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Probe all past govts, PDP Reps tell Buhari UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, caucus in the House of

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Representatives yesterday, threw its weight behind President Buhari’s anti-corruption war, asking that he probe all past administrations in the

Thursday, August 20, 2015

country. The PDP Representatives said it would be a clear case of witch-hunting to limit the graft war CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Death toll in Yobe B’Haram massacre rises to 160 N UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

Troops kill scores of insurgents, recover weapons, vehicles

umber of villagers killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe State rose to 160 yesterday, according to locals. But Defence Headquarters denied report of the killing, saying it could not be substantiated. Residents of KukuwaGari in Yobe State described how more than 150 of their relatives and

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Indigenous oil producers’ target 1.2m bpd in 2020

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L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sidique Abubakar; Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Commodore Musibau Sholadoye, during the 44th convocation ceremony of the institute in Kaduna, yesterday.

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Immigration boss in trouble over visa to ISIS chief P.5

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Death toll in Yobe B’Haram massacre rises to 160 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

neighbours drowned in a river while fleeing from militants who opened fire on the village on Thursday last week, while another eight were shot dead. The villagers’ count of the dead in KukuwaGari would constitute the largest loss of life in any single Boko Haram attack since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power on May 29, vowing to crush the insurgency. Telecommunications in Kukuwa-Gari are almost non-existent, but villagers who fled to nearby settlements said those who returned had buried 160 bodies, while many feared going back while there was no official acknowledgement of the attack. Alhaji Kankana Sarkin-Baka, leader of a local group of hunters co-opted to fight the insurgency alongside vigilante groups, said 17 fighters had come on motorcycles, including a local Boko Haram emir, or commander. “They had superior firepower because they were using modern guns while we were using hunting guns. We were outpowered but they were outnumbered,” he said. He said six of the fighters positioned themselves by the river, blocking the only escape route, and opened fire on fleeing residents, forcing them to jump into the water. However, DHQ, yesterday, described the report as mischievous and misleading. DHQ, which put the facts right in a statement through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said that four insurgents were rather killed by troops, who also lost a

civilian JTF member during the incident. “However, the truth of the matter is the military got an intelligence report concerning a planned attack by Boko Haram on Kukuwa-Gari village in Yobe State. Following the tip-off, troops and civilian JTF laid ambush between Kukuwatashi and Kukuwa-Gari villages. “The insurgents ran into them and a gun-battle ensued in which four Boko Haram members and one civilian JTF lost their lives. “At the end of the encounter, 2 x AK 47 rifles and 2 x motorcycles used by the Boko Haram terrorists were recovered from them. “The Armed Forces therefore implore the media to always seek clarification of stories before going to press as most of these unsubstantiated reports tend to embolden or encourage the terrorists to believe they are invin-

cible, thus instilling perpetual fear in the minds of the citizens, especially, those in the contested areas of the North-East.” The DDI said that the military was doing all within its power to protect lives and property of Nigerians in any part of the country, soliciting cooperation and understanding of the media to be partners in progress in this noble task. Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army Tuesday night killed a large number of fleeing insurgents at Gwoza, Borno State, recovering arms, ammunitions and vehicles amongst other logistics in large quantities. A statement by the Army Headquarters, AHQ, through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said that the terrorists were fleeing from Sambisa Forest, when they encountered the troops from 26 Task Force

Brigade in Gwoza. In the last few days, there have been a sustained aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force in the forest, following the new mandate to end Boko Haram in three months. “The fleeing terrorists in 7 pick-up vans and some motorcycles mounted with assorted weapons such as Rocket Propelled Grenades and Anti-Aircraft Guns were decisively dealt with, killing quite a number of them. The troops also destroyed their vehicles, weapons and motorcycles. “They also recovered a vehicle, 1 motorcycle and 2 AK47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunitions”, the AHQ said, adding that the troops had intensified their patrols and offensive actions against the terrorists in the area. In a related development, Nigerian Air Force,

NAF, on air assaults at the Sambisa Forest, Borno State, unleashed mayhem on the moving vehicles of Boko Haram insurgents, as fighter jets also destroyed the insurgents’ camps. A statement by the NAF headquarters, which confirmed this through its Director of Public Relations and Information, DOPRI, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, also announced plans to immediately establish a well-equipped hospital in an internally Displaced Persons, IDPs Camp, in Maiduguri, Borno State, by the Nigerian Air Force. In the statement yesterday, Alonge said that the Nigerian Air Force had intensified the aerial bombardment of Sambisa Forest, which resulted in the flight of insurgents in convoy. “The F-7 fighter aircraft carried out interdiction mission over designated targets and suspected

Boko Haram locations. “Also, the Alpha Jet carried out armed reconnaissance and attack some moving vehicles belonging to BHT, while, the Mi -24 and Mi-35 attack helicopters further carried out interdiction mission at some identified targets all in Sambisa Forest. “Furthermore, the ATR-42 and Diamond-142 surveillance aircraft continued with their ISR missions over Damasak, Alafia and Sambisa Forest where some abandoned vehicles belonging to the terrorists were seen at some locations in the forest,” he said. He restated the assurances of the Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, to sustain the air assault until total victory was achieved as directed. He said that the Air Chief equally authorised the immediate establishment of a 2-Level Hospital CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Director, Public Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale and Head, PPP/Diaspora Unit, Dr. Omolabake Olowu, after a meeting on activities of ministry at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Probe all past govts, PDP Reps tell Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. At a press conference in Abuja, the caucus which cautioned against the government’s media prosecution of alleged “corrupt officers under the Jonathan administra-

tion,” also advised that there should be no “status bar” and limitation in the fight against graft in the renewed drive to rid the country of the menace. Spokesman of the group, Kwewum Rima Shawulu, stressed the need for a holistic fight and warned that President Buhari’s probe of

the Jonathan’s government without extending the dragnet to the previous administrations in the country will not be acceptable to the caucus in the parliament. “You don’t take action as if you have a predetermined position in mind. Corruption should be fought

holistically and not arbitrarily, and should not be fought on the pages of newspapers,” he said. He disclosed that the opposition PDP members played a pivotal role in the emergence of the 8th assembly presiding officers in the parliament, adding that the caucus was determined to work

with the leadership to provide the needed legislative interventions for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”We’ll give every cooperation to the APC leadership to enable the government fulfill its promises to the Nigerian people. We’ll cooperate with the House leadership to enable it stabilise

the legislature,” he said. While pledging support to the All Progressives Congress, APC-led House leadership in the National Assembly, the lawmaker however hinted that the PDP has already begun to re-strategise in order to reclaim power at the centre in 2019.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

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L-R: A member, Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI), Isa Aremu; Vice President of AANI, Dr. Garba Tetangi; President, Gen. Lawrence Onoja and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during a courtesy visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

R-L: Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs. Jamila Shu’ara and National Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Mrs. Hadiza Kangiwa, during the 2015 World Humanitarian Day and National Summit on Internally Displaced Persons, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Divisional Police Officer, Ogudu Police Station, Mrs. Chioma Ajunwa-Opara; an official of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Calix Ita; one of the winners at the grand finale of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Millionaire Promo, Mr. Bathlomew Ekwe and Regional Director, Lagos, of the bank, Mrs. Bukola Smith, during the draws ceremony in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Mr. Gupta Tarang; President, Nutrition Association of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam; Senior Scientist, Global Nutrition Development, FrieslandCampina Innovation Centre, Dr Anne Schaafsma and Marketing Manager (IFT) FCWAMCO, Mrs. Zatur Hassim, at the 10th Nutrition Seminar of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday.

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Money laundering: CBN canvasses regulation of virtual currencies …releases guidelines on Diaspora BVN enrolment Emeka Ezekiel ABUJA

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday called for regulation of virtual money in order to tackle the menace of money laundering. CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Mr. Okwu Nnanna, advocated this at the Second Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financial Terrorism Stakeholders Consultative Workshop organised by Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, ACAMS, in Abuja. Nnanna, who described virtual currency as a type of unregulated, digital money, usually issued and controlled by its developers, said such currencies were usually used and accepted among members of a specific community. He said: “Virtual currency is not a legal tender

of any country; hence it has a borderless nature without jurisdiction, which makes it a channel for money laundering. “The Financial Action Task Force, FATF, has observed that Virtual Currency Payment Products and Services, VCPPS, present opportunity for money laundering and other crime risks that must be identified and mitigated. So, in order to curb money laundering, virtual currencies should be regulated. “Virtual currencies present a wide range of issues and challenges that require financial authorities to consider and the challenges posed are unique and call for urgent regulator responses. “I want to join voice with FATF to urge industry players to cooperate and work actively together to address the concerns and challenges raised by the use of vir-

tual currencies in the global financial market.’’ Speaking during the event, former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said a lot of investments from proceeds of laundered money currently existed in Nigeria. He said everything that was wrong about Nigeria had to do with dirty money, adding that if government can follow it, get it back and punish those involved, then the country’s major problem would have been cured. “When I look around I see a lot of investments that was done with dirty money. Government needs help in identifying and catching these people. Though it may seem like a daunting task, but with professionals like ACAMS, Nigeria is already poised to achieving this,” Ribadu said. He said that there was

an urgent need for closer collaboration among all stakeholders across the country in order to tackle the menace of money laundering and terrorism financing just as he tasked the Federal Government to strengthen EFFC and other anti-graft agencies in order to make the fight against more meaningful. “In 2003, Nigeria was on the black list of most developed countries especially U.S for money laundering. This meant that our financial institutions found it difficult doing business in foreign lands. “We could not use MasterCard, visa card or credit card. Our financial institutions could not access international loan. At one time, it was almost impossible for a Nigerian to open an account in the United States or United Kingdom. Nigerians travelling abroad were subjected to serious scrutiny relating to drugs, terror-

ism and money laundering. The list is endless. “But now, things are changing. Nigerian banks are now listed on the London Stock Exchange and getting access to foreign loans. This is a sign of improvement however more can be done,” he said. Meanwhile, CBN, as part of its effort towards full implementation of the Banks Verification Number, BVN, project in collaboration with key stakeholders in the banking industry, has released guidelines for enrolment of Nigerian banks’ customers in Diaspora. According to a circular signed by Director, Banking and Payments System Department, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, this provides a framework for enrolment of Nigerian banks customers in Diaspora for BVN issuance. “Nigerian banks abroad are expected to capture necessary data, generate a BVN and communicate same to the cus-

tomers. Thereafter, the customers are expected to forward the assigned BVN to their banks for linkage with their accounts. “A web portal to achieve this linkage to bank accounts has been developed, while the process of such linkage will be made available by Nigeria Inter State Settlement System, NIBSS, to all those enrolled abroad,” the CBN said. According to the apex bank the second option is the use of a consultant, Online Integrated Solutions, OIS. OIS has been engaged to establish stations for data capture and generation of BVN at a fee of £30 per transaction, payable by the customer. It also said OIS is expected to capture necessary data for online transmission to NIBSS, who would thereafter generate the BVN and communicate same to the customer.

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Immigration boss in trouble over visa to ISIS chief OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

ollowing reports that a chieftain of the Islamic State IS, Ahmed Al Assir, was granted a Nigerian visa in Lebanon, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, David Parradang, may have fallen into troubled waters. Al Assir was arrested by Lebanese authorities on Saturday as he attempted to fly out of the country on a forged passport. Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that Al Assir was caught at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport while trying to board a flight to Egypt using a fake Palestinian passport. Lebanon’s general security directorate said Al Assir was planning on flying to Nigeria via Cairo. A photo posted by the National News Agency after the arrest revealed that Al Assir had recently adopted a new look, shaving his long, unkempt beard and trading his usual religious robes and headwear for a more inconspicuous jacket and sweater. Some local news outlets suggested Al Assir had also had plastic surgery to alter his appearance. Al Assir became one of the most wanted men in Lebanon after his militia went to battle with the Lebanese army in the port city of Sidon in 2013, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers and dozens of his (Al Assir) gunmen. Reports however re-

vealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of visa to the wanted terrorist who has been on the global terror watch-list. The Nigeria Immigration Service had, before now, received perpetual knocks for its poor handling of the issuance of passports to Nigerians, a situation which often saw foreigners holding valid Nigerian passports. A competent foreign ministry official said immigration officers, popularly called Entry Clearance Officers, are often attached to embassies for the purposes of spotting people with questionable credentials and consequently barring them at the point of entry. The service which came under knocks after last year’s botched recruitment exercise in which at least 15 applicants died had recently said between January and March this year, it refused no fewer than 12,152 foreigners entry into Nigeria because they had no genuine reasons for visiting the country. No one has been punished since the deaths of the applicants. The immigration boss is said to be making frantic efforts to save his neck as the president has ordered a full-scale probe into the incident. A staff of the Service at the national headquarters confided in some journalists on Thursday that the NIS boss was already contemplating a major shakeup especially at the Visa department.

Death toll in Yobe B’Haram massacre rises to 160 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

at the largest Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camp, in Maiduguri. The DOPRI said that the establishment was part of the Air Chief ’s new strategy to tackle the Boko Haram terrorists group, in the North-East. In addition to the establishment of the hospital, Alonge said that the construction of a borehole to service the hospital and other people within the camp was also ordered. It would be recalled that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.

Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), accompanied by the Service Chiefs visited several IDP camps in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states including Dalori Camp last week where it was observed that elderly men, women and children were in dire need of more healthcare and water supply. Consequently, the Chief of Air Staff gave the NAF Director of Medical Services the marching order to establish a hospital with full complements to enhance the IDP healthcare needs.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, confirmed that the Federal Government had begun investigations on the issue. He explained that the Nigerian Charge d’Affairs in Lebanon had met with Lebanese authorities to look into

the matter. His words: “I have commenced my own investigation process. I spoke to our Charge d’Affairs in Lebanon and he has met with the Lebanese authorities. “The Charge d’Affairs said the matter was being looked into but the facts that were emerging would

suggest that what the media had reported was not entirely the true story. “It seems that this individual is of Palestine extraction and has resided for a very long time in Lebanon. “He has residency and as you know Lebanon for quite some time has granted full residency to Palestinian

refugees. “So, this may be one of such individual but that he did not use his true name is what is of interest to us. “This is because the name he presented with the passport that was reported as Palestinian does not tally with what the Lebanese has as his name.”

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Chairman, Association of Stock Brokering Houses of Nigeria, Mr. Madubueke Emeka and Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Dogowa, during a working visit to the Speaker at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

NLC ends crisis, as Wabba, Ajaero groups resolve to work together OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday night brokered peace between the two warring parties involved in the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. The umbrella labour union has been engulfed in intractable crisis since its 13th National Delegate conference. In order to ensure amicable resolution of the schism, a seven man committee headed by the first President of the Congress, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, was set up. The committee has three members each from the two factional groups. After a marathon reconciliatory meeting that involved both the former and current leaders of the congress at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who was declared elected president after the delegates conference in March and Comrade Joe Ajaero, who contested with him, resolved to work together in the new efforts to resolve the crisis. Both Wabba and Ajaero ex-

pressed their readiness to bury the hatchet and work together for the good of the union and the nation as a whole. They also agreed to abide by the outcome of the new committee set up to resolve all the issues involved. Apart from Oshiomhole and Sunmonu, others who attended the reconciliatory meeting included Mr. Femi Falana, NLC first general secretary Aliyu Dangiwa, Issah Aremu, Sylvester Ejiofor, Peters Adeyemi and others. Speaking after the meeting, Oshiomhole said: “Couple of comrades having disagreement about internal issues affecting the leadership of the NLC and we spent some time today having conversation with various shades of opinion within the family. “At the end of the day, we came up with a collective decision that we can’t continue this way and that there is only one movement. “You have a new government in place and everybody is trying to ensure that the interest of their members is protected. You know that various interest groups are able to have their interest projected in corporate policy. This is not the time for NLC

to be detained and bogged down by internal quarrels. “A couple of things definitely went wrong; there is no question. We identified a lot of things and we agreed that the way forward is to put a solid movement; that all these issues have to be addressed one after the other and we have to have an all inclusive congress in which all shades of opinions are involved in decision making. “We agreed to have three members from each side of the divides. This is to be chaired by our founding president, Comrade Hassan and to ensure that he guides them through so that whatever they do they are guided by the core values of organised labour and those rich traditions and ethical issues must be observed. “We must ensure that the morality of the labour movement is always reflected because organised labour is always ruled by sentiments about justice, fair play; what is proper more than any other thing. “I think everybody agreed that we must find a way to get on with the job. We are now going to see everybody working together in dealing with all the issues that are

on the table and other issues that might be raised in the very near future.” Also speaking, comrades Wabba and Ajaero accepted and promised to abide by the outcome of the decision reach by the committee. Wabba said: “All of us are committed to it, because, the polity in the economy definitely is not about position, it is about effectively responding to issues, in our developmental challenges so that effectively the Nigerian workers and the generality of Nigerian people; can be well protected. Both of us are all committed to that. “The committee will be process of working together towards providing collective and quality leadership that will return us to our founding principles and ideology, and to also do what is right.” Ajaero said: “I think the committee in question is such that two of us will be involved in its operation and whatever comes out from it, definitely we might have participated. It is going to be participatory, so the idea of whether we will agree on something and we will come out to say we don’t agree again will not arise, that is the way I see it.”

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Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

cting Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, yesterday revealed that the death of zoning in 2011 destroyed the party. Mohammed, who was former Minister of Defence and Acting National Chairman of PDP, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Emeka Nwapa, attributed the rapid decline in the fortunes of the party to the abrogation of its policy of rotation and zoning in 2011. He lamented that this aberration severely undermined the principle of justice and equity on which the party was founded in 1998. He added that the shameful defeat in the last presidential election was the sad price the party had to pay for jettisoning its policy of rotation and zoning. Mohammed, who noted that the shortcoming led to widespread crises of confi-

Thursday, August 20, 2015

PDP paying price for dumping zoning –BoT chairman dence in the party, said the zoning policy was a major attraction to the party, which offers all members equity, justice and sense of belonging. He said: “When the founding fathers formed the party in 1998, they established the principle of justice and equity whereby power resided with the people, who could decide who became what at any point in time. But over times, the party swerved away and breached the principle, thereby disrupting its internal democracy. When in 2011 the party abandoned its zoning formula, the party dealt on itself a major blow because that action served the first notice that it had disconnected with the masses. So we must go back to the culture of zoning and rotation of offices. “The PDP remains the

only true national party in the country with its flag in all nooks and crannies whose members are assured that they can always aspire to any available position as long as zoning and rotation hold sway as a cardinal policy of the party.” He advised that something must be done about the practice of putting the party at the whims and mercy of moneybags and the highest bidder to the exclusion of many members. “We must run away from a practice that leaves the party at the mercy of moneybags who, more often than not, seek to hijack the processes of the party at the detriment of promoting genuine internal democracy through which only capable, credible and popular candidates can emerge to contest elections with assurance of victory,” he said.

He called for party supremacy in all affairs of the party, stressing that elected and appointed office holders should not be allowed to dominate party decisions while party meetings should be restricted to party offices in the states and the centre. “The policies and manifesto of the party should also guide the activities of public office holders who are either elected or appointed on the platform of the party in line with good governance and best practices,” Mohammed said. On party funding, he advocated for a system whereby members make their statutory contributions to the party as prescribed by the party’s constitution, noting that it is a major sustainable means of getting the party to meet its obligations and responsibilities.

L-R: Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Muhammad Sidi; UN Country Coordinator, Mr. Dauda Toure and Director-General, National Orientation Agency, during the 2015 World Humanitarian Day in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Customs: Atte heads office, awaits Presidential directive Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr John Atte, is now heading the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) just as the service awaits a Presidency directive on who would be Acting Comptroller-General (CG), National Mirror learnt. A source in the service said erstwhile CG, Abdullahi Dikko-Inde secretly handed over the mantle of leadership to Atte, Tuesday, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja without a formal ceremony as the

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Presidency had yet to issue a directive on that. Expectations has been rife that the exchange of baton between Dikko-Inde and John Atte, who until this week was the DCG in charge of Corporate and Support Services would take place soon pending presidential directive. Confirming our report, Customs Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adeniyi had in a text message said they await official announcement. Speaking to our correspondent on telephone yesterday, DC Adeniyi con-

firmed that DCG Atte had taken over the affairs of the Service in the interim in acting capacity but said they are still waiting for directive from the Presidency on the new leadership whether substantive or in acting capacity. He said: “Of course between yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday), someone has to be in charge and so for now, he (Atte) is in charge. This is different from saying that somebody has been appointed acting CG or whatever; we don’t have that yet, we are still waiting.”

Atte, who has a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) recognition, is from Bayelsa state in the south south. During the major shakeup of the Service in January, Atte retained his present office even as other DCGs were reshuffled. The immediate past CG, Dikko-Inde however retired from service Tuesday 18 when his extened term expired. He had spent six years as the CG of Customs through a four year term and an extended two year period under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He requested that the party give more attention to elders and founding fathers of the party many of whom he observed are still in the party, but are indifferent to the affairs and fortunes of the party owing to lack of patronage. The BoT Chairman said,“in the recent years, many of our leaders, elders

and founding fathers have been abandoned in spite of their abiding interest in the party. Some have left, some chose to remain, but are inactive, unconcerned or indifferent because nobody has bothered to look for them. This is not acceptable. If there is any time we need them for advice and counsel, it is now.”

Indigenous oil producers target 1.2m bpd by 2020 Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

ndependent Petroleum Producers Group, IPPG, yesterday said it has the capacity to deliver a total of 1.2 million barrels per day of refined oil to meet domestic consumption requirement of the country by the year 2020. Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, the leader of the group, Austin Avuru said this would be achieved with the construction of indigenous refineries. He explained that with other companies coming up with smaller refineries and in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, the group was confident that it would meet the target of 1.2 million barrels of refined oil per day Avuru, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum, maintained that IPPG is a Producers Group, representing 20 indigenous groups that produce natural gas and crude oil According to him, the group is also responsible for over 200,000 barrels of oil production and over 900 million cubic feet of gas production per day in the country. Speaking on why is it necessary for the group to meet the president, Avuru said: “If you watch the way the oil and gas sector is evolving, increasingly the key segments of the oil and gas industry, the onshore segment and the swamp, oil is now falling into the hands of Nigerian Independent Producers and which is why in the past five years we have made so much investment

of over $9billion in just acquiring these assets. He further said that the group has also made over $1billion each year in work programme investment and this is growing. Avuru also said the group was looking at the segment of the industry that is going to become a very critical partner to government particularly in the delivery of natural gas and other products into the domestic economy. According to him, the group identified with the policy direction of the government and therefore called for the meeting with the president. He explained that the involvement of indigenous companies in the operation of refineries does not mean that they have to take over from the multinational, stressing that they would rather complement each other. President Buhari meanwhile assured the team of the full support and protection of his administration. Buhari commended their determination to increase the participation of Nigerians in the country’s oil industry and promised to do all within his powers to address the challenges which they currently face. The president then directed the management of NNPC to work more closely with the indigenous oil producers to resolve the problems which they enumerated to him. The president particularly assured them that the present administration would take appropriate actions to maintain and enhance security in their areas of operation. He noted that better security would help to lower production costs, which, he said, had become unnecessarily high in the country.

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Past policies did not reflect Nigerians’ needs –Osinbajo Rotimi Fadeyi, ABUJA

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said some of the past policies and planning, including budgeting of government, did not reflect the condition and needs of majority of the people, who became disempowered in the process. The vice president, during a courtesy visit by members of the Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, at the Presidential Villa, said it was important that government’s policies address the needs of the people. He observed that some past planning, policy formulation and budgets were not accountable to the people, stressing that some past policies did not

truly reflect an understanding of poverty in the country. Osinbajo said a country cannot be described as rich when about twothirds of its people are extremely poor. While expressing concern about extreme poverty in parts of the country, he stated that records have shown that we have 110 million poor people. He regretted that when the economic and social policies as well as the level of illiteracy in parts of the country were considered, there are extremely bad cases with a situation where 80 to 90 per cent of children are out of school and other cases of unimaginable decayed infrastructure. Osinbajo further stated that one of the challenges of policy formulation was

how to speak to the people and how to address their plight. According to him, people are concerned about how to get “a meal, healthcare and send children to school.” He, however, regretted that budgets of the government do not often address the needs of the people. Osinbajo challenged members of the alumni association to discuss how policy formulation will address conditions of the people. He welcomed the idea of the proposed policy roundtable by members of the alumni association, noting that what has been lacking in government was a time to think, reflect and consider policy while still working. The policy roundtable is intended to provide an

interface between policy makers and government on how to address the needs and improve the living conditions of the citizens through policy formulation. Earlier, leader of the association, Major-General Lawrence Onoja, expressed appreciation for President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to fight corruption and reposition the economy. He pledged support of the association for actualization of what he called the Three-Point Agenda – Security, Corruption and Economy – of Buhari’s administration Onoja urged the administration not to only make a forensic audit of the government agencies but should jail all those found guilty of looting the country.

Army identifies soldiers who assaulted civilian

uthorities of the Nigerian Army yesterday said it had identified soldiers who violated the rights of a member of the public in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, on August 8. Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Shalangwa, Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Army, made this known in Abuja when the army appeared before the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on August 8, the photograph of a man lying in the mud, with some soldiers standing over him was seen on the front page of a newspaper. Consequently, NHRC carried out preliminary investigation and gave the army an ultimatum to identify and produce the soldiers involved in the act. “We have identified the soldiers involved in violation of the rights of the man and we hope to take

Foreign Ministry appeals against N84m judgment

inistry of Foreign Affairs says it has appealed against a National Industrial Court, NIC, judgment directing it to pay N84 million as compensation to a former staff of the ministry. Ambassador Bulus Lolo, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said this yesterday while addressing newsmen in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Industrial Court on Tuesday stormed the ministry to shut it down for non-response to the court’s judgment. Lolo explained that the ruling was made in February 2014, but no action was taken by the ministry to

that effect. “The incident on Tuesday arose from a ruling of the National Industrial Court in February 2014, which was a suit instituted by a former member of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on disciplinary action that was taken against him. “He was serving in Sweden, got involved in a very fraudulent activity for which steps were taken to discipline him and arising from that action, he felt dissatisfied and instituted a court action against the ministry. “The National Industrial Court ruled in favour of the officer and in the ruling an award of cash was made in compensation for so-called income that he should have

earned if he were to serve outside the country. “The industrial court ruled but from all indications no action was taken on the ruling of the court, either to pay the compensation that the court granted or to appeal the judgment that was made by the court. ``So failing that, the individual went back to the industrial court which only a few weeks back gave another order attaching the property of the ministry in whatever form that is moveable. “In fact, there was an order for them to even go to our account and take N83 million and give to this individual. “We have gone to court to appeal against that judgment, this morning we filed

our motion and we are hoping that the court would give this case an accelerated hearing,” he said. He, however, disagreed on the amount granted by the court to the former member of staff, Obinna Nnamma, stating that it was ``outrageous”. ``What troubles me is the fact that the amount granted by the court, even if the officer was at post, he would not have earned such an outrageous sum of money. So it surprises me that our court could award such amount as compensation to this individual.’’ Lolo added that the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Federal Ministry of Finance were in the case as defendants.

appropriate actions. “Report of our investigations will be made available to the commission. We will give everyone a fair hearing,” Shalangwa said. He assured that no one found culpable in the torture of the civilian would be spared. Executive Secretary of NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, emphasised the need for the commission and the military to chart a way of ensuring that rights of citizens were not violated by soldiers or other persons. “We will have about 300 soldiers for training on human rights; we are sure that after the training the misconception on the issue of human rights violations would be brought to an end,” he said. The executive secretary said the commission was informed that the victim had been attacked by angry youths in Mararaba before the soldiers intervened.

NIPSS alumni backs FG’s anti-corruption crusade

L-R: Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Babajide Alao; Guest Lecturer, Prof. Anya O. Anya and a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, during the 2nd Prof. Eni Njoku Memorial Lecture in Lagos, on Tuesday.

lumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI) yesterday applauded the Federal Government’s anticorruption crusade and pledged to support it. President of the association, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd), gave the commendation when he led the National Executive Council of the institute on a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja. Onoja told State House correspondents after the visit that the association was optimistic that the present administration would turn the economy of the country around. “We have come to support the government, especially in the areas of security, unemployment and economy generally. “Those are the three points the present administration is focusing on. “And we have also come to support them on the issue of corruption, the steps they are taking. “And we have also stated categorically that we support the Sultan of Sokoto, who is one of us, in what he said recently that anybody found guilty of corruption should not only have his property seized, but also go to jail because that is the only way we can ensure deterrence for corrupt people in this country. “We cannot live like nothing matters about the

country; people cannot go on with corruption. “We believe and have confidence that the present administration will turn things around for good and for better of the country.” He said the country was in dire need of the institutional framework that would help to prevent graft and public theft, adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies and strengthening the courts to prosecute offenders. According to him, the association has enough policy research studies that will assist the Federal Government in its anticorruption crusade. The AANI president acknowledged the progress made by the administration in addressing terrorism as well as the international collaboration it has entered into and pledged to partner the government to end insurgency. He also said the creation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, for all federal revenues would ensure greater probity, transparency, and accountability. He urged the Federal Government to consider the recent call by the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, for the recovery of about N1.4 trillion from oil and gas companies operating in the country and make it a major priority of its economic policy.

South West

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Oyo stops payment of WAEC fees K E M I O L A I TA N IBADAN

L-R: General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Engr. Ayo Sodeinde; Executive Secretary, Oshodi Local Government, Mr. Daud Adeola Olajobi; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the governor’s inspection of Brown Street for rehabilitation at Oshodi, yesterday.

20m Nigerian diabetics not aware of status –Akinwusi BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

bout 40 million Nigerians are said to be suffering from diabetes, while half of the number are living with the disease unknowingly. This was disclosed by Dean of Faculty of Clinical Sciences of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Prof. Olayinka Akinwusi, at the first annual lecture of the faculty held at Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall of the main campus of the institution in Osogbo.

According to her, lifestyle modifications such as healthy diet, regular physical activity or exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, abstaining from soft and sugary drinks are important primary and secondary prevention strategies. She said: “In Nigeria, the prevalence was 2.2 per cent in the 1990s through a Federal Ministry of Health-sponsored Survey by Akinkugbe et al. “The prevalence is now estimated at 0-2 per cent in adult rural dwellers

and 6-10 per cent in urban adults. In essence, about four million Nigerians have diabetes and about half of them are unaware.” Delivering a paper titled, “Strengths and Weaknesses of Current Type 2 Diabetes Diagnostic Tools”, an assistant professor of endocrinology from the University of Virginia, United States, Dr. Ayotunde Dokun, said the biggest driving factor of type 2 diabetes remains obesity. He decried the practice by many privileged Nigerians of using aides for

nearly all domestic chores, while they remain inactive for most hours of the day without checks in their food consumption. Dokun stated that obesity was becoming common among kids in developing countries because children from privilege homes do less of energy-sapping activities, but spend many hours behind computers and playing computer games. He advocated regular exercises and consumption of fruits and vegetables to prevent accumulation of fat.

NICON Insurance to host August brokers’ evening

n furtherance of its renewed effort to reposition the company and the need to maintain effective relationship with strategic stakeholders in the industry, NICON Insurance Limited will host the August edition of members’ evening

of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB. A statement from Senior Manager (Corporate Affairs) NICON Insurance, Mr. Ade Adesokan, stated that the event would attract insurance brokers and other stake-

holders. According to him, NICON Insurance offered to host the event in order to leverage on the spread and pivotal positions of insurance brokers to further boost the company’s relationship with its valued clients in the indus-

try. It added that the NICON team, headed by Managing Director, Mr. Bayode Samuel, would be received by President of NCRIB, Mr. Oladapo Shoderu, at the event slated for August 25, 2015, in Lagos.

I’m strong and alive –Baba Sala KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

opular Yoruba comedian and actor, Chief Moses Adejumo popularly called Baba Sala, yesterday said contrary to rumours of his death, he is strong and alive. It would be recalled that the octogenarian was rushed from Ilesa, Osun State, to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, on Monday, where

he has been on admission. But Adejumo, speaking through his son, Emmanuel, in Ibadan, said the social media was responsible for the rumour, calling on Nigerians to continue praying for his recovery as he recuperates in hospital. He said, “I am alive and doing well here in UCH. The social media spread the rumour without confirming the state of my health. I greet my fans all over the world that

showed great concern and love for my health. I love you all. I am an old man and conditions like this are expected once in a while. “I was very active as a child and a young man and I hardly had time to rest. Maybe, that is taking its toll on my health now, but I thank God to have lived this far. I still need your prayers at this stage. UCH is taking good care of me.” He also attributed his

ill health to the stress of his recent trip abroad, stating that as soon as he left the hospital, he would publicly speak to his fans. “I travelled abroad recently and maybe the cold and stress from the journey contributed to my present condition, otherwise I feel great inside me. I assure my fans that as soon as I leave the UCH, I will thank them personally and greet them all,” he said.

Oyo State gover nment yesterday said it has stopped payment of West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, re gistration fees for students in the state. Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital. According to the statement, with effect from 2015/2016 academic session, the state gover nment would stop fur ther payment of WAEC re gistration fees due to cur rent financial status of the state. T h e s t at e m e n t a l s o

i n d i c at e d t h at s t u d e n t s wo u l d h e n c e fo r t h p ay N 3 , 0 0 0 a n nu a l ly a s e d u c at i o n d eve l o p m e n t l ev y i n a l l p u bl i c s ch o o l s i n t h e s t at e, a d d i n g t h at t h e p ay m e n t , wh i ch wo u l d b e i n t h re e i n stallments of N1,000 p e r t e r m , wo u l d b e utilised to compliment g ove r n m e n t ’s e f fo r t at i m p rov ing i n f r a s t r u c t u re o f p u bl i c s e c o n d a r y s ch o o l s. The statement further added that the gover nment has completed ar rang ements to par tner with interested stakeholders in manag ement and administration of public secondary schools in the state.

SON seizes motor spare parts worth over N20m

tandards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, yesterday seized heavy duty vehicle spare parts worth over N20m at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. Assistant Director, Inspectorate and Compliance of the Organisation, Mr. Fred Akingbesote, who led a team of its ‘Operation Flush’, said the goods importer’s agent was also arrested. He explained that the organisation would not relent in ensuring that substandard products were not sold in Nigeria as SON was poised to break the cartels that specialised in importing substandard products. “The Operation Flush was at Aspamda Plaza in April and sealed some shops when their owners did not tur n up, only for them to reopen the shops and display the same products we seized then. “The products have been analysed in Holland and discovered that they were not original. “The metals are shining and every-

thing is the same; but instead of a lifespan of two years, it will only last for two months; if it did not take lives on the highway as it is an important component of the engine,” he said. Akingbesote said the importer would be prosecuted as SON’s new law per mits the organisation to act without court order. He said the seizure was not to witch-hunt importers because they were always given the opportunity to be educated by SON on how to import original products. Akingbesote urged importers to have registered trade names, import with the name and from original manufacturers. He said SON was always available to assist them with the list of approved manufacturers so that they would not be disturbed after importing products. Some of the goods seized were Rotor heads used by heavy duty vehicles, Jordan and Oral B toothbrushes, as well as hand brushes for washing rugs and clothes.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

Daniel Conrad Taiwo monument on Broad Street. PHOTO: ADEMOLA

Broad Street Diary

Omoju Busayo

any wondered how the Oworonshoki-Lagos Island axis was before the construction of the now famous Third Main Land Bridge. A visit to Lagos without seeing the wonders of modern technology as exemplified in the 11.8 kilometres Third Mainland Bridge may not be a complete visit. The Third Main Land Bridge was constructed under former military government of General Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida. Although, the bridge was initially christened ‘Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard,’ but the name was short lived, as the event of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulment by the Babangida led -government enraged many particularly in the south western part of the country, where the acclaimed winner of the election Bashorun Kashimawo Abiola hails from. This led to the immediate re-christening of the bridge to Third Mainland Bridge shortly after the event of 1993. Residents of Lagos felt that after the Carter Bridge which was referred to as the First Mainland Bridge, Eko Bridge which they called the Second Mainland Bridge, what looked like the former should automatically be called the Third Mainland Bridge and so it is called till date. The bridge was constructed primarily to ease the usual vehicular traffic congestion that ceaselessly gathered momentum in Lagos metropolis daily due to ever increasing growth in population or residents of the state many of whom have to earn their living from Lagos Island daily. For instance, Lagos State population as at 1991 head counts was put at 5.7 million which at the time was more than the population of some West African countries. Hence, the urgent need to decongest the existing roads network and create alternative routes. The Third Mainland Bridge was constructed by Julius Berger a German construction firm. The economic benefits of the bridge to the Lagos Business District cannot be over-emphasised given the alternative channel it has created for commuters and the business community earning their living on the Island to connect them with the mainland. Mr. Ganiyu Bello an advert executive told Broad Street Diary, BSD, that: “Prior to the construction of the bridge, one could spend up to five hours on a journey that ordinarily should not have taken more than 35 minutes. This is he said, was because the only available routes connecting the mainland with the Island then, were the ever-busy Ikorodu road/ Carter Bridge and the Eko Bridge” Carter Bridge, it was reliably gathered, was built by the colonial government while Eko Bridge was built by the military government. Prior to the construction of the

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Third Mainland: Easing business on Lagos Business District

Third Mainland Bridge

Third Mainland Bridge, the then Lagos State Government in order reduce traffic congestion at the time, adopted a policy of odd and even numbers. These implied that on certain days, particular vehicles with even numbers, were allowed to ply the roads, while on other days, only vehicles with odd numbers, were allowed to be on the roads. The major inter-section to the road then, Ojuelegba and Yaba axis were two troubled spots in terms of traffic gridlock. Prior to the construction of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos population was put at between two to three million. However, post Third Mainland Bridge population of the state is estimated to be in the range of 15 million to 20 million. While the Third Mainland Bridge has served its purpose over the years, it is worthy of note to say that the facility is currently being overstretched due to the ever increasing population of the Lagos State and this has led to agitation for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge. Speaking on the need for another

route to Lagos Island to serve the business district, Mr. Kalejaye Oluwole a Lagos resident advocated for quick construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge as this will considerably reduce the traffic jam being experienced often on the Third Mainland Bridge lately. His words; “the Fourth Mainland Bridge should be constructed as a matter of urgency connecting Igbogbo and Ofin environs of Ikorodu to Lagos Island. This will immediately ease the perennial traffic congestion on the Third Mainland Bridge.’’ Oluwole added that the Third Mainland Bridge could then serve people coming to the Island from Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ogudu, Ketu and Mile 12.” He is also of the view that government should look critically into alternative transport channels such as rail and sea transport. “Let me say that other alternative channels of transportation would be a welcome development provided government can invest in them. For instance, sea transport would have been most appropriate for people

Daniel Conrad Taiwo monument on Broad Street

his prominent Lagos monument, located on Broad Street, houses the tomb of Chief Daniel Conrad Taiwo, who arrived Lagos in 1848, a hard working apprentice later became a notable political figure, became a highly successful trader, philantropist and community leader. It is widely believed that this famous bust of Taiwo

was manufactured by melting down many thousands of individual copper pennies. Upon his death, he was buried on his property, on highly prized Broad Street, down the road from Tinubu Square. A majestic and striking monument was erected over his tomb by the Brazilian-Lagosian master builder, Senhor Jorge DaCosta in 1905.

living in the Ikorodu axis and working on the Island. But it takes safety and security of the waterways to achieve this which is the sole responsibility of the government”. The water ways are not safe and are shoddily run by groups of shylock operators at the expense of passengers’ safety. The rail system could have reduced vehicular movement on our roads at the same time save productive time, but, it is indeed capital intensive. The population of people coming from Ikorodu area to the Lagos Island is huge, hence, the need to look into decent water transport system at least to take care of the movement of the growing population to and from that axis to the Island on a daily basis. While the aforementioned alternative channels of transportation may be ideal in the long run, it is imperative that government should urgently look into the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge as a short term solution to the traffic gridlock being experienced on the existing routes and other notable bridges that connect the Island. Incidentally, some experts have advised that since the government cannot handle all these capital intensive projects alone, an enabling environment should be created for interested investors to come and handle some of them like the construction of a modern rail transport system under a programme that is popularly known as “Build operate and Transfer”.

