Thursday, december 10, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

US calls for viable military action against Boko Haram •Police uncover ploy by sect to recruit school pupils

ROTIMI FADEYI AND LIVINUS MENEDI Olonisakin

Vol. 5 N0. 1262

nited States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Samantha Power, yester-

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Christmas shopping at Dosunmu Stree t, Lagos

PHOTO: ADEM OLA

AKINLABI

day said Nigeria urgently needed a viable military action to end activities of Boko Haram. The African Media Hub CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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T Traders’ eexpectation oof bumper Christmas C ssales ddampened P.10

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N150

$2.1bn armsgate

Court remands Dokpesi EFCC’ll recover all stolen money, says Magu

DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, ordered that founder of Daar Com-

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Terrorism: Lagos bans public procession, street carnivals P.8

Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi after being arraigned at the Federal High Court by EFCC on alleged N2.1billion received from the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Nigerian stocks drop 3-year low as oil prices tumble

…market loses 64% of foreign portfolio investments

Reps decide on privatisation of refineries in four weeks

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FRSC deploys 36,000 personnel on patrol for Xmas P.42

Nigeria qualifies for Rio 2016 Olympic Games

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$2.1bn armsgate: Court remands Dokpesi munications Plc., Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, pending the determination of his bail application today. Dokpesi, who is the owner of African Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower Radio, was docked before the court by the Federal Government which brought a criminal charge of N2.1bn money laundering crime against him. Dokpesi had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 6-count criminal charge, which also involved breach of public trust and procurement fraud. Dokpesi had been in custody of EFCC in the past

eight days facing interrogation from operatives of the anti-graft agency on the huge sums he allegedly collected from the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA. In the charge sheet, signed by Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Director, Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, the accused was alleged to have between October 2014 and March 2015 conducted procurement fraud by fraudulently receiving N2,120,000,000 into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company for the funding of media activities for the 2015 presidential election campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The alleged offence is

contrary to section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and punishable under section 58 (6) and 7 of the same Act. Part of the 6-count charge reads: “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between October 2014 and 19 March, 2015 in Abuja, conducted procurement fraud by means of fraudulent and corrupt act, to wit: receipt of payment into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited with First Bank of Nigeria Plc. of public funds in the sum of N2,120,000,000 from the account of the office of National Security Adviser, NSA, with the Central Bank of Nigeria

for the funding of media activities for the 2015 presidential election campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) & (7) of the same Act”. “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between October 2014 and 19 March, 2015 in Abuja, entered into a purported contract on presidential media initiative and received payment in the sum of N2,120,000,000 into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited with First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

OPEC decision to abandon its quote, coupled with reduced Foreign Portfolio Investments, FPIs, participation and weak apathy by domestic investors, it is unlikely a complete reversal of sentiment will occur in the near term. “However, attractive valuation and possible speculation may usher in mild bargain hunting in value stocks,” United Capital predicted. Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Limited, Malam Garba Kurfi, in a telephone interview

bail application. Jacobs told the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, that he needed time to study and react to the fundamental issues raised by the accused person in the bail application. By consent of the two lawyers, Justice Kolawole fixed today for argument on whether to grant the bail to Dokpesi or not. However, the trial of the charge has been fixed for January 17, 18 and February 2 and 3, 2016. Meanwhile, EFCC has vowed to recover all public funds siphoned under the guise of arms procurement by prominent Nigerians now in its custody. The commission’s acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who gave this hint at events to mark this year’s international anti-corruption day in Abuja, said his men were working hard to recover the stolen funds, even as he disclosed that substantial amount of money had been recovered from fraudsters. “I can assure you that the commission is on top of that investigation. We will spare no effort to ensure that we recover every kobo of public funds that have been stolen in the guise of arms procurement and the culprits brought to justice,” he said. Magu, who declared at a seminar organised by the Inter-Agency Task Team, a common platform for anticorruption and accountability in the country, disclosed that the commission had secured 78 convictions from 280 cases filed in court this year, while 1,881 cases were investigated. Besides, he said several interim and final forfeiture orders were given by courts even as funds were being recovered. The new EFCC boss, as many other speakers, praised the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for creating an enabling environment to fight sleaze and promised that the commission would fight corruption in a firm, fair, accountable and transparent manner. The anti-corruption crusader said he had embarked on internal cleansing of the commission to improve efficiency and reposition it to deliver on its mandate. He listed the implemen-

