after its recent 15.6 billion euro ($17.7 billion) all-share deal for Franco-American rival AlcatelLucent. The acquisition is intended to help Nokia to compete with Sweden’s Ericsson (ERICb.ST) and China’s Huawei [HWT.UL] in a market where limited growth and tough competition are pressuring prices. Shares in Nokia rose 0.9 percent following Wednesday’s announcement, but the latest job cuts caused consternation in Finland after Nokia said it will cut only 400 jobs in France while

Nokia phone

creating 500 posts in research and development in the country, in line with a pledge to the French government during the Alcatel negotiations. Nokia declined to give a total figure for global job losses but said it was starting talks with employee representatives in about 30 countries. The company employs about 104,000 worldwide, with around 6,850 in Finland, 4,800 in Germany and 4,200 in France. “This (1,300) is a terrible figure; we have a rather difficult employment situation in the sector to begin with,” said Pertti Porokari, chairman of the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland. “Seems that Finnish workers have lost this match (against the French).”

Pfizer, Allergan scrap $160bn deal after U.S. tax rule change

.S. drugmaker Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and Ireland-based Allergan Plc (AGN.N) walked away from their $160 billion merger on Wednesday, a major win for President Barack Obama, who has been pushing to curb deals in which companies move overseas to cut taxes. Pfizer said the decision was driven by new U.S. Treasury rules aimed at such deals, called inversions. The merger would have allowed New York-based Pfizer to cut its tax bill by an estimated $1 billion annually by domiciling in Ireland, where tax rates are lower. While the new Treasury rules did not name Pfizer and Allergan, one of the provisions targeted a specific feature of their merger - Allergan’s history as a major acquirer

Saunders

of other companies. Allergan Chief Executive Brent Saunders said on CNBC television that the new Treasury rule would not stop the company from doing other stock-based acquisitions as soon as this fall. The new Treasury rule takes into account the past three years of a company’s deals. “It really looked like they did a very fine job at constructing a temporary rule to stop this deal and obviously it was successful,” Saunders said. Saunders said that he would stay to run the standalone company with a focus on both deals and research and development. Allergan will also move ahead with plans for its $40.5 billion sale of its generic drug business to Israel’s Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA.TA). It expects the transaction to close by June. With the deal behind it, Pfizer said it would decide this year about whether to split off its hundreds of generic medicines into a separate business. It had put off making that decision until 2019 after announcing its deal with Allergan last November. Pfizer will pay Allergan $150 million to reimburse expenses from its deal. Shares of Allergan, which fell 15 per cent on Tuesday, were up 1.3 per cent at $239.86 in early trading. Pfizer edged up 1.2 per cent to $31.74.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Equities up 0.004%, as Tiger Brands leads gainers Johnson okanlawon

rading in equities continued on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as investors took position on stocks. The All Share Index appreciated marginally by 0.004 per cent to close at 25,455.69 points, compared to the increase of 0.42 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 25,445.61 points. Market capitalization gained N4million to close at N8.756 trillion, compared to the rise of N40billion recorded the preceding day to close at N8.752 trillion.

The appreciation recorded in the share prices of Honeywell, Nigerian Breweries, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings and Dangote Sugar were mainly responsible for the marginal gain recorded in the index. The total value of stocks traded was N885.63million, down by 11.94 per cent from N1.01billion recorded the preceding day just as volume of stocks traded was 202.99million in 3,320 deals, while the three most actively traded stocks were NEM Insurance, Sterling Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank. Stock analysts at United Capital noted that profit

taking activities continued to filter through the equities market causing bearish sentiment despite positive trading closure figures. “However we may begin to see cherry picking as price depreciations provide investors with more attractive prices especially for long terms buys,” the analysts said. Tiger Brands Plc gained 18 kobo or 7.76 per cent to close at N2.50 per share, while Honeywell Plc added six kobo or 4.35 per cent to close at N1.44 per share. Diamond Bank Plc appreciated five kobo or 4.20 per cent to close at N1.24 per share, while Caverton Plc was up five

kobo or 3.60 per cent to close at N1.44 per share. Conversely, Portland Paints Plc shed 29 kobo or 9.54 per cent to close at N2.75 per share, while Livestock Plc lost five kobo or five per cent to close at 95 kobo per share. Ashaka Cement Plc deInter-Bank Rate clined N1.02 or 4.96 per cent to close at N19.56 per share, Naira while Alumaco Plc fell 38 N196.98 kobo or 4.90 per cent to close at N7.37 per share. Gainers and Losers Market indicators Gainers and Losers Start Date 05/04/2016 through End Date 06/04/2016 AIICO InsuranceStart Plc Date 05/04/2016 through End Date 06/04/2016 Print Date 06/04/2016 All-Share Index 25,657.48 points Print per Date 06/04/2016 dropped four kobo or 4.76 Market capitalisation 8.82trn cent to close at 80 kobo per share, while 7UP Plc depreciGainers for Equities ated N7.00 or 4.55 per cent to Gainers for Equities 2016-04-05 2016-04-06 2016-04-05 2016-04-06 S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) close at N147.00 per share. S/N

Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) ETRANZACT 2.94 3.23 ETRANZACT 2.94 3.23 2 CHAMPION 2.85 3.10 2 3 CHAMPION 2.85 3.10 TIGERBRANDS 2.32 2.50 3 4 TIGERBRANDS 2.32 2.50 HONYFLOUR 1.38 1.44 1

Forte Oil to raise $500m for expansion Johnson okanlawon

orte Oil yesterday unveiled plans to raise as much as N100bn in equity or debt this year as it aims to double profit and expand during an economic slowdown. The Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mr. Julius Omodayo-Owotuga said it plans to get approval this month and raise the capital by the third quarter. According to him, the company is already looking at acquiring retail outlets to boost gasoline sales

after a cut in the pump price by the government led to a 27 per cent decline in its revenue in 2015. He explained that the company expects an expansion in the downstream business and increase in the operations of its Geregu power station to 435 megawatts capacity by July from about 150 megawatts currently, which will cushion any slowdown from the decline in oil prices. The company forecasts profit to almost double this year to N11 billion from N5.8 billion in 2015, while revenue is

expected to grow to N224 billion from N124.6 billion. The country is struggling to cope with a plunge in crude, which accounted for about two-thirds of government revenue in 2014. Gasoline importers, which are contending with Central Bank of Nigeria foreign-exchange controls that have slowed imports and created a scarcity of refined petroleum products in the West African nation, are in talks with the government on ways to improve supply. The company operates 500 gasoline stations in Nigeria as well as eight retail

outlets in Ghana and took over the Geregu power station in 2013 following the sale of electricity generation and distribution companies by the Nigerian government to private investors, in an attempt to end daily blackouts. The plant is expected to generate about a half of the company’s projected 2016 profit, from 20 percent, following an overhaul and the signing of a 10-year gas supply agreement with the aim to get it operating at full capacity.

flat, with investors digesting news of US drug maker Pfizer agreeing on Tuesday to terminate its $160 billion agreement to acquire Botox maker Allergan, in a major victory to US President Barack Obama’s drive to stop tax-dodging corporate mergers. Shares in Fortum and Swedbank fell 10 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively as their shares traded without the attraction of their latest dividend payouts. The collapse of the $160 billion merger of Pfizer and Allergan bolstered the healthcare sector on rising hopes that the pharmaceutical giants could turn to smaller targets. Pfizer shares rose 3.9 per cent to $32.57 and gave the biggest boost to the S&P 500, while Allergan was up 3.6 per cent at $245.05.

Crude jumped nearly five per cent after data showed an unexpected draw in U.S. crude stockpiles last week. A seven-week rally sparked by rising oil, strength in the economy and a cautious Fed - helped stocks recover from a steep selloff that had sent the S&P 500 down more than 10 per cent earlier this year. The index closed flat for 2016 on Tuesday. “We’re still technically in a declining environment, and we have to get to an all-time high before we can give the allclear signal,” said Sam Stovall, U.S. equity strategist at S&P Global Market Intelligence in New York. Stovall said better-thanexpected corporate earnings could provide the catalyst to drive stocks higher that investors were looking for.

4 5 HONYFLOUR DIAMONDBNK 5 6 DIAMONDBNK CAVERTON 6 7 CAVERTON ACADEMY 7 8 ACADEMY FBNH 8 9 FBNH FIDELITYBK 9 10 FIDELITYBK NB

10 11 NBFCMB

12 13 MAYBAKER DANGSUGAR

13 14 DANGSUGAR ZENITHBANK ZENITHBANK

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

3.50 1.36 1.36 108.00

108.00 0.98 0.98 1.00 1.00 5.30 5.30 11.01

11.00

11.01

US Dollar

Gain(N) % Change Gain(N) % Change 0.29 9.86 0.29 9.86 0.25 8.77 0.25 8.77 0.18 7.76

0.18 0.06 0.06 0.05

7.76 4.35 4.35 4.20

0.02 0.10 0.10 0.03

3.51 2.94 2.94 2.26

0.05 0.05 0.05 0.02

4.20 3.60 3.60 3.51

0.03 1.41 1.41 0.01

2.26 1.32 1.32 1.03 1.03 1.01

0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05

1.01 0.95 0.95 0.09

0.05 0.01 0.01

0.09

Losers for Equities

S/N Symbol S/N 1 Symbol PORTPAINT 1 2 PORTPAINT LIVESTOCK

Losers for Equities 2016-04-05 2016-04-06 Loss(N) % Change Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 2016-04-05 2016-04-06 Closing Price(N) -9.54 3.04Closing Price(N) 2.75 Loss(N)-0.29 % Change 3.04 2.75 -0.29 -9.54 1.00 0.95 -0.05 -5.00

2 3 LIVESTOCK ASHAKACEM ALUMACO 3 4 ASHAKACEM AIICO 4 5 ALUMACO 7UP 5 6 AIICO JBERGER 6 7 7UP UNITYBNK 7 8 JBERGER LEARNAFRCA 8 9 UNITYBNK

1.00 20.58

0.95 19.56

-0.05 -1.02

-5.00 -4.96

7.75 20.58 0.84 7.75

7.37 19.56 0.80 7.37

-0.38 -1.02 -0.04 -0.38

-4.90 -4.96 -4.76 -4.90

154.00 0.84 44.80 154.00 0.75 44.80

147.00 0.80 43.00 147.00 0.72 43.00

-7.00 -0.04 -1.80 -7.00 -0.03 -1.80

-4.55 -4.76 -4.02 -4.55 -4.00 -4.02

0.76 0.75 2.48 0.76

0.73 0.72 2.39 0.73

-0.03 -0.03 -0.09 -0.03

-3.95 -4.00 -3.63 -3.95

3.23 2.48 1.06 3.23

3.15 2.39 1.04 3.15

-0.08 -0.09 -0.02 -0.08

-2.48 -3.63 -1.89 -2.48

AFRIPRUD 9 10 LEARNAFRCA UBA 10 11 AFRIPRUD TRANSCORP 11 12 UBA CUTIX 12 13 TRANSCORP NASCON 13 14 CUTIX NEM 14 15 NASCON

1.32 1.06 7.25 1.32

1.30 1.04 7.14 1.30

-0.02 -0.02 -0.11 -0.02

-1.52 -1.89 -1.52 -1.52

0.90 1.67 14.12 0.90

0.89 1.65 13.99 0.89 4.28 13.99

-0.01 -0.02 -0.13 -0.01 -0.02 -0.13

-1.11 -1.20 -0.92 -1.11 -0.47 -0.92

13.70

-0.04

0.76 7.25 1.67 0.76

ETERNA 15 16 NEM CONTINSURE 16 17 ETERNA

STANBIC 19 20 OANDO

4.30 14.12 13.74 4.30

13.74

STANBIC

Description S&P 500 companies on avPublished by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 15.10 27-APR-2017 erage are expected to report a Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 7.4 per cent fall in first-quarter 16.00 29-JUN-2019 earnings, according to Thom15.54 13-FEB-2020 son Reuters . 16.39 27-JAN-2022

Inflation

3.40 1.33 1.33 106.59

1.44 0.59 0.59 3.50

0.99 5.25 5.25 11.00

GUARANTY 17 18 CONTINSURE OANDO 18 19 GUARANTY

Rate (%)

1.44 1.24 1.24 1.44

106.59 0.97 0.97 0.99

11 12 FCMB MAYBAKER

1.38 1.19 1.19 1.39 1.39 0.57 0.57 3.40

FGN Bonds

Energy shares spur European shares rebound

uropean equities edged higher yesterday after steep declines in the previous session, with energy shares gaining following a bounce back in crude oil prices. The STOXX Europe Oil and Gas index rose 1.2 per cent, the top sectoral gainer, after crude prices jumped on hopes for an agreement among exporters to freeze output. Shares in Royal Dutch Shell and BP rose around one per cent. Miners rose 0.8 per cent after activity in the service sector of China, the world’s biggest metals consumer, strengthened in March. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was up 0.2 per cent at 1,290.71 points after falling 1.9 per cent in the previous session. The healthcare sector was

Source: NSE

0.75 7.14 1.65 0.75

Bid

13.70 4.28

Price

-0.01 -0.11 -0.02 -0.01

-1.32 -1.52 -1.20 -1.32

Offer

-0.04 -0.02

Yield

Price

-0.29 -0.47

-0.29

Yield

Page

1.08

104.96

10.09

105.11

3.25

114.56

10.57

114.86

10.47

3.87

112.10

11.56

112.40

11.47

5.83

120.50

11.46

120.80

11.40

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.95

109.35

12.32

109.65

12.26

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.81

100.24

12.45

100.54

12.40

Page

9.95

Closing Market Prices of March 30, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

30-Jun-16

8.15

8.32

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

22-Sep-16

8.71

9.10

EURO

214

16-Mar-17

9.31

10.22

CFA

0.32

NIBOR

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

15.0000

POUNDS STERLING

293

10.6864

12.4601

SDR

273

13.8466 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

1 of

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Exploring ICT industry’s revenue potential for nation’s fiscal efficiency

As the impact of the falling oil prices begins to impact negatively on the nation’s macroeconomic stability, Information and Communications Technology, ICT, industry experts have identified policy inadequacies as one of the factors undermining the industry’s contributions to national economic growth. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

orried by the declining fortune of the nation’s economy, stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology, ICT, sectors have suggested that it was time that the Federal Government took a critical look at the enormous opportunities that exist in ICT, particularly considering its Growth Domestic Product growth indices as recorded in the last five years. The key stakeholders from different sectors of ICT all met at the

3rd Digital Agenda Forum put together by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD and Cyber Africa, with the theme: Beyond Oil – ICT, A Veritable Alternative’ the only the nation can look away from oil and gas as revenue source is to begin to tap into the fortune that ICT has brought to Nigeria by generating about 10 per cent to the nation’s GDP. According to the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, the emergence of GSM networks in 2001 resulted in faster economic growth in the sector, with multiple GSM providers operating nationally and a subscribership base nearing 80 per 100 persons. From 450, 000 connected lines in 2001 to a mind-blowing 184 million lines as at September 2014. And the ITU has projected that in the years ahead, growth in the sector is will surpass other sectors of the economy due to its huge local and international investment opportunities. Latest statistics from Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS revealed that the sector experienced an average of 34 per cent per annum in the last 10 quarters, which was attributed to the rapid expansion in telecommunications, following the deregulation of the sub-sector in 2001, which saw the industry’s contribution to the GDP increasing from less than 0.5 per cent in 2001 to six per cent in 2012 to 10 per cent between 2013 and 2014 and currently around 11 per cent. Recently, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, predicted that the telecoms sector’s contribution to the GDP will surpass 25 per cent by 2025. Similarly, the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo said that telecommunications was obviously leading source of income in aggregate Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) from 2007 to 2013, and ranked as a contributor of 24 per cent of such projects.