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South West

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Afenifere wants part-time legislature …probe of Jonathan’s predecessors too OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

P L-R: Head of Trade Policy and Facilitation, German Development Organisation, GIZ SEDIN Programme in Nigeria, Mr. Alexander Werth; CEO/GMKONSULT Ltd, Ms. Lola Visser-Mabogunje; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Director, PPRS, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) Mr. Ajiya Mammam and Acting Director, Trade Department, FMITI, Y. S. Labaran, during a visit to the former president in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday.

Corruption war: Be firm, group tells Buhari KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

igeria Voters Assembly, VOTAS, a civil society group, has condemned the recent dimension the war against corruption is assuming in the country, urging President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow those it described as running errands for the corrupt to jeopardise the strong steps needed to fight the scourge. The group in a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Mashood Erubami, and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, said the fight against corruption must not wane if Nigeria must be taken serious. He described corruption as the greatest chal-

lenge to Nigeria’s development through which trillions of naira were looted and squandered for years, either through direct stealing, non-remittance or under remittance into the treasury by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. He said the nation’s economy of high debt portfolio of over $65bn will continue to get worse if corruption is not strictly tackled, stating that high number of the citizenry failed to benefit from the past 16 years of civilian government. Erubami further stated that the very high percentage of debt repayment and high number of states unable to meet their primary obligations to their workers were indicators of unserious spirit of anti-

corruption war and lack of commitment to proceed with the fight against perpetrators, He then called on President Buhari to stand firm and begin to send very strong message to the politically-exposed corrupt people that the fight against graft had become imperative and would be fought un-sparingly and non-selectively. According to him, the message should be a strong signal that the government was ready to fight corruption to improve the economy, create conducive space for business development and generate mass employment towards stemming mass exodus of Nigerians abroad in search of greener pastures. He assured that with

corruption out of our way, fund allocations for power, education, health facilities and services, infrastructural development will be used for their purposes and more money will be released from the ones that would have gone into private pockets as a result of corrupt practices and Nigeria will be better for it. He also tasked the President whom he said is already respected as an anti-corruption czar and reputable anti-corruption crusader, not to disappoint Nigerians and the international community. He also urged him to declare immediate measures to strengthen and overhaul all the anti-corruption agencies as the potent instruments to be used in waging the war.

IPMAN hails sanctions for erring depots

ndependent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, yesterday lauded the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, over moves to sanction petroleum products depot owners who violated the official price. National President of IPMAN, Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. Okoronkwo said the association supported restoration of discipline in the downstream petroleum

sub-sector because it had been characterised by price war. He said sanity should be extended to petrol refilling stations nationwide to eliminate sabotage by chain of marketers selling above official pump price of N87 per litre. The IPMAN boss also suggested an extensive stakeholders’ dialogue over the national problem of petroleum products scarcity. He said the holistic dialogue among regulators, marketers, IPMAN mem-

bers, PENGASAN, NUPENG and tanker drivers would assist in finding lasting solution to scarcity of petroleum products. “Marketers and tanker drivers should commit more hours to duty in order to fully address the fuel shortage issue. “There is also a great need for DPR to sanction offenders in order to ensure adequate supplies to consumers,” he said. He canvassed a sanctioning regime that would ensure punishment for depot owners involved in selling

fuel to marketers above exdepot price of N77.66k per litre. Okoronkwo also said that IPMAN members were not interested in selling fuel at high prices but were constrained by the activities of depot owners who sold products at exorbitant prices. The president said that private tank farms, especially members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA, were selling above official pump price.

an-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government to find a way of amending the constitution to make the legislature part-time in the country. Secretary General of the group, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, yesterday said in Akure, Ondo State capital that the incessant recess embarked on by members of the National Assembly showed that their duties could be done part-time. Arogbofa advised the lawmakers to stop wasting time on recess, saying Nigerians were waiting for result from them. He said: “The 8th National Assembly has a lot of problems. This we all know and I don’t want to go into the nitty-gritty. But all these incessant breaks wouldn’t help them. They wouldn’t help Nigerians. “It can help them in a way, I mean the members, may be for them to consult and do a few things. What we are saying is that they should come and legislate for this country not to have more periods to rest than work.

“Some of us have been saying that legislature in this country should be part-time. When I was a member of the National Conference, my committee, Committee for Political Restructuring and Forms of Government, we were unanimous that legislature should be part time. “In the open house, we were defeated. But we didn’t bother. We observed that those who make our laws have too much time to play with. How many times in a year do they sit? They talk of oversight functions. Assuming that there is something like that, how long will that take them to look at things and come back? “But to spend half the period on holidays is a pointer to Nigerians that we should now start to reassess the time allocated for them. They are now indirectly telling us that legislature should be part-time and not fulltime.” Goodluck Jonathan’s administration by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Arogbofa said such gesture should be extended to other governments before it.

4 remanded over kidnap, robbery, N10m ransom

n Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered that four men, who allegedly robbed, kidnapped and obtained N10 million ransom from their victim be remanded in prison custody. Magistrate Oluwadamilola Olanipekun ordered that the men should be remanded pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The accused, Hope Edet-Okon, 27; Edet Enekonu, 35; Sunday Shonuga, 34; and Isaiah Unuagbon, 31; whose addresses are unknown, are in court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, robbery and kidnapping. “I want their files duplicated and forwarded to the DPP,” the magistrate

said. Olanipekun adjourned the case to September 16 for the DPP’s advice. Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Benson Emuerhi, had told the court that the men committed the offence on February 25 along Ajah Expressway, Lagos. He said the men waylaid one Mr Akintunde Adesola and robbed him of his phones and SUV Toyota highlander. The prosecutor said the men tied their victim, put him in the boot of the vehicle and took him to an unknown destination. “Adesola was released after the accused obtained the sum of N10 million from his relatives. “They had earlier dispossessed Adesola of all his valuables valued at N3.3 million.

South East

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Lawyers protest alleged attack on member

L-R: Coordinator, Foundation of Abraham Father of All Nations (FAFAN), Mr. Paul Mary; Facilitator, Igwe Julius Nnaji and Chairman, Ozo Chris Akam, during a meeting by members in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Fire averted at NNPC depot GEORGE OPARA ABIA

ba Depot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was almost engulfed in fire yesterday. Workers at the depot had for some days been washing reservoir tanks, preparatory to the pumping of petroleum from the Port Harcourt Refinery to the facility. However, while pumping out waste water/oil from one of the tanks, the generating set being used

for the exercise caught fire and could have spread to the main tanks, but for quick intervention of the depot’s safety workers and fire servicemen, who promptly put out the fire. The incident caused pandemonium within the depot, as workers and people who had come to transact business scampered for safety. A source said, “People in the depot saw smoke coming from where the storage tanks were located and the fear that the tanks could explode

made people to scamper for safety. “The damage was not much, but the generator used in pumping out waste from the reservoir tank was damaged. We were washing the tanks ahead of supply of petroleum products expected from Port Harcourt refinery. “You know for some time now, we have not had supply of petroleum product at the depot. So, while the tanks were being washed, the generator used in pumping out

waste from the tank caught fire, which of course, was quickly put out by men of the fire service on ground. So, there was no need for panic. The situation was quickly brought under control,” the source said. Journalists, who went to get first hand information on the incident, were denied access into the premises as the gateman said the manager did not give him instruction to allow newsmen inside.

Red Cross appeals for blood donation

igeria Red Cross Society, NRCS, has appealed to residents of Anambra State to donate blood, at least, twice a year to meet the state’s requirements. Vice-Chairman of Anambra State chapter of the NRCS, Prof. Peter Katchy, said in Onitsha that the state needed blood to meet emergency situations in its hospitals.

“One of the major activities of the Red Cross in Anambra State is blood donors’ recruitment drive. “The NRCS calls on people of the state to develop the habit of voluntary blood donation as a way of life to enable the state and country meet the requirements of safe blood transfusion services. “Voluntary blood donation reduces mater-

nal mortality and helps patients suffering from blood-related diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, victims of gunshot injuries and accident victims, among others,” he said. He said emphasis was on young donors who would willingly donate blood for people in need to save their lives. Katchy added that it was regrettable that the country needed

about two million units of blood annually, but was currently collecting about 25,000 units. He dismissed insinuations that a person could die while donating blood, saying the donor rather becomes healthier and stronger. Some hospitals rejected some of the victims of the recent tanker fire in Onitsha owing to lack of blood to give them.

FERMA commences repair of Afikpo/Okigwe highway A L I U N A G ODWIN ABAKALIKI

ederal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has commenced rehabilitation of AfikpoOkigwe highway to reduce auto crashes. The rehabilitation exercise commenced at Ivo, a boundary town

between Ebonyi and Abia states. Addressing jour nalists during the exercise, South East coordinator of the agency, Mr. Adedayo Adebayo, said it was a nationwide exercise aimed at maintaining highways to make them safer for road users. Adedayo noted that

the exercise was a direct labour approach and not only limited to patching of roads but also reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas badly affected. Earlier, Chief Engineer of the agency in the state, Mrs. Ebere Ogbuagu, said the road was always busy with

traffic, adding that heavy vehicles also convey different goods through it. However, about 50 kilometres were rehabilitated during commencement of the exercise, which will end in Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Gover nment Area of Ebonyi State.

igeria Bar Association, NBA, Enugu branch, has protested alleged brutalisation of its member by a police corporal attached to the Independent Layout Police Station. Speaking at a news conference in Enugu yesterday, Chairman of the branch, Dr. Osita Ogbu, decried the overzealousness of some policemen in the state. Ogbu said the victim, Mr. Chukwunonso Ogbe, was inflicted with bodily injuries by the policeman without any provocation. He gave the name of the policeman as Cpl. Effiong Bassey with NPF No. 427669. “This incident is just a microcosm of the plight of members of the public in the hands of some unscrupulous policemen. “We observed that President Muhammadu Buhari on assumption of office pronounced unequivocally the resolve of his administration to confront impunity, corruption and abuse of power. “The InspectorGeneral of Police had ordered dismantling of road blocks, among other measures across the nation, but this has not been complied with in Enugu State,” he said. Narrating the incident, Ogbu said on May 3, the lawyer was flagged down by the policeman, who was a member of a team that mounted a roadblock at Loma Linda junction. “Ogbe was asked to produce the particulars of his vehicle and he complied. Not satisfied, the corporal was said to have asked ‘Anything for us this Sunday?’ “On his refusal to part with money, Ogbe’s car was cleared and his freedom of movement frustrated. “While waiting for his vehicle to be released, he brought out a manuscript, which he was editing,” he said. According to him, the policeman, on realising that Ogbe was not

moved by their antics, but was busy in his car reading, felt slighted. He said the policeman, joined by some of his colleagues descended on Ogbe, beating and inflicting injuries on him, thinking the lawyer was copying his particulars. “Cpl. Effiong knocked Ogbe down and held him to the ground, and continued to beat him, giving him a black eye and tore his clothes. “The policemen left him almost naked until another police team intervened and rescued him,” he said. To their consternation, Ogbu said, reports sent to the State’s Police Command to investigate the matter had been frustrated. “The commissioner of police did not give us the courtesy of responding to our letter, let alone addressing the abuses we complained about by bringing the corporal to book. “Road blocks are still mounted in all nooks and crannies of the state and policemen extort money from motorists with impunity,” he said, adding that the state’s chapter of NBA would be compelled to issue a Writ of Mandamus on the police commissioner to compel him to exercise his public duties. In his reaction, police spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said he was not privy to the incident and promised to investigate the matter once the report was made official to him. “I have just been alerted by the NBA on the matter, but not fully briefed. “As soon as I get the report, I will commence investigation with a view to bringing the police officer involved to book,” he said, adding that it amounted to a breach of public trust for any policeman to fight in public. Amaraizu said the command viewed as a serious offence for any policeman to flout directives guiding their line of duty.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Politics

Our leaders forgot to develop other sectors –Ajibola

14 Abiodun Awoleye is a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North federal constituency. In this interview with KEMI OLAITAN, he speaks on the crisis in the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade and other national issues. Excerpts! President Muhammadu Buhari has been described as Mr. Go Slow given the fact that he is yet to constitute his full cabinet more than two months after his inauguration, do you agree with this view? It is never taking too long. When the President wanted to comment on the issue, he said he was slow and steady. That answers it all. What Buhari government has achieved in the last two months, the last administration was unable to achieve in the whole of the four years. For instance, the issue of power generation has improved which every Nigerian can bear me witness. He was able to achieve this because the so called saboteurs are afraid of the government of the day. Unlike the past administration which encouraged corruption and nepotism. The foreign reserves have also improved tremendously beyond expectation. The insurgency in the North East has been dealt with. Now, go to those ministries, you will see that even without ministers, the work is moving seriously because the permanent secretaries are more qualified to handle the job effectively. More so, the President needs to get the set of people who will be able to support his polices. What is your take on the crisis in the House of Representatives which many Nigerians see as a dent on the image of the country? Today, there is no more crisis or factions in the House of Representatives especially among the APC lawmakers as we are now one family. Although, we had issues in recent time but it was later resolved amicably. The crisis has to do with the speakership tussle between Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. Certainly, it was a political contest one must loose and one must win. Since the winner has emerged and we have congratulated him and the looser has been compensated, that was why we all decided to end war and embrace peace. All the factions have collapsed to one and there are no more crises again. In the first instance, we were all elected as members of the House of Representatives not as speakers or leaders of the House. That is the fact we understand and it is what keeps us going. We have settled down for legislative business. With the recent crisis in the House of Representatives, do you think the National Assembly is ready to support President Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade? Yes, we are ready to give the maximum support to the President on the fight against corruption. Fighting against corruption was the bedrock of the change we were yearning for before the 2015 general elections. It is our resolution to follow the acts of the National Assembly especially the appropriation bill to the letter. We are going to ensure that the ministries, agencies, and departments are to be strengthened because by the time we have a good budget performance, it will help to know where we are getting it wrong over the years. In the area of overheads, where we have different kind of people taking government money for personal use, the National Assembly and the presidency have begun scrutiny in ensuring that

NASS will support Buhari on anti-corruption war –Awoleye without the federal allocation. That is why we are talking of diversifying of our economy from oil. We have to take it as a serious issue to invest in agriculture since we have a very good climate in Nigeria. So, we can make use of it and ensure that our states invest very massively in agriculture. We have been emphasising on the issue of agricultural development for many years and it seems our governors are not taking it serious but with the present situation especially the dwindling oil money from Abuja, they will all take a step to look for another means to care of their workers.

Awoleye

WE ARE READY TO GIVE THE MAXIMUM SUPPORT TO THE

PRESIDENT ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. FIGHTING AGAINST CORRUPTION WAS THE BEDROCK OF THE CHANGE WE WERE YEARNING FOR

BEFORE THE

2015 GENERAL

ELECTIONS

we have more money for capital projects. By the time the President went through the ministries and the agencies in collaboration with the National Assembly, we are going to get more young people employed. National Assembly is also trying to look at the laws that will strengthen the more all the anti graft agencies such as Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, so that they can perform their duties effectively. Close to 20 states in the country today cannot afford to pay salaries of their workers, what is the National Assembly doing to help the affected states? Even before Mr. President talked about the bail out for the affected states, there was a motion in the National Assembly to support the affected states. But we needed to get to the base of the whole issue. The truth is that it is dangerous as most of the states in Nigeria are not financially viable. They cannot financially stand on their own

Is the arrest and prosecution of looters especially the opposition the only change Nigerians should expect from the Buhari administration as it seems to be the only thing dominating his utterances today? I can tell you authoritatively that the anti corruption mantra of this administration is not meant to witch-hunt anybody but to get Nigeria back on track. We have process and procedures. If any member of my party is guilty of any case, such person should be ready to face the music. Fighting corruption is one of the promises Mr. President made to Nigerians prior to the general elections and he is doing it with the fear of God. During his inauguration speech, he made it clear that he is for everybody and for nobody. So, President Buhari will make Nigeria to work again, let’s just give him time. What is the National Assembly doing to ensure that states trying to get loan don’t bite more than they can chew? What we are doing is to ensure that both the Federal Government and the state government follow the international procedures when it comes to the issue of loan. States in particular must have met the requirement before going for any loan. Meanwhile we are always ensuring that the states applying for loans are using it for developmental projects and not for paying outstanding salaries. What should the people of your constituency expect from you in the next four years? The first thing is to empower my people most importantly as the rate of unemployment is very high in the country. Although we did it in the last regime but we have decided to build on that by ensuring that youths are being empowered. The areas where I am looking at include tailoring, barbing, hairdressing, computer science, catering and other vocational and entrepreneur businesses. Secondly, I plan to facilitate people oriented projects for the people of my constituency like I did in the past. Thirdly, recently I sponsored a motion that will impact positively in the lives of Nigerians and that has to do with the establishment of National Assembly broadcast station. It will be broadcasting our proceedings during our sittings. That will avail our people the privilege to see their representatives in the House and how they are fairing. This starts from plenary to committee and oversight functions. This is very important because many people believe we are not really doing anything in Abuja but with the establishment of the broadcast station for the National Assembly, our people will be able to see what we are doing and how busy we are. These are the basic things we are looking at but as time goes on, I will look at other things I will do to support the masses.

Politics

Hon. Israel Famurewa Ajibola, the member representing Ijesa South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, in this chat with BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA, throws his weight behind All progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu to emerge chairman, APC Board of Trustees, BoT. Excerpts: Governor Rauf Aregbesola told reporters in Abuja not too long ago that the nonpayment of salaries was beyond him, creating the impression that there may be no way out of the crisis. What is your take? If you look back like eight or 10 months in Osun State, the revenue coming from the federation account before, usually hovered between N4.4 billion and N4.6 billion on monthly basis apart from our Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. Our IGR varies between N800 million and N900 million monthly. Then if you add that to our monthly allocation from the federation account, it gives us N5.5 billion plus every month to pay salaries, do projects and run government in the state. But along the line, the allocation from the centre dropped from about N4.4 billion to around N1 billion and recently N400 million. If you look at salary of about N3.6 billion and if the allocation is about N1 billion, we need to collect allocation for three to four months to pay one month’s salary. Definitely, the governor can say the issue is beyond him because there is no way; for him to pay two months, he must have collected allocation of six or seven months and if you look at the financial market, the banking industry, there are rules and regulations; there is a limit to what a particular state can borrow from financial institutions, you can’t go beyond that limit. And if you find yourself in such situation, definitely there is no other way to say than that the issue is clearly beyond him, which I believe Mr. Governor was referring to. What is your take over the unpaid salaries of workers in the State of Osun? I want to believe that there was misinformation along the line. People were not well informed about the true position of the state of finance and salary payment in the state. People have been talking about bailout from the government at the centre. The whole story about the bailout is not clear. I think that was what actually caused confusion and misunderstanding and the state government has very good intention. Its intention was to make sure that it pays workers, but unfortunately the resources at its disposal as at that point in time was not enough to pay the entire workforce. So it decided in its own wisdom to pay the junior workers from grade levels 01 to 07 their full salaries and pay the senior officers part. Not that the balance will not be paid. In fact, it will be paid very soon. It is about concluding work on it. Funds are being garnered to make sure that all salary arrears are paid. Were there efforts by members of National Assembly to assist states owing salaries? We are aware that this issue is not peculiar to Osun State only. I can say categorically that we have about 25 states in similar situation. Though at National Assembly level, we can only treat basically issue that concerns Federal Government. However, what we need to do is to look inward, because if you look at the situation of Nigeria’s economy today, unless we have a different scenario starting from tomorrow, the revenue coming into the federal purse is no longer huge as it used to be. We have relied so much on oil for a very long time. Our leaders forgot to develop other sectors that may as well bring revenue to the purse of the Federal Government to complement what we are having from oil and if you look at the international market today, it is not favourable for our oil, unless tomorrow things get better. So, states need to look inward on how to manage their resources and how to develop natural endowments within

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Our leaders forgot to develop other sectors –Ajibola make life difficult for our people in Osun. Our people must pay their taxes. We need to sit down together as a people and decide how we move forward from here. What is the National Assembly doing to help states to have control over natural resources found in their domains? I think there was a move in that direction by the National Assembly, but unfortunately, we are unable to conclude the constitutional amendment in the seventh Assembly, but the rules have been amended before the end of that Assembly to enable us continue from where we stopped, so that we will not start all over again in the eighth Assembly. So by the grace of God, we are going to continue from where we stopped on constitutional amendments. All the aspects that have been treated in the seventh Assembly would be completed in the eighth Assembly. That particular aspect of the constitution is one of aspect that we want to amend in a way that the states will have a stake in whatever resources within their domains.

Ajibola

OUR LEADERS FORGOT TO DEVELOP OTHER SECTORS THAT MAY AS WELL BRING REVENUE TO THE PURSE OF THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

TO COMPLEMENT WHAT WE ARE HAVING FROM OIL AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

TODAY, IT IS NOT FAVOURABLE FOR OUR OIL their terrains to boost their IGR in a way to complement whatever they have from the federation account. If that is done, it will not be difficult to pay the workers, while states can also undertake one or two developmental projects or improve existing infrastructural amenities already on ground of their respective states. We need to manage the present situation in such a way that it does not affect our workers any further, as well as the masses. We must develop industries within our areas and used them to generate more funds to complement what we have from the federation account. At the National Assembly, we are discussing with the executive arm of government on the way to handle the matter of inability of many states to pay salaries. I believe we should meet as people and discuss the situation. That explains why both Osun federal and state lawmakers conveyed stakeholders’ conference where we deliberated upon and agreed on certain things we must do as people. At the meeting, the government, labour leaders, artisans, community leaders, religion leaders, some opinion leaders and political leaders all discussed Osun. All of us sat down and assessed the state holistically. What do we have that we can develop? How much are we having presently from the federation account? How much do we need to pay our workers on monthly basis? What is the shortfall and how do we resolve this? Joint decisions were taken and more so, we need to encourage our people that are benefitting from government programmes to pay their taxes. But we don’t want to introduce measures that will

With the difficulty in paying workers’ salaries, will Governor Aregbesola consider reducing the state’s workforce? As a government, I don’t think we are thinking in that direction for now. We are only looking at ways of developing all our resources to generate more revenue internally to complement what we are having from Abuja. With that we will settle our workers and do other things. What region of the federation do you think the All progressives Congress, APC, Board of Trustees, BoT, chairman should emerge from, considering that many political positions under the present dispensation have been zoned to the north? BoT chairmanship is a very sensitive seat that we need a disciplined and thorough party man to handle. And if you look at the leadership that we have now, and the manner different offices have been shared; personally I will prefer it come down South. If this is favourably considered, then South-West should have the post, because I know we have a competent hand that can occupy that seat effectively in the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Go through his antecedents, right from the defunct Action Congress, AC, days; how he was able to galvanise efforts of the opposition and wrestled power from the ruling party. That courageous act led us to where we are today. All stakeholders should consider the fact that whether we like it or not, we have a President from the North, Senate President from the North, Speaker from the North, We have Senate leader from the North, Deputy Senate Leader from the North, if you look at all these offices, I think it will be better and beneficial to our party if we have someone like Tinubu as the chairman of APC BoT. What are your plans for the people of Ijesa South federal constituency in this your second term in office? During my electioneering campaign, I promised them good representation and as a representative of the people, I want to represent them to the best of my ability. If you look at what I was able to deliver in my first term, I intend to do more in the area of infrastructural development, provision of social amenities to our people, touching virtually all areas concerning our people and I intend to do more than I did in the first term. I was there in the first term as a new comer, but now I have garner some experience, I am now better off to do what I need to do better my people and people should expect more from my end. Going by the manner of their emergence, do you believe that the present national Assembly leadership will be able to provide the needed backing to Mr. President’s anticorruption war? Why not? I know one thing for sure, that we disagree to agree. I know the rancor within the leadership of the National Assembly has been successfully resolved and by the grace of God, the crisis is over. Our party is now stronger. We are more united than before at the moment.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari last Thursday gave Service Chiefs the ultimatum to end Boko Haram insurgency in three months. UBONG UKPONG takes a look at how realisable this deadline is, and the consequences of the pronouncement on the war.

Buhari, military and deadline to end B’Haram insurgency

hen President Muhammadu Buhari was aspiring for the Presidency, both him and his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, believed that former President Goodluck Jonathan, was beating about the bush in handling the Boko Haram war, with the military under his command lacking the requisite credentials and techniques to prosecute the war. The Nigerian people were made to believe that Boko Haram was a fraud and political arrangements by then President Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to perpetrate themselves in power at the expense of the wanton killings, maiming and destruction of property in the North, especially the North-East. Every effort by the military to crush the insurgents were exaggerated as war crimes, especially by Amnesty International, AI, while some persons of Northern extraction, especially the impeached governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, alleged that the former President was engaging in genocide, to reduce the numerical strength, if unable to wipe off the North. The critiques of that administration failed to see Boko Haram war as an unconventional warfare and the fact that it was Nigeria’s first experience of terrorism, which the country had no structure in place to address, both in terms of legislation, diplomatic relations, security apparati and military might. While the then government, the military and other security forces were working hard to secure the country and exploring ways of tackling the problem, citizens were made to lose hope in their military and government and see all their efforts in bad light. Unfortunately for both government and the military, the worst started when over 300 girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, were abducted from the school by the insurgents in April 2014, with about over 200 of them still under the captivity of the Boko Haram sect. Subsequently, the insurgents began to enjoy cheap popularity arising from their capture and occupation of several territories in the war-torn Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, as a result of sabotage from enemies of that administration and military, who fed Boko Haram with adequate intelligence information, making them to be ahead of the military’s strategies. Consequently, as the general elections drew nearer, a section of Nigerians had developed hatred for Jonathan, and the opposition also used this as a strong campaign basis to ouster that administration, as Nigerians were made to believe that Buhari was more equipped and endowed with military and security strategies to confront and end Boko Haram. President Buhari on his part, did not mince words when he said that he would chase Boko Haram to anywhere and crush them out of Nigeria totally immediately he was given that mandate as Nigeria’s President. Therefore, the proclamation of three months on Thursday, August 13, as deadline to end Boko Haram, approaching three months into his administration, was long overdue. For security analysts, there is nothing wrong in the Commander-in-Chief, C-i-C, giving a timetable to his commanders to achieve this target in the war, but it should not be taken as a giant stride, because there is nothing new about this deadline, going by the popular saying that if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. When the immediate past Service Chiefs were appointed in January 2014, there was a deadline set to crush Boko Haram by April, 2014. The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, rtd, had made the announcement, but suffered knocks from the opposition and critiques for making the declaration, which they claimed was going to endanger the country. Again, another deadline of six weeks was made in March, 2015, when the military requested the Independent National

Buhari

FROM

MAY 30, THERE HAVE

BEEN A RESURGENCE OF VIOLENT AND BOMB ATTACKS IN THE HITHERTO PEACEFUL

NORTH-EAST AND BEYOND. HOWEVER, THESE NEW SERVICE CHIEFS HAVE THE

AREAS OF

DUTY TO BRING THESE TO AN END.

HOW THIS WOULD BE

ACHIEVED IS TOTALLY THE CROSS THEY MUST CARRY Electoral Commission, INEC, to shift the national elections to enable them prepare the North-East for the elections, following the newly entered understanding with neighbouring countries as well as the shipment of sophisticated military hardware, which prior to then were all denied the country. Rather than embrace the request, in national interest, the opposition and critiques of that administration said it was a plan by Jonathan and the military to subvert the electoral processes and remain in power or install interim government. The numerous towns, cities and villages across the NorthEast that were seized by Boko Haram, which the military was targeting to recover and retain its pride, practically meant nothing to those who were interested in power changing hands, even if it meant that no election held in the North East for votes to be collected there to meet constitutional requirements. Citizens and foreigners alike were mobilised to oppose the request to shift election because of new deadline of six weeks to crush Boko Haram. Their ground was that what the then C-i-C and his military commanders could not achieve in six years, they were pretending to be able to achieve in just six weeks. It looked like a tall dream. In spite of the opposition, the request was grudgingly accept at a National Council of State meeting, the election was shifted and the military lived up to its billings, justified the action. To this effect, all territories earlier captured and occupied by Boko Haram were recovered, the phantom Islamic Caliphate declared was crushed, the headquarters in Gwoza, Borno State, was demolished, innocent citizens taken captive were freed, hundreds of Boko Haram insurgents were killed,

scores approached the military and surrendered, fugitives were chased and captured and others confined to Sambisa forest where the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets sustained their surveillance and offensive, bombarding and destroying camps and rescuing women and children. The era of bombing and attacking of soft targets was gone, Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, was silenced up till last week, when Chadian President, Idris Deby, announced his replacement. Shekau never spoke again or appear in videos, where he usually boast of the havocs the group had achieved under his leadership. The country became calm, with the military chanting the “Never Again” slogan, and President Jonathan gave a smile, even though he conceded victory at the polls to Buhari, assuring him that he would hand over a terror free Nigeria to him by clearing the Sambisa forest of terrorists by May 29. There was panic in Sambisa forest, troops had taken charge, but May 29 appeared too close for the gallant troops to accomplish their targets of reclaiming the vast forest, while the military that was brandished weak and useless by opposition and critiques remained on guard while Jonathan was handing over. Upon his taking over on May 29, Buhari commenced the war against Boko Haram in earnest with relocation of the Military Command and Control Centre, MCCC, to Maiduguri, Borno State, where the Service Chiefs would operate from to end Boko Haram. This was followed shortly by the removal of the former Service Chiefs after six weeks, and announcement of their replacements, who now have the responsibility to end the war in three months. Since he took over as President, from May 30, there have been a resurgence of violent and bomb attacks in the hitherto peaceful areas of North-East and beyond. However, these new Service Chiefs have the duty to bring these to an end. How this would be achieved is totally the cross they must carry, without excuses, because their appointments were predicated upon Buhari’s confidence in their capability. The President is not under any illusion that this insurgency cannot end in three months, that by the end of three months, Boko Haram would disappear. In spite of the shouts, tackling and criticisms on Jonathan, Buhari as a military man knows that this warfare is unpredictable and he must be having his own plans too, which is what people are looking out for, to justify his election. Apparently, there is nothing new that the President had put on the table to end the insurgency apart from the movement of the MCCC and appointment of the new Service Chiefs. Every other strategy, logistics, personnel, National Security Architecture had remained the way he inherited and he is making use of them. The reality is that this is an unconventional warfare which required more unity, selflessness and cooperation by all citizens, security forces, political parties, religions, ethnic groups amongst others for the war to be won. In other words, victory does not reside in the amounts of bullets troops fire, sustained air strikes by gallant Nigerian Air Force fighter jets, how many terrorists are killed daily by soldiers, how loud the voices of the commanders are or even all the Generals in the armed forces and police hierarchies relocating to the battle field; it lies in speaking with one voice as a people against the insurgency, as against what was obtained before now, because they are speaking with one voice. Already, the Nigerian Air Force had deployed additional combat aircrafts to the North-East, in support of the ongoing counter-insurgency operation, in a renewed drive to crush the fighting will of the Boko Haram terrorist group. The newly deployed platforms include the F-7Ni fighter aircraft, Mi-24/35 attack helicopters, Agusta 109 LUH, Supa Puma Combat Support helicopter and ATR-42 surveillance aircraft which hitherto had been away for scheduled maintenance. Accordingly, the Airmen in a renewed air offensive are carrying out several sustained bombings and air strike missions in Sambisa Forest.

Politics

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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George blasts Fashola over complicity in website’s contract AYO ESAN

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George has criticised former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) over what he called his ‘arrogant and befuddled attempt of justifying the apparent reckless misappropriation of Lagos State tax payers ‘money to set up a personal website’. He described Fashola’s action as disgusting and annoying saying in a more decent society; Mr. Fashola should be facing a comprehensive investigation rather than being considered for any appointment at all. In a statement he issued and made available to journalists in Lagos, George said “Fashola shows no remorse, no semblance of regret, no guilty nudging of conscience. Instead, he still attempts to ride a high horse, puffing and stomping in feigned seraphic innocence. We are not fooled.

“We knew all along that the emperor had no clothes. Using 78 million naira tax payers money to build a website is reckless misappropriation. The phony over 25 billion naira used to build a mere kilometer long link bridge is outrageous venality. The spurious 1.5 billion naira allegedly spent on phantom pedestrian bridges is another con game. And there are so many of these screaming illegalities observable in the record of our poster boy of yesterday”. He said President Buhari should use the Fashola’s case as an acid test of sparing no one with any intimation of public malfeasance. “Rather than engaging in a smug chest beating of innocence Mr. Fashola should first remove himself from any consideration of public appointment and openly call for a judicial probe of his eight years in office”, he said adding that nothing else will bring out the true picture. He said Lagos State is now the biggest debtor in

Kwara PDP Reps candidate prays tribunal to declare him winner •Says ballot papers for another constituency used in his community WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he National Assembly/Legislative Houses election petition tribunal sitting In Ilorin has been told that customised ballot papers meant for Edu/Moro/ Pategi Federal Constituency were used for another constituency in last general election in Kwara State. The revelation came up during the hearing in a petition filed by Richard Babatunde Olusola of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the election of Princess Olufunke Adedoyin; daughter of business mogul; Prince Samuel Adedoyin to the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC Tendering their shocking findings before the tribunal, counsel to the

petitioner; Mr. Joseph Ashaolu said they discovered during the inspection exercise of voting materials used during the April National Assembly election that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also used the customised ballot papers for another constituency to conduct the election that returned Hon. Adedoyin. He listed 16 polling units in three wards of Irepodun Local Government Area of Ekiti/Oke Ero/ Irepodun/Isin Federal constituency that Princess is currently representing at the National Assembly. Ashaolu gave the units as units 001,002, 003, 004, 006, 007, 008, 014, 012, 016 in Ajase Ipo Ward 1; Units 002, 008, 010 and 005 in Ajase Ipo Ward 2 as well as Unit 002 in Arandun Ward all in Irepodun Council Area of Princess Adedoyin.

the federation with over a trillion naira in bad debts adding that, it may take at least 40 years before Fashola’s indebtedness can be defrayed.