Ojobo disclosed that between 2011 and 2013, telecommunications sector attracted about $6 billion worth of investments which has accelerated ICT contributions to an estimated 10 per cent, translating to some $50 billion. But why the Federal Government has not taken time to examine how to translate laudable impact of the sector into a huge revenue source and a wealth creator dazzle the stakeholders who did mild in their presentation. The agitated stakeholders identified a major challenge to the adoption of ICT as main revenue earner for the country as lack of right policies noting that businesses and innovations have the penchant of responding good policies, which can ensure a sustainable growth and economic development particularly in a digitally- competitive world where oil and gas is no longer the rave. According to a young entrepreneur, and Founder of HotSauce Limited, Mr. Dayo Adefila, government has not been able to muzzle the will to develop and empower the young entrepreneurs that will create

wealth for the saying that not having an ICT education policy is affecting the production of skills for the sector. He also believed that there actually needed to be a perfect state of infrastructure for innovation to thrive in the sector saying that the government agencies need to communicate with the sector, particularly the input of the stakeholders. Chairman of the Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem said that professionals in the sector address the challenges of education policies in the sector if they interface with the institute that they graduated from. He noted that that is the only that the quality of the product from source high institute can great impact in the sector, which will in turn result to wealth creation for the country, adding that he was instrumental to the introduction of a course on Internet of Things and Wifi at the Obafemi Awolowo University. President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi frown at the absence of solid science education policy that can turn the fortune of the sector into

Government needs to provide a definite policy direction on the diGital aGenda in the nascent diGital economy in which the country hopes to

leveraGe ict as a key Growth enabler. this will help to remove lots of obstacles beinG faced by

niGerian businesses, creatinG barriers to their

Growth and their inability to effectively leveraGe

ict for Growth

wealth saying that innovative technology is the alternative to oil and gas. He said that local production will not happen without efforts from government at curtailing import consumption grave stressing that foreign goods consumption of ICT products and services can only change with the right government policies. Immediate past President of the Institute of Software Practitioner of Nigeria, ISPON, Mr. Chris Uwaje, said that the Federal Government needs to galvanize and look for a way to remove some of the obstacles being faced by Nigerian businesses. According to him, these obstacles creates barriers to their growth and their inability to effectively leverage ICT for growth noting, “Government needs to provide a definite policy direction on the digital agenda in the nascent digital economy in which the country hopes to leverage ICT as a key growth enabler. This will help to remove lots of obstacles being faced by Nigerian businesses, creating barriers to their growth and their inability to effectively leverage ICT for growth.” President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, Mr. Sunday Afolayan said there is a huge capital flight from Nigeria due to its dependent on foreign ICT products and services. Afolayan explained that the Internet, which is a sub-sector of ICT is worth $1.7 trillion globally with over 97 million Nigerians using the Internet saying that only 60,000 domain names are registered with the .ng domain name and out of that 60,000, only one per cent is domesticated, while 99 per cent is hosted abroad. Director of Special Duties at NCC, Mrs. Sholanke Iyabo, noted that a strong digital agenda strategy, which educates people on the importance and benefits of embracing ICT as part of their daily life, improves access to ICT and provides channels to acquire to acquire digital literacy skills will result in improving socioeconomic benefits to Nigeria and its citizens. Iyabo who represented the NCC boss said that that there should be a deliberate policy on production and patronage of local products and services in the ICT industry to replicate the steady success story being recorded in other industry like the automobile industry. Executive Director, Centre for Cyber Awareness & Development, Dr. Bayero Agabi pointed out that Nigeria appeared to be carried away with revenues from oil, despite the fact that technology is driving the rapid evolution of digital businesses, major enterprises, nations and individuals rewriting the digital playfield. He said other nations are leveraging on the ICT knowledge base economy by tapping into a broad array of digital businesses, digital customers and even digital devices to create ‘digital ecosystems’ that are re-shaping the entire markets and changing the way we think, work and live.

Info Tech

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NCC remits N35bn to Federation Account in Dec 2015 StorieS by iSaiah erhiawarien

he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, said it remitted N35 billion into the Federal account in December 2015. The commission also said that since the oil price started its downward movement the regulator had stepped up efforts to increase earnings for the country. According to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commis-

sion, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta the telecoms operators paid 2.5 per cent of their total turnover every quarter to NCC and the regulator in turn remits 40 per cent of it to the federation account while it used 60 per cent for staff salaries and running of the commission. “It goes without saying that ICTs have the potential to combat poverty, be it rural or urban poverty. It will also foster sustainable development if appropriately deployed and made

to address the diverse discrepancy in the ICT needs of people of all locations, age group and economic status”, he said. The head of the Commission, who made this known at the 38th Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), kuru, Jos, Plateau State while speaking

on the subject, Mainstreaming ICT for poverty reduction in Nigeria’’, said that the frequency spectrum auction in Abuja will finally result to about N300 billion remitted into Federal Government account from licensing since the deregulation of the telecoms sector. He said that the NCC is targeting over N40 billion alone

from the sale of the 2.6Ghz spectrum as part of its efforts of bridging the digital divide in the country through the provision of broadband internet. He noted that the ICT sector is gradually turning to Nigeria’s cash cow billions and billions of naira are expected to be earned by the country from the sector on a yearly basis.

Oracle’s new cloud solution debuts in Nigeria

new family of offerings designed to enable organisations to easily move to the cloud and remove some of the biggest obstacles to cloud adoption in Nigeria has been introduced into the market by Oracle

These first-of-a-kind services provide Chief Information Officers, CIO, with new choices in where they deploy their enterprise software and a natural path to easily move business critical applications from on-premises to the cloud. A statement from Oracle said that the product was designed to address the challenges of organisation saying that while organizations are eager to move their enterprise workloads to the public cloud, many have been constrained by business, legislative and regulatory requirements that have prevented them from being able to adopt the technology. ”Oracle is making it easier for organizations in every industry to make this transition and finally reap the performance, cost and innovation benefits of Oracle Public Cloud Services and run them wherever they want in the Oracle Cloud or in their own datacenter”, the company said. President, Oracle Thomas Kurian, said that his company is

committed to helping its customers move to the cloud to help speed their innovation, fuel their business growth, and drive business transformation. Kurian, said: “Today’s news is unprecedented. We announced a number of new cloud services and we are now the first public cloud vendor to offer organisations the ultimate in choice on where and how they want to run their Oracle Cloud.” The Oracle Cloud at Customer enables organisations to get all of the benefits of Oracle’s cloud services agility, simplicity, performance, elastic scaling, and subscription pricing in their datacenter. This is the first offering from a major public cloud vendor that delivers a stack that is 100 percent compatible with the Oracle Cloud but available on-premises.

Since the software is seamless with the Oracle Cloud, customers can use it for a number of use cases, including disaster recovery, elastic bursting, dev/ test, lift-and-shift workload migration, and a single API and scripting toolkit for DevOps. Additionally, as a fully managed Oracle offering, customers get the same experience and the latest innovations and benefits using it in their datacenter as in the Oracle Cloud.

L-R; Service Manager, PAN Nigeria, Mr. Subash Sehgal, Service Network Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Chidera Ejiofor and Technical Head, M-Store Mr Gagandeep Lakhanpal at the opening of the Samsung service centre, Opebi, Lagos recently.

Global card frauds rise to $9bn

espite efforts made by card technology companies across the world to curb the cases of card fraud, latest report from MasterCard International quoting Javelin Strategy and Research revealed that annually to actual card fraud presently stood at a whopping $9 billion. MasterCard, which made the disclosure on the sideline of the launched of its IQ Series at its Global Risk Leadership Conference in Dubai said that false fraud assessments prove to be a financial burden, as is evidenced by a research that estimated the value of false transaction decline in the United States of America to be $118 billion yearly. Designed to harness real-time insights and intelligence, Master-

Card IQ Series’ suite of solutions empower card issuers and merchants to authorise transactions with increased accuracy and limit fraudulent activity saying that the solution is now available to financial institutions, businesses and merchants across the Middle East and Africa. Speaking during the launch, President of Middle East and Africa, MasterCard, Raghu Malhotra, said that in today’s digital world, consumers are increasingly more aware about safety and convenience, therefore balancing the growing desire for greater security while maintaining the ease of making payments is important. He said: “Our IQ series leverages advanced technology and insights to help deliver consum-

…. as upgraded Apple iPad Pro enters market abolaji adebayo

he new upgraded Apple iPad called ipad pro has been introduced into Nigerian market by Apple technology distributor in Nigeria, iStore. Speaking at the launching of the product in Lagos, the Manager of the retail firm, Kolapo Agunloye said the new iPad Pro was a product of research and zeal designed to find solution to many problems, which the former ones and all other iPads in the market could not resolve. He noted that apart from allowing two different applications on the screen at a time,

iPad Pro has a large 12.9-inch Retina display, nearly double the CPU performance of iPad Air 2 and refined MultiTouch technology. He added, “With 5.6 million pixels, iPad Pro features the highest-resolution Retina display of any iOS device. The 12.9-inch screen makes everything you do editing 4K video, designing presentations, running a business easier, faster and more engaging. iPad Pro has a slim and light design, it’s just 6.9 mm thin and weighs just over 700g. It’s available in silver, gold and space grey from N240 000. “iPad Pro, Apple’s most expansive and productive tablet, is now available in Nigeria at iStore nationwide. As the home of everything

Apple, iStore is proud to continue its efforts in making the latest Apple products available to customers in Nigeria.” He promised that the firm would soon device a payment plan that would allow the potential customer to pay over a year on installments noting that the former iPad could be swapped with the new one at iStore. He added that the Apple Technology would continue on its research to keep upgrading the device having improved on its first iPad Mini to produce iPad2 and then the latest iPad Pro with a big screen of 12.9 inches.

ers a convenient, uninterrupted checkout experience”, Maholtra explained further that the initial two products developed under the series Authorisation IQ and Assurance IQ are aimed at optimising the payment authentication process, leading to fewer declines in legitimate transactions and creating more stable revenues for issuers and merchants. He said that as the payments environment becomes dynamic and mirrors trends in new technology, MasterCard is dedicated to strengthening the security of transactions, and delivering greater peace of mind to its customers across the Middle East and Africa in its pursuit for a World Beyond Cash. He explained that the Authorisation IQ provides card issuers with relative behavioural insights on spending, such as total spending on an account compared to others in the country, spending in a particular segment, and frequency of card usage compared over an extended period of time. Malhotra also noted that Assurance IQ enables the distribution of positive e-commerce data indicators between stakeholders saying that a balanced reputation assessment is achieved considering not only transactional risk indicators but also positive indicators better determining the authenticity of a transaction.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Brands & Marketing

IMC revs up plans on young professionals’ creativity celebration STORIES: DAVID AUDU

s the global festival of creativity, the Cannes Lions, draws nearer, Nigerian professionals in the marketing communications industry are set to recognize and celebrate their younger colleagues in the industry. Speaking on the event, tagged the ‘2016 Lions Night and Awards’ scheduled to hold this Saturday, the managing director of CHINI Productions, official representative of Cannes Lions in Nigerian, Mr. Nnamdi Ndu, said the creative and award night is part of the preparatory activities in Nigeria towards the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June. He said three main categories of awards are expected to be announced at the event. These include the Roger Hatchuel Academy awards, dedicated to identifying and nurturing gifted Adisa students in tertiary institutions who intend to practice advertising, the Young Lions Competi- al Roger Hatchuel Academy event in France, tion, which aims to find, promote and reward the while the first runner-up will win a sponsored efforts of some of the most brilliant professionals trip to attend the Lynx Academy in Dubai. in the industry who are below the age of 30, while “The Roger Hatchuel Academy awards will the third category of awards are designed to en- also recognize the best teacher and the best perable highly talented Nigerians to study on schol- forming school or department. arship in Miami Ad School campuses around the “The Young Lions Competition will award world. the best teams in media, film, print, cyber and Ndu explained further that this year’ schol- design categories. The winning teams from arships will be offered for the portfolio pro- each category will represent Nigeria in the ingrammes, bachelor degree programmes and ternational competition during the Cannes Limaster degree programmes. ons Festival in June. He said the Roger Hatchuel Academy awards He siad activities leading to the Lions Night will also recognize the best student who will win and Awards will begin with a training session an all-expense paid trip to attend the internation- for the Media competitors to be supervised by

Owodunni

the Media Manager at Coca Cola Nigeria, Dozie Okafor, who was himself part of a team that won the first Young Lions Media Competition and represented Nigeria in Cannes. He said similar training for the creative competitors to be led by the Executive Creative Director, Noah’s Ark, Abolaji Alausa, whose team won the Young Lions film competition and represented Nigerian in Cannes 8 years ago will holds during the event. The event will feature over 40 young men and women from top agencies in Nigeria who will be taking part in these competitions. A list of agencies presenting teams for the competitions include All Season’s Media,

BBDO West Africa, DDB Lagos, Elev8,Insight Communications, Media Perspectives, mediaReach OMD, Noah’s Ark Communications, Starcoms Media, TBWA Concept and X3M Ideas. Ndu also said the managing director of Noahs Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa will be the creative Jury president for 2016 while other members will include Chuma Obumselu, Executive Creative Director, BBDO West Africa, Chuma Obumselu, Creative Director, Lowe Lintas, Lagos, Nduka Kade, Associate Director, 141 Worldwide, Yemi Arawore, Creative Director, TBWA Concept, Ranti Atunwa and Deputy Creative Director, Noah’s Ark Communications, Maurice Ugwonoh. “The media jury will include GM Strategy and Implementation All Seasons Mediacom,Ada Adheke, Group Head, Media, Media Perspective, Dolapo Ogunbambo; Director, Sharemind Media, Shamsi Onilenla; General Manager, Mediashare Limited, Oladayo Oyetayo and Kola Odunsanya of Intensity Media. Others are Associate Director, Strategy & Planning, Adgenda Media, Soji Olaogun, Deputy Manager, Planning, MediaReach OMD, Oge Maduagwu and Media Director, Starcom Media, Jonadab Egbowon, The managing director of CHINI Productions also disclosed that about 40 students will converge in Lagos from their various tertiary institutions around the country to begin a 3-day residential Roger Hatchuel Academy, Nigeria programme.

NIPR election complies with electoral guidelines – Members

he 2016 elections into the executives of the Lagos state Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, have come and gone but the issues it generated are lessons in how to move the association forward. David Audu reports. In line with the change mantra pervading the Nigerian national life, many institutions now try as much as possible to key into it with the expectation of ensuring transparency, accountability and responsibility in the conduct of public affairs at all level. This change mantra was typically mani-

Segun McMedal

fested during the conduct election into the executive of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, recently, as event before and after the election have proved. Observers believed the public relations practitioners in Nigeria have rightly imbibed the change concept and allowed it to prevail during the election as merit and rule of law was allowed to prevail. This election however did not come without rancour and acrimony as the election was postponed twice owing to what the national body described as serial violation of rule. When the election earlier scheduled for February 25, 2016 was first shifted, tongues started wagging as to who was behind the sudden postponement, especially, when it seems all the preparations necessary for the successful conduct were fully completed. Concerned interest in Lagos NIPR pointed accusing finger at the national body of interfering with the state chapter’s affairs. But the president of the national body during a chart with newsmen distanced himself from the events that led to the postponement, saying that as president he is father of all the state chapters and will only be interested that due process should be followed. It should be recalled that the chapter had not been successful in its first two attempts at electing a new set of executive after the expiration of Mr. Joseph Okonmah’s tenure in July last year. The earlier fixed for July 2015 election was

annulled by the national body due to what it described as failure of the Lagos chapter’s executives to submit the audited report of their stewardship one month before the elections. Insiders revealed that the state chapter has been a serial defaulter in its financial accounting to the national body, a situation, the body felt must be redressed before any election could hold to elect new executive, hence the postponement of the election to a later date, February 25th. However, as the new date drew near, it was felt that there was need to shifted the date further to allow the candidates more time to unveil their manifestoes to the electorate. This was seen as fair play by some members of the body who felt there was need to give every contestant a level playing field and more time to sell themselves. The postponement also gave the national body ample time to constitute what it described as unbiased electoral committee headed by a colonel in the Nigerian army, John Agim. Speaking on the elections, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Col. John Agim, of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, NASPRI, expressed delight that the election, held under close monitoring of the national body, was without rancour. The NASPRI Commandant explained that though three candidates had signified interests to vie for the chairmanship of Lagos NIPR Chapter, one of the candidates, Rev. Olusola

Niyi, was disqualified from contesting, for failing to meet part of the stipulated requirements of the elections. “We were given bye-laws that the candidates should meet before they are accepted as candidates for elections, and one of the laws is that the candidate must be an effective member, that is, he must have 50 per cent of attendance in a year, without apology. The second one is that the candidate must have scaled through the institute’s on-going recertification exercise and must be financially active, both at the national and the state chapter. “We had three candidates for chairmanship, but one of the candidates did not meet some of these. He met up with the attendance requirement, he was up to date with his payment at the national level, but when we checked the state, he was not up to date. That was why the committee disqualified him,” he stated. When the election was finally held, Mr Segun McMedal emerged as the chapter’s new chairman. He defeated his main opponent, Mr Joe Okonmah, the chapter’s immediate past chairman, after the third contestant was disqualified. However, the other positions were occupied unopposed. They are Mrs. Comfort Nwankwo who was returned as Vice-Chairman, Thelma Okon as Secretary, Oladapo Soneye as Assistant Secretary and Kali Olekauwa as Treasurer.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 7, 2016

ICSTM honours Konga for quality services DAVID AUDU

igeria’s online mall, Konga.com, has been recognized with a distinguished award from the Institute of Strategic Customer Service and Trade Management of Nigeria, ICSTM. The online mall was honored with the Quality Service Delivery Excellence Award, for its new service offering, Same Day Delivery Service, during the Induction and Award Ceremony of the institute in Abuja, last week. A release from Konga.com said the award was in recognition of focused leadership amongst online shopping platforms in the country and their unwavering efforts in product innovation, especially with the launch of Same Day Delivery

Service. Konga.com had recently launched the Same Day Delivery Service alongside the Keep on Shipping, KOS, Service to further improve the company’s delivery capabilities Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Director, Customer Experience and Marketing, Mayowa Adebayo, conveyed Konga’s commitment towards the continued deployment of innovative and excellent customer service delivery. “At Konga.com, we have been very passionate with the drive to ensure that we offer the best bouquet of goods and services to our esteemed customers; awards and recognitions such as this one are to affirm that we are not trailing off course. With the support of our customers, partners and organizations such as yours, we are confident

that we will dole out more innovative and game changing drives”. The Institute of Strategic Customer Service and Trade Management of Nigeria is a regulatory body registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 with the sole aim of building and promoting professionalism in Customer Service delivery, Quality excellence and trade activities. Other awards and recognitions which Konga.com has received from other organizations include the Kalahari award for the best E-commerce provider for 2015; ‘Most Supportive Customer Service Overall in Nigeria’ award by the Nigerian Customer Service Awards (NCSA) and they were listed fourth in the large companies’ category of the ‘Great Place to work in Nigeria’.

L-R: Registar, Institute of Strategic Customer Service and Trade Management of Nigeria (ICSTM) Mr.Oyeleye Adebayo; Head, Contact Centre, Konga.com, Mr. Seyi Folaranmi; President, Institute of Strategic Customer Service and Trade Management of Nigeria Mr. Babatunde Akinsanya, and Council Member, Institute of Strategic Customer Service and Trade Management of Nigeria Mr. Aigbogun Clemon Iziengbe at the Induction and Award Ceremony of the institute held in Abuja recently.

Lucozade launches calorie-free ‘Zero’ brand DAVID AUDU

ucozade Ribena is to launch a low-calorie variant dubbed Lucozade Zero for its two most popular flavours, a move it is backing with a £5m marketing campaign and which it said was in response to “the nation’s changing health agenda”. The decision was made to give consumers a “healthier choice without compromising on flavour”, the company said, with the Zero brand designed to be exempted from sugar tax on soft drinks, which comes into effect in 2018. Lucozade Zero will come in two flavours, Orange and Pink Lemonade, and goes on sale from 2 May. The new packaging has been designed to stand out on shelves. The company is spending £5m on a “disruptive marketing cam-

paign” to drive awareness of what it describes as its biggest product launch of 2016. Advertising and marketing activity, will be aimed at driving awareness and footfall in-store, and will include point-ofsale material and striking display units. Lucozade Zero will be sold in 380ml price-marked packs and non price-marked packs across wholesale and independents, with 500ml, 1l and 380ml multipacks also available in convenience and grocery stores. Charlotte Flook, Lucozade Energy’s senior brand manager, said: “We are really excited to be launching this innovative new drink. Lucozade Zero offers people the chance to enjoy two of their favourite flavours with lower calories. “This new launch is another way that Lucozade Ribena Sunto-

ry is delivering on its ambition to reduce calories across its portfolio by 20 per cent.” According to health campaigning group action on sugar, a onelitre bottle of Lucozade Energy Pink Lemonade or Caribbean Crush contained 14g of sugar per 100ml. However, the brand features lower proportion amounts of sugar than other energy drinks, with Sainsbury’s Orange Energy Drink in one-litre servings containing nearly 16g of sugar per 100ml. Per portion, the worst culprit is Rockstar Punched Energy + Guava Tropical Guava Flavour, which contains 15.6g of sugar per 100ml. This isn’t the first time Lucozade has dabbled with low-sugar products, launching Lucozade Energy Reduced Sugar in August 2014, which carried 4.18g of sugar per 100ml.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

Brand romance with Nollywood

n today’s world, celebrities play a major role in modern society and we see movie stars, pop icons, athletes, famous chefs, prominent business moguls and even the royal family starring in adverts, helping marketers sell anything from running shoes to coffee! The right celebrity, used in the right way can undoubtedly be a powerful brand asset. These stars are instantly recognisable and attract consumer interest, bringing attention to the brand in a way that no other type ofadvertising can. But using a celebrity is no guarantee of effective advertising.Celebrities have also become brands in their own right, and use their status to build their personal empires by endorsing brands, cashing in on appearances, licensing their names, and even launching their own products. To gauge whether a celebrity is right for your brand, you need to establish whether they are known, whether they are liked, and what they stand for among your target audience. And usually, as long as the celebrity is authentic, they can help lend credibility to a brand and influence the way it is perceived. Many consumers believe that if a product is good enough for a star, it is good enough for them. The use of celebrities in advertising varies around the world, and in Nigeria we are seeing more celebrities in advertising than in the

past. Toke Makinwa of Rhythm FM, multi award winning actors Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde and Pete Edochie are good examples of Nollywood celebrities and corporate Nigeria is falling over themselves to sign up local celebrities as brand ambassadors. Even some popular musicians and producers like D’Banj , Tiwa Savage, Whiz Kid and Don Jazzy have been signed on by multiple brands to lift to their brand awareness in the market place, as well as popular current and ex internationals like Jay Jay Okacha, Kanu Nwankwo and Peter Odemwingie of Bristol City in the United Kingdom. So one might conclude that celebrity endorsements must be an effective channel for giving brands and products visibility, otherwise why would the use of celebrities be so popular? But studies from Millward Brown show that the simple addition of a celebrity to an ad does not necessarily increase the odds of success. This is not to say that there are not some real success stories among celebrity campaigns - but simply that percentage-wise, there are as many mediocre ads with celebrities as without. Does it really make sense, then, for advertisers to pursue celebrity strategies when they carry additional costs and risks? Michael Umogun | @michaelumogun

Quill awards entry closes DAVID AUDU

romasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk has said entries for this year’s Promasidor Quill Awards will close at midnight on April 14, 2016. Mr. Andrew Enahoro Head, Legal/Public Relations, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, advised journalists, who are yet to submit their entries to complete their application process before the deadline. Enahoro acknowledged that Promsidor had already received many entries for the different categories of the awards, but he expressed optimism that many more entries would still be uploaded before the deadline. He therefore advised prospective contestants for this year’s Awards to upload their entries as Promasidor would not extend the entry window for any of the seven categories. The categories are: Best Report on Children and Nutrition, Brand Advocate

of the Year; Best CSR and Industry Report of the Year; Best Photo Story of the Year; Education Reporter of the Year; Best Online Reporter of the Year; and Future Writer of the Year. His words: “We do not want any qualified journalist to lose the opportunity provided by this initiative. We have already received many applications for all the categories. We still expect to receive more. I am therefore using this medium to advise journalists if you feel that your work is good enough to merit an award then, you put it in. That is what it is all about – to encourage and reward excellence”. He explained that the annual competition is open to journalists in different parts of the country. In order to give equal opportunity to all qualified journalists, he said Promasidor uses the e-platform for the entry submission “We don’t want a situation where the scope will be limited to any specific geographical location. Our products are sold pan-Nigeria”, he stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Africa’s media, arts key to continent’s transformation –UNECA Leonard okachie

edia has a responsibility together with the continent’s creative industry to help transform and develop the continent. This is was the decision of the continent’s best thought leaders in the two sectors at a conversation convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Addis Ababa. The round-table meeting which was centred on the continent’s transformation agenda,was moderated by Chief Executive Officer of African Media Initiative, Eric Chinje. The panellists included Nigerian Media mogul and founder of Ebony Life Television, Mo Abudu; Group Publisher and Managing Director of leading publishing, events and communications company, IC Publications, Omar Ben Yedder; an influencial figure in the Zambian arts and culture sector, Mulenga Kapwepwe as well as Algerian singer and musician, Amazigh Kateb. “The problem lies as much with media as it does with governments, civil society and the private sector,” he said, further stating that; “We will not see a sustained transformation in Africa without the full involvement of the media and creative industries.”

Newsstand in Nigeria

The conversation was on the role of the media in Africa can be improved in as far as development was concerned. Chinje said the media and those in the creative sector can engage governments and the African Union of developmental frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and others so they can fully understand and tell the story without missing gaps or links.

Mulenga Kapwepwe said governments and institutions should also engage the media on issues they are working on, in particular sharing their vision on development and related issues. “Whether it may be the United Nations or the African Union, such institutions should engage the creative industries and the media in order to help execute

the treaties and agreements signed by African countries,” said Mulenga. The discussion drew attention to the necessity of creating awareness on important issues on the continent and how the African media can attract and interest amongst African citizens around the globe around such issues. The panelists agreed that the media should not only concentrate on entertainment but also take a keen interest in development and transformational issues on the continent. In a nutshell, all on the panel agreed that for Africa to experience real growth and transformation, its media must also be equally involved, tapping into political, social and economic developments on the continent. The ordinary person, they also agreed, should have a voice in developmental issues in their respect areas. “Citizens should be a part of the implementation agenda and should participate in the decision-making processes of the continent,” Chinje said. He said the media and arts industry is powerful and continues to influence the course of events the world over. Africa’s development agenda should tap into the creative ideas of such powerful voices that harbour equally powerful views and ideas on creating the Africa we want, Chinje concluded

CNN Style hits TV screens soon Leonard okachie

ne year after its successful launch online, CNN’s lifestyle platform, CNN Style, is set to hit TV screens in April 2016, 15 years after the iconic Elsa Klensch was last on the network. The first 30-minute CNN Style show will air on CNN International from Saturday, April 9, fronted by Derek Blasberg. According to the Cable Network, CNN Style will be at the definitive events in the style calendar – biennales, expos, fashion weeks, design festivals. The launch episode focuses on the contemporary art world, set against the backdrop of Asia’s pre-eminent international art fair, Hong Kong Art Basel. In the coming months, CNN Style will be at New York’s Met Ball, Milan Design Week, the Venice Architecture Biennale and more. Commenting on the show, the Senior Vice President at CNN International, Ellana Lee said, “CNN Style is not just a monthly TV show – it is multi-media content that will feature right across the CNN International network, with new segments and reports all under the CNN Style banner.’’