George also did not spare the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the immediate predecessor of Fashola, Asiwaju

Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying ‘there is no way to divorce Fashola from Bola Tinubu. “They are both linked in unutterable complicity.

If Fashola stands today in tarnished allegations, Tinubu, his godfather, cannot possibly distance himself in innocent escapism”.

L-R: Director, Administration, Restart PDP Project, Mr. Simon Leshe; members, Mr. Ibrahim Galadimawa and Convener, Mr. Nwosu Emmanuel, during a news conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

APC-AG describes Buhari’s anti-corruption move act of statesmanship EBERE NDUKWU

ll Progressives Congress Action Group, APCAG, has described the anti-corruption steps being taken by President Muhammadu Buhari as an act of statesmanship, which should have the blessing of all well-meaning Nigerians. In a release signed by its spokesperson, Segun Dipe, and made available to newsmen, APCAG wondered why some people should see President Buhari’s moves to bring back our stolen wealth as politically masterminded and vindictive, when world over it has become an axiomatic fact that corruption in

Nigeria reached its climax during the last administration. “We are aware that the President’s stance has sent some tongues wagging. The guilty ones are already jittery, afraid and are shouting to the rooftops that it is a political witch-hunt. But we in APCAG see Buhari as an upright man and vow to support him to the hilt in his drive to restore Nigeria’s integrity while ensuring that those who bled our economy to comatose are made to pay for their misdemeanours. “We thus call on all Nigerians, irrespective of their political inclinations, to patiently support President Buhari in his determination to save our country and since

he has the experience and capacity to fight corruption to any length, he would definitely restore the country’s lost glory and bring back our stolen wealth for the good of all.” APCAG described President Buhari as more of a statesman than a politician, saying while politicians think about the next election and what would go into their pockets, Buhari thinks about Nigeria today and future, relegating his personal gain to the background. “In the past, we had been compelled to pay for services that should be free simply because state budgets were pillaged by corrupt politicians, public spending was distorted as decision-makers

focused spending on activities likely to yield large bribes, foreign investment was stymied as businesses were reluctant to invest in uncertain environments, and our economy suffered.” APCAG recalled how the APC as a party had anchored its campaign on fighting corruption and how the party got the support of Nigerians to go ahead. On assumption of office, President Buhari made the fight for corruption a sing-song. At home and abroad, the President declared corruption as Nigeria’s number one enemy. And as an enemy, it must be crushed with all our strength, without allowing anyone or any group to stand on our way.

Election tribunal: INEC closes defence without witness in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday closed its case before the governorship election petitions tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital without fielding any witness. The governorship election tribunal sitting in Lafia is hearing a petition brought before it by an All Progressives Grand Alli-

ance, APGA, governorship candidate, Labaran Maku, who is challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the April 11 governorship election, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as winner by INEC. Counsel to INEC, Hassan Liman, SAN, who opened defence during the tribunal’s sitting tendered exhibits EC8D and EC8E containing the summary of the governorship election

results and final results in the state respectively as well as election materials from six out of the thirteen local government areas of the state before calling off his defence. However, efforts by the counsel to the petitioner, Tunde Onamosi, to apply for re-opening of the case from the bar was rejected by the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Halima Mohammed, and all the respondents of INEC, Governor Al-Makura and APC.

Ruling on the application brought by Maku’s counsel to re-open the case, the tribunal chairman said: “There is no provision for re-opening of cases after it has been closed within the stipulated time allotted to each party; so we cannot go back to the case again.” Meantime, after consensual agreement between the legal teams of the petitioner and respondents, the tribunal chairman set September 9, 2015 for the adoption of final addresses.

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The true business of governance ABIOLA AJIMOBI

f all the humbling moments I have had in life, the most outstanding one was earlier this year upon being reelected Governor by Oyo State people. It was all the validation I needed, as the people of this state are known for their political watchfulness. If I wasn’t doing something right – whether it was or wasn’t so in the eyes of political rabble-rousers – I would not be entrusted, for the second time, with the task of leading our state to further glory. I have always been one to admit that Oyo State has a long way to go. It was one of the reasons I opted to serve in the first place. However, four years alone would’ve been an unrealistic timeline for the actualization of all the policies and roadmaps we created and have been implementing. Governing a state and turning it around has not and will never be a magic show. It takes patience, research, hard work, insight, and surrounding oneself with the right people. Most of all, it takes an element out of the control of man – Time. During the first four years of serving the people of Oyo, my administration decided to pursue the tripod agenda of restoration, transformation and repositioning of all sectors of the economy. With great intensity, we focused on the education sector, because we know that the foun-

dation that children get determines if they will be productive members of the society in decades to come. It is only quality education that can bring about the kind of manpower that will eventually contribute to the progress that we started in 2011 in Oyo State. I have always taken to heart the words of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when he said: “In order to attain to the goals of economic freedom and prosperity, Nigeria must do certain things as a matter of urgency and priority. It must provide free education.” That is why education at basic and secondary school levels was pronounced free; we wanted to encourage more people to educate themselves and their children. It is also why we reduced fees in tertiary institutions and established more of such institutions to cater for the increasing number of secondary school leavers who had, hitherto, been spending years waiting to fill the meagre admission slots available. And when they graduate from these institutions, our youth are being equipped with soft loans and entrepreneurial skills through our youth empowerment scheme (YES-O). Truth be told, we had our test run by implementing these facets whilst using the old governing structures that were already in place. And despite our tentative steps towards curing the rot that plague our educational system, the saying that “you can’t put old wine in new skin”, rang true.

GOVERNING A STATE AND TURNING IT AROUND HAS NOT AND WILL NEVER BE A MAGIC SHOW

While some complain that the public school classes are overpopulated and the teachers are few, others remember that government has a limit to its resources, regardless of its good intentions and policies. I thank the PTAs in Oyo for the constant support extended to our public schools. Only last week, we broke ground for the construction of two hundred new classrooms as part of our efforts to improve the conditions under which our children learn. These new classrooms are being built in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It is easy to forget that governance, especially a democratic one, is not the sole responsibility of the government in power. ‘Ajumose’ should be the order of the day. We are already doing a lot; we intend to do a lot more. I ask that more Oyo residents recognise this and extend their hands of collaboration. As policies are being implemented by the government, adjustments must constantly be made by the workforce and general citizenry and belts tightened.

We have tried hard to plug the areas where there was excess spending of government funds by reducing the number of ministries in the state, because it is in their best interest that we make necessary cuts and be fiscally responsible. Nevertheless, we are mindful of the need to put in place an environment that ensures our policies do not hurt the people we seek to protect. We are mindful of the contribution of civil servants to the state over the decades and their continued efforts, and so we are working to make their lives better. To ensure that the state grows to the point where it can afford to better the lives of all residents, we are currently working towards enhancing its fiscal status through internally generated revenue. To this end, we have partnered with sister states, especially Lagos, to adopt best practices. In Oyo, we believe that an agricultural revolution is one of the failsafe ways of achieving that. Already, plans have been set in motion to revive and upgrade existing farm settlements, while mechanized farm equipment are being procured to make the process easier and seedlings and loans handed out to old time farmers as well as new ones. Senator Ajimobi is the Executive Governor of Oyo State.

Nigeria and the question of displacement of merit

t was with great satisfaction that I read in the national dailies recently that President Muhammadu Buhari is poised to withdrawing national honours and awards from those found to be corrupt as part of his anti-graft war. If anything, this move will restore sanity to our national honour scheme in particular, and constitute a laudable step towards restoring the polity to the path of moral rectitude in general. In Nigeria today, it appears as if in almost every segment of the society immorality has displaced ethics and integrity, while mediocrity has subsumed merit. Over the years, our national awards scheme has come under severe criticisms for being politicised and liberalised to the extent that many deserving persons have been left out, while dubious characters have been brandishing the medals with glee. According to the National Honour Act, 1964, the only criterion for eligibility is the rendering of “meritorious and distinguished service to the nation”. Now, how many of the recipients of the awards over the years have indeed rendered quantitative and qualitative services to the nation in accordance with the eligibility criterion? May be just 40 percent of the lot! Such was the odium that our national award project has attracted in the past that prominent and highly respectable figures like Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Chinua Achebe had spurned such conferment. It is also on record that Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, the incumbent Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, had once rejected his nomination for the award of Member of

THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY IS ANTI-INTELLECTUAL AND UNTIL THIS ATTITUDE IS

CHANGED, OUR QUEST FOR DEVELOPMENT WOULD REMAIN A MIRAGE the Federal Republic (MFR), with the excuse that he had not yet done enough to his fatherland to merit the award at that time! But national awards apart, the displacement of merit and glorification of mediocrity is an all pervasive phenomenon in our national life. To start with, even the traditional honour of chieftaincy titles is more commonly bestowed on moneybags than on those who distinguished themselves. Our university gates are shut continually as Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) embarks on strikes in endless circles. Students, rendered idle by these forced recesses, find ready employment in all kinds of appalling vices. Yet, this has hitherto not been seen as a national calamity, but a mere regular occurrence that should not distract the government from things of “greater” priorities. Very sad! Qualified and skillful job-searching graduates are forced to roam the streets uselessly, their years of learning in the universities meaning nothing to the developmental quest of the nation. In the social circle, universities professors are not as respected as illiterate, but wealthy businessmen. Scholars are poorly paid and are mostly impoverished, while

every mediocre in the showbiz is adored. Our corporate organisations are steeped in the culture of enlisting movies stars, beauty queens, sportsmen and women or other possessors of mundane qualities as their corporate ambassadors whom they give mouthwatering multi-million naira contracts termed “endorsement deals”. This writer has never heard of first class graduates or doctorate degrees holders in some fields particularly beneficial to the society being offered such deals. That alone speaks volume of the value we attached to intellectual enterprises. Why can’t we make celebrities of the people with superior acumen? Even in the political circle, the same old story of discounting the powers of acute human intelligence in preference for “mere” money holds true. This writer finds it appalling that when politicians want to make selections or vote in their primaries for elective offices, intellectual depth and resourcefulness of the potential contenders is rarely factored in, rather criteria that are far inferior to keen intellect are unwittingly embraced. What is important is how “loaded” the candidate is, even if the sources of the wealth is cloudy. How many times have you heard of anybody being put up for the elective offices on account of being the first person to obtain a doctoral in a particular uncommon discipline in his community? Yet, the process of intellectual development is a laborious one that requires a lot of discipline and commitment to continual drilling for excellence, and its

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

effect is the potential capacity to lift the society from ignorance to knowledge, stagnation to development and poverty to sustainable prosperity. Countries like Israel, Japan and Taiwan, between them, have either remarkably insufficient natural resources to sustain an economy or virtually no resources at all, yet all of them are giants with vastly developed economies on account of the sheer strength of the intellect of their citizenry. The Nigerian society is anti-intellectual and until this attitude is changed, our quest for development would remain a mirage. The human intellect is the spring of all development and no nation can develop beyond the extent of the intellectual dynamism of her people. Nigeria must wake up. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday August 20, 2015

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

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

Unresolved Anambra/Kogi oil wells dispute

he recurring violent strife between Aguleri and her sister communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State and Odeke in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State over crude oil deposits in the axis flared up again recently with reports that four people from Aguleri were beheaded and several others seriously injured when youths from Odeke allegedly raided Aguleri-Otu. Following the formal commissioning of the Orient Petroleum Resources Plc and Anambra River Oil Wells at Aguleri-Otu, as well as the proclamation by former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 30, 2012, of Anambra State as an oil-producing state in the country, Anambra State’s neighbours, notably Kogi and Enugu states, have been battling for the ownership of the stretch of land bearing the oil wells. However, hostilities between Anambra and Kogi states seem more pronounced. The latest fracas was traced to a recent announcement by the Managing Director of Orient Petroleum Resources Plc, Mr. Sunny Okoye, that the company had struck two more oil wells and would shore up its production to 3,000 barrels

per day by next month. Orient Petroleum hitherto operated Anambra River Oil Wells 1, 2 and 3 in OPL 915. In one grievous past attack, three staff of the oil company were killed, while property worth millions of naira, including 10 caterpillars and houses, were either razed, destroyed or looted when gunmen invaded Orient Petroleum refinery. Anambra and Kogi states have been trading recriminations on who the aggressor is. The National Boundary Commission (NBC) had severally met with the authorities of the two states over who owns what and how; the warring states and communities, on their own, have tried to forge peace between themselves; and the Presidency under the government of ex-President Jonathan had intervened, especially between 2013 and last year, but peace still eludes the feuding communities. Eyewitness accounts indicate that in times of crisis, sophisticated weapons were freely deployed, notwithstanding the presence of security operatives guarding the buffer zone created by the NBC in the area to stem the clashes. Reports credited to the NBC revealed that the boundary between Anambra and Kogi

PEACE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE AXIS

EXCEPT FAR-REACHING MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO DOUSE THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE FIRE States was last delineated in 1924, when the country was under colonial rule; and therefore needed a fresh survey to determine the rightful owners of the land. Recall also that the Chairman of Orient Petroleum, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, claimed at the oil facility’s refinery commissioning that the controversy over ownership of the oil deposits had been resolved, stressing that the bulk of the deposits were within Anambra territory. But the contention of Kogi State has been that the area Orient Petroleum refers to as Anambra soil belongs to Kogi. From all indications, therefore, peace may not return to the axis except far-reaching measures are taken to douse the boundary dispute fire. The governors of Anambra and Kogi states should implore their communities pointedly in the eye of the storm to remain calm, while the dispute

is being resolved, since further violence and destruction would not serve the best interests of the affected states, their people and the nation if allowed to slip out of hand. Besides, the NBC and the Office of the SurveyorGeneral of the Federation should hasten up and quickly take all the necessary steps needed to fully resolve the dispute. It is almost three years that the controversy erupted. Proper demarcation and delineation of the common boundaries between the two states to the satisfaction of all parties ought to have been concluded by now, considering how sensitive oil wells have become in a country where virtually all state governments place special premium on federal revenue allocation. Indeed, we do not believe that there are no clear-cut boundaries between the feuding communities. It is instructive, however, that such demarcation or delineation cannot be achieved under a hostile atmosphere. In addition, the Federal Government must not always allow itself to be caught off guard, or for situations to get out of hand before intervening decisively.

ON THIS DAY

August 20, 2008

August 20, 2012

Spanair Flight 5022 from Madrid to Gran Canaria skidded off the runway and crashed at the Barajas Airport. About 146 people were killed in the crash, while eight more died later. But 18 people survived. Spanair Flight JK 5022 was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, with the registration EC-HFP. It was the first fatal accident for Spanair (part of the SAS Group) in the 20-year history of the company.

A prison riot in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas led to the deaths of about 25 people. Armed prisoners in the Yare I prison complex, an overcrowded Venezuelan prison near Caracas, rioted in a shootout between two groups, which resulted in the deaths. One of the dead was a visitor. Among those injured were 29 inmates and 14 visitors. Venezuela’s prison system is reputed for being heavily overcrowded.

August 20, 2014 About 72 people were killed in Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture by a series of landslides caused by a month’s worth of rain that fell in one day. Asakita-ku was the hardest-hit ward. It received 217.5 millimetres (8.56 in) of rain from 1:30 am to 4:30 am causing two landslides which occurred between 4 am and 6 am. Hiroshima issued an evacuation advisory at 4:15 am. Mayor Kazumi Matsui confessed regret over the advisory’s lateness.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Education Today Media war in Yabatech 26

AAU backs NUC on non-recognition of online degrees Saidat Alausa

he President, Association of African Universities, AAU, Prof. Olusola Oyewole has thrown his weight behind the recent decision of the National Universities Commission, NUC, to withdraw its recognition of all certificates earned from online degrees by Nigerians saying the Commission, as a national regulatory agency, has the right to prescribe the quality of educational delivery to which the citizens must subscribe. In an exclusive interview with National Mirror, Prof. Oyewole said the Commission’s stand must have been based on the perception of the standard of educational delivery in the indicated institutions, adding that such stance may however change “if there is improvement in the quality.” “The stand of the NUC is against fraudulent online providers and I believed this will discourage the current fraud and poor quality assurance associated with many online degree providers.” Prof. Oyewole who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State disclosed that a study of the fraudulent online degree providers has revealed that the process of examination is compromised, and credits are offered without actual learning. “Some of these online degree providers are ‘degree-mills” where degrees are offered for cash without learning. In some dubious online programs, courses that ought to run for three to four years in conventional programs are offered for six months and until the online delivery providers can provide assurance of the quality of their contents and process, their credibility will continue to be in doubt,” he said. Oyewole, however stated that “the decision of the NUC will not affect well structured distance learning programmes of institutions like University of South Africa, UNISA or our own National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, who have in place good quality control activities for their course materials, course delivery and examination processes.”

Oyewole The NUC hammer recently fell on online degrees and certificates when the Commission announced its discovery that many universities outside the country admit Nigerians students who do not meet requirements for admission into tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria. Distance learning programmes should include face to face contact hours with the students. While the delivery may be on-line, the examination process still demands that the student sit physically for the examination. “But these universities that run the online programmes fall short of standards set by NUC for admission and running of academic programmes and moreover, it is not always properly run,” the Commission’s Director, Public Relations, Ibrahim Yakassai explained to journalists in Abuja. He cited the Mariam Abacha American University, located in Marabi, Niger Republic, for in-

CRUTECHASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid salaries 22

Okojie stance as one of such universities whose academic programme runs counter to what obtains in Nigeria. Disclosing that the commission had been inundated with enquiries from Nigerian students who had been offered admission at the university, Yakassai said courses that are supposed to be run on full-time basis are run by Mariam Abacha American University on part time, and within very short period. “For the record, in Nigeria the duration for a full-time degree programme is not less than three years for direct entry. And, at least six years, which is 50 percent more for parttime; while professional programmes like science, engineering and health sciences including nursing, medical laboratory science, public health are not offered on part-time basis in Nigeria,” he said. The commission however stated that it has not querried the approval status of universities outside Nigeria which are mostly

Insecurity: Expert expresses worry over education sector 21

covered by bilateral agreement. “But, we will continue to ensure that only certificates obtained from reputable institutions are accepted in Nigeria,” he stated. He further noted that NUC has had cause to warn Nigerians on some other universities, especially on the West African Coast, in Republic of Benin, Togo and some in East Africa, especially in Uganda, against fraudulent admissions. He however maintained that all countries are at liberty to accept or reject certificates from any foreign university that they feel is operating below their acceptable standards. He also urged parents and guardians to always cross-check with the commission before sending their wards beyond the shores of the country. “Most of these schools that fall short of NUC’s standards admit students from the country for profit and not to impact knowledge being sought,” he further explained.

Private institutions should be part of TETFund intervention —Provost 20

Education Today

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Kogi teachers protest unpaid salary, urge Buhari to intervene Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

eachers under the aegis of Basic Education Staff in Kogi state have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in their present predicament over unpaid salaries and allowances. They made this appeal in Lokoja while protesting what they described as maltreatment which has culminated in wallowing physical, mental and emotional trauma occasioned by poor condition of service. The Chairman of the BES in Kogi State, Ohino Baiye urged President Mohammadu Buhari to heed their distress call by ensuring his members are not schemed out of bailout funds, arguing that everything points to the fact that Kogi BES are not being reckoned with as there is no observable preparation the teachers are going to be included in the intervention. Baiye pointed out that it

is no longer news that Kogi BES have been deprived of their entitlements such as leave allowance as well as promotion allowances for the past five years. He added that the Basic Education Staff have been deprived of right to enjoy 18,000 national Minimum wages since 2011. The chairman lamented that staff have been place on irregular salary fraught with anomalies for quite some time culminating in the inability to actually determine or say how much they are being paid. He also alleged that many basic education staff has retired without benefits, stressing that those who participated in the cluster workshops are yet to receive their entitlements. Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mallam Nuhu Ahmed told Journalists that as at now the board is not owing any teacher

Michael and Cecilia Ibru University offers N150m scholarship Tunbosun Ogundare

ichael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Ibru Village, AgbarhaOtor, Ughelli North Local Government area of Delta State has announced a scholarship scheme for prospective undergraduates willing to study bachelor of science degree courses in any of the university’s Faculty of Management and Social Sciences as well as Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences in the 2015 / 2016 academic year . The Registrar of the university, Andrew Johnson Okwudei in a statement, said a total of 150 students would benefit in the scholarship and bursary awards with each lucky winner to receive up to N1 million as part of tuition fees for the duration of his or her study. He noted that MCIU “is a world- class institution dedicated for the provision of right knowledge and skills that will make its products not only globally competitive but also societal problems solvers. While identifying undergraduate courses available to

include Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Industrial Chemistry, Industrial Mathematics, Computer Science and Industrial Physics, the registrar however noted that “students for the scholarship will have to meet some criteria including good grades in the post- Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the university. He added that such students would also have to write application of not more than 500 words stating why they think they deserve the scholarship and how it will help them serve themselves and the society after graduation. The applicants, he further said must be up to 16 years of age, possess credit passes and above in five right subjects’ combination including English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings in the Senior Secondary School Exams. While stressing that students with direct entry qualification are also eligible to apply, the registrar advised interested applicants to visit the university’s website www.mciu.edu.ng for details.

L-R: ViceChancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Charles Ayo, lecturer and Fulbright professor to the university, Prof. Nana Derby and the representative of the chancellor, Pastor Yemi Nathaniel during the institution’s 42nd public lecture, last week.

Scholar advocates new approach to Africa problems Saidat Alausa

Fulbright scholar to Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Nana Derby has said that African countries need to change her approach in solving problems in order to transform the continent. She disclosed this while delivering the institution’s 42nd public lecture, titled, “A Deconstructionist Alternative in a PostDevelopment Africa,” last week. According to her, “Until we rise up to the task of deconstructing and reinventing our identities, we may never escape the ridicule of the west and emancipate ourselves in economic terms because our identities within the world system are closely intertwined with our slow growth.” She said for over fifty years, the continent dependence on foreign aid has been detrimental, yet Africans failed to advocate locally acquired programmes which are centered on the continent unique characteristics. The Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice from Virginia State University, USA, also revealed that African nations have performed abysmally, stripping the citizens of power, progress and

humanism while simultaneously embracing with passion, negative identities and images detrimental to the continent growth. Prof. Derby also revealed that the attainment of political independence and the choices of dependency and modernisation has plunged Africa deeper into the world system not as equal partners but as dependents noted for deprivation and vulnerability. “In economic terms, our dependency and peripheral locations were suggestive of long term trade imbalances, deficits and limited foreign exchange earnings. “It beats my imagination how these could propel us onto the promised land of managing our own affairs and personality particularly when such effects compete with our home brewed problems of corruption, mismanagement, nepotism, bribery and dysfunctional institutions,” she lamented. Pointing out that the media has not been helpful to the development of Africa, she said the news coverage on Africa has been without depth but replete with images symbolising the whole continent in terms of poverty, famine, wars and violence, laziness and diseases.

“The bubble of such images within a cross section of the saviour movement, especially charity organisations, titles of books aimed at enhancing their marketability are one way that authors influence Africa’s image and political leaders, both African and non-Africans have been active agents in the management of our affairs and our images.” She however said that while rebranding the continent, “we must be more responsible than just promoting African cultures because such will be meaningless without intensifying the empowerment of women and children and eliminating possibilities of culturally entrenched abuses.” Prof. Derby also explained that even as the interplay of social change and cultural diffusion reform the family system, the core values sustaining their structures have remained intact. Therefore, the scholar said “as we deconstruct, the provision of facilities to underprivileged households may enhance changes we propose in other institutions. “Also the influence and charisma of the leadership of our religious groups, irrespective of the denomination or sect, could be mobilised to foster the change we desire,” she said.

Educationist commends TETFund for research development Williams Attah GOMBE

xecutive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro has been commended for dedicating the sum of N3 billion

as research funds for tertiary institutions across the country. An educationist, Bulus Gobbiya, made the recommendation in a chat with National Mirror in Gombe. He said Nigerian tertiary institutions have never had it as good as it is currently

with interventions coming from TETFUND. According to him, it will definitely boost demand driven research, facilitate national development and enhance global competitiveness of Nigerian tertiary institutions. Gobbiya who noted that

L-R: Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; celebrant and immediate past Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo and immediate past commissioner for the ministry, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye during the retirement party organised for Erogbogbo at NECA House, Ikeja, on Tuesday

the activities and infrastructures of TETFUND have been widely spread across many schools in Nigeria added that this is something that was not experienced in the past. “TETFUND needs to be highly commended for expending N912 million as intervention funds for each university in Nigeria in 2014 which could be the reason why many of the schools are now undergoing construction of many hostels, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, Information Technology Centres among many others”. The educationist was optimistic that the education sector in the country has a very bright future considering the kind of funding and attention that is being given to it by the Federal Government.

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Insecurity: Expert expresses worry over education sector Williams Attah GOPMBE

n educationist, from the Agricultural Education Department, Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe State, Dr. Tunde Gabriel, have expressed worry over the obvious implications of insecurity on the education sector especially in the North-Eastern part of the country. He disclosed this while presenting a paper titled “The Impact of Insecurity on Educational System: The Nigerian Experience,” at the 15th speech and prize giving day of Gombe Children and High School, Gombe State. According to him, the school system in areas affected by insurgency is suffering very serious setbacks as a result of indefinite closure. According to him, stakeholders are forced to stay away from school buildings to avoid being killed by the militants. He also lamented that in areas where insurgency is kept under control, schools are being converted to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) Camps. Listing the implications of the closure of schools, Dr. Gabriel said this may lead to children dropping out of school, early marriages for female students, as well as increase in militants because they may be recruited since they are out of school. He however advised gov-

Everest Onyewuchi

Education Today

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dankwambo ernment to keep all schools safe at all times to avoid incessant closure, rebuild broken down school facilities and buildings. Also, he said private schools should be closely monitored and supervised to ensure that they are performing in line with set standards as well as inclusion of religious education in the school curriculum. Earlier in his welcome address, the Manager of the School, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed said the school had over the years, continued to experience expansion while the population increased as a result of the high standard set by the school. While rolling out numerous awards and achievements recorded by the school in both the Primary and Secondary section within the 2014/2015 academic sessions, the manager said the 92 teaching and 23 non-teaching staff of the school are not only academically sound but also professionally fit and dedicated to the students.

Tunbosun Ogundare

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Yetunde Sanni of the 2014 Batch C set has trained 56 pupils from different public secondary schools in Lagos on different entrepreneurship skills. The Microbiology graduate from the University of Lagos, Akoka, with the help of some others took the pupils through make-up and head-tie tying, catering and event decoration, ankara craft, photography and bead making. Speaking to National Mirror, at the Isolo Local Government Development Area (LCDA), venue of the training, she said she would be passing out October 2nd so she decided to do the training as a personal project and to contribute to the society while she is still observing her service year.

Corps member trains pupils on entrepreneurship

“As a young entrepreneurial my passion made me think about giving opportunity to other young people.” She said the pupils were drawn from seven schools adding that she chose to go to secondary schools because she believes in the saying “catch them young.” Asked how she got funds to carry out the project, she said the programme was funded by some corporate bodies, executive secretary of Isolo LCDA and some kind hearted individuals as well. She explained that altogether, she put over 350, 000 in the project to see that it was a success. Sanni called on the federal government to embrace entrepreneurial so that when students graduate from either secondary school or the

university, they will not put all their minds in seeking for jobs but rather to create employment. However, she disclosed that the greatest challenge she faced was funding, “It wasn’t easy for them to assist because it is not everybody that believes in your dream.” Speaking to participants at the events, she advised the students to take the next step. “Don’t stop here, this is just a starting point for you, do not restrict yourselves to what we have taught you here, go further and also try to pass it on to others.” She hinted that she is a professional make-up artist so she took the make-up class but got other professionals to teach the pupils other things. On her part, Head of Department, Education, Isolo

LCDA, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinyemi commended Yetunde on a job well done because according to her what she did was to use her innate talent to encourage the young ones. “We are talking about entrepreneurship and a youth corps member has just showed us how to be one. She studied micro biology but she did this and by the time she finishes her NYSC she will become a CEO not a job seeker. The skills of entrepreneurship should be inculcated in our children from this age.” She told the pupils to expand the knowledge they have gained adding that for them to make something out of it, they must go further so that they can be useful to the society.

Miss Yetunde Sanni with some of the participants at the bead making session during the skills workshop at the Isolo Local Government Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, recently.

TTVM International School raises Godly generation —Founder

he Truth Visionary Mission (TTVM) Inc. International School made history recently when it sent-forth its first graduates at a memorable maiden Prize Giving/Graduation Day. The school auditorium was a kaleidoscope of colours, as gaily dressed parents and guardians filled the church. The atmosphere was a a joyous one as parents were seen hugging the outgoing students and thanking God for a dream come true. TTVM International School is unbelievably a free tuition co-educational mission school established in 2014. It started with 193 pupils

L-R: Pastor, TTVM International School, Silver Okafor; Founder and Chairman, Prophetess Ngozi Okafor, and Proprietor, Pastor Lilian Okafor, during the school’s valedictory service, recently.

in its primary section and 163 students in its secondary section and its growing in leaps and bounds in teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure and physical development.

Beyond the gaiety of the occasion, the youthful proprietress of the school, Pastor Lilian Okafor, reeled out achievements of the school since its inception which culminated in the

successful completion of studies by the pioneer SSS 3 students. 14 students who had sat for their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National

Examinations Council (NECO) final exams and the Joint Admission Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) tests for university education graduated at the event. Also, the first set of Primary 6 pupils has also passed to gain promotion to JSS 1 in the next school session beginning in September, the proprietress announced. Founder and chairman of TTVM International School, Prophetess Ngozi Okafor, obviously elated at the turn of events, in her valedictory speech, charged the teachers and parents/guardians to strive to raise Godly children.

“The good news today is that the Lord has done his part by bringing free education into existence. It’s now left for us to play our own part. There are some things God can’t do for you, which is raising your child,” she admonished. The founder continued, “The vision of God is to raise a Godly generation in our present world. And I will encourage us parents to assist God by giving our children that Godly impact which He want from us.” Events of the day included: bible recitations, farewell songs, award presentations, choreography, fashion parade, handing over to new prefects and cutting of the valedictory cake.

Education Today

CRUTECH- ASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid salaries Richard Ndoma CALABAR

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) branch has concluded plan to embark on an indefinite strike should the state government fail to pay its members all salaries being owed. The lecturers said they arrived at the decision with a view to drawing government attention to their pains and agonies resulting from the unpaid salaries. It will be recalled that academic and non- academic staff of the university are being owed four month salaries. The lecturers will also explore the strike to press home their other demands which include the immediate release of a sum of N350 million promised by the state government for the NUC’s accreditation purposes and the reduction in tax payment. The branch Chairman, Dr. Stephen Ochang told journalists that the union arrived at the decision at its congress held in Calabar last week, saying it was disheartening that CRUTECH workers were being owed four months salaries while other civil and public servants in have been paid up to date. He explained that they only suspend their earlier strike based on the fact that government promised to pay them before the end of May and now three months after they are yet to fulfill their promise. Ochang however threatened that the proposed strike would not only be embarked upon if situation remains but would also continue till when the whole arrears are paid in full.

Igbajo Polytechnic gets new board Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO.

new Board of Trustees has been appointed for Igbajo Polytechnic, Osun State to enhance service delivery towards achieving set objectives of the founding fathers. The new board of trustee, inaugurated during a meeting of the stakeholders of the polytechnic at its permanent site in Igbajo has the mandate to further raise the bar by building on its predecessor’s achievements. Speaking at the inauguration, the visitor to the school and the Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Olufemi Fashade commended the outgoing BoT of the institution for the tenacity and dedication with which it discharged its duties. He described the achievements of the institution so far, as ‘record breaking’. He also expressed optimism that members of the new BoT would live up to the standard set by the predecessors by ensuring that the school achieved more ground breaking records during their tenure. The 17-man board is headed by Chief Olajide Oyewole, with Chief Moses Inuolaji Aboaba serving as deputy. Others are; Asiwaju Gboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Engr. Akin Rotimi.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Private institutions should be part of TETFund intervention —Provost Dr. Joseph Adamolekun is the provost, Bethel College of Education, Ijare Ondo State. In this interview with MARCUS FATUNMOLE, the provost of the three-year old private institution speaks about how students can perform better in public examinations, Tertiary Education Trust fund, and funding of the education sector among others. Excerpt:

How would you appraise Nigerian colleges of education, especially the quality of teachers they are producing? The National Council on Colleges of Education has minimum standards for all programmes in the colleges of education. They also have minimum standard for the quality of teachers at the colleges of education. For instance, somebody who wants to lecture at a college of education is expected to have a basic minimum qualification of NCE before graduation, so that after graduation, he can do a post-graduate programme in Education. Also, these days, there are professional diplomas in education that they can undergo in lieu of post-graduate diploma in education. And, they can later have their degree in education, the Bsc in education. So, because of this, lecturers in the colleges are of quality by that standard. But results from most secondary schools in the country where many of these teachers work have always been poor. Why? Well, there are many factors. One, it is true that these days we have access to internet, which actually if properly used should improve education. But, it is a pity that students use this in a negative way. They concentrate on programmes on the internet at the expense of studying what they should study. In the past, when students were in the institutions of learning, they had the training to read on their own. There were many who got higher qualifications in those days without really being taught by anybody. They read by themselves. But, these days, it has become non-existent. Would you say students performances are better now that they have access to internet compared to when these were not in existence? Information technology is an innovation. It is designed to assist students. It is the use to which it is put that may hamper students from doing well. In the past, students were taught very well, handouts were common; but not too common. When the students are given, they read very well and the do very well. These days, there is tendency to go into technology in the negative sense. And this has affect studies negatively because when studies are not of good quality, results are bound to be poor. NUT recently rejected the marks approved by JAMB for admission into tertiary institutions across the country for this year academic session. Would you say the rejection is justifiable? The students come from the same generation. The fact that one is poorer than the other is not acceptable. What happens is that ordinarily, the average student would want to go to the university, failing that, to the polytechnic. And, they see colleges of education as a place where they can go to when those two are not possible. This is what is happening. It is not that those who come to the colleges of education are less brilliant than those who go to the university. We have universities across Africa projects sponsored by the World Bank. Would you advocate that for colleges of education? We have the same country. We have the same education system. Sometimes, what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. If it is possible, such should be extended to polytechnics and also the colleges of education because we are preparing the same Nigerians in these institutions. And, there are some colleges of education that are really very good. There are some polytechnics that are really very good. I agree that such should be extended beyond the universities. What projects do you think the colleges of education can come up with as obtains in the universities at present? At colleges of education, we want to develop entrepreneurial education which is now being focused upon because when the NCE students graduate, they have no employment. Now, the focus is on entrepre-

Adamolekun neurship, where they can be taught courses, where they can employ themselves and employ others. It has become very important in our colleges of education for entrepreneurship education, which is attached to vocational education. And this area needs a lot of funding. There have been a lot of persuasions that TETFUND assist private tertiary institutions with its funds. Is this justifiable, sir? We have levels of education. We have the primary, secondary and the tertiary. And all the tertiary institutions are training Nigerian children for the future; they should have access to assistance from the government. The fund for the tertiary education which is called the TETFUND, should be extended to private institutions too because we all preparing the students for the future. But there is this believe that private institutions are out to make gain and that they should not be assisted by government? There is no private institution that can make any profit, let me say in the first five years of its establishment. Many of these private institutions have their proprietors making personal efforts to run these institutions. The reason is that they want these private institutions to be of good quality as the states and the federal institutions. They expend a lot of energy into these private institutions. Take for instance these days when the economy is bad and parents cannot pay fees, one of the areas where they generate internally-generated revenue is through school fees. When that is not paid, the founder of these private institutions must find a way of running the institutions. So, profit cannot accrue to them the way we are talking about. Most of them make personal efforts to ensure that these institutions are functional. After many years, profit may come, but profit is not the driving force behind private institutions. What difference is Bethel College of Education is out there to make in Nigeria? Bethel College of education is in its third year. We are producing the first set of graduates now. But, when you look at the surrounding, you find out that the college of education has potentials to be one of the best in Nigeria. I am not sure if you find college of education of that age that will have this type of infrastructural development. Two, the college is very focusing on entrepreneurial education. Many people rely on government and government cannot give job to all of them. We want to make them self-sufficient to be able to employ themselves and employ others. What priority would you set for President Buhari in terms of the education sector? For the education sector, I want institutions to be more funded. We are saying a budget of 26 percent. That cannot help. We want the budget to be more than 26 percent and this will improved the sector. Also, the issue of strike is one thing that has really affected the educational system. There are some institutions today that have not finished 2014 first semester programmes. If they were well funded, strikes would become minimised.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Education: A sector in need of shake-up

oo many things are wrong with the educational sector in Nigeria, and the problem is getting worse by the day. The subsectors are plagued with multiple problems which have been identified over the years but no solutions have been forthcoming. From the basic educational to the tertiary, there are problems, but hitherto, the leadership of the sector and the subsectors lack the knowledge and/or the will to make amends. Even when they know what is wrong, they would not make amends because of the price; it would be “politically incorrect” to take action! But we believe that we are at the threshold of history, a moment of decision, an opportunity to take advantage of the great wind of change and turn around the educational sector which is crucial to the development of our nation. The expected change must start from the top of the hierarchy, from the appointment of the minister. Many who now find themselves in the bandwagon of change and are jostling for leadership positions in the sector had frittered away multiple opportunities previously. Once upon a time, a governor sacked incompetent teachers, but capitulated and reinstated them because of fear of political assassination. A few saw the problems of the sector as a golden opportunity, one in a life time, to enrich themselves and their cronies, they spent humongous sums of money but achieved very little! The “man” who would lead this sector now must be familiar with the problems; have a workable blueprint to solve them, and sufficient zeal and courage to execute the probable solutions. What becomes of the sector in the next four years depends on the choice of leadership. We have made many “politically correct” appointments in the past, but the sector has been the worst for it. The basic education sector, the very foundation of the educational sector has been in shambles for too long. The builders here have no knowledge of the design of the structure they are hired and paid to build. A teacher ought to be a type of God, able to fashion “new products” out of the abundant human raw material with which Nigeria is so richly endowed.