Lee added that, “We are taking inspiration from CNN’s rich past in style and reverse engineering the DNA from our hugely successful digital product to bring

Lee

CNN Style to TV viewers worldwide. With Derek Blasberg at the helm, our mission is to interview the most interesting people at the definitive events. This will be a sur-

prising and an elegant journey through the concepts and worlds of style.” CNN Style host, Derek Blasberg, also noted that, “Style is so much more than getting dressed, or looking at pictures on a wall. Artistic expression comes in a variety of mediums and is an international, multi-billion dollar a year industry. “What I am excited about with CNN Style is peeling back the layers of the world of art, architecture and design, and taking hard look at the fashion, luxury and automotive industries to show how they affect the world at large. My career has introduced me to creative people from all walks of life, and it would be a pleasure to bring them to viewers around the world.” The return to TV follows the successful launch of CNN Style on digital in July 2015. Since then, cnn.com/style has become a global destination that has collaborated with guest editors from Olivier Rousteing to Daniel Libeskind and Glenn Lowry, commissioned stylised content for CNN digital platforms and direct to social media, attracted a range of luxury advertisers and built a large audience with an average of 5.5 million unique users every month.

Media

Thursday, April 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bang Radio UK now The Beat London 103.6 FM StorieS: Leonard okachie

ondon’s First urban community radio station Bang Radio, has changed its name to The Beat London 103.6 FM. The Beat London will continue to fly the flag high for British youth culture and music as the award-winning Bang Radio has done for over 10 years. Nurturing DJs and presenters with their ears close to the ground, and championing the best in UK music, The Beat London team will be led by Ivor Etienne, a broadcast executive and presenter with over 30 years experience, working in radio alongside the finest broadcasters and producers, who is recognized for having catapulted Britain’s first ‘Black music radio station,’ Choice FM into the mainstream arena. Ivor Etienne confirms; “We are incredibly proud of what Bang Radio and Life FM (previously known as) has achieved, but we are excited to introduce a new era for the station; The Beat London 103.6FM – representing

L-R: CEO, The Beat 99.9 FM, Chris Ubosi and wife Ijeoma; Mrs. Adesua and husband Uzoma Dozie, in London.

and providing a voice for young Black urban London to the world. “Music will remain at the core of our programming, and we look forward to becoming recognized as a

space for the talents, opinions, views and ideas of the under-25s community. “We are very proud to team up with The Beat 99.9FM in Nigeria as they play an important role in closing the

gap between the media industries across Africa and the world. We look forward to future collaborations, adding a global element to our work and joining the dots between the UK and Africa!” In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of The Beat 99.9 FM Chris Ubosi, Nigeria said: “We are excited to expand The Beat FM’s passion to develop music talents and the energy of young people from Africa to the World, beginning with the UK. This is a great opportunity to further demonstrate the potential that music and media have to unite youths across the world.” The new station will continue to work synonymously with youth charity Bang Edutainment. The Beat London 103.6FM will provide the freshest in urban sounds, broadcasting live from its North-West London home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 103.6FM in the London area, across the globe on www.theBeat1036. com and via its app TheBeat1036 (available on iTunes and Android) and TuneIn App.

65% of buyers request car loans, insurance online – Carmudi

any loan and insurance providers are now making use of Nigeria’s growing internet penetration and smartphone usage to advertise their services and connect with customers directly, a new report by Carmudi has revealed. According to the re[port, in 2014, only 2.5 million vehicles had valid insurance meaning that more than 85% of the 15 million cars plying the Nigerian roads were insured. The number was much lower in 2012 and 2013. The last quarter of 2015 saw an improvement in the number of car insurance policies bought by car owners. According to the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) an estimated 3 million Nigerians had valid car insurance at the end of 2015 and by the end of the first second quarter of 2016 the number of car insurance holders is estimated to rise by 39%. Experts say that the rise in the number of insurance policies could be attributed to the increase in internet penetration and the use of SMS marketing and information services. Factors such as easy access to in-

Managing Director, Carmudi Nigeria, Amy Muoneke

formation on the various policies, ability of customers to request insurance policies online and also easy payment through bank transfers and other e payment platforms are all evidence of the importance of the internet to the insurance sector. Financial service providers have also seen an increase in the amount of people wanting loans especially car loans. Financial service providers often partner with online classified website for cars, real estate, logistics and travels to offer customers easy access to loans. A good example is the

online classified website for cars, Carmudi Nigeria. Carmudi Nigeria in recent times commenced partnership with various financing and insurance service providers with the aim of offering car shoppers the opportunity to apply for car loans and insurance via the Carmudi website. According to Amy Muoneke, Managing Director, Carmudi Nigeria, “All car shoppers now have easy access to information on car loan and automobile insurance facilities from various service providers as

well as subscribe to these facilities through the Carmudi website.” The internet enables customers readily access information on their choice of service, subscribe and make payment online via their smartphone or PC.Since commencing these unique partnerships, over 65% of car shoppers using the Carmudi website requested for car loans and 35% subscribed for auto insurance showing a growing need for easily accessible car financing and automobile insurance services.

CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2016 Awards launched

NN International and MultiChoice have officially launched the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2016 Awards. According to the release by the organisers, the competition for African nationals based on the continent welcomes entries from journalists creating content targeting an African audience. A new category has been added this year, The Maggie Eales Young Journalist Award. This is named in honour of the late Maggie Eales, the CNN executive and former journalist who during her 20 year career at CNN was the driving force behind the development and growth of the African Journalist Awards. This award reflects Maggie’s enduring passion for nurturing young talent and will recognise the work of journalists starting out in their career, who demonstrate exceptional storytelling and the ability to identify a story and tell it with conviction. There are no restrictions on subject matter for this category and entrants must be born after Jan. 1, 1990. Executive Vice President and Managing Director of CNN International, Tony Maddox said: “Africa is an increasingly important part of the global story, and CNN reflects that. We are committed to the African story, not just editorially, but also in terms of supporting its own journalistic enterprise through the CNN MultiChoice

African Journalist Awards. “I am immensely proud of our long-term commitment to Africa and there is no better example of that than these Awards. We’re particularly proud this year to honour the incredible contribution Maggie Eales made in shaping the Awards into the continent’s finest celebration of its journalism. It’s fitting that young journalists who symbolise the next generation for journalism in Africa now have an award to aspire to.” CEO MultiChoice Africa, Tim Jacobs said: “The longevity of these Awards is indicative of how these awards continue to play a meaningful role for the advancement of outstanding journalism across the continent. I’m confident that the 2016 instalment of the Awards will continue to unearth extraordinary African talent whose tireless work and search for the truth may otherwise not receive the recognition it deserves.” Burkinabé journalist Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou was awarded the top prize at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 Awards ceremony. His work, ‘Nuit du 29 octobre à Azalaï : Nous étions à la chambre 143’ appeared in Burkinabé daily print newspaper L’Observateur Paalga and was chosen from entries spanning 39 nations across the African continent. Since the first Awards in 1995, the competition has grown in size and status to

become Africa’s most prestigious media event. In 2015, a ‘Highlights Programme’ of the ceremony, held in Nairobi, Kenya, was broadcast across Africa, plus the UK, USA and the Caribbean. Open to journalists working in any medium, this year the competition will recognise excellence in the following categories: Culture Award, Dow Technology & Innovation Reporting Award, Ecobank Economics & Business Award, Features Award, Francophone General News Award – Electronic Media, and GE Energy & Infrastructure Award Other categories include Mohamed Amin Photographic Award, MSD Health & Medical Award, News Impact Award, Portuguese Language General News Awards, Press Freedom Award, Sport Reporting Award, The African Development Bank Environment Award and The Maggie Eales Young Journalist Award From these category winners, an independent judging panel choose the overall winner - The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2016. Finalists in the 2016 competition will participate in a finalists’ programme that will include a media forum and networking opportunities with senior journalists, editors, business leaders and media owners from across the continent, culminating in a gala awards ceremony later in the year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Media

Thursday, April 7, 2016

41 million children obese worldwide –WHO StorieS: Leonard okachie

ew alarming report issued this week by the World Health Organization said that at least 41 million children under the age of five are now obese or overweight across the globe. Describing the fact as obesity crisis time bomb, WHO warned that as it will dramatically increase future rates of associated health problems like heart disease, diabetes and could ultimately increase the number of preventable early deaths unless urgent action is taken. Of this total, the number from lower middle-income countiesemerging markets for the food industry-has gone up from 7.5 million to 15.5 million. As such, the report recommends the implementation of comprehensive programmes that promote the intake of healthy foods and reduce the intake of unhealthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages by children and

adolescents. Additionally, authors of the study found that the number of Africa’s children younger than 5 who are obese or overweight has doubled from 1990 to 2014. WHO’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity said: “The Commission believes there is sufficient rationale to warrant the introduction of an effective tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Its specific charges within each recommendation were tougher, however. While there was no mention of the recently released 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this document has been criticized for being purposely opaque in areas that were not favorable to the food industry. As Mexico has demonstrated, implementing taxes on sugary drinks is an effective strategy to reduce consumption of sugar and to fund nutrition and physical activity programs. Different cultures such as those that exist in Africa see obese children pegged as healthy ones, especially if they come

make it easy and enjoyable for them to eat healthy foods and be active. There has also been an uptick in marketing of junk foods to children, the report said. “The greatest obstacle to effective progress on reducing childhood obesity is a lack of political commitment and a failure of governments and other actors to take ownership, leadership and necessary actions”, the report states.

An obese child

from privileged home. In the report, it stated: “Processed, energy-dense, nutrientpoor foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, in increasing portion size, at affordable prices have

Lagos comes alive at Gidi Fest Leonmard okachie

hird edition of the annual Gidi Fest went down on the eve of Easter cementing its producers, Eclipise Live Africa, as industry leaders. It was the best one yet as over 3,000 attendees were treated to an unforgettable Las Gidi experience. During the day, the music served as a perfect backdrop to activities including beach soccer and volleyball tournaments, an art installation and food court. As the sun went down, the music took centre stage. Gidi Fest’s main stage opened with comedian Ogbolor. With their dynamic energy, the hosts, Nigeria’s Sensei Uche and Skhanda Queen, Nomuzi kept the crowd entertained from opening to closing. By 7pm headliner Tiwa Savage was serving hits from her two albums. Tiwa’s performance got the audience raving, and a few minutes later both #GidiFest2016 and #TiwaSavage were trending on Twitter. This was just the beginning of the night. Other performances of the night included Phyno, IKON, Chopstix, GGB Dancers, 2 Star General and Godwin Strings. An incredible set from Yemi Alade, reminded everyone she’s one of the continent’s best artists. South Africa’s finest, K.O and Riky Rick, graced the stage with the crowd dancing and rapping along to their hits. As midnight hit, fireworks painted the sky as Poe and Funbi performed some

of the Collectiv3 LP’s best tracks. Followed by Adekunle Gold, it was a triple header for the ladies. Rachel Kerr, a celebrated vocalist from London, gave an emotive performance to ring in the Easter holiday. The crowd cheered as Timaya hit the stage performing his greatest hits. Next came Small Doctor’s memorable performance where he climbed the stage pillars to everybody’s surprise. With the help of the #GidiSquad, Heineken presented the Take Over alongside DJ OBI. Gidi Fest ’16 closed with global superstar Dbanj who has broken

Fun seekers at Gidi Fest

countless chart records. With one of the most enviable catalogues in music, D’banj’s set stretched from 20 minutes to 45minutes as the Koko Master took the crowd through songs spanning his decade plus career. Bringing super fans on stage and hosting a dance competition, D’banj closed out Gidi Fest ’16 by bringing the festival vibes to a roaring high-point. For those who missed the festival and those who want to relive the experience, MTV Base Africa will be airing a one hour special from next week, while videos of performances will be shared along with the After Movie in the coming weeks. In just three years Eclipse Live Africa has created not just Africa’s biggest beach party, but Nigeria’s foremost music festival.

replaced minimally-processed fresh foods and water in many settings at school and family meals”. Together, we can ensure that the places where our children live, learn, play and pray

The role of schools was also addressed, with the report urging a ban on the “provision or sale of unhealthy foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverages and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, in the school environment.” The WHO report warned that childhood obesity is reaching “alarming proportions” in many countries and poses an urgent and serious challenge. “Children with obesity are very likely to remain obese as adults and are at risk of chronic illness,” it stressed.

Don urges youths to develop reading culture

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, has called on Nigerian youths to develop reading culture. He also urged them to champion community development projects to ensure a united, progressive and prosperous society. Ambali made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin in his speech at the Silver Jubilee anniversary and public presentation of a book, ``Our Illustrious icons,’’ by Pakata Patriots, an association. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the book is a biography of selected prominent people in Pakata area of Ilorin, from 1831 to 2015. The VC, who chaired the occasion, said that constant reading would widen the horizon of the readers and make them potent tool for rapid development of the nation. He commended the people of Pakata for coming up with such a valuable book, adding that the book was capable of impacting significantly on all sons and daughters of Pakata and beyond. He appealed to the organisers of the event to make the book available to the people on the internet. In his sermon at the occasion, Sheikh Daud Abdulmajeed, advised youths in Kwara to be law abiding and shun all acts inimical to the progress and development of the society. The book reviewer, Dr Isiaq

Yahaya, Director of Public Affairs, National Population Commission, said the book contained 370 pages featuring the biographies of 70 people from Pakata. He said that the people who were featured in the biography had contributed significantly toward the propagation of Islam and the development of the society. Earlier in his address of welcome, the President of Pakata Patriots, Ilorin, Mallam Shehu Aliyu, said the book was written to immortalise some Pakata icons, living and late, who had contributed to the development of the area. He explained that the choice of the personalities in the book was not influenced by their wherewithal but due to their contributions to the progress and development of Pakata and humanity. He said that the intent was to show the world that the calibre of human resources which Pakata had been blessed with. According to Aliyu, the inclusion of eminent forerunners in the book would serve as mirror to the younger ones and shining model to the upcoming generations. In his speech, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed pledged his readiness to name a school after the late Prof. Shehu Jimoh in recognition of his valuable contributions to the society. Ahmed made the pledge in response to the request by the President of Pakata Patriots at the occasion.

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Thursday, April 7, 2016

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The Youth newspaper debuts Dare akogun

he Youth Newspaper Limited publishers of the first and only newspaper dedicated to promoting youth development and overall projection of young people in Nigeria has announced the formal launch of its title The Youth Newspaper. The organisation promised to protect the nation’s democracy and democratic principles, by focusing on the youth segments to propagate good governance and rule of law while pursuing quality and excellence in the conduct of its affairs. The publisher of the newspaper Dr. Rasaq Olayinka Oseni said that the medium is the latest addition to the vibrant Nigerian newspaper market, adding that The Youth prides itself as the number one news source of news and information for professionals and policy makers in the youth service sector. According to him the major focus of the newspaper is to provide, unbiased and independent report on issues that affect or concern Nigerian youths while also availing the public the inspiring stories of the young generation. He noted that the reason for the establishment of the newspaper is to fill vacuum and the

L-R: Editor,The Youth newspaper, Mr. Adedeji Fakorede; Publisher, Dr. Rasaq Oseni; Production Manager, Mr. Toyin Ibrahim and the company Secretary, Olawale Zainab, at the launch of the newspaper in Lagos.

need for the youth that constitute about 70 percent of the country’s population to have a voice of their own. Oseni said: “Our focus will also be in the areas of youth entrepreneurship and creating a mentoring process in a way of enlightenment and reorientation of being an active participant instead of a spectator in the scheme of things in the country. “The aim of the newspaper is to provide a kind of medium that youth will have hand on access about information that con-

cerns them. “To create a rallying point for the youths to see themselves as an employer of labour rather than focusing on getting a job after school and provide a platform to enlighten them on how to go about it.” The newspaper according to Oseni, will be a free fortnightly published newspaper, with a current print capacities of 10, 000 copies that is hoping to penetrate all corners of the country with a target of about one million readers.

On sustainability he said that as a social enterprise the newspaper rely solely on advertisement and partnership, reason being that the segment of the society involved is so special that youth population is very important in the development of a nation. “The intention of the newspaper is to be free forever, because we find out that more audience will be reached by the free nature of the medium compared to the more popular newspapers,” he added.

Group partners NYSC to reduce sickle cell burden

he Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) has said it has partnered with the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to fight sickle cell in the country. Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, the President of the foundation, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan. Falusi said that the foundation was forging collaboration

Corp members

Poverty reason for children, youth on street globally – Report

with NYSC as part of efforts to promote awareness and education on preventive approach to the disease. He said: “The objective of NYSC is to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community. “The corps members are distributed nationwide and SCHAF is initiating a partnership with the NYSC to serve as a vehicle of Sickle Cell Dis-

ease (SCD) prevention. “Through this collaboration with NYSC, a larger population of rural dwellers will be reached with an ultimate reduction in the prevalence of SCD in Nigeria,” Falusi said. According to her, about 80 per cent of Nigerians live in rural communities without access to appropriate healthcare not to talk of understanding the concept of SCD con-

trol. Falusi said that the SCHAFNYSC rural initiative is a platform for young people to make informed decisions in their future marriage partners. “Corps members will be trained to create awareness on SCD control at the grassroots while screening youths to establish their genotypes. ``The initiative will also facilitate the Know Your Genotype (KYG) clubs in schools and provide opportunities for genetic counselling. ``This will enhance more people knowing the difference between genotypes and blood group and choices that promote the disease prevention,” she said. According to Falusi, the foundation already organised a pilot programme in September 2015 in Oyo state to test the initiative. ``The expected outcome is to extend this to other states; increase awareness and education for genotype screening; reduction of stigmatisation and improved medical care at the grassroots,” she said.

overty was the most common reason reported by children and youth, globally, for why they were on the streets, according to an article published online by JAMA Pediatrics. It is hard to estimate the number of children and youth who spend time on the streets because it is difficult to count and define this population. Street-connected children and youth are those for whom the streets play a central role in their lives. Without empirical data on the reasons why children are on the streets, policies are often developed without taking these causes into account. Children and youth who spend time on the streets suffer illness and death. Paula Braitstein, Ph.D., of the University of Toronto, Canada, and coauthors compiled data from 49 studies representing 24 countries to analyze self-reported reasons why children and youth end up on the streets. In their review, street-connected children and youth were those who were 24 or younger and who spend a portion, or a majority, of their time living or working on the streets. The authors’ meta-analysis included 13,559 participants from 24 countries, of which 21 of those countries were developing nations. Poverty was the most common reason reported for street involvement by children and youth, globally, with an estimated prevalence of 39 percent, according to the study analysis. Poverty was followed by family conflict and abuse as the most frequently reported reasons with estimated prevalences of 32 percent and 26 percent, respectively. In developing nations, street involvement was reported to be most frequently due to poverty-related reasons, while in developed countries, it was family conflict that was the most frequently reported reason, the results suggest. Delinquency was the reason cited the least frequently for why children and youth were on the streets with an estimated prevalence of just 10 percent, according to the results. Study limitations include use of only English language peer-reviewed studies, not all studies measured or reported the same reasons, and selfreported reasons for street involvement were subject to bias. “Preventing street involvement and mitigating its harms are critical to helping children and youth achieve their potential.”

nts

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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Community Mirror Let me again repeat what I to have saying Goodluck hasthe no It seems mebeen the time hasthat come for us toJonathan re-examine personal agenda in convening thisfornational legal and constitutional framework policingconference. in Nigeria.

–SPEAKER HOUSEPRESIDENT OF REPS, HON. YAKUBUJONATHAN DOGARA GOODLUCK

Hotelier kidnapped 3rd time in Ilorin Wole Adedeji ILORIN

hotelier in Ilorin, Kwara State, has been kidnapped in his shop where he also sells building materials, by some unknown men who came in a Camry car. The abducted businessman, Chief Ifeanyi Okoli, was kidnapped about 6pm on Monday by some men who came in quietly and whisked him away. His abduction was the third instance. He was also taken away three years ago in his hotel and released two days later; an attempt was also made to abduct him at home last October. He was said to have wrestled with the intruders and overpowered them, which forced them to leave him and took to their heels. No contact had been made with his relations at the time of filing this report yesterday, according to his wife, Mrs Adanma Okoli, while speaking with newsmen.

Newly inducted members of Victims of Violence, a non-governmental oraganisation in Ilorin, recently.

PHOTO : DARE AKOGUN

According to her, the incessant abduction of her husband, who she said was a law-abiding citizen going about his business without hurting anyone, has become too much, pleading that her husband should be released unhurt.

Also, his younger brother, Boniface Okoli, said the abduction of his elder brother was unbecoming, pointing out that Ifeanyi had suffered so much to succeed in his business, which does not call for his travails in recent time.

Kwara State Police Commissioner, Mr Samuel Okaula, while confirming the incident said he got the report that Chief Ifeanyi Okoli has been kidnapped. “We are after the hoodlums and we have directed Area Com-

‘Victims of Violence’ inducts members in Kwara dAre AkoguN

non-governmental organization, Victims of Violence, established with the aim of giving helping hand to the needy in the nooks and crannies of the country, especially internally displaced persons, inducted new members of the organisation in Ilorin, Kwara State, recently. Speaking at the event, National President, Mallam Sulaiman Gumi, said that Nigerians nationwide were gradually waking up to their social responsibilities of lending a helping hand to those in need without primordial sentiments like ethnic, religious, sectional considerations, adding that the act of service to humanity was premised on rendering help and nothing else. “We have noticed that once people are displaced and they are concentrated at IDP camps, the educational pursuit of the children are totally forgotten, the handlers of the camps and donors are usually preoccupied

with the provision of foods, shelter and other immediate needs to the detriment of the future of the children, which is education. “So, we have made provisions for mobile schools, where as we go into the various IDP camps, we will, apart from distributing relief materials, assemble the children and help them further their education, in recognition of our efforts since inception,

Kentucky in the United States of America have declared every March 17th as a public holiday marking Victims of Violence day,” he added. Founder of Kwara State chapter, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Gambari, expressed shock at the discovery that there was no provision for indigenes of the state affected by the insurgency in the NorthEastern part of the country,

adding that most of them who had being forced relocate to the state have no shelter of their own. Speaking in the same vein, Kwara State Chairman of the foundation, Hajia Fati Abdulfatai promised resolve of the state chapter to hit the ground running, adding that the chapter boasts of professionals from all fields who are ready to dedicate their time and resources

Nigerians should be patient with APC – Ambode’s aide ebere NdukWu

pecial Adviser to Lagos State governor on Civic Engagement, Kehinde Joseph, has pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the All Progressives Congress, APC, government at all levels, saying the change programmes of the government, which is still maturing, will bring lasting solution to the nation’s problems. Joseph, who stated this while reacting to questions by journalists in Lagos on the slow pace of governance both at

Federal and state levels, added that the APC government was working towards achieving the desired change Nigerians voted for. “Nigerians should be patient with the new government, our government is working towards development of the nation, which has been bastardised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for years; I can assure you that things will get better soonest. “Nigerians should also be grateful to God that PDP didn’t win again at the Federal level, things would have been worse

than what we are experiencing now. Though, things are very tight currently, but it’s just for a short period,” he said. Speaking on President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti- corruption crusade, he said the fight against corruption was meant to put the nation on the right track which, according to him, will enable the citizenry do the rightful thing at all times. While saying that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s achievements within his 10 months in office has made Lagos the best state in the nation, he added

manders and DPOs in that area to make sure they get those behind it. We were told the men were in army uniform and in a Camry. “I heard this is the third time they have kidnapped that man. We will try and go after these people and make sure that we rescue him. He was abducted between 6pm and 7pm on Monday. We got the information late. The police got the information one hour after the incident. “As at now, we have three suspects in our cell. They were picked up at that hotel. There are indications that they have connection with the kidnappers. We are after the criminals. We must get to the root of this recurring kidnap. “The three suspects are males. They were found in the hotel, they were within that vicinity when the incident happened. Because of their conducts, police suspected them and they are being interrogated now,” he added.

towards making sure the aims and objectives of the foundation is pursued vigorously. One of the newly inducted members, Comrade Orlando Odunjo, described the nine hours lecture preceding the induction as very educative and informative, adding that the training has broadened participant’s knowledge on how best to be of help to the less privileged.

that he has continue to build on the legacies of his predecessors, Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola. He said, “Governor Ambode has achieved lots in terms of health, security, job creation, payment of staff ’s salaries, education, and roads construction, among others. Recently, the government distributed books, chairs and desks to primary and secondary schools across the state and talking about security, Lagos is the most secured state in Nigeria,” he said.

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Strike: PSN urges FG to heed health workers’ demands

harmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has advised Federal Government to give immediate attention to the clamours of health workers, including pharmacists to redress certain critical welfare demands to avert any breach in negotiations and strike in the sector, which will be detrimental to the economy, apart from leading to loss of lives. A statement from the secretariat of PSN, signed by its National President, Ahmed Yakasai, said their petitions were classified into two, including immediate and medium term demands, insisting there is urgent need for the release of the circular on CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADENIJI REMILEKUN ADEBISI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWANISHOLA SAMIAT ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ENIEKEBI EBIKEBENA, now wish to be known as MRS. EMEGBO EBIKEBENA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as HASSAN MARIAN ADEJOKE, now wish to be Known and addressed as JIMOH MARIAN ADEJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

adjustment of the CONHESS scale by the Salaries and Wages Commission. The statement further demanded for immediate full payment of balance of arrears of the skipping of CONHESS 10, which remains outstanding since 2010. The statement read: “These demands which have been bracketised into immediate and medium term demands include immediate release of the circular on adjustment of the CONHESS scale by the Salaries and Wages Commission; Full payment of balance of arrears of the skipping of CONHESS 10, which remains outstanding since 2010.” “We call on all the CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOY GREMBA ISOKARIARI, now wish to be known and addressed as JOY HIGHCLASSBA ISOKARIARI ONADEKO. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank and general Public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SUCCESS EDWIN EDET, now wish to be Known and addressed as ANIEFON-NTE-ABASI EFFIONG EDET. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MARTINA USHIE UKPELEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MARTINA USHIE ABANGKWA UKPELEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

appendages of government including the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Head of Service of the Federation, Budget Office, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and all others involved in negotiations with JOHESU/ AHPA not to allow a breakdown in negotiations as everything humanly possible must be done to avert a strike of health workers which can only hurt our economy as well as inflicting morbidity on the generality of our people,” the statement said. PSN while stressing on the need for government’s immediate attention to the demands CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ZAINAB HASSAN now wish to be addressed as YUSUF ZAINAB DANLADI. All former documents remain valid, general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOY SEYI ONADEKO, now wish to be known and addressed as JOY HIGHCLASSBA ISOKARIARI ONADEKO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general Public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI ELIZABETH IFEOLUWA, now wish to be Known and addressed as AJAYI ELIZABETH KAFILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

of health workers, also noted that the first two demandsworkers areissues which can be treated without too much officialprocedures. “While the first two demands are classified as subject matters which can be dealt with without too much of bureaucratic maneuverings, others must be tackled in line with due process by the appropriate quarters in government,” the statement added. The association noted that other demands by health workers must be tackled in line with due process by the appropriate quarters in government including: Proper implementation of the circular which prescribes sanctions on defaulting Federal Health Institution Managements which frustrate the promotion of health workers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as DiCORRECTION OF NAME