The lack of a national blueprint and or coordination has turned the parastatals into independent empires that are ruled by largely incompetent despots But the policy and practice currently in place (selection, training and remuneration) ensures that only the worst actually become teachers. The new Minister of Education must make it a priority to upgrade the quality of teachers in both the primary and secondary schools. This is fundamental in any attempt to rebuild the shattered educational sector. Another pressing problem is that of examination malpractice which has overtaken the nation. Examination malpractice has become the one issue everybody talks about but does nothing about. It is the one important factor that has eroded the quality of our products and the confidence of employers in the certificates issued by Nigerian institutions. It has also stripped many Nigerian youths of their self confidence and nurtured a culture of addiction to examination malpractice. Many teachers in tertiary institutions now believe and even advocate “routinely assisting” candidates to attain pass marks in order to graduate. Thus they inadvertently contrib-

ute to the pool of graduates who cannot read and write! Examination malpractice has mushroomed into a multi-billion Naira business in Nigeria only because the regulators lack the courage to implement existing laws that would have served as a deterrent! The lack of a national blueprint and or coordination has turned the parastatals into independent empires that are ruled by largely incompetent despots with no clear visions or goals in sight! Approvals for the establishment of new universities purely for political exigencies have lead to the proliferation of universities that are not better than secondary schools in fairer climes. Corruption and inefficiency in the accreditation process presided over by the National Universities Commission (NUC) has lead to the preponderance of substandard training facilities in the majority of Nigerian universities. Poor oversight function of the NUC has lead to differential application of the graduation rules by individual universities and inconsistencies in the quality of Nigerian graduates. The quest for internally generated revenues by individual universities has lead to the emergence of a multitude of programmes not supervised by the NUC. Graduates from such facilities are poorly trained and incapable of turning the wheels of Nigerian progress. The recent floundering of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is a glaring consequence of the absence of competent leadership, team work, and administrative structures in the ministry of education. A nation as endowed as ours cannot continue to endure such inconsistencies in the educational sector and the consequences on the national psyche. Mr. President Sir, you have made the trio of insurgency, corruption and power your current priority; we only request that you please make “Education” the fourth on your schedule. When the three priority problems are finally brought under control, further development of our motherland would depend on the quality of her human resources, which is intricately linked to her education sector.

UNILAG alumnus wins 7Up Harvard scholarship Saidat Alausa

James Abraham JOS

even-Up Bottling Company Plc, Nigeria’s leading carbonated soft drink producer has announced Mr. Bankole Makanju, a 2010 Electrical Engineering graduate of the University of Lagos, as the recipient of this year’s 7Up Harvard Business School MBA Scholarship. Makanju will spend the next two years at the prestigious Harvard Business School, Boston Massachusetts, United States of America on full scholarship. It was a glorious home coming for Makanju as the unveiling ceremony was held inside the Afe Babalola Hall of the university, where the journey to academic and leadership excellence began years ago. Giving a brief background to the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship Scheme, General Manager, Human Resources, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Adeyinka Adesina, said the programme began in 2010 when the company marked 50th anniversary. The aim according to him is to breed the next generation of leaders by giving them global leadership training in Harvard Business School, one of the best in the world so that in a couple of years to come, they can impact Nigeria’s political and economic landscape with their knowledge and leadership acumen anchored on global best practices. Mr. Adesina said the scholarship has

UNIJOS laments dwindling revenue

L-R: Brand Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, Head of Marketing, Mr. Norden Thurston, 2015 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship recipient, Mr. Bankole Makanju and General Manager, Human Resources, Mr. Adeyinka Adesina at the unveiling ceremony of the scholarship winner at the University of Lagos, last week.

no strings attached as the recipient is not bonded to work for Seven-Up Bottling Company upon graduation. Also, Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Norden Thurston, said the company is passionate about the Nigerian youth as it has through several platforms empowered them to actualise their dreams of greatness in device facets of life. “The future of Nigeria belongs to the youth and we are encouraged by the positive feedbacks from the life-changing initiatives by Seven-Up,” Mr. Thurston said. Makanju who joins previous winners of the 7Up Harvard MBA scholarship thanked Seven-Up Bottling Company for the life changing opportunity and prom-

ised to use the leadership training acquired to ensure a better Nigeria. “I am passionate about this country and I want to use the knowledge acquired at Harvard to be part of this change sweeping through the country now. Mr. Lanre Olusola, a renowned leadership coach who was the keynote speaker at the event admonished young Nigerians to make conscious preparation for leadership so they can be agents of positive change. Speaking on “Birthing a new generation of Leaders,” Olusola also an alumnus of Harvard Business School said individuals should pursue their passion and turn their gifts and talents into profit so that they can achieve greatness.

he Director, Advancement Office, University of Jos, Mr. Yakubu Gomos, has decried the dearth of infrastructure in the institution and solicited the assistance of alumni and the general public in rectifying the situation. He told newsmen in Jos that the university was in dire need of infrastructural development but lacks the funds to address it. The director said that allocations to the university from the Federal Government were dwindling but the needs of the university continue to increase on daily basis. “We want people to partner with the university. Unfortunately people only partner with the university when they need admissions,’’ he stated. Gomos appreciated those who have so far contributed to the growth of the university and particularly singled out Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retired) for accolades who single handedly built a mini stadium. The director explained that the Advancement Office, which was set up with the support of Carnegie Foundation, was to unite alumni and woo the general public to assist the institution. He said that the office had been able to reach a significant number of the university’s alumni right from the inception of the university to date. “The University of Jos is 40 years but we are yet to reflect our age in terms of infrastructure, yet we have alumni scattered all over the world.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

FECA welcomes freshers

Eddy Uwoghiren

300L, MED AND SURG, UNIBEN

he Federation of Colleges Ex-Students Christian Association (FECA) Benin chapter, Edo state recently welcomed new members into the association. The event which was held at the main auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Divine Pavilion, Uselu Benin city was tagged Kings and Priest. President of the association, Kehinde Gbolagun in her welcome address said the annual event is an avenue to educate new members about the association. Observing that FECA is an umbrella body of christian youths who believe in God and channel their youthful energy towards causing a change in their immediate environment, Kehinde said the association has been remove hopelessness in the country for the past 25 years. “ FECA has been helping Nigerian youths see reasons why they should believe in the country and culture them on ways of correcting any anomaly in their immediate environment. We believe that the change the country needs will not come directly from Aso Rock but will start from how we live our individual lives,” she said. In his exhortation titled Kings and Priest, National General Secretary of the association, Uyi Oronsaye, told the audience that God has made them Kings and priest thus they should begin to exhibit the traits of priesthood. Uyi, who counseled them to ensure that the way they leave their life patterns to that of a king which God has made, said there was need for them to erase the general belief that some persons are favoured more than others and strive for excellence in whatever sphere they find themselves. “A king will not drink sachet water and throw the sachet on the floor neither will a king cut corners, so, there is need for you to change the way you behave in the society.” Highpoint of the programme was induction of the freshers into the association. The programme featured cutting of cake, song ministration, drama, spoken word poetry amongst others.

UNILAG Students’ Union to honour late VC Miftaudeen Raji,

100L MASS COMM, UNILAG

he University of Lagos Students’ Union ULSU, has announced October 2nd, 2015 as the official date of its annual personality show tagged “UNILAG Awards.” Chairman of the organising committee, Moyosore Adebanjo, made the disclosure last week while addressing a press conference at the university students’ union parliament chamber. The awards show, scheduled to hold at the Multipurpose Halls A, B, and C, D, will also have a posthumous award to honour the former Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe. According to him, the UNILAG awards is a brainchild of the ULSU propelled by a synergy with the UNILAG awards committee comprising students drawn from across various faculties of the Akoka and Idi-Araba campuses. Adebanjo noted that the award

is aimed celebrating thriving students and excelling alumni of the university. Other activities preceding the epoch event include auditions for ushers and red carpet hosts open to all UNILAG students.

He highlighted the six categories of awards in year’s edition to include impact awards, leadership awards, innovation and enhancement, outstanding and social enterprise, annual awards and recognition awards.

Adebanjo, who also disclosed that the nomination process has commenced, said the nomination forms for all categories is slated to reach the various faculties of the school in Akoka and Idi-Araba within the week.

President, Communicators for Christ Fellowship, Ayomide Ekerin (middle) presenting a plague to the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi during the academic summit organised by the association, recently.

UNILORIN orientates trainee teachers

FCET provost bags award

Odeyemi Afis Olawale

FCET UMUNZE

300L HISTORY UNILORIN

niversity of Ilorin, Kwara State, recently, organised orientation programme for students from the faculty of educa-

tion. The programme was to mark the commencement of the twelve weeks compulsory course to all trainees of the Faculty of Education in their penultimate year of study. The occasion attracted to the college professional bodies, academics, trainees and observers in the teaching profession, while it has its guest speaker, distinguished educationist, in the person of Prof. Olasehinde Williams. The renowned scholar of Education Psychology in her lecture at the occasion took the trainees through an all round interactive session, as she devised all forms of teaching rein-

forcement techniques to drive home her points. The educationist maintained that education must be holistic noting that, if education must attain its maximum potential, it must furnish the learner with the right proportion of knowledge, valuable skills and improved attitudes for proper readjustment and general adaptation to his society. Learning she said, must involve an embodiment of three parts of the human body. Using the Waldorf theory of educating the whole child as her reference point, Professor Williams said meaningful learning will take place only when the head, hand and heart are involved in the bit by bit learning process, in other to stimulate the learning interest of the learner.” Speaking also at the occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Alfred Adegoke reinstated the importance of the exercise to the participants which he described as most important phase of their professional training.

L-R: Treasurer, Cooperative Society, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Mr. Wilson Obinome; President, Mr. Samuel Ayodele and Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel Oresegun during the presentation of computers to the university’s bursary department as part of the corporate social responsibilities of the society, recently.

Emeka Chukwuemeka,

rovost Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze Anambra State, Prof. Josephat Okechukwu Ogbuagu has been bestowed with a distinguished excellence award by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State chapter. Ogbuagu was honoured at the Inaugural Continuous Professional Development Workshop, anniversary and awards ceremonies of the association held at UNIZIK, Awka. According to Chairman AMLSN, UNIZIK chapter, Dr. Chukwujekwu Nwabueze, the prestigious award is a unique concept of recognition to showcase distinguished role models who have over the time contributed immensely to the development of the professions and the nation at large. He said the award was in recognition of Ogbuagu’s strides in infrastructure development, contribution to education and in providing a congenial learning atmosphere for Nigeria students. He explained that the decision to confer the award on Prof. Ogbuagu was to reward, salute and encourage his positive contribution in education sector. Responding, the Provost, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Adaora Ogbuagu said he was overwhelmed by the honour given to him by the association adding that his administration is willing to do more to improve the standard of education in the college and Nigeria at large.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Student entrepreneur teaches undergraduates online business Ezekiel Efeobhokhan 400L PHARMACY, UNIBEN

he University of Benin on Saturday was beehive of activities once again as Sky Combabs Nigeria Limited visited the university in the aim of recruiting students for being internet entrepreneurs. The seminar which lasted for the whole day was according to a 500 level student Samuel Ugwumba is to create a passion for the students to channel the times they waste into productive use. Speaking to Campus News, the organiser of the event Ajayi Adebayor said the aim of the programme was to train students to make legitimate money online. Adebayo who told participants at the programme that he stayed at home for four years after graduation even before he was mobilised for National Youth Service Corps, NYSC that that was when his eyes was opened to varieties of things on the internet. “During the times I spent

waiting for NYSC I tried to empower myself. I knew that people graduate from school and have nothing to do. They just wait for the government. I discovered internet business. Hence I chose to come to the student environment to give them the information I learnt for free. This is fourth university I have visited now. But this is the largest reception I have ever had.” Adding that the students don’t need to wait for government to get a job, he said there is abundance of money online. “We need to let the students know these things. Instead of wasting time chatting on facebook, whatsapp and BBM; they should convert those megabytes into dollars.” After giving out clues on how to make legitimate money online especially on Facebook, he gave a live demonstration. Many students who registered for the free mentorship program pledged to begin the trade as soon as they complete the program. Afterwards there was a raffle draw where students went home with Standing fan, iron and blender.

The Ada di Igbo Mma 1 of IMSU Osueke Chiamaka being blessed by Igwe Mbanefo 1 of National Association of History and International studies Studies during her coronation at the Imo State University, recently

IMSU students celebrate culture Ekene Ahaneku

400L MED AND SURG IMSU, OWERRI

ultural Day recently organised by the History and International studies department was an opportunity to tell the university community that they also know about the history and culture of their people. The event started with a display by the cultural dance troops from the department and this was followed by the cultural performance by the theatre arts department.

Also, different meals were served to depict the cultural day. These include breadfruit porridge called ukwa in Igbo land, local beans known as Akidi, African salad with oil bean fruit prepared with stock fish; this they call in their native language Ugba Agworagwo. The students also appeared in the best of their native attire which speaks more about where they are coming from; all these they did to promote the culture of their people. The climax of the event was the coronation of a 400level student, Osueke Chiamaka as the Ada di Igbo Mma 1 of Lake

Nwaebere. Her coronation marks the level of changes that Igbo culture has undergone in order to bring about gender equality by removing gender stereotypes and differences that exists in the society. This is also what is obtainable in the conventional Igbo land today outside the university community. Dignatries present at the event includes the royal father of the day; HRH Eze Emetumah, Ofor IX of Umuofor; Head of Department of History and International studies; Prof. Martins Nwankwo, among others.

EKSU’s College of Medicine gets new provost

Over 17,000 candidates seek admission into AAUA

Saidat Alausa

‘Yomi Ayeleso

the possibilities of leveraging the professional expertise of the staff in all spheres including the improvement of the finances of the college and the university. He also promised to work closely with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital to achieve positive results. The new Provost pledged that all hands would be on deck to make sure the first Professional Examination in the college holds in September this year. Oluwadiya who succeeds Emeritus Professor Araoye further pledge that the students of the College of medicine would rank among the best in the country.

rof. Kehinde Oluwadiya has emerged the new provost, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ekiti State. Speaking at the Academic Staff Assembly, of the College where Oluwadiya was elected the new Provost, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Patrick Aina told him and other staff of the college to work harder in order to sustain the good reputation of the college. “The stage you are now is critical, with the recent accreditation of the College, you have to work harder than before,” he stressed. Congratulating the new provost who emerged with 53 votes without opposition, he urged him to carry along his staff in decision-making and to build on the achievements of his predecessors. In his remarks, Prof. Oluwadiya promised to explore Oluwadiya

300L, BUS ADMIN AAUA

sitated in order to checkmate fraud and manipulation of the results. Prof. Adebowale also expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness and efficiency of the computer systems used for the exercise saying it is an improvement over last year when the examination run

till night. The DVC, said the applicants were screened with capturing of their photographs and biometric data before they could be allowed to write the exam. While reaffirming the merit driven admission policy of the institution, she said candi-

dates would be admitted based on merit provided they scored the required cut-off marks for their various programme. She said in view of the admission capacity of the institution in terms of human and structure, the institution will only admit less than 4000 candidates.

ver 17,000 candidates seeking admission into Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State wrote the just concluded post Unified Tertiary matriculation Examination. The test which was computer based was held at the institution’s Computer Based Test Centre. Speaking on the conduct of the exercise, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Prof. Oluwayemisi Adebowale described the exercise as a huge success compared to the previous years. She said unlike the previous years when results would be released after the whole exercise, this year, she said results were being released at the end of the exercise each day, saying candidates get a text of their results on their mobile phones. Cross section of University of Benin students during the institution’s Festival of Music and Arts held at the She said this was neces- institution, last week.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

HE first time I visited the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, was in the late-80s when I drove a friend of mine in his SUV to see his delectable hearthrob named Tina. There was nothing to distinguish it from a standard secondary school, except, perhaps, the massive landscape. In terms of infrastructure, it was not better than any faculty in my alma mater, the great UNILAG. Sometime in 2008, I went back to the college in search of part-time lectureship in media entrepreneurship. Last Wednesday, I returned there in reciprocation of a recent visit by a friend of mine who had been with the citadel for the past 15 years and is now a chief lecturer. When I got there, I could not believe the gargantuan transformation that had taken place between 2009 and last week. I was able to make an informed comparison because of my experiences on the three occasions. I kept asking myself where were the funds for these changes coming from in the midst of paucity of grants in the educational sector. For about three years or thereabouts, this foremost tertiary technological college has been dogged by atrocious allegations of corruption asininely targeted at the rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Magaret Kudirat Ladipo. In 2013, the Yabatech Council empannelled a five-man committee to investigate the allegations. Its report was submitted to the Council on September 12, 2013. Before I make my own tacit personal intervention with regard to my perception of the rector, I will extract some pertinent aspects of the findings of the committee as they affect the frivolous allegations and the rector. “The Council is hereby informed that the Committee commenced its assignment by visiting all the addresses used as the sources of the petition both in Lagos and Abuja. Its findings were however startling as none of the petitioners could be traced to the addresses. “After a thorough investigation therefore, it was proved beyond all doubts that the allegations raised were intended by whoever was behind it to malign the character of the Rector of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) M. K. Ladipo. The petitions ordinarily should have been jettisoned after the Committee was able to establish that faceless individuals were behind it (sic) but decided otherwise so as to ascertain the genuineness or otherwise of the issue raised in it (sic). “The committee observed that almost all the petitions written against the person of the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) M.K. Ladipo were spurious…. The committee equally observed that over 98% of all those that were interviewed (both staff and students) spoke glowingly on the progress and success the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) M.K. Ladipo, has brought to the college which they attested to are unparalleled to (sic) the history of college. Having done a thorough investigation as far as these petitions are concerned, to the best of our knowledge, our findings have revealed that the petitions are baseless and mischievous. In the

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Media war in YABATECH

same vein, the Bursar of the college Mr. Olugbenga Ibirogba whose direct link with the petition has been established, we hereby recommend that the Council may take appropriate disciplinary measures for the following reasons; Having lied under oath, leaked official information/document, brought disrepute to the College and overheated the polity etc.” Last year, this same brazen petition was sent to the Office of the DIG of Police, CID, the Nigeria Police, Force Headquarters, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, by Ibirogba. The petition was subsequently referred to the General Investigation Section of the Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos, and finally the Office of the IGP. The police, in their findings, established that the disaffection between the management of the institution and Ibirogba was rooted in the discovery of sharp practices such as “falsification and postdating of quotations and invoices” in the supply of diesel to the school which was under the purview of Ibirogba. Naturally, according to the police CTC, the discovery of the oily mess upset Ibirogba. Following the revelation, Ibirogba was issued a query which he mismanaged for reasons best known to him and consequently “fictitious and anonymous petitions signed by one Hon. A. O. Akins against the management of the institution went viral and similarly circulated and/or lodged with the Presidency, Head of Service of the Federation, Honourable Minister of Education, the Governing Council of the institution and the EFCC among others alleging looting and corruption against the Rector.” The Governing Council, at the instance of the HoS and the Education Minister swiftly set up an investigative committee to look into the subsisting allegations. The “outcome of the Investigation Committee’s report proved the whole allegations to be spurious and a calculated attempt to malign the image of the Rector and cast aspersions on the management of the college. The committee also discovered that the A. O. Akins, the purported signatory of the petition, is a fictitious person.” For me, the greatest challenge in this specious matter is the vicious employment of journalists and the social media to becloud issues that are crystally clear and copiously reaffirmed after multifarious investigations by competent bodies duly constituted by different authorities. Financial impropriety, abuse of office, gross misconduct and unprofessional conduct are grave infractions in the civil service. Unnecessary resort to legalism in purely internal administrative matters is antithetical to institutional discipline and work ethic. Litigation could arise after all domestic mechanisms for conflict resolution had been manifestly exhausted. Antagonising and ridiculing statutory bodies diminish the aggrieved in any case.

Now some excerpts from the police opinion/recommendation: “From the foregoing therefore, all the allegations levelled against the Rector, the management of the institution and indeed the Governing Council has not been substantiated. The allegations are spurious, bogus and a sham consistent with malicious intention. “It is our candid opinion that the former Bursar/petitioner before the General Investigation Department, Alagbon, was on a hateful and spiteful mission as a result of his fallout with the institution’s management. “In the circumstances, we recommend that the allegations levelled by the former Bursar be treated as trivial, frivolous, false and lacking in credibility. It is further recommended that the former Bursar be arraigned in court for giving false information to the Police.” This was signed by ACP Arungwa Nwazue, ACP (Admin), for DIG of Police, CID, Abuja. As the travesty was on, the House of Representatives Education Committee profusely commended the rector after a visit to Yabatech in September 2014. In the same breath, last November, while on the Impact Assessment Visit, the former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, was perplexed by the finanacial wizardry of Dr. Ladipo in her unparalleled utility of scarce funds in the advancement of Yabatech to summit heights. Finally, it is instructive to note that the Lagos State government has dragged Ibirogba and two others to a high court in further explication of this matter. Dr. Ladipo, from all testamentary hallmarks and experiential signposts, must be one of the best rectors in the country, if not the best as other polytechnics and their rectors come to Yabatech to witness the marvel there and how to replicate it in their own citadels. A rector that occasionally eats from the same dish and recreates with all cadres of staff must be exceptionally good, impeccable, competent, diligent and should not be perturbed by fallacies, wolf cries, harangues and rabble-rousings of an ex-employee! If a rector is loved by 98% of students and staff for her transformative wand, reputational pedigree, perceptive antecedents, profuse humility and profound interactiveness, why should she bother about distractive inanities arising from affirmation of common banditry and disgruntlement? For Dr. Ladipo (after bursting the Yabatech diesel and fiscal bubbles), in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, do not fear when your enemies criticise you. Beware when they applaud. Madam, you are, undoubtedly, an exemplary template in polytechnic rectorship. Other rectors should emulate you.

FUOYE set for NUC accreditation team Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

he Federal University, Oye Ekiti has assured that adequate facilities are being put in place to secure accreditation for 29 out of the 30 courses when the National Universities Commission team visits the institution. The NUC accreditation team is billed to visit the institution by end of August. The institution’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Isaac Azuzu, told journalists that as part of efforts to meet the

accreditation standard set by NUC, the University had constructed three new laboratories for Science Faculty and central laboratory for the Faculty of Agriculture. Azuzu added that the university had taken delivery of equipment worth N500 million to equip the newly built laboratories that would boost research in the institution. He also said that the university had completed the Virtual Library, where students could have access to books and international journals to broaden their horizon.

He also disclosed that the institution had expelled two students for examination malpractices. Azuzu said the affected students caught engaging in malpractices during the 2013/2014 academic session, were tried by the University Disciplinary Committee before expulsion, saying such sanction was necessary to protect the integrity and academic standard of the university. He assured that the institution would always ensure that cultism did not rear its ugly head in the institution.

L-R: Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship education, National Board for Technical Education, Abdu Isa Kafarmata; Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Mrs. Margaret Ladipo; Director, Planning Research and Statistics, NBTE, Mr. Ekpenyong Ekpenyong and a guest during a training workshop on entrepreneurship for polytechnics and similar institutions held in Yaba College of Technology, last week.

Business Thursday, August 20, 2015

Features of a good tax

Anabel’s boss harps on skilled manpower roles in devt 28

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Ericsson predicts increase mobile penetration in Nigeria

Crisis in Greece threatens Nigerian ship owners’ $250m deal FRANCIS EZEM

here are strong indications that the current economic crisis faced by Greece may truncate a vessel acquisition deal worth over $250 million with some Nigerian ship owners. Some members of Nigeria Shipowners Association, NISA, had recent signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with Greek ship owners whereby 40 ships of various tonnages and class will be brought into Nigeria’s Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage trade on a bareboat charter arrangement. Under the scheme, which is part of the measures by the association to enhance indigenous fleet expansion and boost their participation in the shipping business in the country, the 40 ships would be transferred to Nigerians after two years. This is in preference to moves by some ship owners from the United States of America, who wanted to make equity investments in some of the thriving Nigerian shipping firms, which most of them turned down. Meanwhile there are fears that this deal, which is expected to materialise before the end of the year might not come to fruition at least for now due to worsening crisis that tends to cripple the country’s economy. Some Nigerian ship owners

are however skeptical that the transaction might not take effect as scheduled due to the worsening crisis in Greece, which had negatively affected even financial institutions, thus leading to serious cash crunch even for the government. The Nigerian ship owners are even more worried by the delay in the proposed bail out option by the Euro Zone countries, as both parties have yet to agree on the proposals for reforms that would accompany the bail out.

But President of NISA, Captain Niyi Labinjo, who spoke in a telephone interview, admitted that the crisis might affect the transaction, especially in terms of delays. He however allayed fears that the current economic crisis in Greece would truncate the deal, saying that nation’s at one time or the other face similar or even worse political and economic crisis. “The crisis will not stop it but it might affect. The down turn

affected the government, banks and to that extent, it might affect the MoU but it cannot stop it entirely”, Labinjo said. He argued that the down turn has not stopped the country from maintaining the record of accounting for over 18.5 per cent of the global shipping business, adding that though there is a level of economic down turn in Nigeria, it has not stopped the likes of Aliko Dangote from doing business with investors outside the country.

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: Assistant Director, Head Research and Technical Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr. Arinze Nwobu. President Confidence Consult University of Nigeria, Enugu; Mr. Ibrahim Afeeze Asipita, Marketing and Media Liaison Officer, CIS, Mr. Olumide Coker and member, Confidence Consult University of Nigeria, Enugu, Mr. Michael Opara, during Investor Education programme of CIS in Enugu recently.

Flour Mills merges subsidiaries with holding company

lour Mills of Nigeria Plc (“FMN” or the “Company”) today announced its plans to conduct a restructuring by merging five of its subsidiaries with its holding Company under a Scheme of External Restructuring. Announcing the plan, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Paul Miyonmide Gbededo, said that the company had obtained the approval-in-principle of the Securities and Exchange Com-

mission (SEC) to merge five of its wholly owned subsidiaries. The subsidiaries are, Golden Noodles Nigeria Limited, Golden Transport Company Limited, FMN Cement Industries (Nigeria) Limited, New Horizon Flour Mills Limited and Quilvest Properties Limited with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. According to him, the principal reason for the restructuring is the need to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, im-

prove operating efficiency and derive full benefits of synergy in line with the Company’s long term strategic thrust. “The enlarged FMN, upon completion of the restructuring would be able to eliminate transfer costs of materials and operate at a higher level of efficiency which will drive down costs, make product pricing more competitive, improve profitability and enhance the bottom line for the benefit of all stakeholders”

Mr. Gbededo said. Commenting on the restructuring exercise, the Company Secretary, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, explained that the management of the various companies had jointly obtained an Order of the Federal High Court directing that Court Ordered Meetings of their respective shareholders be held on Wednesday 9th September, 2015 for the purpose of approving the restructuring.

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, August 20, 2015

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Anabel’s boss harps on skilled manpower roles in devt ….unfolds business growth strategy

orried by the dwindling pace of the Nigeria’s economic growth and its attendant effects on employment opportunities, Anabel Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nicholas Okoye, has advocated investment in people as a strategic step towards achieving national socio-economic development goals. Okoye described the current focus by Federal and State Governments on infrastructure development as misplaced, particularly when the required knowledge and skills for optimal utilization and maintenance of such assets for overall national economic transformation are lacking in the people. In addition to his call for a radical change of development policies’ focus in the public sector, the entrepreneurship expert also charged corporate Chief Executives to place premium on entrepreneurship development of their staff in order to equip them with the right skill for enhanced productivity.

Giving the advice during a media interactive session on Wednesday in Lagos, the Anabel Group boss also lamented the quantum leap in the youth unemployment and the extent to which many Nigerians depend entirely on the government to provide everything. Okoye, who spoke elaborately on the strategy for entrepreneurship development, explained that there should be a deliberate and consistent policy to expose Nigerian youths to entrepreneurial trainings while the older people should be equally trained and supported. He clarified: “Our National Development Strategy Services should be people-oriented. It is good to invest in infrastructural development but it is better to invest in the people who will drive the infrastructure. There is no country that has made progress without development of its people. Our youths have formed an army of unemployed. The list is becoming elongated by the day. “There is a great misconcep-

NiMet, NESREA to partner on environmental standards regulation

he Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled plans to collaborate with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to enhance environmental standards in the country. The Director-General of the agency, Dr Anthony Anuforom, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja when a team of the NESREA management, led by the DirectorGeneral, Dr Lawrence Anukam, met him in his office. The NiMet boss explained that the relationship between the two agencies was long standing, a development wich, he said, would facilitate the agencies’ collaboration to ensure that many environmental challenges facing the country are jointly tackled.. He listed gas emission from vehicle engines as one of the major contributors to air pollution on the environment which impactadversely on human health, adding that the collaboration with NESREA was very critical since air pollution could not be adequately controlled without the relevant meteorological parameter. According to him, the collaboration will involve sharing of data between the two agencies to

strengthen environmental standards and ensure proper environmental control to reduce the spread of diseases. Anuforom clarified: “We are ready to share data with NESREA on the issue of environmental control in order to reduce the issue of environmental vulnerability. We will commence by setting up a team from the two agencies to carve out the relevant areas of interest to synergise”. Earlier in his remarks, the NESREA boss had said that quality environmental control standards could only be achieved through effective collaboration with sister agencies, especially NiMet. He promised that his agency would like to work closely with NiMet so that together both of them can make sure that the quality of air in the country is goog for healthy living. Anukam said: “The idea is that every vehicle on Nigerian roads should have a reasonable quality of air emission in order not to cause visibility problem for the vehicles behind. These are some of the reasons why we feel there is a need for collaboration with NiMet because of its expertise and mandate.”

tion about empowerment of people. Many Nigerians regard empowerment as giving money to people in the name of ‘national cake’. This is not so. Empowerment is more of exposing people to the right skills and such people can efficiently manage the re-

sources” Okoye noted. According to him, Anabel Group operates on strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship and the company has developed a number of products aimed at developing entrepreneurship spirit among different segments of Ni-

gerian society. Commenting on the entrepreneurial products, Okoye noted that Anabel developed start-up Nigeria, a programme that supports entrepreneurs with the right skills and resources.

L-R: Member, Board of Trustees Investors’ Protection Fund (IPF) Mr. Bukar Kyari; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON; Vice Chairperson, IPF Board of Trustees IPF Mr. Lawrence Fubara Anga, and Member, IPF Board of Trustees Mr. Umaru H. Modibbo, at the Investors’ Protection Fund Press Briefing in Lagos, yesterday.

Customs has granted us operational licence, says NAGAFF

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has granted the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) an operational licence.  This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of NAGAFF, Mr Chidiebere Enelamah.  According to the statement, members of NAGAFF are advised to take advantage of the laudable development to comply with procedures of cargo clearance at the customs ports and approved border stations. It said that this was part of efforts NAGAFF and the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) were making to bring about professionalism and best

practices in the freight forwarding in the country. `Òver time, we have told our sister associations that the time has come for consolidation and unique approach to freight forwarding practice as a profession. ``We intend to enter into strategic alliance with the Nigeria Customs as part of our efforts and contribution to blocking all loose ends leading to revenue leakages. `Ìt is our advice that our sister associations should start thinking in the area of helping the Federal Government in its anti-corruption crusade,’’ the association said. The statement said other freight forwarding associations should start thinking about consolidation of practices among members. `Àt this point, may we encourage Mr President to reject the alleged letter written by the

Comptroller-General of Customs to retire from the service. ``It is to our knowledge that the CGC is a civil servant who has 35 years in service or 60 years of age before he can retire,’’ the statement said.  The association explained that the mandatory tenure should be eight years, adding that the comptroller-general had just put in six years. ``We sincerely believe that the Dikko-led administration shall conclude Customs reforms in the next two years. ``Added to the above are the Customs & Excise Management Act (CEMA) Review, 2004 proposed restructuring review and licensing regulation of agents. `` All these and many more we believe the Dikko-led management team is better positioned to address before its exit.

Guinness celebrates ‘Made of Black Ambassadors’ David Audu

s part of its commitment to celebrate young Nigerians for who they are, represent what they want and give them a voice, Guinness is revving up its Made of Black campaign with the planned celebration of ‘Made of Balck Ambassadors’ Speaking at the media event to celebrate the Guinness made

of black ambassadors, the Portfolio Marketing Manager, Guinness, Ms. Liz Ashdown, said Made of Black is more than an ad campaign, it is a movement. It’s about the people making bold choices, those who ask ‘why not... those doing things their way and carving out a path for themselves. Explaining the next steps of the campaign, Liz said, “This year we turn the camera around and focus on the real made of black heroes in

all walks of life across Nigeria starting today with our very own brand ambassadors. We showed Nigeria made of black and now we will make you part of it by taking #madeofblack to the street and to the bars. Guinness believes that Olamide, Phyno and Eva have made a positive impact to the #madeofblack movement and wants to make them an even more pivotal part of the next phase; hence we are excited to be celebrating them.

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Business News

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Court fixes Sept 22 for hearing on N200m detained vessel suit FRANCIS EZEM

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed September 22, 2015 for hearing on a N200 million suit filed by an indigenous oil and gas firm, Mercury Oil and Gas Limited and four other claimants against the Nigerian Navy over the detention of a vessel, MT Sapphire 1. Other claimants in the suit in which the Chief of Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command were joined as co-defendants are Folorunso Olayiwola, Joshua A. Arthur, Asabalahie O. Johnson and Wale Alade, who are crew of MT Sapphire 1detained since last year. The N200 million suit is challenging the authority of the Nigerian Navy to allegedly detain its operational vessel unlawfully. Justice Aneke, the presiding judge having listened to an affidavit deposed by one of claimants adjourned hearing on the suit to September 22, 2015. The claimants in the suit filed on their behalf by their counsel, Mr. Norrison I. Quakers SAN, are seeking the enforcement of their fundamental rights. In an affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by its managing director, Adekunle Folorunsho, the company averred that sometime in February 2014, the vessel and its crew members were arrested by officers of the

Nigerian Navy along the Brass Rivers, Bayelsa State, on suspicion of illegal operations. The MD also averred that after thorough investigation by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the body responsible investigation of the alleged illegal act, the applicants were cleared of any wrongdoing or illegal activity, and recommended that the applicants should be released but the said directives of NSCDC were not immediately obeyed. Instead, the Nigerian Navy only obeyed in part by releasing the vessel’s crew members after seven months in detention, and willfully refused, ignored and failed to comply with the said directive to release the vessel from February 2014 to date. Folorunsho also stated that since the detention of the vessel, its crew mrmbers have been deprived of their source of livelihood with its rippling effects to themselves, families and loved ones.  The company also alleged that during the period of the arrest and detention, the vessel was laden with over 280,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil AGO but while in custody of the Nigerian Navy the AGO was illegally siphoned by the respondents leaving only the sludge remnant.  The deponent also averred that the continued detention of the vessel has resulted in the loss of over N200 million expected as revenue if the vessel was hired by companies in

Digital jobs for Nigerian youths to hit $5bn by 2018 - Experts Isaiah Erhiawarien

he worth of digital jobs that will be available for young Nigerians to benefit from is expected to hit $5 billion by 2018. Programme Manager, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), Oluwatosin Abolaji who disclosed this at an event organised by Etisalat Nigeria to expand the potential of the Nigerian youths, said that it was important to expose the youth to opportunities in digital/online jobs. He said that the partnership with Etisalat was for that purpose, saying that PIN is a social enterprise that connects Nigerian youths with ICT-enabled opportunities. Head, Marketing Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Ger-

ald Osugo, said this when the Etisalat team visited and inspired a group of youths, who were undergoing Information Communication Technology (ICT) training at the Paradigm Initiative Network (PIN) Centre in Lagos, in commemoration of the 2015 United Nations International Youth Day. While stressing that the rewards within the ICT space are remarkable, Osugo noted that Etisalat has been at the forefront of youth empowerment by promoting initiatives that help them reach their full potential. “Etisalat has developed several platforms that are geared towards adding value to the youth. Last year a young Nigerian won the Etisalat Prize for Innovation when he came up with an innovative ICT solution called Exammate which helps students to study for examinations,” he said.

the oil and gas industry. The company had also claimed it has been subjected to huge financial losses as a result of the theft, diversion and illegal removal of over one million litres of AGO valued at N150 million from the detained vessel.  It was gathered that at the

time of the arrest, a loan facility used to procure the gasoline was obtained from two commercial banks, Diamond Bank and Fidelity Bank respectively, which has remained un-serviced as a result of the unlawful arrest and detention of the vessel by the respondents.