This is to confirm that my Name was wrongly spelt on my Bank Account as SULAIMAN ABDULLATEEF OPELOYERU instead of, SULEIMAN ABDULLATEEF OPELOYERU. All former documents remained valid. General Public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SULE IMELI ICHAPI, now wish to be Known and addressed as SULE SANI ANIHELI. Date of birth 14th of February 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

rectors. One of the demands which must be addressed in line with due process by the appropriate quarters in government is issuance of enabling circular authorizing consultancy cadre for health professionals who have adhered to due process by scaling the hurdles of approval of the National Council on Establishment. PSN further called for the sponsorship of an amendment bill to correct once and for all the litany of contentious provisions in the enabling statute that establishes teaching hospitals in Nigeria (cap 415 463 LFN 2004). According to them,the demand for sponsorship of an amendment bill to correct once and for all the litany of contentious provisions in the enabling statute that establishes teaching hospitals CHANGE OF NAME

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in Nigeriafalls under the category of petitions whichmust be tackled in line with due process by the appropriate quarters in government. The health workersfurther appealed to government to sustain the lofty ideals of the intervention championed by late Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Barrister Ocholi who resolved the differencesamong the various unions and professional associations in the health sector that had earlier, threatened to go on strike in February. The statement further said: “The Pharmaceutical Society of the Nigeria strongly urges JOHESU/AHPA to continue to embrace dialogue with government as it remains optimistic that dialogue will ultimately be fruitful and productive in public interest. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ISAAC TEMIDAYO VICTORIA now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLUSI TEMIDAYO VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALICE ISHA LEKU, now wish to be Known and addressed as ALICE ABARI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as NWOHA CHIBUZOR ROSITA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGAMBA CHIBUZOR ROSITA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL JONAS EJARO, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL AKPONG EJARO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME SANYAOLU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS SANYAOLU ADEWUNMI OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. BELLO ADEWUNMI OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONIFATOKI OLUWABUKOLA ADESOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABRAHAM OLUWABUKOLA ADESOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as NWAOGU CYNTHIA NDIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as KAREEM CYNTHIA IJEOMA GOLD. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. ADELEYE FUNKE YINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS AKINMODIRO FUNKE YINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as RAUFU OLANREWAJU AFUWAPE, wishes to be known, addressed and called as YUSUFF OLANREWAJU AFUWAPE. All former documents remained valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, EBIEDISEMI ENEBI AUGUSTINE is one and same person bearing EBIEDISEMI ENEBI AND EBIEDISEMI ENEBI AUGUSTINE. All former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should take note.

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JOHN: Formerly known and addressed as JOHN OLUWAFEMI OLANREWAJU now wish to be known and addressed as AWOYINKA JOHN OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JULIET ADA JAMES CHUKWU, but now wish to be known and address as JULIET CHUKWU JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public , BVN, to take note. CHANGE OF NAME

QUADRI: Formerly known and addressed as QUADRI FATIMAH YETUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as BABALOLA FAITH YETUNDE AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

KABADI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS KABADI HELEN NWABIANI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ARUKU HELEN NWABIANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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ADEBOYE: Formerly known and addressed as ADEBOYE TAIWO GRACE now wish to be known and addressed as BABALOLA TAIWO GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. GHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EZEONYIDO CHIDI JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEONYIDO CHIDIEBERE JOSEPH and my date of birth is 4th of January, 1984. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as MRS SALIU OZIOHU MEMUNAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SALIU OZIOHU MEDINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: Formerly known and addressed as OKEKE ONYINYE CHRISTIANAH, now wish to be known and addressed as AKASAH ONYINYE CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. SALIU BASIRAT OLANREWAJU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLANREWAJU BASHIRAT APEKE date of birth 1st June 1965. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MARK JACOB LUPER, now wish to be known and addressed as MARK IORKYASE LUPER. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NOFIU AWAWU ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AWE ADENIKE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as NWODOANI OBINNA JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH OBINNA JOSEPH NWODOANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABOMA: Formerly known and addressed as ABOMA AUSTIN OGAGA, now wish to be known and addressed as ABOMA PREST. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH KAZEEM: Formerly known and addressed as KAZEEM AKEEM BABATUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as KAZEEM AKEEM BAMIDELE. And my correct date of birth is 07/02/1980 as against 20/12/1982. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Mob lynch 2 robbery suspects in Benue Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

L-R: Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State; Gov Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, at the opening ceremony of 2016 Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Suspended lawmakers plot take-over of assembly leadership –Akwashiki Igbawase UkUmba LAFIA

eputy Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Godiya Akwashiki, yesterday alleged that six members of the state’s assembly recently suspended were plotting to take over leadership of the assembly. The six members suspended include Mohammed Kasim (APC, Akwanga South), Abubakar Obere Kana (Kokona west), Makpa Mala (APC, Wamba), Musa Isa (APC) and Mohammed Okpoku (APC, Udege/Loko) He attributed their suspension last Monday to misconduct in the assembly complex even as

the deputy speaker attributed the current crisis rocking the assembly to leadership ambition among the six suspended members as they have already drafted portfolios each of them would occupy if they succeeded in overthrowing the incumbent leadership. The deputy speaker, who spoke on behalf of his principal, Abdullahi Balarabe, at a press briefing at the assembly complex in Lafia, the state capital, debunked the allegation that the factional lawmakers where suspended because of a bribery allegation they leveled against the majority group. He, however, explained that the factional group

was suspended by the assembly based on their violation of the house rule section 38 (subsection 1, 2 and 3) which prohibits any member from going to press without permission, which, according to him, the six suspended members had done so. The deputy speaker also gave another reason for the six members suspension as due to their unruly behaviours that led to the destruction of facilities at the executive hall during the house executive session on that fateful day. He continued that despite the assembly’s accommodation of the factional group’s unruly behaviour at the executive hall, they (factional

group) had carried over the unruly behaviour again into the hollow chamber of the assembly by uttering abusive words on other members. “Consequent upon their strange behaviour, the assembly was left with no option than to suspend them indefinitely and set up an adhoc committee to investigate and report back to the house in a month’s time. “Moreover, if they are found guilty by the committee, they would face the punitive prescription of the law, but if otherwise, they would be recalled back to continue with their legislative businesses.”

ternally Displaced Persons, IDPs, return to their homes in the state, urged people of the state to support the governor. “Governor Ishaku has not only been talking peace, he has taken the peace project dear to his heart and today, we are enjoying relative peace across the state and I want to appeal to all Tarabans to support the governor to actualise his slogan; ‘Give Me Peace and I will Give You Development,” he appealed. The Association’s president noted that despite the commendable steps so far taken by the governor to ensure

that peace return to the state, some land grapplers were holding tight on to the pieces of land belonging to the IDPs returnees, the practice he said, is capable of causing crisis. He called on the local chiefs and others still holding tight on the displaced people’s land to give peace a chance by retur ning the land to their owners, war ning that he will explore all the legal means to ensure that all the displaced persons get back their land. “We are coming on board at a time our people are grappling with numerous chal-

lenges, particularly insecurity and we shall coordinate our people to support the gover nor for peace and development of the state,” he said. Speakers at the occasion, including Mr. Issac Mellah, Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Agriculture, Elder Dennis Orkuma Nev, retired Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Philip Ananum, Hon. Dooga Gbashi and Dr. Daniel Mom all advised the newly inaugurated executive members not to politicise the association, but work towards harmonious relationship with other ethnic groups in the state.

Group pledges support for Ishaku’s peace efforts JUstIn tyopUUsU JALINGO

iv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State, has commended efforts of Governor Darius Ishaku in making sure peace returns to the state and pledged to mobilise support for the governor’s peace efforts. President of the association, Mr. Goodman Daniel Dahida, made the call yesterday in Jalingo, shortly after taking oath as President General of the association. Dahida, who commended steps so far taken by Ishaku in ensuring that all In-

wo armed robbery suspects yesterday met their waterloo after robbing a supermarket belonging to a woman at Ikpa-Mbatierev in Gboko Local Government Council of Benue State. National Mirror gathered from sources that the unidentified gunwielding robbers invaded the supermarket in the town and forcefully ordered the owner to surrender the proceeds she had sold, including other valuables. After a successful operation, they later shot into the air, which attracted sympathisers and subsequently a mob gave them a hot chase and apprehended the suspects. It was further gathered that the mob, who were visibly angry, subsequently meted out what could be termed

jungle justice on the suspects by pouring fuel and setting fire on the deceased until they were burnt to death to serve as deterrent to other robbers. When contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Moses Yamu, confirmed the i n c i dent. According to him, “though the suspects were dealt with, but we enjoin the general public to always handover suspects to law enforcement agents rather than take the law into their hands by unlawful terminating a fellow human being’s life on the slightest provocation. “People should learn to accommodate any temptation despite the amount of grief it might cause them, they should seek justice through the appropriate laws enshrined in the constitution,” he said.

Wonder bank: Depositors want bishop, others tried James abraHam JOS

epositors whose money amounting to over N11.5 billion were trapped in the defunct Fadama Covenant Cooperative Society in Jos, Plateau State, have called for a speedy trial of all those involved in the operation of the illegal business. Making the call in Jos yesterday, the over 64,000 victims, who spoke through their coordinator, Suleman Kwala, said: “All we want is our money back. It will serve the interest of justice for the court to speed up the trial and save our members from untold hardship and suffering.” The Federal High Court in Jos had on Tuesday deferred the trial of President of Maranatha Covenant Churches, Bishop Jonas Katung, and three others owing to the absence of the trial judge in a case of over N11.5bn fraud brought against

the Bishop and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. It was gathered that Justice M. H. Kurya, who has been handling the case, was not in court on health grounds The cleric was arraigned on a 24-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and obtaining money by false pretence. Others accused charged with him were, the Managing Director of Dadin Kowa Micro Finance Bank, Jos, Mr Irimiya Jatau, Mr Okewole Dayo (alias Okewole David Dayo), as well as Dadin Kwowa Micro Finance Bank.. The accused persons were said to have conspired to for m a cooperative society, through which they allegedly swindled unsuspecting publics of their hard ear ned money to the tune of N11.5 billion. The case has been adjourned till April 21 for continuation of trial.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Panama Papers: Infantino reacts to UEFA offices search

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

In countries such as Spain and Italy, football is considered almost an art form. In this country, it’s more Van den Hauwe than Van Gogh

– Gary Lineker The Observer (1995)

Akpan Udoh invited by Coach Amuneke to U-20 team

Siasia resumes Rio camping, Amuneke screens new U-20 players JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Tuesday that the U-23 national Team will resume camping this weekend in preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics. General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, told the National Mirror that arrangements had been concluded for the team to return to camp latest by Saturday.

He said, “The under-23 have been in camp, they only had a break and they are resuming this week. It was while they were in camp that they travelled to Brazil where they played the under-17 of Brazil and defeated them 1-0. “Immediately they came back they went for a break and this week they will resume training,” Sanusi said. Similarly, Head Coach of the Nigeria U-20 boys, Emmanuel Amuneke, has opted to have a

three-day open screening for new players ahead of the team’s camping for a 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Burundi. Burundi progressed to be eligible to square up with Cup holders Nigeria after the Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew from the race. Amuneke has called for open screening between today, 7th April and Saturday, 9th April before a group of 30 invited players will arrive camp in Abuja on

April 11. Team secretary Ibrahim Aliyu Lawal told thenff.com that 30 invited players will be camped at the Serob Legacy Hotel, in the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the first leg of the fixture scheduled for Bujumbura on the weekend of 20th - 22nd May. The return leg will hold in Nigeria two weeks after. The group of invited players is dominated by Nigeria’s 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winners, including goalkeeper Akpan

CCL: NFF backs Enyimba all the way EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

he Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has resolved to give Enyimba International FC all necessary support to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League. In view of the fact that Enyimba is the only Nigerian club remaining in the hunt for con-

tinental glory this year, the NFF Executive Committee also called on philanthropic Nigerians who are inclined to support football to give the team every support possible, and charged football fans in Port Harcourt and environs to be at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium on Sunday to cheer the team to victory, against Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia. At the end of its meeting held at the Conference Room of the

Minister of Youth and Sports offices in Abuja on Tuesday, the NFF Board said in a communiqué also, praised the League Management Company (LMC) for the excellent work it has been doing to improve the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in totality and project Nigeria football positively. It agreed that all the six geopolitical zones of the federation should conclude their U-13 and

U-15 competitions before the end of April 2016 so that the National Finals of the Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship can hold in Lagos next month. The Committee unanimously expressed unflinching loyalty to, and absolute confidence in, the leadership of Mr. Amaju Pinnick, and reiterated that the Board remains one indivisible unit.

Udoh and attacking midfielders Chukwudi Agor and Orji Okoronkwo. Invited Players: Akpan Udoh, John Lazarus, David Enogela, Kingsley Michael, Funsho Bamgboye, Chinedu Madueke, Chukwudi Agor, Joel Osikel, Ejike Ikwu, Udochukwu Anumudu, Amos Benjamin, Osinachi Ebere, Orji Okonkwo, Chiaha Chisom, Suleiman Abdullahi, Kehinde Ayinde, Anas Mohammed, Douglas Uzama, Ayodeji Bamidele, Jack Ipalibo, Ernest Agenor, Najib Hamza, Johnson Umah, Chukwuebuka Okoroji, Gavi Thompson, Bright Etaghara, Samuel Obehi, Timothy Idoko, Abbas Usman, Yinusa Abdul. NPFL Week 10 resuLts Akwa 1-2 Abia Warriors Giwa 2-0 Kano Pillars MFM FC 1-1 Rangers Lobi 1-1 Wikki Tourists Shooting 2-0 Ikorodu Utd Rivers Utd 1-0 El-Kanemi IfeanyiUbah 2-0 Plateau Tornadoes 2-2 Sunshine

Thursday, April 7, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that ALEXANDER UNEKWUOJO HAPPINESS is also the same person bearing ALEXANDER GLORY, now wish to be known and addressed as ALEXANDER UNEKWUOJO HAPPINESS GLORY. All former documents remain valid.Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNLUSI OLUWABUNMI TITILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as OWOJUYIGBE OLUBUNMI TITILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that SAMUEL TAIWO GBENGA is also the same person bearing SAMUEL TAIWO JONAH, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL TAIWO JONAH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MOMOH: FORMERLY known and addressed as SANNI GOMINA MOMOH JIMOH NOW wish to be known and addressed as SANNI MOMOH AJOZE. All former documents remain valid. KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED and General public should please take note.

JOSEPH: FORMERLY known and addressed as AGWADU JOSEPH NOW wish to be known and addressed as MICAH JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CLOSURE OF BANK ACCOUNT I, SUNDAY ENABULELE is the same and one person as EVANS OMORUYI. That I operating a savings account with Diomond Bank Plc with account name EVANS OMORUYI now want to close down the account. Diamond Bank Plc and general public take note.

IDRIS: FORMERLY known and addressed as MUHAMMED IDRIS NOW wish to be known and addressed as MOMOH IDRIS. All former documents remain valid. UBA PLC and General public should please take note.

OBI: I, formerly known and addressed as OBI MARY SIMBIAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALIU SIMBIAT OHUNENE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BOLARINWA: I, formerly known and addressed as BOLARINWA BOLAJI OMOLARA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OYEWANDE BOLAJI OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BABATUNDE: I, formerly known and addressed as KEHINDE SUNDAY BABATUNDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINRINOLA OLAMIDE KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

AKINSOJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. AKINSOJI TITILAYO BUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OJO TITILAYO BUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAFOR: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS PATIENCE JENNIFER NWAFOR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PATIENCE JENNIFER OKEREKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ONAH: I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH BLESSING UKAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MBA BLESSING UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AGOCHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DOROTHY IRUOMA AGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DOROTHY IRUOMA NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

TERLUMUN: Formerly known and addressed as TERLUMUN TERKENDE TITUS now wish to be known and addressed as ORTESE TITUS TERKENDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEKWELU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEKWELU EZINNE CHINELO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBOGU PRECIOUS EZINNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

UZOR: I, formerly known and addressed as UZOR BENEDICT I. now wish to be known and addressed as UZOR IKE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE FELICIA UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYIA REBECCA UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

EZEKIEL: Formerly known and addressed as EZEKIEL AGWU KALU, now wish to be known and addressed as AGWA IROKA EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SALAUDEEN: Formerly known and addressed as SALAUDEEN AZEEZ ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as SALAUDEEN AZEEZ ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as BORO KATHERINE OMOKOSHI, now wish to be known and addressed as FILANI INUMIDU KATHERINE. All former document remain valid, general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LATEEFAT: Formerly known and addressed as LATEEFAT ISIAKA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWALE LATEEFAT OSHIFESO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JAMES OSHIONAME EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OLORI EMMANUEL OSHIONAME. All former documents remain valid, general public to take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHURCH OF THE ANCIENT GOSPEL

The general public is hereby informed that the above Church had applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, under Part “C “ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 laws of the federation. THE TRUSTEES ARE: Pastor Peter A. Ajiboye — Senior Pastor Elder Samuel Adebayo — Trustees Mrs. Chinwe E. Ajiboye — Trustees Elder Kunle Adedeji — General Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE ARE: 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To Bring back the lost glory of the Church 3. To build a solid foundation for love and care 4. To build a body of believers developed in praise and worship 5. To influence our city and country and indeed the world for Jesus Christ Positively 6. To serve as a bridge between the Church and the social, economic and political community. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed:

SHINA ADEDEJI ESQ SOLICITOR TO THE CHURCH 08033488446, 08028542656

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MUOJEKWU EMEKA JOSEPHAT and MUOJEKWU EMEKA belong to one and same person. All documents bearing the names to remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OFOLEE: FORMERLY known and addressed as OFOLEE NKIRUKA NOW wish to be known and addressed as NWADIMMA NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. UNITED BANK OF AFRICA PLC and General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKE CHINENYE DORATHY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONOVO CHINENYE DORATHY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OKOLI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLI FLORENCE NGOZIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAFOR FLORENCE NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

IFEANYI: I, formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI OKOLO KINGSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO KINGSLEY CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ADENIYI: Formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI GANIYAT OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLADEJO GANIYAT OLUWATOYIN All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AKINDELE ADESOLA OLUSEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKUNUGA ADESOLA OLUSEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as RUKKA OLABISI OJOMU, now wish to be known and addressed as YAHAYA OJOMU RUKKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I wish to inform the bank that I, DANAZUMI CIROMA and bears DANASABE AUDU NOW wish to be known and called as MUHAMMED ABDULKARIM DAAZUMI. All former documents remain valid. UBA and General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

SALATI: I, formerly known and addressed as SALATI YISA OLAYINKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SOLATI ABUBAKIR MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OMIDIJI: I, formerly known and addressed as DAMILOLA DAVID OMIDIJI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ENDURANCE CHRISTIAN UTIBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

ABUBAKAR: FORMERLY known and addressed as BILAL ABUBAKAR ZAKI NOW wish to be known and addressed as BILAL ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ALIYU: FORMERLY known and addressed as YAKUBU ALIYU MOMOH NOW wish to be known and addressed as ALIYU YAKUBU. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly ADEBAYO OLUWATOYIN BUKOLA (NEE OLOWOMEYE MICHAEL IFALANA) now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OLUWASEYI OLUWATOYIN BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS, authorities concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly ADESUA SAMSON now wish to be nown, called and addressed as GABRIEL GBENGA SAMSON. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OSENI: I, formerly known and addressed as OSENI AISHA ADEBISI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEDEJI AISHA ADEBISI OSENI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that OKAFOR FELIX. O. and IGBOJIONU VITALIS ODINAKA is the same person as OKAFOR FELIX ODINAKA. All former documents remain valid. FCMB, First Bank Plc and the general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

MACAULAY: I, formerly known and addressed as MACAULAY MERCY ITORO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEBOYE MERCY ITORO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

NNAMANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAMANI NKECHI VIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IJEGO NKECHI VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AMARACHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as AMARACHUKWU BENITA AMARACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as DIOBI AMARACHUKWU BENITA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONUOHA: I, formerly known and addressed as ONUOHA OLIVER OKONKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as ONUOHA REMIGUS OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBODO JULIET CHIKAMNAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWU JULIET CHIKAMNAYO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME NWOKEMODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IFEOMA ECHEZONA JENNIFER NWOKEMODO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IFEOMA ECHEZONA JENNIFER OLISA NWOKEDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZENWAFULUGO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZENWAFULUGO CHINENYE MARYANN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWUNWEIKE CHINENYE MARYANN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBODO ELIZABETH AGENES, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONOH ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

NZEWI: I, formerly known and addressed as NZEWI UCHECHUKWU DORATHY, now wish to be known and addressed as OSITA UCHECHUKWU DORATHY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that IYIZOBA IKEGBUNAM AFAM and IYIZOBA ANTHONY IKEGBUNAM is the same person. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

That I was formerly known and addressed as ANIAKOR KINGSLEY that I now wish to add NNAMDI to my former name that I now wish to be known and as ANIAKOR KINGSLEY NNAMDI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

YEDAN: Formerly known and addressed as YEDAN PANKCHEN DUNGGAK, now wish to be known and addressed as LASHIME GOFIL BAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABONYI: Formerly known and addressed as ABONYI ROSEMARY CHIENEYE now wish to be known and addressed as OGBEN ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANNA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ANNA AMARACHI UGBOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANNA AMARACHI ETHELBERT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that RUFAI MUYIDEEN OLAWALE is one and same person as RUFAI OLAWALE ADEKOLA. That he was born on the 28th day of may 1982. All documents bearing the two names are mine and remains valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I formerly known and addressed as DAUDU YEMISI, now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDU LOVETH. That my correct date of birth is 24/04/1986 instead of 5/06/1978. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UDOFAH BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING OJIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ADEBAYO: I formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO ADESINA AZEEZ, now wish to be known and addressed as MARK MOROUNMUBO AZEEZ ADEBAYO. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST PLANET ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA

This is to notify the general public that the above named Assembly has applied to the Coporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1.Ezeh Christian Chimezie 2.Micheal Ezeanowai 3.Mrs. Angela Duru 4.Mrs. Regina Ezeihe 5. Elder Cyprian Ezeoma Ezeanowai. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To preach the gospel of Our Jesus Christ and to save souls. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed

EKEH CHRISTIAN CHIMEZIE 07065656387

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AYANO FATIMOH ATOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMINU FATIMO OMOSUNMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. JOHN FELICIA OLUBUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OJEDIYA FELICIA OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEYERA KUDIRAT ADEPEJU OLUWASEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ADEOTI KUDIRAT OLUWASEUN ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ALABI SARAH ADEBOYINOMOWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OWOLABI-AMAO SARAH ADEBOYIN OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly SOLOMON ABIODUN AYOOLAKUNMI, now to be addressed as TIJANI AYOOLAKANMI ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid, First Bank plc , Wema bank and general public take note.

MUKAILA: I, formerly MUKAILA ISMAILA ATANDA now wished to be known and addressed as AZEEZ LSMAILA ATANDA, all former document remain valid,the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DANIEL OGORDIUNOR REV. HENCEFORTH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DANIEL UCHE OGORDIUNOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUYINAT ABIODUN ADIGUN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUYINAT ABIODUN ADIGUN DANJUMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 7, 2016

World News I am opposed to introduction of border controls against the Syrian migrants, having already welcomed them with open arms. –GERMAN CHANCELLOR, ANGELA MERKEL

Panama Papers: Russia denies ‘discrediting revelations’ AfolAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

he Russian government yesterday denounced the ICIJ revelations, known as the Panama Papers, as a giant smear campaign to discredit the country’s President Vladimir Putin as well as an attempt to undermine him ahead of parliamentary elections later this year. The reports also directly implicated 12 current or former world leaders, forcing Prime Minister of Iceland, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, to resign on Tuesday in the face of accusations of financial impropriety. For years, Putin’s critics have played a guessing game about the size of the Russian leader’s private fortune. Outspoken Russian political analyst, Stanislav Belkovsky, came up with a figure of $40 billion in 2007 after claiming Putin controlled significant interests in Russia’s oil and gas industries. “It could be as much as $200 billion, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, formerly Rus-

Russian President Vladimir Putin sia’s largest foreign investor, and a former Putin supporter, Bill Browder, said yesterday. As the latest revelation contained in the Panama Papers data leak suggested, however, hard evidence against Putin could be hard to come by. Not a single document, his aides have reiterated, has Putin’s name on it. In fact, the powerful Russian president appears to have very few assets signed in his name. Friends like Sergei Roldugin,

a concert cellist from St. Petersburg who, as a young man, introduced Putin to his former wife, Lydmilla, and became godfather to their first daughter, Maria. For decades, he’s been Putin’s best friend and, according to the Panama leaks, now appears to front a series of offshore shell companies that have seen hundreds of millions of dollars of Russian loans and lucrative contracts pass through their books. “Payments are disguised in various ways,” the ICIJ report-

successes in the fight against terrorism,” he added. “But there is a failure, just like 9/11 was a failure for the United States, just like London was a failure for the UK, Madrid was a failure for Spain. “All those countries have had to draw the lessons in order to improve the situation for the future.” It was Michel’s first public

statement since the March 22 attacks on a metro station and airport, which killed 32 people and left more than 300 injured. Belgian security services have come under heavy scrutiny for their failure to thwart the attack, and for not catching Saleh Abdeslam, who is alleged to have participated in the November 22 Paris attacks, sooner.

Terrorism: ‘Belgium not a failed state’ Two weeks after the worst attack on his country’s soil since World War II, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel says there are successes and failures in the fight against terrorism. “I don’t accept the idea that a state such as Belgium would be a failed state because of a terrorist attack, Michel said yesterday. “We are a country that met

UN probes CAR child abuse

UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon

he United Nations sent peacekeepers to the war-torn Central African Republic to protect civilians. But more than 100 women, girls and boys say some of the soldiers raped and abused them, the exact opposite of what the peacekeepers set out to do. Allegations of sexual abuse by foreign and local forces have emerged from the Central African Republic since

the U.N. sent forces to the country in 2014. “When the most vulnerable in this world, women and children who have lost everything, when they look to the United Nations for protection, they should do so in the belief that their suffering is over, not just beginning,” the UK’s Deputy Representative to the U.N., Peter Wilson, said yesterday. U.N. involvement in the Central African Republic, one

ed. “On paper, shares in companies are swapped back and forth in a day. Documents are backdated. Questionable financial penalties are assessed. The rights to multimillion-dollar loans are sold between offshore companies for $1,” it added According to leaked documents, some of the cash was loaned to companies controlled by others close to the Russian leader, raising further concerns about money laundering.

WORLD BULLETIN

Kremlin unveils National Guard Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the creation of a new National Guard, which he says will fight terrorism and organised crime. The force will be formed of Interior Ministry troops and led by Putin’s former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, who will report directly to the president. Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the force could be used to maintain public order denied its creation was linked to elections in September as critics say Putin is in fear of unrest. Putin, who made the announcement during a meeting with key security officials at the Kremlin, said: “The decisions have been taken, we are creating a new federal body of executive power.” He also announced that Russia’s drug control agency and federal migration service would become part of the interior ministry’s remit.

Libya’s factions steps down One of Libya’s rival governments has announced it is stepping down to avoid further bloodshed in the divided country. The self-declared, Islamist-leaning National Salvation Government, headquartered in the capital, Tripoli, said in a statement yesterday that it was ceasing its work in the supreme interest of the nation, in a move to prevent further violence and division and remove the capital from the specter of armed conflict. “We inform you that we are stopping our work as an executive power, as the presidency, members of parliament and ministers of the government,” the statement, published by Libya’s Justice Ministry, said. The announcement came days after the arrival in Tripoli of representatives of a U.N.-backed national unity government, tasked with reconciling competing factions in the troubled North African nation.

Conscript killed in Eritrea Belgian PM Charles Michel

of the world’s poorest nations, stems from political violence that began three years ago. The violence prompted a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes. Almost two years to the day since the U.N. established its mission in the Central African Republic, officials are meeting to discuss the latest round of allegations thousands of miles away at the U.N.’s headquarters in New York.

Security forces in Eritrea’s capital Asmara have killed several young conscripts who tried to escape the convoy they were travelling in, according to opposition media outlets. There were also civilian casualties after some of the recruits’ friends and family used a bus to block the road to help them escape, according to unconfirmed reports yesterday. Conscription in Eritrea is compulsory. The Eritrean authorities have not commented on the alleged incident. Rights groups consider Eritrea to be one of the world’s most repressive states. In 2015, it ranked bottom of the World Press Freedom Index, published by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Conscription in Eritrea can last for decades and is one of the main reasons tens of thousands flee the country every year.