Investigations also show that following the detention of the vessel by the respondents despite the directives of the NSCDC, the vessel failed to fulfill the purpose for its acquisition, thus making it impossible for the company to liquidate its indebtedness to the banks.

L-R: Project Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP), Reverend Ibikunle Onasanya; representative of Ogun State governor, Engr Lanre Bisiriyu; beneficiaries from Ijebu Northeast, Pastor Bisi Agbolade and Mrs Faith Agbosenu; General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Ms Abimbola Okoya; and BATNF Technical Committee member, Mr Fatai Afolabi, at the input distribution and flag-off of the Cassava Enterprise Development Project for Ijebu North and Ijebu North-east Local Governments, at Oke-Shopen, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Safe biotechnology application ‘ll ensure food security

he Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs Nana Mede, has said that safe application of modern biotechnology under a legal biosafety regime would ensure food security in the country. Mede, who disclosed this at a three-day workshop on the review of ``Draft Biosafety Regulations and Guidelines’’ organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said that the growing world population had contributed to increased demand for food, feed, fibre, fuel, shortage of water for irrigation, climate change, increasing demand for renewable fuels. She said: “Now Nigeria imports food because of some of the constraints that are involved in the aspect of producing food. So now, we are going to be able to modify these Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) that will help us in food production. “Try to make sure that the economy grows faster and there is food security. It is going to make a lot difference in our economy. The implementation: We will make sure that the en-

vironment is protected; that people do not bring in food or things that are hazardous. The technology, the modification will protect lives and not just anything that will endanger the lives of Nigerians” Mene added In his remarks at the workshop organised in collaboration with the African Biosafety Network of Expertise Programme for Biosafety System (PBS) and the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), the Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA),Mr Rufus Ebegba, said the review was to test the opinions of stakeholders. In addition, he explained that it was also to ensure conformity with and incorporation of current knowledge and information to improve the functions of the agency in the country, adding that the biosafety regulations and guidelines will increase the legal capacity of the agency to give Nigeria the desired holistic biosafety in a transparent manner. The NBMA boss said: “We have developed a set of draft national biosafety regulations and guidelines. As part of the process of ownership, validation

and subsequent finalisation of the documents, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has identified the need to subject the document to review by stakeholders. “The essence of this review is to ensure conformity with the regulations and guidelines with the Act and other pieces of legislation and their validation by these major stakeholders. I wish to use this medium to once more stress that the National Biosafety Act is in full force and any breach has consequences. “There are ample evidences that there are unapproved genetically modified organisms suspects in Nigeria. All those individual companies and institutions that are dealing in unapproved modern biotechnology and GMOs have a window of six months from June 2015 to formalise their dealings as the biosafety laws would be enforced”, he added The Director-General of the National Biosafety Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Lucy Ogbadu urged the agency to extend its biosafety regulations to health care delivery in the country.

Taxation

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features of a good tax system Michael Olulenu

axes are the enforced proportional contributions from persons and property, levied by the state by virtue of its sovereignty for the support of government and for all public need. From the above definition it is seen that taxes are contributions to a common pool by the people for the use of the people. Government all over the world need taxes in order to sustain its relevance and to provide for the needs of its citizenry. A tax system is expected to be fair and non-discriminatory. For a tax system to meet these requirements, it must have the following attributes. 1. Neutral – A Neutral tax must be unbiased across economic activities, and not overly penalize work in favour of leisure, nor tax income used for saving and investment more heavily than income used for consumption. 2. Visibility – A very large segment of the population must be keenly aware that government costs money, government spending should be held to levels at which its benefits match its costs. This is a critical factor in most developing countries (including Nigeria) where the citizenry believe that tax revenues are not being expeditiously administered. 3. Fairness – This is often stated as making the rich pay higher share of their income in taxes than the poor. There should be some amount of income exempt from tax to shelter the poorest citizens. 4. Simplicity – A tax system should be easy for the government to administer and enforce, and be easy and inexpensive for taxpayers to comply with. There should be clear definition of income and elimination of multiple layers of tax would create a system that is much simpler and easier to administer, enforce and comply with. These are critical issues in Nigeria tax systems that require urgent attention. Our tax laws are old and complex, given room for varied interpretations and applications. 5. Convenience – A good tax system should be convenient in terms of time and mode of payment to the taxpayer. 6. Administrative Efficiency – The process of levying and collecting taxes must be administratively efficient, transparent and economical without any distortion. 7. Productive – A tax system should be such that brings in sufficient revenue to the Government. Since tax payment involves the outflow of money or money’s worth from the treasury of taxpayers, some Taxpayers have adopted many strategies to evade tax, tax evasion is defined as “the wilful attempt to defeat or

circumvent the tax law in order to legally reduce one’s tax liability”. Tax evasion is punishable by both civil and criminal penalties. Tax avoidance on the order hand, is defined as “the act of taking advantage of legally available tax-planning opportunities in order to minimize one’s tax liability. While tax evasion is criminal tax avoidance is legal. This was aptly supported by the celebrated case of Ayrshir Pullman Motor Services & D.U. Ritche V.CIR (1929). The fact of the case and the judgement is as follows:The taxpayer changed the structure of its business from sole proprietorship to partnership with 5 of his children to minimise tax. He appealed to the Court of Session against an assessment which failed to recognise the change. Allowing the appeal, Lord Clyde held: No man in this country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, to so arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable Revenue to put the largest possible shovel into his stores. The Inland Revenue is not slow.... and quite rightly to take every advantage which is open to it under the taxing statutes for the purpose of depleting the taxpayer’s pocket. And the taxpayer in like manner is entitled to be astute to prevent, so far as he honestly can, the depletion of his means by the Revenue. TAX COMPLIANCE TOOLS In order to encourage compliance taxpayers to continue to comply, and bring non compliance taxpayers into the tax net, to increase tax base and revenue, governments all over the world have put in place some compliance strategies backed by appropriate legislations. Section 26(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act (FIRSEA) 26(1) gives the Service to call for returns, books, documents and information. FIRSEA 27 - Gives additional power to the Service to call for further returns and payment of tax due. FIRSEA 28 – Requires every bank upon demand by the Service to provide quarterly returns specifying:(a) In the cases of an individual, all transaction involving the sum of N5,000,000.00 and above (b) In the case of a body corporate, all transactions involving the sum of N10,000,000.00 and above, the names and address of all customers of the bank connected with the transactions and deliver the returns to the Service. (c) Section 28 (3) – Provides sanction to any bank that contravenes above provisions. FIRSEA 29 – Gives power to access lands, buildings, books and docu-

Samuel Ogungbesan

ments FIRSEA 32 - Gives power of addition for non-payment of tax and enforcement of payment. FIRSEA 33 - Tax Investigation; this section empowers the Service to employ special purpose Tax officers to assist any relevant law enforcement agency in the investigation of any offence under this Act. FIRSEA 47 - Gives the Service powers to prosecute any of the offences under this Act subject to the powers of the Attorney – General of the Federation. THE ROLE OF TAX AUDIT In addition to all the tax provisions mentioned above, FIRSEA S:26(4) and S.60(4) CITA went further to state:“Nothing in any other provision of this Act shall be constructed as precluding the Service from verifying by tax audit or investigation into any matter relating to any return or entry in any book, document, accounts in-

cluding those stored, on a computer, in digital, magnetic, optical or electronic media as may, from time to time, be specified in any guideline by the Service”. All the above provisions, among others, are compliance tools meant to ensure that a taxpayer does not pay less or more than what he is required to pay by law. This objective is achieved through tax audit exercises. The purposes of tax audit are to:• To educate taxpayers • Maintain self assessment system • Collect taxes as imposed by the laws through the encouragement of voluntary compliance • Maintain public confidence in the integrity of tax system. • Provide deterrent effects on other taxpayers not yet audited, as they may quickly file their returns in order to avoid sanctions.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts link telecoms sector’s low performance to investment gap The recent drop in the contribution of the telecoms sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product have been linked by experts to drop in investment while the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, assures sector’s rebound. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

xperts in the telecoms industry have attributed the decline of the gross domestic product, GDP, of the telecoms industry in Nigeria to the drop in investment particularly the offshore fund. Latest National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, report on the sector showed that its’ contribution to the GDP declined marginally from 8.46 percent in 2014 to 8.38 percent in the first quarter of 2015. The Bureau stated that the opening quarter of 2015 recorded a real growth rate of 5.36 percent, a rise of 0.61 percent points from the 2014 average growth rate, which was 4.75 percent saying that the only negative yearly growth rates were recorded in 2011, with the lowest rate reaching 6.45 percent in the third quarter. The report indicated that the following quarter saw the highest rate recorded, of 8.67 percent, which has not been matched to date noting that the share of telecommunications in real GDP has fluctuated between a relatively narrow margin between 2010 and first quarter of 2015, peaking at 9.32 percent in first quarter of 2010, and reaching a low of 7.68 percent in third quarter of 2012. According to the NBS, the annual averages show steady marginal declines; from 9.03 percent of real GDP in 2010, declining to 8.68 percent in 2011, with marginal declines of 0.04 percent points in 2012, 0.07 percent points in 2013 and 0.11 percent points in 2014. The Chief Executive Officer, Jumia Africa, Mr. Jeremy Doutte, attributed to the decline in the sector’s performance to a drop in the foreign direct investment in Nigeria, adding that uncertainty in the polity during last elections slowed down investment into the sector. He noted that investors were usually mindful of the environment of the polity when taking investment decision adding that it currently has about 30,000 Nigerians working directly or directly with Jumia. Doutte, however, said that despite the past uncertainties during the last elections, there was still hope that more investment will soon come back into the country since a new government has been put in place. Doutte disclosed that the GDP for the telecoms sector will soon begin to experience some growth in the next few months stressing that GDP growth is naturally not static and that over time it may increase or decline.

,,,,,,,,

We will be able to judiciously use the resources at our disposal to ensure that we maintain this position in a manner that will enhance the image and prestige of the

Commission as well as serve as a reminder

to government of the important role that

this agency can play in improving the Gross

Domestic Product

Describing Jumia as a Nigerian company because of the huge investment that it had been able to put into the country, he said that the fact investors were beginning to understand the direction of the economy more would impact on investment flows in the sector. He projected that new businesses were likely to come into Nigeria soon, saying that there are apparently no need to worry about the decline since it is normal because very few countries enjoy the kind growth that the telecoms sector is experiencing in Nigeria. Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan- Chiazor, whose company currently has 20 Nigerian Googlers as well as 200 other Nigerians supporting Google

work in Nigeria, said that there is a correlation between telecoms investment in broadband and the GDP saying that any drop in investment will affect the GDP. According to her, the recent drop in investment has affected the telecoms saying that with the availability of technology by Google to the over 17 million SMEs in Nigeria more jobs are being created. “If I look at some of the works that we have done by making technology available to a lot of businesses, a lot of them have been able to grow their revenue using technology. They have been able to employ other people, thereby becoming employers of labour and creating jobs. You can imagine the ripple effect that will have on the economy, especially considering the

fact that there are 17 million SMES in the country”, Ehimuan- Chiazor. However, the new Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta has assured he will use of every resources available to the Commission to improve the GDP of the sector. “We will be able to judiciously use the resources at our disposal to ensure that we maintain this position in a manner that will enhance the image and prestige of the Commission as well as serve as a reminder to government of the important role that this agency can play in improving the Gross Domestic Product”, he said. The NCC boss disclosed that the country is not doing well in the area of broadband it has done in the voice segment saying that “in the voice segment, we keep meeting and surpassing forecasts. So, at the rate at which we are growing in the area of broadband growth, something drastic needs to be done if we desire to meet the 30 per cent penetration by 2018.” While pledging to sustain development in the sector, he promised to tackle the poor quality service issues in the industry by bringing his wealth of experience to bear in tackling the issues involved in order to meet the expectations of the public.

Info Tech

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Epson’s tackles frequent ink cartridge refills through new printers

pson has figured out a two-year supply of printer ink, built-in. The company recently announced a lineup of “EcoTank” all-in-one printers that offer 24 months of printer yields based on the average use case for each class of printer, thanks to their use of a large ink tank, rather than smaller ink cartridges. In other words, if you spend a bit more to upgrade to Epson’s EcoTank series, you won’t have to buy new ink for a long, long time. Another way to think of it-especially if you use more ink than the average for your class of printer—is that one EcoTank equals about 20 standard ink cartridges. Even crazier, Epson’s ink tanks are refillable on almost all EcoTank printers, allowing you to buy refill bottles for a set of EcoTank printers are of the

4-color CMYK variety. Epson will offer five EcoTank models when the printers roll out in September. That printer offers yields of 4,000 black pages and 6,500 color. Epson says it arrived at its two-year estimate by figuring the average home user prints about 150 pages a month. The impact on you at home: Printer companies are notorious for screwing over the average customer with low-priced printers and high-priced ink— also known as the razor and blades model. This new line-up appears to do away with that old strategy. Are the refills only a month’s worth of ink? Will the yield models turn out to be more bogus than usual? Stay tuned, ink fan printers just got interesting again.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ATCON to hunt quack telecos Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, the umbrella body of telecoms companies operating in the country will soon begin to chase quack telecoms companies out of the industry. To do that ATCON said it is has finalised plans to launch a corporate governance code promising that members that breach the code will be sanctioned. President of ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi at a press conference to announce activities marking 21 years anniversary celebration of the association said that members will be made to subscribe to the code saying that there will be sanctions over the breach of the code, which will include fines. According to Ajayi, a National Telecoms Advisory Council (NTAC), an assembly of eminent personalities with great accomplishment in telecommunication will be inaugurated to serve in the council.

He said that the council members will be made up of two categories namely the statutory and the non-statutory members which will be drawn from past the list of past presidents of ATCON, Ministers of the Communications Technology and former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission. The ATCON leader said that the council will be advising the National Executive Council of ATCON on appropriate policy issues to advocate for and other matters that advance the course of the industry. “The journey so far has not been a fairy tale, but we have been able to create a measure of impact in our collective efforts and have been able to develop an industry, which is considered a very vital economic sector and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The result of all these efforts is the impressive performance of the industry today, which is visible for all to see.” He also said the dinner will provide ATCON opportunity to inform industry stakeholders and all friends of ATCON on plans

to establish/construct ATCON House Project (National Secretariat) which will be located in the Smart City Innovation Hub, in Lekki, Lagos. Speaking further he said that ATCON during the anniversary dinner, will host stakeholders in the industry at an anniversary lectured to be delivered by a very distinguished personality saying that a Telecommunications Merit Awards will be presented to deserving industry players who have in one way or the other distinguished themselves in their personal and corporate contributions towards the rapid development of the Nigerian telecommunications industry. Ajayi noted that the last 21 years had been so eventful for the Nigerian telecommunications industry with ATCON, as the umbrella body of all telecommunications companies, playing pivotal roles, enhance, the Association decided to take time out to celebrate its successes, evaluate its achievements and that of the industry and make projections for the future through the celebration.

1. L-R: Account Manager, CNN International London, Ashley Marie Cashion; Presenter, CNN African Voices, Keturah King, Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Group of Companies, Bola Olaosebikan, Glo Ambassador and music star, Dapo Oyebanji popularly known as D’Banj and Emmanuel Idakula, also known as Bez at the cocktail party organised by CNN International and Globacom at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos for stakeholders of CNN African Voices over the weekend. Globacom exclusively sponsors CNN African Voices.

Ericsson predicts increase mobile penetration in Nigeria Isaiah Erhiawarien

ricsson has said that it foresees an increase in mobile penetration in Nigeria saying that as it continues to rise it will drive innovations in key sectors of the economy including banking, healthcare and education. The company made the remark while announcing its intention to host tech innovators at AfricaCom 2015, an event it is hosting in partnership with Informa at AfricaCom 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa to bring together tech innovators and the business community to share ideas and opportunities.

The company said that increase in mobile ownership has led to the rise of innovative solutions in different sectors, from education to transportation, from healthcare to farming. Vice President for Strategy, Marketing and Communications for Ericsson in sub-Saharan Africa, Tumi Chamayou, said that the innovation station will bring together Africa’s leading entrepreneurs, tech start-ups and angel investor communities to encourage investment and showcase talent in the technology sector. He said that this initiative extends Ericsson’s commitment to driving the Networked Society in Africa through innovation noting that the mobile penetration in Africa has led to an emergence of in-

novations and presents significant opportunities for both the private and public sectors. Chamayou said further that Ericsson has been supporting innovation globally and locally with a number of initiatives, including the Ericsson Innovation Awards stressing, “We believe the Ericsson tech innovation will create a platform that will try and fill the gap that exists between innovation and funding.” He noted that with the absence of conventional structures to provide young people with access to sponsorship opportunities, and in getting start-ups off the ground, the Ericsson tech innovation will help create a platform to help techstartups present their solutions to a range of investors.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Government Technology

Galaxy Backbone applauds e-govt impact on transparency Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

overnment owned ICT infrastructure and services company, Galaxy Backbone Limited has applauded the role of e-governance in the promotion of credibility and transparency in governance. Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited Yusuf Kazaure made the remark in Lagos while receiving the Outstanding Government Agency award of the Year at the Titans of Tech Awards organised by Technology Africa in Lagos. He said that the award lends strength and credibility to the national interest in transparency in governance driven by information and communications technologies. Group Head, Corporate Services, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Mr. Owoicho Igoji described the award as an external validation for the values

Galaxy Backbone strives to inculcate in Galaxy especially under the Galaxy 2.0 initiative”. He said that Galaxy Backbone recently at an E-Government Summit in Abuja unveiled its national e-government strategy referred to as “Whole-of-Government Approach” which is based on the deployment of a shared technology platform for e-Government services using its 1-Gov. net platform. According to him, this approach was duly recognised by the UN when the company won the United Nations Public Services Award in 2013 for this initiative as a creative and exemplary solution that transformed the chaotic information technology landscape in the Federal Government into a single, coordinated platform for e-government programmes within the space of 5 years. The Managing Consultant of Technology Africa, Don Pe-

L- R: Chief Executive Officer, Jumia Nigeria, Jeremy Doutte; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Micheal Ikpoki; Vice President, Product Management, Caesar Sengupta and Managing Director, Infinix Nigerian, Benjamin Jiang at the Android one launch announcement in Lagos, Nigeria., yesterday.

dro Aganbi said that the current administration believes in driving governance with electronic platform “and Gal-

axy Backbone is blazing the trail in the sector and they have all the support of the ICT industry.

“The president’s change agenda will be driven by both e-government and e-governance” he added.

Financial Technology

Stakeholders to tackle investment crisis at ICT forum Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

s part of efforts aimed at attracting more investors into the Nigeria’s Information and Communication (ICT) sector, stakeholders in the public and private sector of ICT will soon began engagement to tackle the investment crisis. The forum, which is at the auspices of the Nigeria Information and Communication Technology Reporters Association, NITRA, has already attracted support MTN Nigeria, Samsung Electronic West Africa, and Galaxy Backbone, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency of Nigeria (NITDA), and other industry stakeholders such as ATCON, ALTON, ISPON and NCS. The forum will bring together regulators, industry leaders and other key stakeholders to share their thoughts on the theme: “Foreign Direct Investment: An Impetus to Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Penetration.” A statement from NITRA

said that as lead discussant at the forum, MTN Nigeria will examine the imperatives of Federal Direct Investments, FDIs for further development of the nation’s ICT sector with a particular focus on broadband while Galaxy Backbone will give details of its activities in the area of e-Government strategy, Samsung will speak of innovation in mobile phone devices, as well as capacity building and skills acquisition. Panel sessions will feature specific discussions on regulatory activities, operational activities, investment potential, as well as impediments to the ongoing move to attract further investment into the sector, which has been identified as an investment haven for telecom business by Pyramid Research. NITRA President, Mr. Emma Okonji, explained that the forum is part of the ‘NITRA Quarterly Seminar Series,’ which started this year saying that the third quarter edition has been packaged to highlight the imperatives of ICT investment in the country. “So, the theme of the event

could have been more apt and timely, as the forum is coming after Nigeria just entered into a new government and,

of course a new chief telecoms regulator, that need to have first-hand opportunity to know what the industry

feel about investment drive to further grow the industry,” he said.

Google, MTN, Jumia brings Android One to Nigeria

oogle in partnership with equipment manufacturer Infinix, mobile operator MTN and online retailer Jumia, has launched the latest Android One program in Nigeria starting with the Infinix HOT 2-X510. This is part of an on-going initiative to bring high-quality smartphones to millions of people in Asia, Africa and other parts of the world. These phones are now available for purchase in Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. The Infinix HOT 2-X510 smartphone, which is the first device to run on Android One in Africa, is available from today via online retailer Jumia and at select retail outlets at a recommended retail price of N17,500. The Infinix HOT 2 phone offers a high-quality experience, running the latest version of Android (5.1 Lollipop). It will also get the new Android M release, an update that will offer Google’s new material design, improved battery life,

enhanced security features, and smarter notifications. In terms of hardware, the phone features front and rear-facing cameras, 1G or 2G of memory, fast quad-core MediaTek processor, long battery life and other features particularly important to Nigerians, including dual SIM slots, a FM radio tuner, 16GB on-device storage and a microSD card slot for additional storage. The Infinix HOT 2 smartphone comes in two variants; the standard version, which will be available in black, white, blue and red, and the premium version which will be available in gold. Through Google Play, Android One phone users have access to over one million apps that allow them to message friends, make video calls, socialize, check news and weather, and play games. Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Translate will come pre-loaded on the phones. Google also said that in coming

weeks much of YouTube will be available offline in Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Morocco, meaning that people can store videos in the YouTube app when they are on WiFi and watch them later when they not online adding that it is a great benefit for times with a slow connection or re-watching videos without using up a data plan. VP Product Management, Google, Caesar Sengupta, said over three billion people across the world are using the internet to live better, richer lives and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. The driving force behind this growth particularly in Nigeria and many other African countries is smartphones. MTN is offering a promotion to reduce data costs for those who buy the Infinix Hot 2 Android One phone. With an MTN SIM card, users of the Infinix Hot 2 phone will get 1GB high speed data at N500 for a 12 months period, and the latest Android

Global News

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

German lawmakers debate Greek Wood Group cuts 5,000 jobs on oil price fall bailout, Merkel faces rebellion

erman lawmakers broke off their holidays on Tuesday to debate Greece’s third bailout plan before approving it, though Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a rebellion in a vote shaping up as her last chance to keep Athens in the euro zone. Up to a quarter of Merkel’s conservatives could vote against the 86-billion-euro ($95 billion) package, sending the government a clear warning not to return to parliament again to ask for more aid. Support from parties including the Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel’s junior coalition partner, and the opposition Greens means approval is not in doubt. But a rebellion by a large number of her allies would be a blow for Merkel, who remains highly popular after 10 years in office. Merkel and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble will make the case for backing the bailout plan in party meetings on Tuesday. Schaeuble, who last month told parliament that talks on the third bailout were a “last attempt” to solve the Greece crisis, threw his weight behind the package ahead of Wednesday’s vote and said Athens was ready to reform. Many senior figures in the ruling

coalition agreed. “The Greek government has worked very constructively, and has made a 180 degree change,” SPD budget expert Carsten Schneider told television station n-tv, saying he would vote ‘yes’ in Wednesday’s vote in the Bundestag lower house of parliament. But a significant minority of Merkel’s conservatives - her Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) sister party - oppose the plan. Last month, a record 65 lawmakers from the conservative camp broke ranks and refused to back negotiations on the bailout. The daily Bild even estimated that up to 120 CDU and CSU members out of 311 might refuse to back the now-agreed deal. The debate has been given added spice this time after Volker Kauder, head of the conservatives’ bloc in parliament, incensed fellow lawmakers earlier this month with threats of retaliation if they rebelled and voted against a bailout. The upshot is that those who opposed backing negotiations on the bailout are unlikely to vote in favor of the package for fear of being accused of bowing to Kauder.

Merkel

Schaeuble, who argued last month that Greece should consider a “timeout” from the euro zone, sought to shore up support for the bailout ahead of Wednesday’s vote, citing a dramatic change in the Greek government’s readiness to reform. Yet some lawmakers still supported the timeout idea for Greece that Schaeuble floated last month. “A temporary Grexit remains the right solution,” said Christian von Stetten, a member of Merkel’s CDU who said he would vote ‘no’ on Wednesday.

Housing starts near eight-year high; building permits fall

.S. housing starts rose to a near eight-year high in July as builders ramped up construction of single-family homes, suggesting that the economy was firing on almost all cylinders. The Commerce Department report on Tuesday added to solid payrolls, retail sales and industrial output data in suggesting the economy got off to a strong start in the third quarter. The steady flow of upbeat economic reports has bolstered views that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in September. “The Fed is likely to take further reassurance that housing is on an improving trend and this should add to the view that the economy is in more normal territory,” said John Ryding, an economist at RDQ Economics in New York. Groundbreaking increased 0.2 per cent to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1.21 million units, the highest level

Housing estate in U.S

since October 2007. June’s starts were revised sharply higher to a 1.20 million-unit rate from the previously reported 1.17 million-unit pace. Housing starts have now been above a one million-unit pace for four straight months. Economists had forecast groundbreaking on new homes rising to a 1.19 millionunit pace last month. The dollar extended gains versus the euro after the data, while prices for U.S. Treasury debt fell. U.S. stock index futures pared losses. Housing is getting a tailwind from a tightening labor market, which is encouraging young adults to move from their parents’ basements and set up their own lodgings. The firming housing market is bolstering profits at Home Depot Inc (HD.N). The world’s No.1 home improvement retailer reported better-thanexpected quarterly same-store sales and raised its full-year sales and

profit forecast on Tuesday. In July, groundbreaking for single-family homes, which accounts for the largest share of the market, surged 12.8 per cent to a 782,000 unit pace, the highest level since December 2007. Single-family home building in the South, where most of the home construction takes place, rose to the highest level since January 2008. Starts in the Northeast tumbled 27.5 per cent after being boosted in recent months as builders took advantage of tax incentives for real estate development in New York that expired in mid-June. However, single-family starts in the Northeast rose to the highest level since October 2013. Groundbreaking on single-family housing in the West increased to its highest level in nearly eight years. Starts for the volatile multifamily segment fell 17 per cent to a 424,000,000 unit rate. While building permits fell 16.3 per cent in July to a 1.12 million-unit pace, that followed three straight months of hefty increases. The decline is likely related to the expiration of the tax incentives in New York. Building permits in the Northeast plunged 60.2 per cent last month. The weakness in building permits is likely to be temporary after a report on Monday showed confidence among homebuilders climbed to a near 10-year high in August.

re-tax profit for the first six months of this year was $160.2m (£102.9), down from $233.3m a year earlier. Total revenue was down almost 20 per cent at $3.1bn. About 1,000 jobs went in the UK, 3,000 in the US and 1,000 in the Middle East. The Aberdeenbased group employed some 40,000 workers in December last year. The group announced in February that it would be cutting jobs to cut costs. “Conditions in oil and gas markets remain very challenging,” said Wood Group’s chief executive, Bob Keiller. “With little prospect of short term improvement in market conditions, we will focus on remaining competitive and protecting our capability, working with clients to reduce their overall costs, increase efficiency and safely improve performance.” He added that, despite the fall in half-year profits, the company’s outlook for the full year remained unchanged. It added that total cost savings for the full year would be in excess of $80m. The company also said it was taking on more workers on certain projects in Asia. Wood Group is one of the biggest oil and gas services companies working in the North Sea, where operators have been hit particularly hard by the fall in the oil price.

The price of Brent crude has dropped by more than 50 per cent in the past 12 months to $48.60 a barrel. Wood Group is in the oil and gas services industry - providing the plumbing for the likes of BP and Shell which explore for and refine oil. Wood Group builds and supports the vital engineering and technical infrastructure to do it. The whole sector is important, worth £27bn to the British economy. Malcolm Webb, the former chief executive of Oil and Gas UK, described it as a “core component of the UK’s engineering and manufacturing base”. And it is for that reason that it is worth listening when Wood Group chief Bob Keiller says that - despite the rapid fall in the oil price - the North Sea is still a vital part of the UK’s manufacturing future. “We have a fantastic engineering skills base here in the UK,” Mr. Keiller said.

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron

Airbus signs off record IndiGo deal

irbus has finalised a deal with Indian budget airline IndiGo to sell 250 A320neo aircraft. The agreement is Airbus’ single largest order by number of aircraft, a spokesman for the firm said. The deal is worth a $26.5bn (£17bn) at list prices, although airlines typically get a discount. IndiGo is India’s largest domestic airline by market share, and flies one in three of India’s air travellers. The agreement, which was signed on Saturday, confirms an earlier provisional order by IndiGo for the narrow-body planes

Airbus aircraft

which was announced in October. It is the second-largest order by value for Airbus. IndiGo was founded in 2006 by travel entrepreneur Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal, a former chief executive of US Airways. The firm has placed a series of orders for Airbus jets as it tries to win a bigger share of India’s fast growing aviation market. The A320neo is a more fuel efficient variant of the widelyused A320 aircraft. It competes against Boeing’s upgraded 737 Max.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 20 2015

Brands & Marketing

Crack in PR professionals’ rank, file Of late, the media has been awash with reports of the differences between some members of NIPR, and its practicing arm, PRCAN, over failure to adhere to professional requirement to operate a PR agency in Nigeria. DAVID AUDU in this report examines the issues.

hat ordinarily should be an in house matter, or to put it in the Nigerian parlance “family affairs” has been blown open to become a public dirty war of words and acrimony between the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, on one hand and some member agencies of the two industry regulatory bodies on the other. The issues involved essentially is not on who is more professionally qualified to practice public relations. Rather, it bothers on regulations, ethics and accountability among public relations practitioners in Nigeria. The issue actually came to a head recently when the leadership of NIPR and PRCAN felt some PR firm failed to regularize their membership years after they have been practicing and that these agencies also in defiance of the industry code and regulations have of recent pitched and won some corporate accounts. The firms involved are DKK Associates and XLR8. While both agencies’ CEOs are individually qualified members of both NIPR and PRCAN, the two regulatory bodies maintain that both DKK and XLR8 who ought to have been registered as corporate members of the two bodies and did not and are therefore not legally qualified to practice public relations in Nigeria. To actualise their intentions, NIPR and PRCAN wrote to clients of the two firms, MTN and Guinness Nigeria to vacate and discontinue any contractual business relationship they have with them on public relation matters. This however came as a surprise to the two agencies who felt they have been practicing for years without much fuse, how then come it is now they pitched for an account together with some PRCAN member agencies and won that they suddenly realized they could no longer practice. They described it as a huge question mark on the regulators moral capability? For those who may not be aware, PRCAN’s current drive is said to be the enforcement of its code. The code is said to be drawn from the NIPR act and it states as follow: “Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria draws legal backing primarily from Bye Law Number 3, of 1993 of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Act 16, 1990, Laws of the Fed-

Calixthus Okoruwa

Rotimi-Oladele-NIPR-President

John Ehiguese

IT IS ILLEGAL FOR COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS NOT REGISTERED WITH PRCAN TO OFFER PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES IN NIGERIA, AND FOR CLIENTS TO OFFER BRIEFS TO THEM eration of Nigeria. The body also states that it was incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission as a “private company” with legal personality on May 24, 2007, and with the primary objective of promoting professional reputation management in Nigeria within the public and private sectors. “Other aims and objectives include instilling and continuously maintaining a high level of professional discipline and standard amongst the members of the association through the implementation of the provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct prepared and maintained by the Association. The body states further that “by virtue of its enabling law, membership of PRCAN is a legal requirement for firms wishing to offer public relations services in Nigeria. It is illegal for companies and organisations not registered with PRCAN to offer public relations services in Nigeria, and for clients to offer briefs to them”. The law and the statutory code as it is seem to favour the positions of the regulatory bodies, but some analysts argue that beyond the law, and the sudden rush to enforce it, is the propriety or appropriateness of the regulatory bodies action. They also argued that since they went through the whole process of the pitching why denying them of the benefit and why not use dialogue to cajole them to regularize their membership instead of the hard line approach, since they have all the time to do that before so that they will not be seen to be witch hunting agencies that are making progress. And, there were so many whys against the regulators on the matter.

A source within both PRCAN and NIPR confided in National Mirror that “the letters written to the clients of the perceived defaulting agencies were in bad faith and taste, arguing that both agencies have been in public relations practice for well over ten years and have been servicing accounts for corporate organizations without fuse. Why then the sudden realization that they are not members of the regulatory body, especially, coming on the heels of the firms having won what may be described as lucrative corporate accounts. It is also a known fact that the CEO of XLR8, Mr. Calixtus Okoruwa is a registered member of the NIPR, except his yet to register with PRCAN. That is another kettle of fish that will soon play itself out before”, he said Some analysts are also not sparing the agencies involved as well, saying that nothing stops them from regularizing their membership since they too know what is expected of entities rendering professional services, especially in Nigeria, where almost every profession is a fertile ground for quacks. In a response to an online criticism and copied to National Mirror, on the decisions of PRCAN on the issue of registration of PR agencies with PRCAN and writing the agencies clients, the association’s national president, Mr. John Ehiguese, states that it was not a unilateral decision. “There was a letter co-signed by the National President of the NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, and myself as PRCAN President (on the NIPR letter-headed paper), to the CEOs of MTN Nigeria and Guinness protesting their violation of the extant Nigerian PR practice laws in the recent ‘selection’ of DKK and XLR8 respectively as their PR agencies. DKK

Tope Jemerigbe

is an advertising agency, and XLR8 is not registered with PRCAN. Ehiguese noted that enforcing rules in a corporate environment as Nigeria was not going to be easy. “When the leadership of the NIPR and PRCAN recently decided to jointly take on a couple of mighty and powerful Nigerian ‘entities’ on the issue of their breach of some aspects of Nigerian PR practice laws, we were not under any illusion that it was going to be an easy fight. They are big, they have all the resources to bully, bribe and buy willing foot soldiers to do their bidding’. He described as uncharitable the insinuations that the issue came about because some PRCAN members lost out in the MTN pitch process. “Is this the first time agencies are losing out in MTN pitches? Are there no PR agencies in Nigeria doing very well without the MTN business? Pray, what is so special about the MTN business, that without it one cannot run a viable PR consultancy practice in Nigeria?” “However, I would think though that the fact that the majority of the agencies that participated were PRCAN agencies confers some validity to the Association’s standing as a credible industry group. “It’s not about how many companies we have written to in the past ‘warning them not to hire non-PRCAN agencies’. It is about starting from somewhere. The fundamental issue is: people who breach the law should be called to order, regardless of who they are While the regulators are bent on enforcing their code even if it means slugging it out in the court, the agencies involve seem to be adopting a wait and see attitude and going about their normal business. Persons close to them hinted that they are ready to meet the regulators in court if the need arises. But he question many are asking is do we need this type of show of strength in an industry that begging for redemption? Where what is urgently required is collaboration and rapprochement among members? Majority opinion seem tilted towards subtlety and persuasion.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Creativity, innovation earn Oracle IMC laurels DAVID AUDU

racle Experience Limited has bagged the ‘Best Experiential Marketing Agency of the Year award’ According to the organizers of the event, the award which was conferred on the company at the 5th edition of the 2015 Nigeria Brand Awards in Lagos state recently was in recognition of the company’s creativity and innovation in brand activation and experiential marketing industry in the country. Oracle also won -Platinum as the Most Innovation Driven Brand Activation Agency of the Year Prior to these honours, the agency has won several laurels in the industry some of which are 2014 MarketingEdge’s Outstanding Experiential Agency, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria’s Brand Activation influencer with its Nescafe Hot Air Balloon campaign, 2013 Polaris Excellence Awards, and 2011 Institute of Direct Marketing of Nigeria’s West Africa

World Class Experiential Marketing Service Consultant of the year amongst others. The Nigeria Brand Award recognition is coming on the heels of Oracle Experience’s campaigns for Star beer world record breaking Christmas bottle tree with 8000 bottles of star beer bottle used covering 2.7km stretch. Prior to this, the world record was 1,000 bottles achieved in China. Another one was the Gulder crate tunnel using over 3200 crates of Gulder beer to build the ultimate corridor that led to the place the new gulder bottle was launched. Amstel show time, a musical presentation which was first of it’s kind in Nigeria, Heineken Green light party with extra ordinary video mapping experience and using the Heineken bottles to create Selfie wall., the star triple X experience centre , the hot air ballon activation for Nescafe, P&G Open Market activation, Gulder club ultimate, which hosted inside a 70 meter ultimate

liner just like titanic and the beer and health symposium amongst others. According to the organisers, Oracle Experience merited the awards because of its zeal and desire to promote excellence, creativity and innovation in the integrated marketing communication industry not only in Nigeria but also in Africa. Reiterating the credibility of the exercise, one of the panelists, CEO, BrandClock, a foremost brand specialist agency based in Atlanta, John Alexander said “the award has maintained the highest level of professionalism since inception. The caliber of individuals on the panel cannot afford to compromise standard for cheap financial gains.” “Oracle Experience as well as other winners and in fact previous winners duly deserved the prize. These are organisations that have adhered strictly to the tenet of this award that is promoting excellence, creativity and innovation in IMC.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kasapreko extols pan African values at Osun Oshogbo festival DAVID AUDU

arketing and Public Relations Manager, Kasapreko, makers of Alomo bitters, Mr. Peter Adigan has commended the organizers of the Osun Oshogbo festival for sustaining African tradition and values. He gave the recommendation during a stakeholders forum with the Ataoja of Oshogbo, Oba Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.in readiness for the festival. He said the founder of the Alomo bitters, Dr. Kwabena Ajeh is someone who is passionate about Africa and the African identity and therefore, Osun Oshogbo being a celebration of our Africa culture will naturally to be one of the festival Kasapreko company will naturally supports. “The festival being a celebration of African belief system we are here to lend our support now and hope to continue to partner in future

On Kasapreko products performance in Nigerian market, he said Kasapreko invented alcohol bitters into the market, and as such we have maintained the lead in the bitters category. “The last research we did showed that we had over 50 per cent of the bitters market. Alomo has always maintained the leading position in bitters”. On what impact supporting the festival have done to the brand equity of the product, he said the impact has been more on goodwill, brand appreciation by the consumers as well as deepening brand equity of the product. “It has also impacted on the sales volume of our products; we know the sales volumes have increased over the years. Being here is also an opportunity for us to carry out activations in bars, on the streets and other drinking places as well as sampling people opinion on the product performance in the market”, he said.

Jumia.com slashes prices in Back-to-School promo

Portfolio Manager, Guinness, Liz Ashdown, middle, with the Made of Black Ambassadors, Olamide, right, and Phyno, at the celebration of the Guinness Made of Black Ambassadors in Lagos recently.

‘Marketers’ Evening’ to focus on insurance marketing –ADVAN DAVID AUDU

hairman of Capital Express Group of Companies’ Tony Aletor, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at this year Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, 16th Annual General Meeting and Marketers’ Evening in Lagos. According to the Executive Secretary, ADVAN, Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale, the speaker would be speaking on insurance marketing without any predetermined topic. She said: “ADVAN members cut across the different industries and sub-sectors in the Nigeria economy. The insurance sector represents the backbone of Nigeria’s risk man-

agement system, ensures financial security, serves as an important component in the financial intermediation chain, and offers a ready source of long term capital for the infrastructure projects. “The role of insurance in the growth and development of our economy cannot be over emphasized. It mitigates the impact of risk and positively correlates to growth as entrepreneurs cover their exposures, otherwise risk-taking abilities are hampered. Thus, a strong and competitive insurance industry is a compelling imperative for Nigeria’s economic development and growth”, Ose-Ediale added. According to her, a speaker from the insurance sector provides op-

portunity for attendees to gain insights from the success of one of the respected indigenous insurance companies, its peculiar and unique marketing strategies that has allowed it to thrive even at the most precarious times in our nation. It will also afford the opportunity for marketing industry experts to proffer more effective strategies to the marketing of insurance.” While reassuring the marketing community and sponsors on the level of preparedness, Ose-Ediale said that “this year we are expecting a larger number of participants, already various contemporary, marketing service agencies have signed up to showcase the latest marketing tools.”

s the holiday is coming to an end and families plan a return of their children to school, Jumia.com is offering a Back-to-School deal for all school items purchased. The Jumia Back-to-School deals offers up to 30 per cent off lunch bags, laptops, durable office furniture, fashionable work wears and several other items. According to the Managing Director of Jumia Nigeria, Fatoumata Ba, during the presentation for this promo that the company is excited to offer the Back-to-School discounts of up to 30 per cent off all

products to customers across product categories to cater to shoppers regardless of their needs. “So whether it is your child getting ready to go back to primary or high school, a university undergraduate resuming a new semester, or you are a worker going back to work, the Back-to-School store will give you all you need in terms of quality, assortment and price”. He urged consumers to take advantage of the deals to shop more to save more in this season as shopping and items will be delivered directly to doorstep.

WPP agency wins Coca-Cola global campaign

oca-Cola has selected three WPP agencies to lead the next global marketing campaign for its flagship brand. The agencies are Ogilvy & Mather New York, Madrid’s SRA Rushmore and Buenos Airesbased Santo. Earlier this year Coca-Cola invited 10 agency partners from around the world to pitch ideas for a campaign. The company decided to go with a “networked agency approach”, said a Coca-Cola spokesperson. The three winning shops will develop the first round of creative work for the brand. The additional seven agencies that participated in the review will continue to partner

with the company and “contribute to the final pool of work”, the spokesperson said. The other seven firms include Wieden & Kennedy Portland; David; Dentsu; South Africa’s FCB; Mercado McCann in Buenos Aires; McCann Madrid; and The Cyranos McCann in Barcelona. The Coke spokesperson said: “We set out in this process with the goal of uncovering the best ideas and marrying those to executional excellence, anticipating that they may come from different sources. “This approach allows us to harness thinking from some of the best agency minds in the industry today and see the great work that comes from collaborating against a common brief for Coca-Cola.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Gulder to unveil offering to consumers G DAVID AUDU

ulder beer, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, is set for another trail blazing experience early next week. The event which is expected to attract global attention to Nigeria is slated to hold in South East Nigeria according to an insider at Nigerian Breweries Plc. The source who preferred to remain anonymous said the latest move by Gulder is inspired by its quest to always stay innovative and maintain its tradition of pioneering ‘firsts’ in the beer industry. However, when contacted on the issue, Marketing Manager Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Agu, confirmed that Gulder will be doing something massive for Nigerians but did not reveal what that would be. Mr. Agu hinted that Gulder’s new offering is part of the brand’s innovative move

to stay connected with, and reward its consumers. Similarly, Senior Brand Manager Gulder, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Onyeka Okoli assured that many Nigerians would benefit from Gulder’s planned bumper package when the mystery finally unfolds. Okoli maintained that Nigerians would witness the birth of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gulder is the mastermind of the first Nigerian reality show, the Gulder Ultimate Search, GUS. About a year ago, Gulder built a hallway with branded Gulder beer crates as the only construction materials. The masterpiece was designed in the replica of a castle corridor. The structure stood at least 18 feet high and spanned the length of the red carpet at over 50 meters. The magnificent architecture was built with 3,678 crates and illuminated with 50 mood lights and it was believed to have taken 15 men

working five days to complete the edifice. The Gulder castle was created at the final selection party for the 11th edition of the GUS in 2014 in Lagos. In addition, the brand introduced a unique consumer engagement activation, Gulder Club Ultimate, GCU in 2013, which amongst other factors. It would also be recalled that brand recently rebranded its bottle. The rebranding which was preceded by a massive campaign tagged “The Cube is coming”, culminated in what industry experts have termed the most innovative beer bottle in Nigeria. Onyeka Okoli said the Gulder re-launch was in tandem with the brand’s penchant for innovation. He added that the bottle is revolutionary and reflects Gulder’s stance to always be in the forefront of advancement. He said, “In 1946, the story of innovation started with Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Project Manager, Oriakhi Daniel, left; Client Service/Project Manager, Linda Okaima Eiremiokhae; Logistics Director, Andrew Eiremiokhae and Service Executive Anita Eiremiokhae, Client all of Oracle Experience Limited after receiving Best Experiential Marketing Agency of the year from Nigeria Brand Award at Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Lagos recently.

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

The difference between tracking and brand performance programmes

o compete in today’s fastmoving, competitive, and complex markets, brand stewards and managers need regular, timely, and reliable feedback. Now more than ever, they need to monitor the underlying long-term trajectory of their brands as well as the short-term effects of in-market activity. The question is how to capture this information most efficiently. Many improvements and modifications have already been made to tracking over the years. In web-based markets, the look and feel of tracking studies has changed enormously. Questionnaires have been shortened and the questions are designed to make interviews more engaging and enjoyable for respondents. Further remodeling is already under way, as interviews on mobile phones need to be shorter still. But oldstyle tracking has never been able to cover every aspect of marketing activity, nor was it best placed to do so. As the pressure on questionnaires to become shorter has increased, it has become obvious that there are better ways of tackling some of the important marketing questions. In answer to this need, brand performance programmes were introduced because a single

study can no longer answer all marketing questions, but a brand performance programme can employ the individual tools that are best suited to address each issue. To understand how a new ad campaign has broken through, a programme can include a short study, executed over two or three days, with a robust sample. To quantify the contribution of individual channels to short- and longterm sales, a programme can have a CrossMedia study running over the duration of the campaign with enough questionnaire space to ask the relevant media questions. A programme, however, cannot be a series of disconnected ad hoc projects; the components of the programme must provide a platform for an integrated storytelling. They should be glued together by the brand, not just conceptually but by consistent brand measures selected by the brand and research teams to address the central questions, such as how marketing activities are expected to influence the brand and what attitudes or ideas about the brand need to be changed. How do you answer your marketing questions and monitor your brand’s performance? Please share your thoughts and views. Michael. Umogun@millwardbrown.com

Walmart cut earnings to invest in NBC plans investment in Okigwe production facility employees, service DAVID AUDU

igerian Bottling Company, NBC, limited, has stated its commitment to focused investment and developmental work of a mega production facility in Okigwe, Imo State. According to the Head of Public Affairs and Communication, NBC Limited, Uzo Odenigbo, “NBC Limited is currently executing an Accelerated Investment Plan, AIP, aimed at doubling production capacity by 2020. Some of our plants in Nigeria are being upgraded while a new plant will be established in Okigwe, Imo State.” Odenigbo further stated that, “The already existing op-

erations in Imo State would be enhanced, hence the need to drive momentous investment into its operations and site a new factory in Okigwe. When completed, the facility would be the biggest NBC manufacturing and warehouse site in Nigeria, supporting other existing production lines to deliver more to customers and dealers in the Eastern Nigeria and beyond, in an environmentally sustainable way,”. “Demand for our products is high, and in a bid to meet up with the sales projection trajectory in a very competitive environment, more production lines would be installed, most of which will be in our new Okigwe mega production facility,” Odenigbo added. The

Company’s operations supports the socio-economic lives of its stakeholders, providing employment opportunities, improving livelihood and economically empowering communities where they operate and with utmost need for basic infrastructure. NBC Limited is also partnering with communities on its shared values of water stewardship, youth development and women empowerment. Collaborating with state governments, supporting female entrepreneurs with trade asset financing and business training for women entrepreneurs in the Coca-Cola value chain remains a top priority and a strategic part of the company annual business plan.

almart reported a cut in its annual earnings outlook because profits are being hindered by pay raises for workers and better customer service. Earlier this year, the company announced a raise in the minimum wage for hourly workers to $9 per hour by April, and $10 per hour by February 2016. Along with raises, the company is investing in employee training. “We’re pleased that the investments we’ve made are helping to improve our business,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO at Walmart. “Even if it’s not as fast as we would like, the fundamentals of our customers are consistently improving, and it’s reflected in our comps and revenue growth.”

McMillon explained the changes within the company require investments, which are inevitably going to be reflected in earnings for 2015. But he was confident that the strategic plan would create growth for shareholder returns over time. However, Walmart reported a 1.5 percent increase in comparable sales for U.S. stores, driven in large part by a 1.3 percent increase in traffic. The Neighbourhood Mrket brand increased comparable sales by 7.3 percent, with improved customer experience scores. In addition, e-commerce was a big win, with sales up 16 percent globally. “We continue to invest in our business to enhance the customer experience,” said Charley Holley, exec-VP and CFO at Walmart.

Insight Insight

Thursday, Thursday, JulyAugust 2, 201520, 2015

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

luxury Judgment debts: Why luxurious A

ttachment” is the legal process of seizing property to ensure satisfaction of a judgment while the document by which a court orders such a seizure may be called a writ of attachment or an order of attachment. Originally, the main purpose of attachment was to coerce a defendant into appearing in court and answering the plaintiff ’s claim. The court’s order will possibly make the Sheriff to take the defendant’s property into custody, depriving the individual of the right to use or sell it. If the defendant obstinately refuses to appear, the property could be sold by the court to pay off any monetary judgment entered against him or her. Today, the process of attachment has two functions, as a jurisdictional predicate and as a provisional remedy. Attachment of property within reach of the court’s jurisdiction gives the court authority over the defendant to the extent of that property’s value even if the court cannot reach the defendant personally. For example, a court must have some connection with the defendant in order to require that person to appear and defend himself or herself in an action before that court. Different facts are sufficient to give the court jurisdiction over the defendant’s person; for example, the defendant’s residence within the state, the defendant’s commission of a wrongful act within the state, or the defendant’s doing business within the state. If none of these kinds of facts exist to give the court jurisdiction over the defendant’s person, the court may nevertheless assert its authority over property that the defendant owns within the state. In such a case, the plaintiff cannot recover a monetary judgment for an amount larger than the value of the property nor can the individual reach the defendant’s property outside the state, but this sort of jurisdiction, called jurisdiction in rem or quasi in rem, may be the best the plaintiff can get. Before the court can exercise jurisdiction over the property, the plaintiff must obtain a writ of attachment to bring it into custody of the court. Attachment may also be a provisional remedy, that is, relief that temporarily offers the plaintiff some security while pursuing a final judgment in the lawsuit. For example, a plaintiff who has good reason to believe that the person he or she is suing is about to pack up and leave the state will want the court to prevent this until the plaintiff has a chance to win the action and collect on the judgment. The plaintiff can apply for an order of attachment that brings the property into the custody of the court and takes away the defendant’s right to remove it or dispose of it. However, National Mirror investigations in some courts in the country have shown that many judicial divisions in various parts of Nigeria are fast becoming dumping ground of vehicles, which were either recovered from judgement debtors or impounded in the course of court proceedings. In the process, the confiscated vehi-

Attached vehicles worth millions of naira are rotting away in various Federal and State High Court premises, even as pending cases on these moveable assets are yet to be disposed of several months and perhaps, years after they were instituted. WALE IGBINTADE and MATTHEW IRINOYE report that these cars seized for judgment enforcement purposes, apart from becoming eyesore, are preventing lawyers and litigants from operating freely in the courts.

Some of the seized expensive cars parked in the court premises

IN NIGERIA, THE POWER OF A COURT TO ENFORCE AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ITS

SECTION 6(6)(A) OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED)

JUDGMENT OR ORDER IS DERIVED FROM

cles are exposed to the vagaries of weather in the judicial divisions where they are parked. Most litigants and lawyers are miffed at the sight of the number of exotic vehicles that litter court premises in the country. At the Lagos Judicial Division of the State High Court, several vehicles worth millions of naira have taken over car parks thereby reducing the quantum of parking space reserved for lawyers and litigants. Recently, a Lagos High Court had ordered an interim forfeiture of three vehicles allegedly seized from one Lawrence Orimogunje, a 28-year-old undergraduate of Lead City University, Oyo State. He was said to have acquired them through fraudulent activities. The vehicles, according to investigation are, a Nissan Infinity G35 with registration number EP150 ABJ, a Chrysler 300 with registration number OLD-01,

and a Range Rover Sport with registration number OLD-03. A visit by our correspondent to Ikeja Judicial Division of the state judiciary equally revealed that no fewer than 37 vehicles attached on the order of the court littered the nook and cranny of the premises. The vehicles with deflated tyres were parked in every available space within the court premises. Among the vehicles are; seven space buses, six jeeps, and several exotic cars. Enquiries from an auto dealer showed that a space bus is sold for between N1.5million to N1.9m per one depending on the brand and the year of manufacture. Each of the Extera Jeeps sells for about N1.3m; a Benz Jeep is sold for about N2.2m while each of the Toyota Land Cruisers sells for about N2.2m. National Mirror gathered that some of the vehicles have been seized and brought to the court premises for past

three months. Efforts made by our correspondent to speak with the Chief Registrar (CR), state high court and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the court proved abortive. But speaking on the issue, a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Napoleon Nwachukwu, said, ‘’Properties that have been impounded by the order of court are something that many of us are still worried about. This is because when you come to court you see spaces that ought to be used for more meaningful things are occupied by confiscated or impounded vehicles belonging to judgment debtors. It tells a lot about a people, in saner environment once judgement is given against you make the effort to comply with the judgement of the court, you pay. Nwachukwu continued, “It shows you believe in the system that found you guilty and that you are honest. But in Nigeria, a judgement creditor will have to pursue a debtor by another round of litigation. You spend more money and time to reap the fruit of your judgement. If people obey the judgement of court there would be no need for writ of fifa to seize your properties and thereby littering the court premises. We need to imbibe the culture of obeying court orders.” In his view, another lawyer, Mr. Akinwumi Akinfule, said, ‘’It is an unfortunate development to have so many abandoned vehicles within court premises.’’ Akinfule said though the vehicles

National NationalMirror Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, August 20, 2015 July 2, 2015

cars rot in court premises

Another set of attached cars

CJN, Justice Mohammed

might be seized in one way or the other yet, where their owners have refused to show up to do what is required of them in accordance with the law, the authorities concerned should auction the vehicles after proper notice had been given to the owners to avoid another round of litigation. “For instance, I could not see space to park my car within the court premises so, I had to park outside where I do not even know whether my car is safe or not. “I just have to park and come to court to do what I wanted to do, I think in one breath keeping abandoned vehicles within the court premises is an aberration and it is highly condemnable.” Lagos lawyer, Abdulbarka Samsudeen, described the problem as an administrative issue which needed urgent attention by the State Chief Justice, Olufunmilayo Atilade, to quickly intervene. He said, “I want to urge the CJ and other stakeholders to do something about the issue because it is really affecting lawyers and the litigants.” Samsudeen revealed, “A friend of mine once told me that he had a matter and he could not see where to park within the court premises, he had to move elsewhere and before he could park and appear before the court, the matter had already been called and a new adjourned date was fixed because he could not get

Barr. Napoleon Nwachukwu not happy over the development

MANY JUDICIAL DIVISIONS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF

NIGERIA

ARE FAST BECOMING DUMPING GROUND OF VEHICLES,

WHICH WERE EITHER RECOVERED FROM JUDGEMENT DEBTORS OR IMPOUNDED IN THE COURSE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS

where to park conveniently and attend to his case in court. “We are aware that those vehicles are there for one reason or the other but it should not occupy space that lawyers and litigants usually use when they come to court. It is a serious matter that really

Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Atilade

needs an urgent attention.” The Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr. Adeyemi Abijo, said the abandoned vehicles within the court premises usually deprive the lawyers and litigants the opportunity of making use of parking spaces within the court premises. Admitting though that the vehicles were confiscated by the courts through process of execution of court’s judgment, Abijo supported his colleagues’ call that the state judiciary should look into the issue so that lawyers and litigants who come to court with their vehicles could have enough parking spaces. He said, “Of recently, lawyers and the litigants find it difficult to secure space to park cars within the court premises to the extent that the Divisional Police Officer of (Area F) Command visited the bar centre to complain on the habitual indiscriminate roadside parking of vehicles by lawyers and litigants within the precinct of Area F Command, Ikeja. From Oyo State Judiciary, our correspondent reported that only about seven impounded vehicles were parked in both Oyo State High Court premises in Iyaganku and Ring Road, Ibadan respectively. With this development, it would not be out of place to say that the state has one of the least attached goods in its court premises.

But speaking on this development, the state Chief Registrar, Mrs. A. A. OlatunjiDaniel, said it was not long that the abandoned vehicles in court premises across the state were disposed off. According to her, the vehicles presently in court premises in the state are there because there are court cases surrounding them. Olatunji-Daniel said, “We do not have abandoned vehicles in our court premises right now. This is because it was just last year that we disposed off those who littered the courts. The few that we have now are there because cases are going on concerning them.” Indeed, it is trite that every successful litigant is entitled to the fruit of his judgment. It is also a truism that the overriding function of the judicial process of enforcement is to enable the judgment creditor reap the fruits of his judgment with a view to obtaining for him due satisfaction, compensation, restitution, performance or compliance with what the court has granted by way of remedy or relief. The process of enforcement is broadly referred to as execution. Lord Denning aptly summarised the process thus: ‘’Execution means quite simply the process for enforcing or giving effect to the judgment of the court… In case when execution was had by means of a Common Law writ, such as fieri facias; it was legal execution; when it was had by means of an equitable remedy, such as the appointment of a Receiver then it was equitable execution because it was the process for enforcing or giving effect to the judgment of the court.’’ At all times however, the process of enforcement is at the initiative of the successful party. In Nigeria, the power of a court to enforce and ensure compliance with its judgment or order is derived from Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This portion of the country’s organic law directs that the judicial powers of the court “shall extend notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution to all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of law.” Outside of the constitution, other laws that regulate enforcements of judgments in Nigeria are the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, the Sheriffs and Civil Process Laws of the States and the Judgments (Enforcement) Rules made there under. It must be emphasised that the Judgments (Enforcement) Rules do not apply to proceedings in customary courts because the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act under which the Rules were made defines “court” as including only the High Court and Magistrates’ Court. The said Act also defines a judgment as including an order and as a consequence, references to judgments in this piece include the orders of courts. It should be observed that these laws name the Sheriff, the Deputy Sheriffs and the Bailiffs as the officers critical to the entire process of execution of the judgments of courts. •Additional report from Kemi Olaitan, Ibadan

Cocktail

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Pregnant devil statue appears over Vancouver

he Canadian city briefly graced by a sexually-aroused Satan statue last year has a new naked devil sculpture, this time a pregnant female. The statue, which some have labelled the “wife” of the erection-sporting red devil statue that briefly stood in a park near Vancouver’s Clark Drive SkyTrain station in September of last year, was spotted Thursday on top of a building in the eastern part of the city.

The statue, colored white and apparently pregnant, was removed after only a few hours, but city officials said it was not taken by municipal workers. The male statue last year was taken down by the city, which said it wasn’t officially commissioned. A similarly unauthorized penguin statue appeared in its place the following month. The pregnant statue’s origins and current whereabouts are unknown.

Autocorrect error puts blind girl atop birthday cake

Scottish mom’s request for a “wee blonde girl” atop her daughter’s birthday cake led to an unusual cake topper when autocorrect changed “blonde” to “blind.” Lanarkshire resident Emily Seggie shared a picture on Twitter of her sister’s birthday cake, which was topped with a “wee

blind girl” as a result of her mother’s autocorrect mishap while sending a text message to the baker. The girl atop the cake has dark hair instead of the intended blonde and her eyes

Sword-wielding store clerk chases off robbers with machetes

pair of machete-wielding robbery suspects were caught on camera being chased off by a clerk who brandished a superior weapon: a scimitar-style sword. Perry Market store owner Jewad Hayitt said two young men wearing masks came into the shop just before 10 p.m. Friday and one of the teens pointed a machete at a customer while the other brandished a similar long

knife and jumped behind the counter to demand cash from Hayitt. Security camera footage shows Hayitt swat at the teen’s weapon and brandish a blade of his own, a scimitar-style sword. Hayitt said he could have drawn a gun, but chose the sword to scare the teens. “I use this one when I see him with the sword, to make him afraid,” he told KDKA-

TV. The security footage shows the teen fleeing from the sword-handling clerk, who turned his attention on the other robber. “The other one, he came to attack me from here,” Hayitt said. “I attack him like that, I touch his sword and it falls, or something like that.” Police are investigating the incident and working to identify the suspects.

The blind doll on the cake

are closed while she holds a toothpick as a cane. “The text must have autocorrected to ‘blind girl’ and when my mum went to collect it she was wondering why it wasn’t blonde. They

then realized what had happened after checking the text and decided to leave it on as was funny. Hope no one is offended,” Seggie told Buzzfeed News.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Equities shed 0.23% amid economic policy uncertainty Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities failed to sustain Tuesday’s gains, as the lead indicator closed negative. The All Share Index depreciated 0.23 per cent to close at 30,042.38 points, in contrast to the gain of 0.68 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 30,112.62 points. Market capitalization lost N24 billion to close at N10.29 trillion, as against the increase of N70 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.32 trillion. Research analysts at Meristem Securities Lim-

ited attributed the bearish mood in the market to the dearth of positive news flows in the market lately, coupled with the lack of economic policy direction to ingrain confidence, especially amongst foreign investors. “While we do not expect the market to finish the week with a positive week-on-week performance, we anticipate that there will be some level of bargain hunting on some fundamentally justified stock given their relatively low prices,” the firm said. Analysts at DLM Securities noted that, in view of the current market trend, profit-taking will

be an ever present situation to earnings-induced rallies as sporadic buying favouring speculative trading. Paint Manufacturing Company Plc led the gainers’ table with four kobo or 4.17 per cent to close at N1.00 per share, followed by May and Baker Plc with three kobo or 2.36 per cent to close at N1.30 per share. Dangote Cement Plc added N3.00 or 1.67 per cent to close at N183.00 per share, while African Prudence Insurance Plc rose two kobo or 0.76 per cent to close at N2.65 per share. Flour Mills Plc appreciated 10 kobo or 0.40 per

cent to close at N25.41 per share. Conversely, Transcorp Plc lost 24 kobo or 9.20 per cent to close at N2.37 per share, while Oando Nigeria Plc depreciated 57 kobo or five per cent to close at N10.83 per share. Okomu Oil Plc dropped N1.20 or 4.99 per cent to close at N22.85 per share, while NNFM Plc declined 64 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N12.19 per share. Cadbury Nigeria Plc dipped N1.50 or 4.99 per cent to close at N28.56 per share. A total of 299.7 million shares valued at N2.55 billion were exchanged in 3,556 deals.

Unlisted securities’ index rises 0.16% Johnson Okanlawon

rading in the shares of unlisted securities closed on a positive note on the NASD Over The Counter market yesterday, as investors took position on the companies. The Unlisted Security Index, USI , pure price rose 0.16 per cent to close at 966.82 points as against the previous value of 965.30 points while the Market Capitalisation also increased 0.17 per cent to close at N519.61billion as against previous close of N518.71billion. Volume traded dropped

97.84 per cent from 3.18 million units to 68,617 units, while total value of shares traded also depreciated by 87.03 per cent from N145.72 million to N18.89 million in seven deals. Two securities were traded on the NASD OTC market out of the 22 securities admitted to trade. However, the NASD Plc, which runs the NASD over-the-counter market for unlisted securities, has expressed satisfaction at the level of corporate governance in the OTC market. The company also said it was pleased with the progress made in the OTC mar-

kets since it commenced operations, expressing the hope that investors would get greater returns as more securities get traded on the platform. The company recently said that out of the 22 companies admitted to tradeASD) OTC market, eight have held Annual General Meetings and six went further to declare dividends. Of the companies being traded on the platform that have declared dividends, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc has paid the highest dividend, N8.24. Cappa and D’Alto Plc declared a dividend of N1.2 per share, while Afriland Properties Plc and the Central Securities Clearing Systems Plc paid4 and N0.27 per share.

As a fully licensed OTC Market, the company said it has put in place the necessary structures and processes which will assist in capital formation required to develop various segments of the economy. Inaugurated in July, 2013, the NASD is an alternative trading platform created by the National Association of Securities Dealers to bring more liquidity to Nigeria’s capital market. The platform is also licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to trade a broad range of instruments over-the-counter, including bonds and securities not listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

US stocks fall on China investment worries

nited States stocks was sharply lower yesterday as investors worried about the effect of China’s slowing growth ahead of the minutes from the latest US Fed meeting that could give clues regarding the timing of a rate increase. Energy and material stocks were whipsawed by wild swings in the Chinese market for the second day in a row. Chinese stocks reversed sharp declines and ended higher after the central bank injected more funds into the financial system. The roller coaster ride in the market kept commodity

prices under pressure, with oil and copper near six-year lows. All the 10 major sectors were lower, with the energy index declining the most as shares of oil majors Exxon, Chevron and Conocophilips were all down more than one per cent. The index slipped 2.5 per cent, its worst day in more than a week. The materials index was down 1.36 per cent, weighed down by Du Pont and Dow Chemicals. Strong CPI data on showed US consumer prices rose slightly in July, marking the sixth straight month of increases and suggesting

inflation pressures were stabilizing enough to support expectations of a rate hike this year. September federal funds futures implied traders expect a 45 per cent chance of the Fed raising rates in September, while likelihood of a December rate increase held steady at 73 percent according to CME Group’s FedWatch program. “We don’t expect any major surprises from the minutes,” said Jeff Carbone, co-founder and managing partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners. “Yellen has been telegraphing a rate hike this year and we are waiting to

see if there is any change in that.” Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 30,042.38 points Market capitalisation 10.30trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PAINTCOM

0.96

1.00

0.04

4.17

MAYBAKER

1.27

1.30

0.03

2.36

DANGCEM

180.00

183.00

3.00

1.67

AFRIPRUD

2.80

2.65

0.02

0.76

FLOURMILL

25.31

25.41

0.10

0.40

ETI

18.67

18.70

0.03

0.16

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

TRANSCORP

2.61

2.37

-0.24

-9.20

OANDO

11.40

10.83

-0.57

-5.00

OKOMUOIL

24.05

22.85

-1.20

-4.99

NNFM

12.83

12.19

-0.64

-4.99

CADBURY

30.06

28.56

-1.50

-4.99

GLAXOSMITH

38.00

36.11

-1.89

-4.97

IKEJAHOTEL

3.31

3.15

-0.16

-4.83

MANSARD

2.54

2.42

-0.12

-4.72

UNITYBNK

1.71

1.63

-0.08

-4.68

UBN

7.29

6.95

-0.34

-4.66

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

0.99

97.43

15.95

97.58

15.77

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.69

99.36

15.50

99.51

15.39

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.86

101.34

15.50

101.64

15.40

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.49

100.27

15.45

100.57

15.36

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.44

104.10

15.36

104.40

15.28

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.57

94.95

15.27

95.25

15.20

Closing Market Prices of August 19, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

12-Nov-15

14.77

15.30

WAUA

270

USD

197

18-Feb-16

13.02

13.93

EURO

214

4-Aug-16

14.10

16.31

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

36.6250

POUNDS STERLING

293

19.6766

22.2655

SDR

273

23.6389

NIBOR

The Fixings of August 19, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015

Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal Bond Name 14.20% FGN MAR 2024 15.10% FGN APR 2017 Federal Totals

Symbol FG112024S1 FG9B2017S2

DEBT Board Totals

Equities as at August 19, 2015 No. of Deals 1 1 2

Bond Activity Totals

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quantity Traded 535 190 725

Value Traded 546,631.50 199,720.20 746,351.70

725

746,351.70

725

746,351.70

Quotation(N)

Current Price 96.00 100.33

Quantity Traded

Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017

1st Tier Securities

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

AGRICULTURE Crop Production Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 20 7 27

Current Price 22.85 32.00

Quantity Traded 129,169 265,250 394,419

Value Traded 2,951,513.65 8,484,085.00 11,435,598.65

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 514,694 514,694

Value Traded 897,820.79 897,820.79

LIVESTOCK

27 27

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries CHELLARAMS PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

54 Symbol CHELLARAM SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 1 1 158 29 189

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

1.73

909,113 Current Price 3.95 4.44 2.37 37.00

189

19,017,701

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 43.31

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 15 15

Symbol UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol JBERGER

Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015

Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by The NigerianNIG Stock Exchange © GUINNESS PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC Daily Summary asMILLS of 19/08/2015 FLOUR NIG. PLC. Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.EQTY Activity Summary on Board NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Banking Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Banking AIICO INSURANCE PLC. BANK PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL GREATTotals NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC Banking LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. Insurance Brokers and Services LINKAGECarriers, ASSURANCE PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC GREAT INSURANCE PLC MUTUALNIGERIAN BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE NIGER INSURANCE CO.PLC PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO.PLC PLC. MUTUAL BENEFITS SOVEREIGN TRUSTASSURANCE INSURANCE PLC. PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO INSURANCE (NIG) PLC. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PLC UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PRESTIGE ASSURANCE WAPIC INSURANCE PLC CO. PLC. Daily Summary as of Carriers, 19/08/2015 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC Totals Insurance Brokers and Services Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. Micro-Finance Banks UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC FORTISINSURANCE MICROFINANCE WAPIC PLC BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks Totals Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance BanksExchange Totals © Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 376.00 42.20 12 145,220,795.43 of 2,985,154.90 48,206,368.53 48,206,368.53

Value Traded 560,633.30 560,633.30

Current Price 7.89

Quantity Traded 124,818 124,818

Value Traded 995,933.52 995,933.52

Current Price 45.22

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 2,148.00 2,148.00

138,478

1,558,714.82

Building Materials

Current Price 4.50

Quantity Traded 102,500

Value Traded 439,100.00

Quantity Traded Page 84,368

Value Traded 2 of 12 10,057,210.75

58,425 2,000 341,536 588,829

1,024,190.25 3,020.00 41,689,573.22 53,213,094.22

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 190.00

Quantity Traded 2,764 2,764

Value Traded 524,813.69 524,813.69

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 21 35 104 25 18 1 204

Current Price 3.00 6.00 25.41 2.55 6.30 12.19

Quantity Traded 117,603 4,399,042 411,622 826,080 185,250 96,650 6,036,247

Value Traded 351,544.71 26,450,355.24 10,365,149.49 2,113,420.40 1,141,722.80 1,178,163.50 41,600,356.14

No. of Deals 9 48 57 No. of Deals 1 11 12 24

Current Price 28.56 840.00

Quantity Traded 65,342 822,140 887,482 Quantity Traded 320 141,812 Page 663,265

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 51 25 76

Current Price 30.23 5.85 0.91

805,397

1,405,983.39 Value Traded 8,363,659.12 2,299,130.91 10,662,790.03

8,682,665

799,698,212.36

Current Price 4.07 3.00 18.70 1.25 22.00 1.76 2.15 3.20 6.95 1.63 0.85

Quantity Traded 39,132,758 5,917,179 2,066,210 19,867,074 27,621,413 30,417,010 451,989 65,946,239 141,661 188,909 1,945,106

Value Traded 162,902,999.91 17,837,274.37 38,481,533.22 24,861,738.78 607,926,681.13 53,928,427.79 959,986.90 211,859,115.03 985,318.66 307,921.67 1,654,390.10

548

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 259 DIAMONDBNK 82 ETI 31 FIDELITYBK 97 GUARANTY 297 SKYEBANK 109 STERLNBANK 15 Daily Summary (Equities) UBA 259 UBN 23 UNITYBNK 5 WEMABANK 24 Daily Summary (Equities)

203,890,149 Current Price Price Current 0.83 16.00 0.52 0.50 Current Price 0.50 0.83 2.42 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.65 0.50 2.42 0.50 0.50 0.65 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Current Price 0.50 5.42 0.50 0.85

Quantity Traded Traded Quantity 245,490 10,194,601 10,500 203,890,149 1,000 Quantity Traded 3,000 245,490 368,843 10,500 788,462 1,000 6,951,750 3,000 25,056,488 368,843 2,400 788,462 2,400 6,951,750 100 25,056,488 200 2,400 612,436 2,400 34,043,069 100 Quantity Traded 200 61 612,436 197,300 34,043,069 197,361 Quantity Traded 61 197,300 Page 197,361

Value Traded Traded Value 204,025.40 163,877,187.74 5,438.00 1,285,582,575.30 500.00 Value1,500.00 Traded 204,025.40 894,272.06 5,438.00 394,231.00 500.00 4,518,202.50 1,500.00 12,528,244.00 894,272.06 1,200.00 394,231.00 1,200.00 4,518,202.50 50.00 12,528,244.00 100.00 1,200.00 306,218.00 1,200.00 18,855,180.96 50.00 Value Traded 100.00 330.62 306,218.00 171,637.80 18,855,180.96 171,968.42 Value Traded 330.62 171,637.80 5 of 12 171,968.42

Quantity Traded 200,000 200,000 Page

Value Traded 100,000.00 100,000.00 5 of 12

Symbol RESORTSAL

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 48 21 1 336 24 2 55 45 532

Current Price 0.50

Current Price 2.65 4.10 0.64 6.10 2.34 0.50 18.00 1.24

2,121

Quantity Traded 1,052,071 2,105,800 100 15,435,596 529,783 120,000 2,058,353 1,840,405 23,142,108

Value Traded 2,803,630.01 8,681,281.67 61.00 94,468,747.18 1,237,553.00 60,000.00 37,710,018.84 2,317,056.26 147,278,347.96

261,472,687

1,451,988,072.64

Symbol EKOCORP UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 3.72 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100 200

Value Traded 354.00 50.00 404.00

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.82

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 173.00 173.00

Page

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100,000 100,000

Value Traded 50,000.00 50,000.00

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 0.50 3.60

Quantity Traded 7,785 700 8,485

Value Traded 3,892.50 2,394.00 6,286.50

108,485

56,286.50

Quantity Traded 256,518 152,142

Value Traded 5,849,332.10 1,405,781.82

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 21 8

DailyBERGER Summary (Equities)