Sports

Thursday, April 7, 2016

American Wambach admits taking cocaine, marijuana

orld Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion, Abby Wambach, has admitted taking cocaine and smoking marijuana. American Wambach, the world’s all-time leading international goalscorer, was arrested last Saturday for drink-driving. BBC Sport reports that court documents connected to the 35-year-old’s arrest said that “the defendant tried cocaine at age 25”.

Mini USA, one of Wambach’s sponsors, said it was withdrawing adverts for the car featuring the former footballer, who retired in December. In a statement, it said, “This behaviour is against the values we promote as an organisation and the safety of everyone on the road is a priority here at Mini.” Wambach, who scored 184 goals in 255 games and helped USA to 2015 World Cup glory, was arraigned on Tuesday in

Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland. She was not present, but her lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf. Court documents said Wambach has no prior arrest record. In court documents, officers wrote that she first used marijuana at age 24 and her last use was at 25. A Portland police spokesman said it is standard procedure for officers to ask defendants about prior drug use.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Togo replaces Saintfiet with LeRoy

ogo has appointed Claude LeRoy as their new national team coach to replace Belgian Tom Saintfiet. Frenchman LeRoy, 68, has worked on the continent for almost 30 years and has coached at a record eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He has signed a three-year contract and is tasked with trying to qualify Togo for the 2017 Nations Cup in Gabon. Togo are third in their qualifying group, two points behind leaders Liberia, who they play

away in June. LeRoy admitted, “We need a miracle to qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup, perhaps as the best second-placed team.” However, Le Roy has the pedigree to turn around Togo’s fortunes. He guided Cameroun to the 1988 Nations Cup title and has only failed to reach the quarterfinals once. Among the other countries he has coached at the continental championship are Senegal, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Panama Papers: Infantino reacts to UEFA offices search

Infantino

he offices of European football’s governing body, UEFA, have been searched by Swiss police after ex-secretary general, Gianni Infantino, who is now FIFA

president was named in papers leaked from a Panamanian law firm. BBC Sport reports that while working for UEFA, Infantino cosigned a television rights deal in

2006 with two businessmen who have since been accused by the FBI of bribery. Infantino, now head of world governing body FIFA, has denied any wrongdoing. UEFA says it is giving police all relevant documents in its possession. Cross Trading - owned by Hugo Jinkis and his son, Mariano - bought TV rights for UEFA Champions League football in 2006 for $111,000 (£78,000) and immediately sold them on to Ecuadorian TV broadcaster Teleamazonas for $311,170 (£220,000). Cross Trading also paid $28,000 (£20,000) for the rights to the UEFA Super Cup, selling those to Teleamazonas for $126,200 (£89,000). The contract came to light after 11 million documents were leaked from Mossack Fonseca. A statement from Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney

General (OAG) said a “co-operative search” took place “for the purpose of securing evidence”. It said its criminal proceedings were connected to the acquisition of television rights and were “directed against persons unknown, meaning that for the time being, no specific individual is being targeted”. It added: “The suspicion is based on the result of findings that have emerged from other proceedings, as well as the corresponding financial analyses carried out by the OAG. “Current publications in the media subsequently revealed still other elements that made it possible to complement the existing findings in a decisive manner. “The final impetus was provided, in particular, by confirmation on the part of UEFA that it had concluded contracts with Cross Trading SA.”

Infantino has made two statements on the issue. First, the FIFA president said, “I am dismayed and will not accept that my integrity is being doubted by certain areas of the media, especially given that UEFA has already disclosed in detail all facts regarding these contracts. “From the moment I was made aware of the latest media enquiries on the matter, I immediately contacted UEFA to seek clarity. I did this because I am no longer with UEFA, and it is they who exclusively possess all contractual information relating to this query. In the meantime, UEFA has announced that it has been conducting a review of its numerous commercial contracts and has answered extensively all media questions related to these specific contracts.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Lagos plans popularisation of scrabble

FLASHBACK: President Muhammadu Buhari hosting Nigeria’s Scrabble World Champion, Wellington Jighere (2nd right) at the State House, Abuja

ue to the unpopularity of Scrabble, the Lagos State Scrabble Association yesterday said it was determined to create a solid structure upon which it would grow the sport. Chairman of the association, Solomon Alao, made the assertion when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos about the state of the sport. He said the only way to discover and retain the continuous production of talent was to have a vibrant and structured youth development plan, adding that the association intended that scrabble stakeholders would take full ownership of the youth development project. “We are trying to revive the sport and are convinced that we have abundant talents in the country. “We hope to produce a long-term youth development plan whereby talents are well groomed,” Alao said. “So, we have decided to make scrabble popular in the state by introducing the sport in secondary schools, monotechnics and

also in the polytechnics.” Alao said his association was aware of the task and acknowledged that the body could not do it alone. “We are therefore, seeking the support of lovers of scrabble

and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid in order to make it work.” He said the first tournament in the youth development plan would commence in the third quarter of the year.

Sports editors bemoan Eagles’ AFCON ouster …say media will lose N19bn

he League of Nigerian Sports Editors has lamented that Nigeria’s non-qualification for the second time back-toback for the Africa Cup of Nations is a great setback not only to the growth of the game but to the media, football administrators and the generality of Nigerians. In a statement issued by the body’s President, Tony Ubani, and signed by the Secretary General, Dare Esan, the Editors’ Guild said with the array of talent available to Nigeria, it was almost unthinkable that the country would not make it to the AFCON Championship in Gabon. Part of the problems, the body observed, is the appointment and sacking of technical staff in the national team and the constant quarrel among the football fraternity in the country. “Unity is key and we must be united at all times in pursuing the fame and wealth that football brings

ABUJA

ollowing Nigeria Super Eagles crashing out from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, the Federal Government has ordered for the reinvigoration of school sports across the country in order to discover new talent. Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalungs gave the directive in Abuja shortly after he met with the NFF board to chart a way forward for fortunes

Cricketers

to the country,” the statement observed. The editors went further to state that the media alone, print and electronic, may have lost over N19billion in advert and sponsorship revenue as a result of the nonqualification of the Super Eagles for the next year’s January AFCON championships that will hold in Gabon. It therefore, called for immediate preparation for the next Nations Cup championship in 2019 and the World Cup in Russia in 2018. “If it’s true that Nigeria want to host the AFCON Championship after the tournament in Gabon, now is the time to get government guarantee and throw everything into preparations of both the team and facilities needed for the championship. “Nigerians have suffered enough pain in other sectors and we cannot afford to allow football which is our source of succour to bring more misery on Nigerians.”

2015/16 National League to kick-off May 7

he Congress Nigeria National League (NNL) yesterday in Abuja resolved that the 2015/2016 League season would kick-off on the weekend of 7th May 2016. NFF said in a statement that at the Congress held at Top Rank Galaxy Hotel, Abuja, the league body also agreed to have an abridged league format of eight teams in four different groups. Kaduna United, Sokoto United FC and Kogi United and five others have all been grouped in Group A1 in the new format. Group A2 has heavy weights like Kwara United, FC Taraba and Gombe United - all former NPFL clubsides. Group B1 has, among others,

Rivers State FA Cup champions, Go Round FC, Remo Stars and Delta Force FC, while ABS FC, Gateway FC, Bayelsa United FC and Prime FC of Oshogbo are part of Group B2 setting. Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NNL Ad-hoc Committee and NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, stated that the committee had to go for an abridged league format because of the time already wasted as they aim to have a league that would be successful and productive. He further noted that barring any last minute change to the proposed kick-off date, the league should be concluded in good time. The 1st -placed teams in all four

groups automatically pick the qualification ticket to the Nigeria Professional Football League. GROUP A1 Sokoto United Kaduna United Kogi United Shekarau Babes Katsina United FC Yarmalight Mighty Jets Jigawa Stars GROUP A2 Adamawa United Kwara United FC Taraba Wikki Feeders Supreme Court FC Zamfara Dreams FC

FG to revive school sports nationwide JOEL AJAYI

of Nigeria football. Dalung pointed out that in yesteryears, many national team players and athletes were discovered from school-organised competitions, saying the reverse is the case today. According to him, one of the issues in Nigeria is the neglect of grassroots sports. “We believe the neglect of school sports is responsible for some of the major problems we are having in sports today. “Our football today is only a servicing football not a develop-

ing football and we want a developmental football,” the minister said. He added, “We need to redesign an architecture that can accommodate developing football where talent is hunted, identified and developed to have our own developing football.” “I have directed that the memo be develop by the department of grassroots sports for my consideration and idea that we will sell to Ministry of Education so we can have combined approval for a compulsory reintroduction of school sports.”

FC Taraba players getting ready for Group A2

Gombe United GROUP B1 Remo Stars COD United Delta Force Go Round UNICEM Rovers Sharks FC Akwa Starlet Abia Comets GROUP B2 ABS FC Crown FC Prime FC J. Atete FC Bayelsa United First Bank Gateway United B. Insurance

WORLD RECORD

Largest hairy family

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1344 Thursday, April 7, 2016

Victor “Larry” Gomez, Gabriel “Danny” Ramos Gomez, Luisa Lilia De Lira Aceves and Jesus Manuel Fajardo Aceves (all Mexico) are four of a family of 19 that suffer from Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis.

Parliament as an anagram of ‘partial men’

y friends all, have you played anagram games before? It can be very exciting. By the way, an anagram is described by dictionaries as “a word or phrase that is created by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase.” According to Wikipedia, “It sometimes changes a proper noun or personal name into a sentence…It sometimes changes a noun into a verb, such as with the example “silent” which can be rearranged to “listen”. It can also rearrange a noun into a noun, such as with incest = insect.” For instance my name, Sola Ojewusi can also be anagrammatised into “Jalousie Sow”. Recently, miffed by the daily doses of incongruities and, as Fela would say, “babanla nonsense” oozing from the National Assembly, I wanted to really probe and diagnose the very disease

eicester’s mayor wants to rename the city’s streets after Leicester City’s players if they succeed in winning the Premier League title, he told yesterday’s edition of The Times. Supporters have pushed for top scorer Jamie Vardy to be honoured by the local authorities, but Mayor Peter Soulsby wants to see every member

Guest Columnist

Sola

Ojewusi

that ails most of our senators and reps. It was so difficult finding a true prognosis for the ailments. As a chronic disease must be treated with sundry therapies, I decided to begin this week by finding a true meaning, in its modern ramifications, to the word parliament. Scouring through sundry dictionaries, I found that parliament, in its true sense is a great, beautiful and desirable word in the lexicon of human development. It represents that beautiful ideal of mankind that allows men and women to assemble, debate and chart a lawful course for their nation’s affairs. So, I wondered, if parliament is so beautiful an idea and so ideal a human undertaking, why are our parliaments so volatile and so often populated by counterfeit souls? Why would men and women, saddled with elephant carcass on their head still be petty enough to keep scavenging for crickets with their toes? Why would a house so desirable be filled with unserious and undesirable souls? There must certainly be another meaning to the word “parliament”, I concluded. So, I decided to dig deeper by resorting to anagrams. Possibly, there could have been another meaning behind the minds of those who instituted the democratic ideal that the word has represented and still represents in saner climes. My probe finally got an anagram for the word and, shockingly, it turned out to be the phrase, “partial men”! How apt! How many of our honourable members and distinguished senators can beat

Complete men elevate legaCy above ephemeral peCuniary gains their chests and affirm that they are indeed not partial men in parliament? How many are really there as men of honour, truly inspired by the patriotic spirit? How many today walk the hallowed chambers with the common good as their motivation and not pecuniary interests and unwieldy partisanship? How many are there, driven by the love of civic liberty? You don’t see what I am driving at? Well let me break it down. What I am saying is that as a citizen, I would have wished that our national assembly chambers are filled with complete, rather than “partial” men and women. Complete men don’t break promises, but how many of our Senators and Reps remember their campaign promises once they get into the cozy air of the red and green chambers? Complete men think more of the common good than personal aggrandisement. Can we really say this for the guys in parliament? In a land filled with poverty, which of our parliamentarians (call them partialmenarians) is seen to be fighting or legislating to reduce poverty? Rather, have they not further impoverished the land with jumbo personal allowances, allocations and padded budgets? Complete men see possibilities be-

fore they become obvious. Do we have such visionaries among the current crop of parliamentarians? No! Complete men are imbued with a grand pro bono vision but not only are the visions of these Reps and Senators myopic; they are largely seasoned by “what’s-in-it-for-meism.” Complete men elevate legacy above ephemeral pecuniary gains; but who among our parliamentarians are bothered about any concrete legacy? Who among them can we really look up to as being in the ilk of great men who have walked the corridors of national and international parliaments? So, the question is: Are our assembly folks complete men or partial men in parliament? From their disposition, they come across to many as partial men who don’t care a hoot about the ideals of the legislative toga they are wearing. Partial men revel in the company of clowns, don’t they? How many times have Nigerians gaped in morbid horror at the many acts of infamy being enacted on national TV by our “honourable” members? Partial men make themselves the butt of jokes for even children. Yesterday, when Channels TV showed the disgraceful scene playing out in the Nasarawa House of Assembly, my nine year old daughter snuggled up to me and asked, “Dad, who’s that man trying to hit another with a chair?” My response was “He is a lawmaker in one state.” For what seemed an interminable moment my daughter went silent. Then, looking sad, she quipped: “Are our lawmakers boxers too? These must be area boys!” I was simply speechless. Daily we are appalled by the often shameless dramas oozing from the chambers. Imagine the scandal just observed by my daughter - Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly going up in arms, throwing chairs and desks at will. Do we find such on the laps of complete men? Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Mayor to name streets after Leicester players of manager Claudio Ranieri’s team included. “It has been a real team effort, so as well as Vardy Vale we would need to have (Peter) Schmeichel Street, (Danny) Drinkwater Drive and Ranieri Road,” he said. “Leicester has honoured its sporting stars in the past. There is an area

named after golfers and there is also a (Gary) Lineker Road.” Meanwhile, Leicester City manager, Claudio Ranieri’s primary objective this season was to avoid relegation after their narrow escape last year, he has said in an interview as his team stand seven points clear atop the Premier

League. The 64-year-old Italian, who has taken Leicester to within four wins of their first top-flight league title in his first season at the club, told US website The Players Tribune (www.theplayerstribune.com) he could not have imagined what they have achieved.

Ranieri

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