Current Price 23.00 9.23

Value Traded 32,760,822.29 70.00 100,000.00 99,012,913.57 142,394,031.79

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.64

Quantity Traded 4,200 4,200

Value Traded 6,552.00 6,552.00

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 43.00

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 2,042.50 2,042.50

1,832,898

142,402,626.29

Integrated Oil and Gas Services©Totals Published The GAS Nigerian Stock Exchange OILby AND Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

144

Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 SERVICES 15:26:17.017 Printed 19/08/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY PLC. TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals SERVICES Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015Totals Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics

Activity SummaryOFFSHORE on Board SUPPORT EQTY CAVERTON GRP PLC

Value Traded 12 72,465,520.00 of 799,592.01

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 150 150

Value Traded 75.00 75.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 212 212

Current Price 10.83

Quantity Traded 4,896,264 Page 4,896,264

Value Traded 53,171,125.87 12 8 of 53,171,125.87

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 5 16 62 14 1 8 106

Current Price 33.28 1.90 218.90 151.20 49.66 154.00

Quantity Traded 5,450 219,042 Page 111,153 9,719 100 4,769 350,233

9 404,330.28 of 12 23,968,559.28 1,461,390.00 4,718.00 708,465.24 26,719,791.80

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 258.20

Quantity Traded 6,095 6,095

Value Traded 1,575,918.15 1,575,918.15

5,252,742

81,466,910.82

No. of Deals Current Price 7 0.57 7 No. of Deals Current Price 33.28 No. of Deals5 Current Price 16 1.90 3 4.00 62 218.90 2 0.89 14 151.20 5 1 49.66 8 154.00 106

Quantity Traded 65,330 65,330 Quantity Traded 5,450 Quantity Traded 219,042 14,100 111,153 52,000 9,719 66,100 100 4,769 350,233

Value Traded 37,105.60 37,105.60 Value Traded 172,329.00 Value Traded 404,330.28 55,879.00 23,968,559.28 46,283.60 1,461,390.00 102,162.60 4,718.00 708,465.24 26,719,791.80

No. of Deals 18 18

Page Quantity Traded 6,095 6,095

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol RTBRISCOE Symbol CONOIL Symbol ETERNA REDSTAREX FO TRANSEXPR MOBIL MRS TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of of Deals Deals No. 10 322 1,5232 1 No. of Deals1 108 25 1 13 16 81 51 131 61 15 1 55 1 No. of Deals 1 52 558 (Equities) 10 No. of Deals 2 8 10 No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.42 0.85

Symbol COURTVILLE

Quantity Traded 184,446 100 100,000 981,026 1,828,648

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol Symbol AIICO ZENITHBANK GNI LASACO Symbol LINKASSURE AIICO MANSARD GNI MBENEFIT LASACO NEM LINKASSURE NIGERINS MANSARD PRESTIGE MBENEFIT SOVRENINS NEM STDINSURE NIGERINS UNITYKAP PRESTIGE WAPIC SOVRENINS STDINSURE Symbol UNITYKAP FORTISMFB WAPIC NPFMCRFBK

10,406,134.02

Current Price 183.00 0.73 1.00 100.63

Value Traded 12 4 of 163,877,187.74 1,285,582,575.30

1,016,062

No. of Deals 30 1 3 46 141

SERVICES Activity Summary on Board EQTY Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. OIL AND GAS Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery ETERNA PLC. RED STAR EXPRESS PLC FORTE OIL PLC. TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Quantity Traded Page 10,194,601

Value Traded 233,543.79 704,217.90 9,171,305.80 281,129.50 15,360.03 10,405,557.02

Symbol DANGCEM DNMEYER PAINTCOM WAPCO

OIL AND GAS Totals

Current Price 16.00

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

Quantity Traded 319,923 215,962 253,720 214,250 11,907 1,015,762

Quantity Traded 58,580Page 95,836

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC

No. of Deals 322 1,523

Current Price 0.73 3.20 36.11 1.30 1.35

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price 41.00 8.75

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol ZENITHBANK

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 8 12 25 15 3 63

Quantity Traded

No. of Deals 10 22

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 19/08/2015 INDUSTRIAL Totals Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Value Traded 1,866,167.52 690,425,007.37 692,291,174.89 Value Traded 9,190.40 793,089.19 12 3 603,703.80 of

Quantity Traded 304,668 57,278 361,946

Current Price 29.83 40.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

Quotation(N)

Symbol CAP CCNN

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 121.00 18.45 1.58 122.01

Symbol ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

No Of Deals

Processing Systems Totals

PLC Published byCAP The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 5

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Processing Systems Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 CHAMS PLC Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Activity Summary on Board EQTY ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS

No. of Deals 63 16 2 92 178

Daily Summary (Equities)

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 ICT Totals Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017

Symbol CHAMPION

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals

12,333,419.44

Quantity Traded 13,610 13,610

Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Totals

Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 19/08/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 19/08/2015 15:26:17.017 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNITY BANK PLC WEMASERVICES BANK PLC. FINANCIAL

Quantity Traded 100 10 18,933,903 Page 83,688 19,017,701

Summary on Board EQTY Sector Activity Company name

338

Current Price 258.20

338

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 7 7

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 172,329.00

10Value of Traded 12 1,575,918.15 1,575,918.15

5,252,742

81,466,910.82

Current Price 0.57

Quantity Traded 65,330 65,330

Value Traded 37,105.60 37,105.60 Value Traded 55,879.00 46,283.60 102,162.60

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 2 5

Current Price 4.00 0.89

Quantity Traded 14,100 52,000 66,100

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200,000 200,000 Page

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 3.15

Quantity Traded 416,880 416,880

Value Traded 1,313,257.60 1,313,257.60

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 1 8 9

Current Price 0.80 1.04

Quantity Traded 1,100 90,280 91,380

Value Traded 924.00 91,109.80 92,033.80

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 21,000 21,000

Value Traded 11,550.00 11,550.00

No. of Deals 5 14 19 (Equities)

Current Price 2.00 4.50

Quantity Traded 320,595 77,633 398,228

Value Traded 641,190.00 348,548.65 989,738.65

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 3.99

Quantity Traded 10,633 10,633

Value Traded 40,285.13 40,285.13

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

Daily Summary Symbol CAVERTON

Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 100,000.00 100,000.00 12 10 of

1,269,551

EQTY Board Totals

3,556

299,700,382

2,550,802,878.80

Equity Activity Totals

3,556

299,700,382

2,550,802,878.80

Page

2,686,133.38 11

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) STANBIC IBTC ETF 30 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD STANBICETF30 VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 1 1 4

Current Price 9.77 2,159.00 93.31 13.32

Quantity Traded 10 50 1,057 10 1,127

Value Traded 97.70 107,950.00 98,628.67 133.20 206,809.57

ETF Board Totals

1,127

206,809.57

ETP Activity Totals

1,127

206,809.57

Page

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Vacation: Expert warns against exposure to risky behaviours Leonard Okachie

hild development expert, Mrs. Olubukola Adebiyi has advised parent s and guardians against exposing their children and wards to risky behaviours during this period of school vacation. Adebiyi, who is the President/Founder of JAKIN, a nongovernmental organisation established to solve social ills, stated that parents must be careful in their efforts to engage their children and wards in some productive or constructive ventures. She advised them to engage in such opportunities but strongly warned that they should know the type of caregivers they are exposing them to , as some of those caregivers can end up exposing the children to social ills. Adebiyi stated thus: “It is very essential again that parents are careful because some parents, in the essence of saying I want to engage my child in something productive and transformative opportunities, send them to vocational centres that are located on high risk social ills. “This exposes the children to drugs, child sexual abuse among others. So by the time the child comes back he or she is even worse than when he or she started. Girls become pregnant, while boys start be-

JAKIN Children’s Club kids doing their painting

having like miscreants. “Again, most parents expose their children to child labour, hawking. Yes, within this period a child needs to support his or her parents or guardian but we also need to ensure that they are not engaged in risky behaviour. Try to engage them in affordable learning centres, in trying to make the child productive, not something that can expose him or her to wrong values.” She appealed to parents to create more time to be with their children as well as moni-

tor their activities during this holiday season, stressing that such attention would go a long way in correcting some ills. “Most time parents go out and they don’t come back until late in the night. It gives children the opportunity to get involved in wrong things. “They should also be careful with what their children have access to, what they watch on the television and on the Internet. Make sure they don’t have access to Internet because that is where they get access to pornogra-

phy and other vices,” she cautioned. Adebiyi noted that teenagers are the most vulnerable group, adding that extra attention must be given to them

as they easily fall prey to social vices, while trying to explore opportunities. Speaking on her forthcoming annual event, Mrs. Adebiyi explained that the group has since 2010, been privileged to gather annually with the rest of the world on the platform of ‘JAKIN N.G.O Dress A Child For School Project’ to commemorate the 1965 UNESCO proclaimed September 8th International Literacy Day. She claimed that the organisation has since the inception of the project, dressed 1, 850 orphans and vulnerable children, adding that it would dress 500 children in the forthcoming 2015 edition, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos. “The objective of this even is to enlighten children on the essence of education and their impact on the future our nation. It is also to empower them with the basic school items to aid their studies and help them function effectively in the new academic session,” Adebiyi said.

NYSC partners MTN on skills acquisition Joel Ajayi ABUJA

Corps members

ational Youth Service Corps,NYSC has sought for partnership with MTN mobile network on skill acquisition for its corps members. It noted this in realization that the private sector tends to rendermore services to its corps members that the government does. Speaking in Abuja, when the CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ikpoki led a delegation on a visit to the NYSC Headquarters , the Director General, NYSC Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi explained that from the total statistics of corps members, only 20 percent work in government agencies. While identifying possible areas of partnership, the DG sought for

supports in the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme of the scheme, where he said over 400,000 corps members have so far been trained in the Hope Alive Initiative meant to provide succour for corps members who at the point of service, got disabled, the NYSC Sports festival amongst others. He further stressed the need to also look into the private sector other than solely depending on the government. “You will recall last year when I came on board, I came up with my vision, which is to increase the relevance of the scheme and one way we are looking at doing that is to expand our collaboration with critical stakeholders. And who are these critical stakeholders? They are the private sector. “Like I said, less than 20 percent

of corps members serve with government agencies, the remaining over 80 percent serve with the private sector. And we feel because of this, they should do something to support the scheme rather than relying on government and that is why we are inviting the MTN,”he said In his remarks, the CEO, MTN Nigeria Mr. Michael Ikpoki expressed the company’s passion for youth development as this is a prerequisite to achieving economic development. According to him, the telecommunications sector contributes far more than 9 percent to the country’s GDP adding that it has a stake to contribute to the growth of youths. “Our main objective of visit is to discuss fresh ideas of the scheme and see areas where we can possibly key into to ensure youth development,”he said.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Face of Royal Pageant set to debut Leonard Okachie

ored by the usual display of nudity among girls that has dotted beauty pageantry in recent time, a group Slimestev Entertainment in conjunction with Sultan Media and Production company, is set to present a non bikini pageant called Face of Royal Pageant Nigeria 2015. According to the organisers, t contestants will dress like kings or queens as they are not meant to expose their body. The Chief Executive Officer of of Slimestev Entertainment, Mr. Stephen Nwachukwu said: “We came up with this pageantry to showcase our different royal heritages in Nigeria and also promote them in our own little ways. “Nigeria is blessed with different beautiful cultures but organisers of various pageants seem to be silent in promoting these cultures to the outside world. Rather they are interested in celebrating nudity, which is alien to us. We felt it was

time to correct these anomalies and let our youths embrace their heritage” The contest, which is for male and female Nigerians who are between the ages of 16-30 years, will see the winner (male and female) take home N.3m , a trip to Dubai, while the first and second runners-up will have the opportunity to

rock the runway of top fashion shows, plus other consolation prizes. Requirements include two passport photograph, guardian or parental recommendation, photocopy of birth certificate, payment teller for a registration fee of N3, 000. Contestants are to register online at

http://goo.gl/forms/OFNPzhwQl3. Registration closes on October 30, 2015 while audition holds in the following venues: Benin (Nov. 7), Asaba (Nov. 14), Abuja (Nov. 21) and Lagos (Nov. 24). The grand finale will take place on December 13 at Snooze Bar & Lodge, on Agric/Isawo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Group organises essay competition for girls LEONARD OKACHIE In a bid to support and reposition the female gender for growth, Women Empowerment and Enlightenment Campaign (WEEC) is organising a creative essay competition for young girls within the month of August. The online competition which is targeted at females between ages 18 – 25 years in Lagos, will run from August 10th to 31st. It strives to educate, prepare young females to become entrepreneurs and identify potential talents with productive mindsets. WEEC essay competition has a theme “How Can Men Contribute to Women Develop-

ment in Our Society?” to help writers express their thoughts, creative perspectives, social development plans, solutions for gender equality, and a new cultural value system. The editors of On’y va want writers to share their most important and relevant position that can change the status of women forever, whether it has been executed before or not. To enter the competition, participants have to send a nonfiction essay not more than 500 words to weec@onyvaconcepts.com and stand a chance to win exciting prizes like mobile devices, laptops, scholarship grants and

start-up capitals for entrepreneurs. The editors will select 50 out of the first 1000 entries submitted by August 31st and results will be announced on select news portals based on novelty, creativeness, writing style and the relevance to theme. In a chat with Head Coordinator, WEEC, Kayode Odukoya, he said “The essay competition is a platform created to help develop growing ladies with the possibilities of catching them young. This is just WEEC’s little way of contributing to education growth and we plan to organize the essay competition yearly with a mission to transform Nigeria into Africa’s hub of creativity in the next decade.” Odukoya also noted that aspiring and experienced writers stand to be selected for interesting and intellectual pieces, which will be showcased for all to see with the aim of encouraging other young females. The Women Empowerment and Enlightenment Campaign (WEEC) is saddled with the sole responsibility to helpfemale individuals so they can strive to be the best in any chosen career, he said. Furthermore, the creative essay competition is part of build-up activities to the #WEECman 2015 event in September which is a male discussion forum of top professionals with the theme ‘Men Standing Up for Women’. Other events to help re-position the female gender include Mentorship & Strategy with Women of Value, the 1000-Man March around Lagos Central Business District, and a novel music concert tagged ‘Best of Females’. WEEC is a product of On’y va Communications, a public relations and content development agency based in Lagos Nigeria and the premiere edition was held in 2013. The WEECman initiative is an offspring of WEEC which is an advocacy based campaign geared towards encouraging agents of socialization to groom men for women support.

Nigerian girls at a bauty pageant audition.

Science for Kids

hen humans are hot, we sweat. Elephants, however, cannot sweat like we do. So how do they regulate their body temperature? Elephants are huge, which means they produce a lot of body heat. Since elephants also typically live in very hot climates, it’s essential that they have a very efficient way to get rid of their extra body heat. Luckily, elephants come with a built-in solution: big, floppy ears. On the inside of an elephant’s ears, you will find a web of tiny blood vessels. The skin of the ear is very thin, and the blood vessels are very close to the surface. When the temperature of the elephant’s blood is greater than the temperature of his surroundings, heat is released from the ears. The same thing happens when you hold an ice cube in the palm of your

Why do elephants have big ears? hand. Heat flows from an area of high heat to an area of low heat. While you may be tempted to say, “This ice cube is making my hand cold,” in reality, the heat from your hand is actually making the ice cube warmer. Heat-releasing blood vessels aren’t the only useful function of an elephant’s ears. They also act like giant fans. As elephants flap their ears back and forth, they create a light breeze that can speed up the cooling process. It is a bit like stepping out of a cool shower and standing in front of a fan. An elephant’s ears can cool its body by up to 5° Celcius (that’s 9° Farenheit)! An African elephant’s ears can grow to be six feet long and four feet wide. Asian elephants tend to live in shady forests and don’t have to endure the same extreme temperatures as their

African cousins. a result, Asian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants. On hot days, you may even see elephants rolling around in mud, taking a dip in a pond, or using their trunks like hosspray down their bodies. The heat then leaves their bodies by flowing into the cooler mud or water. Source: wonderopolis.org Elephant

A s

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Media

Thursday, August 20, 2015

FOI Act: NYSC orders officers to grant public access to information Leonard Okachie

oncerned about the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA 2011, the DirectorGeneral of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi has directed desk officers nationwide, to grant members of the public access to information on activities of the scheme. Giving the directive at the 2015 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) desk officers training workshop in Abuja, on Tuesday, Olawumi said: “I have given all state representatives, schedule officers the approval that whenever anybody comes for information and that information is with you, make it open as quickly as possible.

“There are some aspects that you cannot make available, where you are in such a situation get across to us as quickly as possible. “Because we have not been doing that, we are giving room for people to fill up the gap when they request for information and they don’t get it.” The three-day workshop with theme “Broadening the Horizon of FOIA Desk Officers for Enhanced Compliance”, was aimed at enhancing the competence of schedule officers in handling issues regarding the implementation of the FOIA 2011. The DG further stated: “The Act as we are all aware empowers members of the general public to have access to information that are in the custody of public

FG seeks partnership with China on media content Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

ederal Ministry of Information has advocated for the broadcast of Nigerian programmes in the Chinese electronic media to further strengthen the cultural ties between Nigeria and China. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. FolasadeYemi-Esan, made the request in Abuja when a delegation from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China paid a courtesy visit to the ministry. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary in the Ministry, Joseph Mutah, the Perm Sec, during the meeting, observed that unlike in Nigeria where Chinese programmes were being broadcast, no any Nigerian programme was on air in China. “The exchange of programmes has been one-sided, I don’t think there is any Nigerian programme on the Chinese television,” she said. Yemi-Esan, however, expressed optimism that the meeting with the Chinese delegation would reverse the one-sided trend in the broadcast of programmes. The Permanent Secretary commended the robust bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, which she said had provided the ministry and its agencies the opportunity for staff training and technological exchange. She said although the staff training had been slowed down, she hoped that the Chinese would reinvigorate it since Nigeria had a lot to learn from the Chinese media industry. In her remarks, the Vice-Minister, State

Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China, Ms. LI Qiufang said her country was exploring the existing bilateral relations with Nigeria in order to strengthen its cultural ties especially in the field of media. “There are bilateral exchange and cooperation in the trade and economic fields, which I believe can lay a very good foundation for cultural exchange and cooperation”, she said. The Chinese Vice-Minister recalled that in 2012 some directors of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) participated in the China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum, which was organised by her ministry in Beijing. She said the CCTV and China Radio International had set up correspondents’ bureaux in Nigeria in the efforts to boost the media coverage of the country and beyond. LI Qiufang added that the CCTV-Plus had signed an agreement with NTA to expand its reach in the broadcast of African News. She commended the efforts of the Nigerian Government in developing the media in the country and said they were in Nigeria to study the new regulatory framework in the country. LI Qiufang was accompanied on the visit by Ms. LI Ping, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, China Radio International, Mr. Zhang Wei, Director, China Central Television and Ms. Cai Jie, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Department. The chief executive officers of the nine parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Information exchanged views with the Chinese delegation during the courtesy visit.

World Press Freedom Day 2015 in Lagos.

sector organisations, thereby promoting transparency in governance. “With the commitment of the present administration in fighting corruption, promotion of the rule of law and other fundamentals of good governance; the implementation of the freedom of information act must be given additional impetus, not only by the National Youth Service Corps, but all other stakeholders in the Nigerian project. “It is in furtherance of this that I seize this opportunity to announce that corps members would be used to enlighten our citizens at the grassroots on their right to seek for information on government policies and their implementation. “The scheme will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure a quick take-off of this initiative.” Also speaking, the Head of FOI Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Stella Anukam said that the implementation of the act was the best way to minimise corruption in the public service. She noted that if the act was used effectively, government would begin to address and tackle corruption as well as enable members of the public hold public servants accountable in office. Anukam observed that some of the challenges that hindered implementation of the act include inadequate train-

Digital TV studio

ing and lack of institutional capacity to implement the Act in public institutions. Others are inadequate financial provision for FOIA activities, lack of good grasp of the FOIA on the part of public institutions and lack of informal redress mechanism. According to Anukam, disclosure of information is an essential component of transparency and good governance as public officers who deny access to information are liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000. “Section 10 of the FOIA provides that falsification of records and documents carry a minimum of one year sentence for the public officer or head of the institution involved,” she added. Anukam, therefore, proposed that compliance with FOIA be a mandatory yardstick for performance assessment, evaluation and oversight of public institutions during budget presentation and defence. She also proposed the introduction of the “FOIA Day” as a way of increasing the level of sensitisation and enlightenment, adding that it should also be included in the curriculum of schools and universities activities. The training is being attended by desk officers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Media

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BET Africa premieres entertainment news show Leonard Okachie

fter its successful launch in April, 2015, BET Africa has announced the debut of BET Buzz, BET’s smart and sassy new daily entertainment show which will feature entertainment news and celebrity gossip from all over the African continent and the rest of the world. The channel has also announced popular South African singer and DJ, Tamarsha Khanyile and relative newcomer Altovise Lawrence as hosts for the show. Tamarsha has previously made her mark presenting on Selimathunzi and covering the Metro FM Awards Black Carpet show on behalf of RGB, while Altovise first rose to fame after winning BET’s reality contest Top Actor earlier this year. Tamarsha comments, “I’m so excited to be part of this exciting new show for BET, and to being able to grow my profile

within the entertainment industry.” Commented Altovise, “BET gave me an amazing entrée into the entertainment world thanks to Top Actor, and I am now looking forward to forging even closer links with this amazing global brand.” BET Buzz will air daily on BET (DStv channel 129) from 1 September at 6PM and on BET2 (DStv channel 135) at 6:30PM with a weekend compilation on Saturdays on BET (6:40PM) & BET2 (8:40PM). Launched on 2 April 2015, BET (DStv channel 129) is a localised BET general entertainment service for viewers aged 20-49. Available exclusively to 52 territories in Africa on the DStv pay-TV platform, BET co-exists alongside BET2 (DStv channel #135) which is available on DStv Family, Compact & Extra. BET and BET2 are trademarks of Viacom International Inc., and are used under licence in Africa by Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

Media Abroad

South Africa: Online censorship bill enters next phase

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa

abinet has approved the submission of the films and publications amendment bill which is guided by policy that has been criticised for seeking to curb internet freedoms. A cabinet statement released last week said the bill seeks to amend the films and publications act of 1996 by adapting it to technological advances. These changes include catering for online and social media platforms “in order to protect children from being exposed to disturbing and harmful media content in all platforms (physical and online)”. A draft policy drawn up by content classification body the Film and Publication Board (FPB) is expected to inform the bill. Topics covered in the draft policy are preventing children from viewing, for example, pornography online. Hate speech and racist content have also been covered by the draft online policy. “The bill strengthens the duties imposed on mobile networks and internet service providers to protect the public and children during usage of their services,” read a cabinet statement last week. “The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) will not issue licences or renewals without confirmation from the Film and Publication Board of full compliance with its legislation,” the statement added. The FPB was not available for comment on what exactly is contained in the amendment bill. Spokesperson for the FPB, Janine Rafto-

poulos, told Fin24 that the board is “still going through all the many submissions” regarding the online regulation policy. “Once we go through those, then only will be able to put forward that bill to the parliamentary portfolio committee and then on to the minister (Faith Muthambi),” Raftopoulos told Fin24. Gavin Davis, the Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister for communications, also told Fin24 that the amendment bill has yet to be gazetted and that the communications portfolio committee would still need to “deliberate on it and amend it” before it is signed into law. But while the bill is intended to protect children from harmful online content, concerns have been raised over the broad terms of the draft policy. For example, the Film and Publications Board has said it wanted all internet material to be classified in South Africa, according to a government gazette released in March 2015 which outlined contents of the proposed online regulation policy. “All online material will need to be classified, in much the same way as films are currently classified. Online pornographic material will be classified as such,” Davis told Fin24. “The policy appears to apply to any person who uploads online content, be it via Facebook, Instagram, a blog, or any other online platform. This opens the door for the state to impinge on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and to impart information,” Davis explained. Davis further said that if the bill is “based on the draft online regulation policy released earlier this year, it will certainly impact on freedom of expression”. “According to clause 7.4 of the policy, the Film and Publications Board has the power to have any content deemed ‘potentially harmful and disturbing to children’ taken down. “When read with the Film and Publications Act, the policy will empower the board to ban - by way of an ‘XX’ classification - any online content that is ‘degrading’ or ‘promotes harmful behaviour’. “The broadness of these terms gives the government significant latitude to proscribe content that does not fit in with the governing party’s political agenda and worldview,” said Davis. Source: Fin24

Tamarsha Khanyile

Bangladesh arrests 3 over murder of secular bloggers

angladesh’s security forces have arrested three suspected Islamist militants over the murders of two prominent secular bloggers, including the alleged “main planner”, who the police say is a British citizen of Bangladeshi origin. The Rapid Action Battalion, a paramilitary police unit, said it had arrested Touhidur Rahman, 58, and two other “active members” of Ansarullah Bangla Team, which was banned in May over a series of killings of bloggers. The RAB said Rahman was the mastermind and financier of the attacks on bloggers Avijit Roy and Ananta Bijoy Das, who were killed earlier this year. The suspects were arrested on Monday night in raids in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, and appeared with authorities at a news briefing on Tuesday. Mahmud Khan, the head of the RAB’s media wing, said another suspect who was arrested, Sadek Ali, acted as a bridge to communicate with Jasim Rahmani, the alleged head of Ansarullah Bangla Team. Ali, 28, became involved with Rahmani while working as a printing-press worker, Khan said. Rahmani is currently in jail awaiting trial in the murder of another blogger, Ahmed Rajib Haider, in Dhaka in 2013. Khan said the third suspect, 35-yearold Aminul Mollick, was a broker at a passport office and helped members of the group make fake passports so that

The four Bangladeshi secular bloggers killed this year

they could travel abroad if necessary. The RAB did not allow the detainees to talk to reporters at the news briefing. Khan said Rahman, 58, is an information technology expert and returned to Bangladesh from the UK in either 2011 or 2012. He then got in touch with Rahmani, who inspired him to work for the group. “He is the main planner of all the recent killings of the bloggers,” Khan said. During interrogation after their arrests, Khan said, the men admitted that a team of four or five took part in the killing of Roy, a Bangladesh-born US citizen. The same team was involved in the attack on Das, Khan said. Four secular bloggers have been hacked to death in Bangladesh since the start of the year, including Roy and Das. Roy, a US citizen who was born in Bangladesh, was murdered in February by a gang wielding machetes in an attack in Dhaka. Das, 33, was killed in similar fashion when he was on his way to work at a bank in the north-eastern city of Sylhet on 13 May. A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office said: “We are aware of reports that a British national has been arrested in Bangladesh and are seeking clarification from the authorities. We stand ready to provided consular assistance.” Source : The Guardian (UK)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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

Traders at Idumota market, Lagos

Joke, however, admitted that the job is full of challenges; we have to move around the market to look for people with loads and most of them sometimes do not always give us due to suspicions that we may disappear with their goods. She also identify some of their challenges to disturbances by street urchins ‘’Area boys’’ who are found of using every opportunity to extort money from them,

even when they are with heavy loads on their heads. “These Area boys would not allow you to go unless they collect money from you, not minding whether you are carrying heavy loads or not” she said. Another porter, Mr Yemi, from Osun State said; ‘’I do make about N1, 000 daily, but the fact is that I do not see the realities of porters’ job as challenges, there is no where or work without

its own challenges. I live in lock up shops, we are five in numbers sleeping in a room and we do pay between N500 to N1, 000 every month as rent. Although, is quite challenging, I will appreciate if the governments could help us in this regard, the insults, pains, and stress are just too much for us,’’ said Yemi. Yemi further told Broad Street Diary that in order to foster trust and confidence

among their members and their potentials customers, porters operating in the various markets on the Lagos Business Districts comprising Balogun, Idumota, Martins, Broad Street Ebute–Ero among others have established an Association of Porters, ‘’This is to ensure that people can trust us with their goods. We have tags and numbers for easy identification. Darasimi Ayeni.

Why street trading culture thrives in Broad Street

o you know that street traders make more money selling on the streets? Broad Street Diary finds out how they get their goods and make sales. Anyone coming into Broad Street which comprises of Balogun market, Martins, Tinubu, Ebute Ero and Idumota among others, will definitely see traders displayed their wares on the floor; some that sells clothes sometimes hang it for people to see. BSD gathered that not all their goods are original some sell imitations while some get their wares from shops that are doing clearance sales. But the truth is that they make more sales because

people get to them before they go into the main market and their prices are lower compared to the goods inside the market. One of the traders, Mrs. Hannah Adejumo who spoke with BSD said they always make their sales in the morning and sometimes in the evening when workers closed for the day. She told BSD that some of the wares they sold are from the shops in Balogun or Idumota, “We usually get them from some the shops that do clearance sales.” She also revealed that they are not limited to a particular product, “we sell any good that is available ranging from weave-on, hair

accessories, clothes, shoes, kitchen wares among others. “But I prefer clothes and weave-on because I have come realised that they sell faster than other wares.” On whether in the future she would get a shop, Adejumo said if she gets a shop that is affordable she will get one because selling under the sun and rain is not the best. A shopper, Miss Monsurat Oladele told BSD that she just got a bead necklace at the Leventis bus-stop adding that if she was to buy same from shop owners she spend like N1,500 more. “Anytime I want to resume school for a new session I always come here to shop and

you will be surprised that you get nice tops from these people.” She said instead of buying second hand clothes she can get new ones at cheap rate. But she however, said shoppers like her are usually not lucky because they sometimes buy inferior wares; “so you need to be smart when you come here.” Another shopper, Mrs. Victoria Onigbale, told BSD that she sometimes patronise street traders because she realised that they sometimes have good wares. “I do buy my shoes from them and so far I have been lucky because the ones I got from them are of good quality.

News

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Our courts’ll no longer sit in mud houses –Ugwuanyi

nugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has said his administration will no longer tolerate situations where court sessions hold in mud houses. Ugwuanyi made this known Monday in Enugu during the inauguration of five rehabilitated magistrate’s court halls under the Justice for All programme of the British Department for International Development, DFID. He said the state government had decided to embark on immediate construction, renovation and rehabilitation of court buildings across the state to boost the confidence of court users. “We can no longer condone a situation where our courts sit in mud houses and old dilapidated structures all in borrowed quarters. Such buildings are not only unbefitting and undignifying, but also breed inefficiency,” he said. Ugwuanyi commended DFID for its kind gesture and partnership with the state government for sustainable development. The governor said the state government would sustain and advance the collaboration for the benefit of the people. He said that similar efforts were made in the renovation of the high court complex that accommodated six court halls and other offices. “This is in addition to continuous training of court personnel and provision of essential equipment to some units of the court, to enable it to dispense

judgment efficient, timely and with equitable manner.” Earlier, the Justice Component Manager of Justice for All, Mr Danladi Plang, said the scheme was meant to improve the reform of the justice delivery system in Nigeria. Plang said the programme was designed to assist the poor to get justice through an accessible, competent, accountable and responsive judiciary. “This programme started in 2010; we are working in five states of the federation. We seek to achieve access to justice for all Nigerians by supporting mechanisms that are responsible for dispute resolutions. “We took a baseline in 2012, when we started and it showed that on the average, it took about 339 days for cases in the state to be completed. ``Though, some cases may take lesser or more time, we thought that it was important for us to reduce it. ``At the end of what we did, we were able to reduce the period in which cases were completed to about 249 days on the average,” Plang said. “We took a baseline in 2012, when we started and it showed that on the average, it took about 339 days for cases in the state to be completed. ``Though, some cases may take lesser or more time, we thought that it was important for us to reduce it. ``At the end of what we did, we were able to reduce the period in which cases were completed to about 249 days on the average,” Plang said.

Kano residents laud Ganduje over free eye care

eneficiaries of Kano State Government’s free eye care programme under the Ganduje Foundation have lauded the government for the initiative. The beneficiaries, who were drawn from all the districts in the local government areas, expressed their gratitude to the government over the gesture. Malam Garba Usman, one of beneficiaries, said he had lost hope on his sight, but he was motivated to attend the screening by his son. Usman said that he received free eye glasses in addition to drugs and free consultation offered to him. Another beneficiary, Malam Yahuza Mailemo, explained that he had spent huge sums of money at the hospitals and local herbalists, but the eyes were still troubling him. ``I have been booked for a

surgery and I hope to regain my full sight,’’ Mailemo said. Hajiya Badiya Audu, another beneficiary of the project, commended the government for the effort. She said she had attended a hospital in Kano earlier and she was recommended for glasses, but she couldn’t afford it so she never returned to the hospital. But with the free eye care, she was able to get a free glass, and thus commended the effort of the government It would be recalled that the foundation has launched free eye care for 44,000 people to be drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state. The free eye care project would provide all services free to affected people, including provision of free medical consultation, free glasses as well as surgery for those identified for the need

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wife catches husband having sex in church Ojo Oyewamide, AKURE

Customary Court in Ondo town has dissolved the 12-year-old marriage between a 42-year-old woman, Evangelist Doris Oseni, and her husband, Prophet Femi Oseni. The woman told the court that she caught her husband red handed having sex with another woman on the floor of the church office. She, therefore, asked the court for the dissolution of their marriage on the grounds of adultery, desertion and lack of love on the part of her husband. The petitioner said her husband had been sleeping around with different women, most of whom were church members,

adding that the husband’s behaviour towards her changed, when seven years of their marriage could not produce any child. She said she traced her husband to his church in a village not far from Ondo town after several days of abandoning her and that on getting there, she met him on the floor of the church office with one of the women having sex. The Evangelist said she had earlier reported her husband’s strange behaviour to his mother who failed to stop him from the adulterous acts, adding that she was fed up of the relationship. Doris also accused the husband of having a child out of wedlock who she said was a product of his extra-marital affairs. However, her husband, Oseni,

pleaded with the court not to dissolve the marriage, saying he still loved his wife who he described as a virtuous woman that had been taking care of him since he married her. President of the court, Joshua Adunbi, said the words and body language of the wife had shown that she was tired of the union and therefore, ordered dissolution of the marriage. Adunbi added that both parties were free to re-marry any person of their choice and ordered the petitioner to pay the sum of N2, 500 to the respondent as a refund of dowry. The court president also said that any of the parties that were not satisfied with the decision of the court could appeal the ruling within 30 days.

National Sales Manager, Grand Cereals Ltd, Mr. Matthew Asuelimen (left) addressing participants during a Poultry Farmers Interactive Workshop in Jos, recently. PHOTO: NAN

Ogun community warns against sale of family land Ifeanyi Eduzor

embers of Ilamiro/ Ilashe community of Ogun State has warned land speculators against continuous encroachment on their community land which stresses from Agbara to the Lagos Badagry Express road; warning that anybody who buys land from them without the consent of the community does so at his or her own risk. The community based their warning on a court judgement delivered by Justice A. Akinyemi of the Agbara Division of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Otta on the 23rd March, 2012 wherein the community was declared the bonafide owners of the land stretching from Agbara to Lagos Badagry Express road. This was followed by another judgment of the Court Appeal, Ibadan presided over by Justice Dongban- Mensem which con-

firmed ownership of the land to the community. However, despite the judgments, some land speculators according to the community have continued to encroach on the land. Speaking at a press conference at the palace of the Oba of Ilamiro, the community’s youth president, Oluwagbenga Akintan noted that they have not ceded power of attorney to anybody or organisation calling on the public to ignore any group of persons parading themselves as their representative without the consent of the accredited representatives of the community. “I want to appeal to unsuspecting members of the public to note that we are the rightful owners of the land covered by the survey plan drawn by licensed surveyor, Femi Flade and this has been confirmed by the judgments of both the High Court and Court of Appeal respectively. “The judgment as delivered

by the learned Justices conferred the full ownership of the land to Ilamiro/Ilashe and as such nobody has the right to encroach o the said land. “Anybody dealing with impostors claiming to be our representative is doing so at his or her own risk because we have not given power of attorney to anybody to sell or alienate any portion of the said land. “As responsible and law abiding citizens of Nigeria we have our accredited representatives whom we have mandated to deal with all issues concerning the land who people can contact as our sole agent,” he noted. Also speaking, the palace coordinator, Memudu Kotoyei Owolu, noted that the entire community is united in their resolve to ensure that hey regain full ownership of the land even as he stated that the stool of Onilamiro remains vacant pending government resolution of some issues regarding it.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, August 20, 2015

JTF arrests 21 suspects, discover hose connected to NNPC tank OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

Rivers State Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo (left) and State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Furo Green, during the 2015 Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Oil spill victims give Shell 14-day ultimatum THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

ictims of 2011 Bonga oil spill, which affected over 350 coastal communities in Delta and Bayelsa states, have threatened to shut down oil production by Shell Nigeria Exploration Company, SNEPCO, over failure to compensate them despite directive by the House of Representatives and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA. The affected communities have issued a 14-day ultimatum beginning from today to Shell to begin implementation of compensation process without delay or face the consequences.

In a letter addressed to Managing Director of SNEPCO and made available to National Mirror in Warri, they lamented that aquatic lives and property were destroyed as a result of crude discharged into the environment and sea. It would be recalled that the incident occurred along the Atlantic coastline on December 20, 2011, resulting in pollution that covered a distance of 185 kilometres on the coasts of Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, and Brass local government areas of Bayelsa State and Warri South-West, Warri North and Burutu local government areas of Delta State. The letter signed by Ex-

ecutive Director of Oil Spill Victims Vanguard, OSPIVV, a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Harrison Jalla, acting on behalf of the affected communities contended that people of the area now live in abject poverty, including grievous illness. Jalla stated that over 40,000 barrels of crude was discharged into the Atlantic Ocean as a result of equipment failure at SNEPCO’s Bonga oil field during the December 2011 incident. They stressed that after due process and investigations, the House of Representatives and NOSDRA levied SNEPCO $.6bn to be paid to the affected communities. It added that Federal Gov-

ernment within 14 days in a letter dated 19th of December 2014 with reference number NOSDRA/DFA/13/vol.v1/409 was directed to ensure the compensation was paid to the people. “The Oil Spill Victims Vanguard have served a notice to SNEPCO and we will wait for their reaction and if they fail or refuse to pay the recommended compensation to the concerned victims of the spill as directed by NOSDRA, the Oil spill vanguard would have no option than to mobilise all affected communities to shut down all SNEPCO operations within the Niger Delta region and we assure you that all our actions shall be within the ambit of law,” the letter stated.

‘Baptists against same-sex marriage’

ational President of Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr Dawari George, said yesterday that the church was against samesex marriage. Speaking ahead of the union’s 36th Annual National Congress, George told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that such marriage was not God’s prescription. “Clearly, the Baptist denomination stands against gay marriage, it is abnormal, it is not God’s expectation, and it

is not God’s prescription in His word. “The Baptist people believe in the Bible, we preach and practice the Bible without alteration,” he said. According to him, the denomination had published articles stating its position on gay marriage, describing the act as short of humanity and unacceptable. George said the union would use the congress to pass the message of the God of excellence to the society. “As we interact with one another and the so-

ciety, we are passing the message of excellence in service. So, Christian men, especially Baptist men, must exhibit excellence wherever they are called to serve. “Those who are in the civil service must not follow the trend in mediocre performance, those in public service, government and politics must show God’s character which is excellence. “As a Baptist man and as a Christian, wherever you find yourself, there must be the evidence that you have passed through that place, and the only

evidence is the deposit of excellence. “In our work life, the Christian ministry and in everything we do, both big and small, we must show a mark of excellence,” he said. George said doing things less than the expected standard would no longer be accepted if the nation was to move forward. He said people should ensure that the nation marched over mediocre practices in everything and urged Christians to champion the cause of excellence.

oint Task Force, JTF, in Niger Delta, said it has arrested 21 suspects for various criminal offences in a renewed assault on criminals in the region. It said the arrests were made to drive home the campaign of zero tolerance to oil theft, kidnapping, piracy and illegal oil bunkering. This is as the troop deployed in Oka pipeline, Ikpoba Okha LGA of Edo State, discovered a hose connected to an illegal oil bunkering truck marked EDO BEN 117 ZN. The truck was loaded with 16 plastic tanks of 1,500 litres capacity each, filled with illegally refined diesel oil. The products estimated at about 24,000 litres were suspected to have been illegally siphoned from NNPC pipeline. A statement from headquarters of the JTF signed by its spokesman, Lt. Col. Ado Isa, said the vandals fled before the arrival of the troop, while the truck used for the operation was in its custody for investigation. It further stated that

the 21 suspects were apprehended at Ughelli–Warri and Orerokpe community in Okpe and Ughelli North local government areas of Delta State. “Items recovered from the suspects included rolls of stolen armored cable, two circuit breakers, 12 cutouts and two saw blades. “Other item includes bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The recovered items are in the custody of JTF for preliminary investigation before handing them over to prosecuting agency,” the statement said. It added that troops also apprehended an illegal oil bunkering tanker laden with 33,000 litres of substances suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO. In the raid, five suspects were arrested while trying to flee the scene. They are Chika Obi, Nasiru Abu, Roland Ovboiebo, Toju Popo and Bello Ismaila. The JTF spokesman also confirmed the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin, Presley Umokoro, who has been on the run after he was declared wanted in the kidnap of one Mrs. Ufoma James.

Tax relief for low income earners in C’River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

overnor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State yesterday said one of the policy thrust of his administration is to grant tax relief to low income earners in the state. To actualise the policy, the governor said he would send an executive bill titled “Poor income earners bill” to the House of Assembly to be passed into law. Ayade disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists, adding that if the bill was passed into law, this would give succour to low income earners. The governor stated that the bill, if passed, would exempt low income earners and those at the minimum wage level from paying tax. The governor said the reason for the bill was to

ameliorate the plight of low income earners in the state and raise their economic well being. He said: “A bill to exempt low income earners and those on minimum wage level from paying tax will be sent to the state’s assembly today (yesterday). “This we are doing to ameliorate their plight because they have other financial obligations to attend to and their income is very meager. “When you task a market woman who sells onions and tomatoes to pay tax, you are definitely taking away her profit and reducing the standard of her meager business.” According to him, the bill will provide a social safety net to low income earners and raise their living standard. He said he would continue to fashion out ways of giving the core poor a sense of belonging.

North

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Wada declares for second term Wale Ibrahim, LOKOJA

ogi State Governor Idris Wada has finally bowed to pressure to run for second term by elders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other relevant stakeholders in the state. He therefore, yesterday, formally declared his intention to recontest the governorship election on November 21 this year. Wada in his acceptance speech said: “The words of our elders are words of wisdom, but I have come to appreciate in the last few weeks that before

elders speak, they must have employed experience, patience, candour and courage. “This latest gesture from our leaders has added to the weight of responsibility I shoulder. My pledge and response is to surpass your expectations, God helping me.” The governor, who disclosed these at a wellattended meeting of stalwarts of PDP and beyond, commended the elders for their support to his administration. Earlier, PDP stakeholders chaired by former governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, and former deputy governor in Benue State,

Sule Iyaji, called on Wada to seek re-election based on his track records of achievement in the state. Critical stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, and the Elders Advisory Council, have unanimously endorsed the re-election for another term in office of Captain Idris Wada, and also adopted him as the party’s sole candidate in the forthcoming governorship election for November. The stakeholders resolved to set aside the endorsement of Wada as the party’s candidate ahead the governorship poll, even as they also agreed that power rotation be en-

trenched in the state body politics. The meeting resolved that after the tenure of the incumbent, power should rotate between the west and central senatorial district of the state. The decision to adopt Wada, according to Alhaji Iyaji, was borne out of his monumental achievements in the last three and half years. Among those present at the meeting were Sule Iyaji, Chief Patrick Adaba, Prince Olushola Akanmode, Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, and a host of other party faithful.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Enang seeks merger of EFCC, ICPC

ederal Government has been advised not to heed the call for establishment of special anti-terrorism courts. Instead, the government should strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, for optimal performance, according to Sen. Ita Enang. Enang, who represented Akwa Ibom North in the 7th National Assembly, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. He said merger of the agencies would help existing courts to deliver effectively, adding that creating special anti-terrorism courts would amount to duplication of courts with little or no impact. “I don’t want us to have a situation where we have the National Industrial Court, which does not seem to have many matter to try in any of the jurisdictions. “We also have custom-

ary courts in many southern states. They have it for political reasons of balancing, not that they have customary matters to try. “Besides having customary courts, there is still the magistrate court and the state high courts; so, I don’t think I agree with having special terrorism courts,” he said. Enang called for enforcement of the Terrorism Act passed by the 7th National Assembly, saying enforcement of the provisions for witnesses’ protection and other relevant provisions should be enforced for effective prosecution. The former lawmaker said the major challenge in the fight against terrorism was identifying terrorists and arraigning them in court. “I don’t think there are up to 10 terrorism suspects in the Federal High Court, Abuja standing trial. ``There will only be need for a special court if there are so many accused persons and the trial courts are not enough to try them,’’ he said.

Alaafin appointed UniMaid chancellor Inusa Ndahi, MAIDUGURI

V Representative of Kaduna State Governor, Hadiza Bala-Usman (left) receiving a souvenir from Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Prof. Danbala Danju, during the visit of management team of the bank to the governor in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Plateau spends N7.9bn on MDG projects

lateau office of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, has spent more than N7.9bn on execution of various projects towards meeting its targets in the state, an official has said. Planning Officer, Project Unit of the office, Mr Abednego Dadar, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jos yesterday that the projects covered water supply, poverty reduction, provision of health facilities and skills development for the youth. According to him, primary health centres in 17 local governments were either renovated or constructed, while youths who acquired skills were supported with funds

and materials to start businesses. NAN reports that the MDGs emanated from a declaration of the United Nations in 2000, which resolved to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women. Other cardinal goals included reduction in child mortality, improvement in maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability. “The Plateau State MDGs office has strived to meet these cardinal objectives; we hope to achieve much before the end of 2015, which is the deadline,’’ he said.

Dadar particularly lauded the impact of the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme introduced by the MDG’s in 2012. ``That scheme, which is in line with the national framework of the Federal Government of Nigeria, benefitted 2,250 households in Plateau,’’ he said. According to him, the households were selected from five poor rural communities in Mikang, Kanke, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East local governments. According to him, the scheme supported rural poor families with funds to start up some small scale businesses to reduce their level of poverty and encourage them to send their children to

school. The official said that the office had achieved more than 95 per cent success in the execution of all its projects in spite of delays by some contractors. ``The major challenge we are experiencing is that of contractors failing to deliver on time, sometimes we have had to terminate the contracts and re-award them. ``This sometimes cause some delays, but in terms of implementation, it has been successful and reasonably okay, ‘’ Dadar said. He said that the office had earmarked N1. 2 billion for the 2014 MDGs track projects to be executed across the state.

ice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, UniMaid, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, yesterday presented the Alaafin of Oyo, Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, his appointment letter as chancellor of the university. He made the presentation at the royal father’s palace in Oyo State. Accompanied by principal officers and other top management staff of the university, the vice-chancellor told the monarch that UniMaid, which took off in 1976 with about 300 students in three faculties, now has an enrolment of over 40,000 undergraduates, postgraduates and non-regular students spread over 11 faculties, a College of Medical Sciences and seven specialised research and development centres. The institution, he further said, has over 3,000 senior and junior academic and non-academic staff. Njodi further told the chancellor that UniMaid had always enjoyed industrial harmony between management and labour unions on campus as well as mutual understanding

between management and students despite insecurity in the North East. The university’s cordial relationship with its stakeholders, he said, has attracted enormous goodwill for the university. Njodi, while pointing out that the school will be 40 years old at this year’s end, noted that the management intends to celebrate the institution’s enormous, though, modest achievements attained over the years with its 22nd combined convocation ceremony. He added that the occasion will also be used for the investiture of the Oba as Chancellor. Responding, the monarch thanked Federal Government for finding him worthy of being Chancellor and assured that he would do all possible within his powers to ensure that UniMaid is globally recognised in all its fields of human endeavours. University administration, he said, is not something new to him as he has been the founding Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and would therefore use his vast experience to advance the university.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Insurgency: IDPs hit 1.4m in N’East GEORGE OJI

nternally displaced persons, IDPs, arising from ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria, has risen to 1,385,298. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja in an address to commemorate World Humanitarian Day and national summit on IDPs organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, CISLAC, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCRFMI. World Humanitarian Day is a day set aside by General Assembly of the

United Nations to commemorate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work globally. Shu’ara stated that although insurgency has undoubtedly been the greatest contributor to the figures of displaced persons, communal clashes and environmentally induced displacement have also been on the increase. While urging global support for people who engage in humanitarian work, Shu’ara observed that every day humanitarian aid workers provide life-saving assistance to millions of people worldwide regardless of who they are and where they live, but regretted that cases against humanitarian workers have increase worldwide. Executive Director,

CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, in a welcome address, called on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to adopt the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria. He regretted that more than ever before in the history of the country, we are experiencing the highest number of internally

displaced persons, and urged that the reasons that give rise to persons who become displaced in our society must be addressed urgently. Musa noted that activities of insurgents, particularly in the North East and other parts of the country have in the last three years resulted in the displacement of

thousands of persons who have been forced to flee violence and conflicts. He stated that one way of curbing insurgency, violence and displacement of citizens in the country is for government to embark on good governance, which will in turn address the issue of poverty in Nigeria. “However, beyond ad-

dressing and tackling insurgency, it is our duty to begin to holistically look into reasons that drive individuals to rise with weapons and confront the apparatus of state. “We must on a broader perspective tackle from the roots the issues that bother around challenges in our entire governance structure,” Musa said.

‘INEC’s composition won’t affect Kogi, Bayelsa polls’

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says its current composition will not affect the conduct of Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections. The commission’s Deputy Director, Publicity and Voter Education, Mr Nick Dazang, stated this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. The commission is led by an acting chairman, while some national commissioners have retired. Dazang, however, said the commission has experienced shortfall in human resources and adequate funding needed for its normal tasks as well as conduct of the governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa. He said the commission held meetings with its directors and resident electoral commissioners, RECs, on plans to be implemented between now and the first quarter of 2016, including conduct of elections in the two states. “We also had pre-election meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners that will conduct the governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa. “The idea is to find out the state of preparedness and determine what materials or support they need to conduct the elections.

“On Thursday, the commission also held a meeting with RECs and Administrative Secretaries who are substantive directors of the commission and represented the states where RECs had served their terms. “This trajectory shows you the work of the commission is taking place and is continued at pace,’’ Dazang said. He said that even before the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led commission was inaugurated, there was only one acting chairman, Solomon Soyebi, with Philip Umadi, who ran the commission. “They even procured most of the non-sensitive materials for the 2011general elections before Jega and the other national commissioners were inaugurated. “So, it is the same thing repeating itself now. “We now have an acting chairman and a national commissioner, who are steering the ship of the commission, and the activities of the commission are going on uninterrupted,’’ he said. Dazang said what was more important was that in addition to the acting Chairman and national commissioner, INEC has RECs in about half of the states and administrative secretaries manning the states where there were no RECs.

Director of Forestry, Adamawa State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Peter Mamza (right) and Federal Controller, Ministry of Environment, Yola, Mr. Bello Olayinka (2nd right) examining tree seedlings meant for Great Green Wall Project, at Mubi Nursery Centre in Adamawa , yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

ndustrial Training Fund, ITF, has finalised plans to commence a skills acquisition project for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in Nigeria. The initiative, according to Director-General, ITF, Dr Juliet ChukkasOnaeko, is in line with Federal Government’s commitment to reduction of poverty and crime in the country. She spoke while on an unscheduled visit to IDP

ITF to train displaced persons camps in Jos. The DG assured the displaced persons that the agency in line with its mandate would provide vocational and technical training and help open up employment opportunities, noting that the training programmes would kick off very soon. This, she said, would enable residents to learn various trades during their stay in the camps and take the number of

trained Nigerians beyond the targetted two million annually. Chukkas-Onaeko commended individuals and organisations that donated various relief materials for the welfare of the displaced persons, noting that while these materials were needed in the immediate and short term, lifelong skills acquisition would be relevant now and in the future. The director-general

had earlier disclosed that ITF had achieved over 70 per cent job placement for its trainees across major sectors of the Nigerian economy. She said ITF’s focus was to ensure 100 per cent employment for trainees that had benefitted from the various trainings conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, and other organisations.

Kwara cult clash: Police parade fresh suspects WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

olice in Kwara State yesterday paraded two new suspects in the cult clash that claimed about 16 lives last week in Ilorin. The command’s spokesman, Ajayi Okansanmi, while parading the suspects promised to ensure that other suspects in the killing are prosecuted. He disclosed that some of those arrested had already been charged, and that one of the suspects

was found to be engaged in robbery during investigations. He said two locally manufactured pistols, two live cartridges and expended cartridge were recovered from the suspects whom he said were members of Eiye confraternity. The police also paraded three suspects, who allegedly conspired to steal and buy stolen cars. Okasanmi said the suspects specialised in removing engraved windscreen and rear glasses of stolen cars and replacing

them with another before selling to unsuspecting members of the public. He said: “Through intensified efforts of men of the command Intelligence and Investigation Department, members of interstate vehicle thieves, especially from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, were arrested in Ilorin on August 17 by anti-car theft unit of the command. Investigation revealed that the suspects were confirmed car snatchers.” The police spokesman disclosed that the intelli-

gence team recovered five exotic cars from different locations, which included one Mazda 626 marked MUS C95 DC, and Rav 4 Toyota Jeep marked ARP 123 MY He said other vehicles recovered included Paragon Volkswagen Bus EQ 819 ABY, Toyota Comfort marked BB 855 MWR and Toyota Haice Bus marked APP 965 CX. The suspects on interrogation by newsmen confessed to buying the cars as cheap as N20,000 and N250,000

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News The Arctic is a unique treasure. Given what we know, it’s not worth the risk of drilling –FORMER US SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON

PAUL ARHEWEW

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

Global court to reopen obstruction case against Kenya

udges will reopen a hearing into whether to take action against Kenya over allegations it obstructed investigations into its President Uhuru Kenyatta, after an appeals court ordered them yesterday to reconsider their rejection of the case. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) accused Nairobi last year of failing to send in evidence linked to charges Kenyatta orchestrated a wave of deadly violence after 2007 elections. He denied the charges and the case collapsed. The prosecution asked judges to refer Kenya to the United Nations, which could impose sanctions, or the court’s overseeing body. An ICC tribunal initially rejected the prosecutors’ request, but the appeals court said on Wednesday the panel had made Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta delivering remarks during a bilateral meeting at the State House in Nairobi mistakes in its ruling and told it to think again. minor African warlords since Assembly of States Parties, the and penalties. Any eventual punitive ac- it started work in 2002. Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s ICC’s governing body, or the tion against Kenya could deepReading the appeal court de- U.N. Security Council, which founding father has said the en a divide between the Hague- cision, Presiding Judge Silvia has the power to impose sanc- charges were trumped up and based court and many African Fernandez said the lower court tions, but has so far not done so. politically motivated, and that countries who accuse it of bias had failed to properly assess the The ICC has made ten refer- prosecution allegations of inagainst the continent. role of prosecutors and that er- rals to the Security Council timidation or bribery of witThe international court, rors prevented it “from making for non-compliance, including nesses were a cover for prosset up more than a decade ago a conclusive determination”. Sudan, Chad, Kenya, Djibouti, ecutors’ incompetence. to hold the most powerful to There was no immediate A failure to cooperate with Malawi and Democratic Repubaccount for the most serious the court can lead to a report- lic of Congo, but the 15-mem- comment from the Kenyan govcrimes, has convicted just two ing of “non-compliance” to the ber council has not imposed ernment on Wednesday.

S’Africa justice department suspends Pistorius’ release

scar Pistorius’ release from prison was put on hold Wednesday by South Africa’s Department of Justice, which said his case must be reviewed again by a parole board because he was approved to be moved to house arrest too early. Pistorius was due to be released Friday after serving 10 months of a five-year sentence for manslaughter for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Justice department spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga told South African broadcaster eNCA it was uncertain if the parole board would be able to meet to consider Pistorius’ case again before Friday. Pistorius should have served one-sixth of his jail sentence — 10 months — before being considered for release, Mthunzi said. However, he was considered and

approved for release to correctional supervision in June, only eight months into his sentence. “It is apparent therefore that the decision to release him on 21 August 2015 was made prema-

turely on 5 June 2015 when the offender was not eligible to be considered at all,” the justice department said in a statement. Spokesman Mhaga said “the decision of the parole board will

have to be suspended.” Justice minister Michael Masutha had earlier warned he was taking legal advice on if he had the authority to “intervene” and prevent Pistorius’ early release.

AFRICA BULLETIN

Family accuses Winnie Mandela of meddling in rape case Winnie Madikizela-Mandela tried to derail a complaint from a teenager accusing Nelson Mandela’s grandson of rape, a spokesman for the alleged victim’s family said yesterday. Madikizela-Mandela, the late Mandela’s divorced wife, sent her bodyguard to the 15-year-old girl’s home, the spokesman said. Days before Mbuso Mandela’s arrest, the bodyguard appeared at the teenager’s house posing as a police officer, the spokesman told the Associated Press. When the bodyguard began asking questions about the alleged rape, the girl’s parents demanded he produce a police badge. “We did ask him, ‘If you are a policeman, show us your badge, show us your card,’ and he didn’t have that,” said the spokesman, who refused to allow his name to be used by any of the media.

New militant group emerges in Mali as conflict spreads Imam Elhadji Sekou Ba was one of the few people in his village of Barkerou who dared to speak out against the rise of Islamist militants in central Mali, denouncing in his sermons the young men taking up arms in the name of religion. Last Thursday, shortly after dinner, he was gunned down on his doorstep. Locals suspect the killing was carried out by the Massina Liberation Front (MLF), a new group blamed for a wave of attacks that is shifting Mali’s three-year-old Islamist conflict from the remote desert north ever closer to its populous south. The emergence of the new group, recruiting among central Mali’s marginalized Fulani ethnic minority, has sown panic among residents, forced some officials to flee, and undermined the efforts of a 10,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission to stabilize the West African state.

Germany backs Greek bailout as Tsipras mulls early polls

The Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services prison in Pretoria, South Africa, where Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to five years imprisonment

Germany’s parliament approved a third bailout for Greece yesterday after Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble argued the country should get “a new start”, while in Athens the government agonized over whether to call a snap election. The Bundestag’s vote cleared one of the final obstacles to Greece getting funding so that it can make a 3.2 billion euro debt repayment to the European Central Bank on Thursday. But a sizeable number of conservative lawmakers rebelled against Chancellor Angela Merkel, objecting to pouring yet more billions into Greece.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Ex-athlete, Coe, wins IAAF top post

It’s a new life here in the EPL and I hope to make the very best of as I settle down at this great club

–Swansea midfielder, Andre Ayew

AFCON qualifier:

Oliseh

Heartland goalkeeper, David Obiazor

Joel Ajayi

sends Heartland duo home

ABUJA

Glo League Results Enyimba

Pillars

Dolphins

Sunshine

Taraba

Bayelsa

Heartland

Kwara Utd

Wikki

Abia

El-Kanemi

Wolves

oach Sunday Oliseh has excused Heartland FC duo David Obiazor and Nelson Ogbonnaya from the Super Eagles’ camp as both succumbed to injuries. They are therefore out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on September 5. Goalkeeper Obiazor and centreback Ogbonnaya were in the list of 23 home-based professionals invited by Oliseh, but the coach will now call up two other players from the much-

improved League to replace the injured duo. “The players are nursing injuries and after thorough examination by the Super Eagles’ medics, it was agreed that it is best to allow them some time to rest and return to their clubs. “Coach Oliseh will call up replacements for the duo very soon,” said a team official. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tidied up all arrangements surrounding the AFCON qualifier away to Tanzania, reports thenff.com can report. According to the report, the NFF

has concluded agreement with Arik Air to fly the team into Dar es Salaam and back to Nigeria, with departure to be from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the return set for the Port Harcourt International Airport. The chartered aircraft will convey the delegation into Dar es Salaam on the eve of the match, as Tanzania is a high altitude zone and will depart Dar es Salaam immediately after the match, and fly into Port Harcourt, where the Super Eagles have an international friendly against the Mena of Niger on Tuesday, September 8.

Ebola: Nigeria to host Sierra Leone, CIV clash

igeria will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between the reigning African champions, Cote d’Ivoire and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone because of the return of Ebola disease in the West African country, the NFF announced yesterday. The game, a Matchday 2 clash in Group I of the AFCON qualification series, will hold at either the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos or the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday, September 6. NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said that that on receiving the request from

the Sierra Leone Football Association, which is the host association for the match, the NFF approached the Federal Ministry of Health for a go-ahead. “We are delighted to announce that we have received the go-ahead from the Federal Ministry of Health to host the match. The Sierra Leoneans will come with a delegation of 32, made up of mostly overseas-based professionals, technical crew and officials of the SLFA, to be led by its president, Isha Johansen. “We are happy about the go-ahead because, once more, our country has an opportunity to underscore its leadership role on the African continent, nay global

sphere. The NFF has initiated discussions with the Lagos State Government and Rivers State Government on preventive measures, such as keeping Sierra Leone’s small delegation in a special hotel where they can be monitored at all times.” Stressing that hosting of the match is without any financial commitment to Nigeria, Pinnick stated that Nigeria has everything to gain and nothing to lose by hosting the game, recalling that recently, the U-20 Women National Team played a 2016 World Cup qualifier in Liberia and the Liberian team also came to Nigeria for the return leg, without any health issues.

NFF Boss, Pinnick

Sports

Thursday, August 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Afrobasket 2015

D’Tigers’ Chamberlain Oguchi (r) during yesterday game against the Central Africa Republic

D’Tigers out-dunk CAR

Paul Erewuba

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

Echiejile

Echiejile back in Monaco frame O

ut-of-favour Super Eagles defender, Elderson Echiejile, may still feature for Monaco this season amid speculations over his future at the club, according to nreports yesterday. Echiejile was in Monaco’s squad last night in the UEFA Champions League clash at Valencia following injury to the team’s firstchoice left back Laryvin Kurzawa, who could well be on his way to Paris SaintGermain. There had been earlier reports that Echiejile will this season be sent out on

loan to another Ligue 1 side, possibly Lille after he was overlooked for Monaco’s Champions League qualifier against Young Boys of Switzerland. But sources close to the player have now informed AfricanFootball.com he will most likely stay put at the club especially as Monaco are set to lose France international Kurzawa to PSG. “Elderson will stay put at Monaco and that explains why he is on the trip to Spain for the Champions League playoff against Valencia,” the source revealed.

he 2015 FIBA Afrobasket Championship kicked off in Rades, Tunisia yesterday with D’Tigers starting their campaign to qualify for the 2016 Olympics with an 88-63 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR). Their next match is against Uganda tomorrow though injured forward, Ike Diogu, is not expected to have made full recovery. Having registered a dominant performance in their opening game, It remains to be seen if Nigeria, often seen as one of Africa’s countries with the most basketball talent, will win their first-ever AfroBasket title. D’Tigers were led in scoring against CAR by Al-Farouq Aminu and Olaseni Lawal, who

…face Uganda tomorrow

shared 29 points between them. Lawal also got 14 rebounds with his 14 points. The match, which was monitored in Lagos, saw CAR winning the tip off and getting the first basket though the D’Tigers replied quickly with a basket of their own. Al-Farouq, playing with his brother, Alade, got the first dunk, an alley-hoop off a pass from Olaseni Lawal, to take the scores to 9-3, at which point CAR called a time out. In the second quarter, the CAR became aggressive and went ahead 29-27 at one point after a bit of scuffle and with the Nigerians clearly rattled. But Al-Farouq and Oguchi responded for the Nigerians while Oguchi made back-to-back three-pointers to end the quarter 49-35. The second half went the

same way with D’Tigers dominant on the boards, with 51 against the 24 for the CAR though they wasted too many of their free throws – making just 59 per cent. The third quarter ended with the Nigerians extending their advantage by one point with CAR’s Destin Damoucha playing out of his skin to get his team closer. In the fourth quarter, the coach gave minutes to Ogide and Oyedeji and they got 12 and six points respectively to help D’Tigers over the line. Over the course of the past 20 years, Nigeria accomplished three second-places (1997, 1999 and 2003) as well as three third-places (1995, 2005 and 2011), making this year’s AfroBasket an opportunity to write a new chapter in the country’s basketball history.

Pedro

Transfer: Chelsea hijacks Pedro bid

arcelona winger, Pedro Rodriguez, has flown into London to conclude a deal worth £21.1m to join Chelsea in what looked like a sharp twist after the Spain international announced his bid to join Manchester United. Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague says negotiations between Chelsea and Barca began as late

as Tuesday but were concluded swiftly. The Premier League champions had expressed an interest in the player for more than a week, but unlike Manchester United and Manchester City, had not placed a bid. Balague earlier reported that Pedro had agreed personal terms

with United and that the 28-yearold was just waiting for the clubs to agree on a transfer fee. United’s Chief Executive, Ed Woodward, is understood to have visited Barcelona for talks but it is believed the European champion would not budge from the release clause, which was never met by United.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Ex-athlete, Coe, wins IAAF top post •Ogba loses to Fredricks, Worphill triumphs

Sebastian Coe

ritish Sebastian Coe was yesterday elected as the sixth IAAF President at the 50th IAAF Congress in Beijing, China. Coe polled 115 votes to defeat Ukrainian challenger, Sergey Bubka, who got 92 votes. “I am deeply honoured that our sport has placed its trust in me as there is no job I want to do more nor with greater commitment,” said Coe said at a postvictory speech. Among the first to congratu-

late Coe were the current IAAF President Lamine Diack and Bubka, who was later elected as a Vice President. “We have a man who has devoted his life to the sport,” Diack said. “I know that athletics in the future will grow, and become stronger and stronger,” Bubka added. Coe will take office on August 31 after the end of the IAAF World Championships tagged Beijing 2015.

“This is my sport and my passion as it’s the thing I always wanted to do,” Coe, who was local organising committee boss of the London 2012 Olympics, added. “I would not have thrown by hat into the ring if I felt that I would be short changing this organisation. “It has been a long and hard campaign but it has given us the chance to pause for breath, the chance to review and renew itself.”

SA suspends Pistorius’ parole S outh Africa Justice Minister, Michael Masutha, yesterday suspended the parole granted to Oscar Pistorius, who was due to be released tomorrow. Masutha, who announced the decision in Johannesburg, referred the decision to release the athlete to the parole review board, saying the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison parole authorities had decided prematurely to release him. Pistorius was sentenced last year’s October to five years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The 28 year-old double-amputee Olympic sprinter fatally shot Reeva through a toilet door in

his Pretoria home on February 14, 2013. Masutha said the decision was taken when Pistorius was not even eligible to be considered for parole because he had not yet served 10 months. He said under South African laws, convicts are eligible for parole after serving one-sixth of their sentence. An official from the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison said on condition of anonymity, that Pistorius’ good behaviour in prison was given as the justification to free him after 10 months. The source said Masutha decision was not unconnected to a petition against Pistorius’ release he received from the Pro-

gressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. Many women’s rights advocates regard the killing of Steenkamp as a case of gender violence, though that was not proved during Pistorius’ trial. Judge, Thokozile Masipa, rejected arguments by the prosecution that he killed her intentionally and accepted his version that he mistook her for an intruder. The prosecution has filed an appeal against the verdict at the Supreme Court of Appeal. If the court overturns Masipa’s manslaughter verdict and finds Pistorius guilty of murder he could face a longer sentence and be sent back to prison. Okonkwo

Lagos ready for Okonkwo tourney final Ifeanyi Eduzor

Pistorius

ighty Stars of Iwaya and Everlasting Stars FC have emerged as finalists for the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football tournament slated for August 29 at the Yaba College of Technology’s MiniStadium. Everlasting Stars defeated Golden Stars FC by 5-3 penalties after their match ended 1-1 at regulation time while Mighty Stars beat defending champion Maryland United 2-1 in the second semi final decided at the National Institute for Sports play ground, Lagos. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the championship, Deacon Malachy

Ndubuzor, told National Mirror that the final of this year’s competition will commemorate the 70th birthday of the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo. “We are packaging a special final as a birthday gift to the man of God whose vision for the annual football tournament has helped many youths improve their talent,” Ndubuzor. “Fans will be treated to a novelty football match between ex-internationals led by Henry Nwosu and “TREM Pastors”, including those that have passed through the church while there will also be an entertainment match involving “TREM” Football Academy players,” the LOC boss added.

WORLD RECORD

Pogo stick jumping - fastest mile The fastest mile jumping on a pogo stick is 9 min 56 sec and was achieved by Fred Grzybowski (USA) in Wooster, Ohio, USA, on 4 November 2014.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1181 Thursday, August 20, 2015

Buhari and our slave girls in Dubai (II) The sordid tale of last week continues.

ith the discovery of the manner of a girl he had been craving to marry, my crestfallen friend is now an emergency misogynist. He has no more faith in the chastity and decency of Nigerian girls in Dubai. But, to me, rather than be discarded, Vivian should be helped. She was just a girl with the dreams of a better life who unfortunately fell into the trap of unscrupulous wolves in human skin. Yes, she has part of the blame because of her express plunge into the unknown without proper scrutiny of the manner of woman Lady Rose, her Dubai slave mistress, truly was. She should even have been suspicious when the matter of oath-swearing came in. What manner of job would require such descent into extreme occult-

xperts were unanimous yesterday that this week will determine whether former World number 1, Tiger Woods, will announce his comeback or continue his slide in the doldrums. In a last-ditch bid to extend his season and make it to the FedEx

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

ism? Vivian’s naivety smacked of stupid suicide but we must excuse her because of her innocent quest for a better future. Vivian’s plight prodded me to dig deeper into this Dubai menace and my finding was mind boggling indeed. There are hundreds of other girls like Vivian who were lured into this intractable plight. Many of them were not so lucky like Vivian who still walks free. They are now cooling their heels in the Dubai Central Prison and other gulags around the UAE, having been caught without proper documentation or such other infractions ranging from expired visa to being caught red handed soliciting for paid sex in a Muslim country. But the story did not end here. Besides women in sexual servitude in the UAE, there are other young men and women, including university graduates, who are languishing in the homes of wealthy residents enslaved as house helps without any hope soon of ever returning home with the goodies they had dreamed of. Like Vivian, these were lured into Dubai with juicy job offers. By the time they arrived in the Middle East, they found out that they had been sold into horrible servitude in the homes of strangers who are at liberty to use them as they wished. Without proper documentation, there is no way these souls can complain to the authorities. Yet they have on their shoulders unbelievable financial commitments to their unscrupulous sponsors. Their plight is a veritable study in intellectual slavery. This is why all our relevant authori-

MANY UNDOCUMENTED

NIGERIANS ROAM THE STREETS OF

DEIRA-DUBAI WITH MAJORITY OF THEM ENGAGING IN IGNOBLE ACTS ties must beam their anti-human trafficking searchlight on Dubai. The mild visa policy of that country that enables all comers to have access to their land has also not helped matters. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other relevant agencies must step up their efforts beyond Italy and other European nations. Dubai and the rest of the Middle East are the new fads, and apart from endangering the lives and future of impressionable young women and men, this menace is giving the country a bad name. The Nigerian problem has become so unsettling that the UAE government has begun a policy in which certain youngsters are to be barred from visiting soon. Many undocumented Nigerians roam the streets of Deira-Dubai with majority them engaging in ignoble acts. There is the story that before 2013, the government of Dubai and other emirates were oblivious of the unimaginable numbers of illegal Nigeri-

an aliens and were not really bothered. But when the UAE hosted the Under-17 World Cup that year and all the stadia hosting Nigerian matches were overcrowded by Nigerians, they were shocked. The immigration authorities went thenceforth on a raiding spree targeted at Nigerians. Many youngsters were clamped in jails. Some have been deported while others are still languishing in detention. Many naive, impressionable young men and women have been fed with fantasies of bed of roses livelihood in Dubai. So long, our beloved Ooni My roots are in Ile-Ife and my forebears are from the Woye Asiri Compound, Ilare, in that ancient city. My grandfather migrated in 1931 along with others to help found the now bustling town of Ifetedo. So, I can claim to be directly touched by the transition of His Royal Majesty, Jingbinni Bi Ate Akun, Olori Alade, Oba Okunade Sijuwade. I am sure this space is too small for reminiscence on so great a life and so grandiose a leadership, and so I must devote a full article to this man soon. But I will not close today without mentioning one memorable thing about the late monarch, his unbelievable humility and deep love for his people. I had a one-on-one with the Ooni in 2001 during the launching of the biography of Chief Adebayo Adefarati, erstwhile Governor of Ondo State, which I penned. His words to me are still engraved in my memory. He was so down to earth in spite of his outlandish stature. His royal grandeur was made even more majestic that day with his generous display of affection and unaffected camaraderie. At first sight, you will easily see that this man was truly a blue blood. For those who were fortunate to meet Sijuwade personally, these reminiscences will not be strange. Such was the largeness of this man’s spirit. Such was the majesty of his benevolence. He was not just a king of a city, nay a monarch of international stature, he was the king of hearts. Ajanaku sun bi oke! Erin wo!!! Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi

Sport Extra

Golf: Woods in make-or-mar course struggle Cup playoffs, Woods, who surprised the golf world by sticking with his commitment to play in the final event of the regular season, will lug his missed cut at last week’s PGA Championship to the 10th tee at Sedgefield from today in his first-ever start in the Wynd-

ham Championship. How will, however, need a win to guarantee a spot in next week’s first leg of the four-tournament postseason, The Barclays. With the Wyndham awarding 300 points, a solo second finish might get Woods to New Jersey, as

well. The odds of Woods, who has made five cuts in ten starts could suggest a new dawn in his twoyear winless drought and climbing within the top 125 eligible for the playoffs are extremely long, at 50-1.

Woods

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