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from the account of the office of National Security Adviser, NSA, with the Central Bank of Nigeria on account of the purported contract without a ‘Certificate of No Objection to Contract Award’ duly issued by Public Procurement Bureau and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 16 (1) (b), (4) & (5) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) of the same Act.” Attempt by counsel to the accused, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to move application for his bail yesterday was unsuccessful as the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, insisted that he had just been served with a copy of the

L-R: Deputy Country Director, International Rescue Commitee (IRC), Joan Wuya; Country Director for Nigeria, Sarah Ndikumara; IRC President, Rt. Hon David Miliband ; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyema and Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, during the visit of the IRC President to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

Nigerian stocks drop 3-year low as oil prices tumble JOHNSON OKANLAWON

igerian stock market took a stiff hit yesterday, shedding 2.4 per cent to hit a new three-year low after global oil prices tumbled to their lowest in more than six years. The oil prices tumbled to a seven-year low, sparking a sell-off in energy stocks that helped wipe out a chunk of rallies recorded between Friday and Monday. The stock market, which has the second-biggest

weighting after Kuwait on the MSCI frontier market index, fell for the second day on thin volumes to levels not seen since December 2012. The bourse, which is down 20.6 per cent yearto-date, broke below the psychologically key 27,000 point line. Banking shares fell the most, down 3.1 per cent as investors sold off relatively liquid financial stocks. On Tuesday, Brent crude touched its lowest levels since February 2009. Oil plunged after OPEC last week failed to agree a cut

in production quotas in the face of slumping prices and a mounting global supply glut. Brent traded at $40.68 yesterday. Analysts forecast that the market might continue on the downtrend as investors weigh their options amidst macroeconomic concerns and expected first half earnings. For instance, SCM Capital, former Sterling Capital Markets, noted that “most foreign investors are discontent by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s, decision to delay the much anticipated devaluation of the Naira

which is holding back their investments positioning in stock and bond markets.” Similarly, United Capital, an investment research company, pointed out that the bearish sentiment continued to overwhelm the equities market due to the free fall of crude oil prices, flickering fiscal and macroeconomic concerns. “Thus, sell offs ensued in bellwether stocks, driving the benchmark index to a three-year low of 27,004.50 points. “With oil price staying bearish consequent on supply-demand dynamics with

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L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni (left) with Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, during the Employee Knowledge Series organised by Airtel Nigeria for its staff, in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Executive Director, Large Scale Enterprises, Bank of Industry (BoI), Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali; Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises, BoI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Chairman/ CEO, Kam Industry, Dr Kamaldeen Yusuf; Managing Director/CEO, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and Presedent, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Frank Udumba Anthony, during 2015 BoI Award presentation ceremony in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Operations, Mr. Sulaimon Barawu and CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the public hearing on Abuse and Mismanagement of Treasury Single Account at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi (right) with Niger State Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello, during a cortesy visit to the governor In Minna, yesterday.

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MTEF: Reps express fear of constitutional breach ...refer document for thorough scrutiny Ubong Ukpong Abuja

ouse of Representatives yesterday raised serious concern over likely contravention of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as amended, by President Muhammadu Buhari on his Medium Term Economic Framework, MTEF, proposal. The House, which commenced debate on the matter at its plenary, eulogised the social welfare plans in the proposal, but however, expressed fears that Section 318 of the constitution does not seem to protect the MTEF proposal as it is. House Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, had brought a motion on the 2016-2018 MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper,

FSP, which was submitted to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 8, by the President. Gbajabiamila in his motion told the House that the document brought by the president enumerated a projection and assumption upon which government intends to do business in the next three years, asking the House to speedily pass it to enable government bring the actual 2016 budget, which is predicated on the MTEF. He told the House that Section 11 (3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, stated that the Medium Term Framework shall contain, among other things, ‘A Macro Economic Framework setting out the Macro

Economic Projections for the next three financial years, the underlying assumptions for those projections and the evaluation and analysis of the Macro Economic Projections for the preceding three financial years’. He said also that Section11 (2) of the Act provided that the MTEF shall be considered for approval with such modifications, if any, as the National Assembly finds appropriate by a resolution of each House of the National Assembly. Leading debate in the motion, the Majority Leader said government has made a conscious effort in the MTEF to diversify the economy and improve collection of non-oil revenues, leading to the increase in the

margin of expected income even in the face of dwindling oil price. Hon Sadiq Buba, while contributing to the debate, said the MTEF was a wonderful idea, which if passed, would provide opportunity to improve macro economy and drive to get revenues from non-oil sectors. He said that interesting thing in the MTEF was the huge amount provided for social welfare, which is good for the country, as it would directly impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, engaging the MTEF in the debate commended the efforts and spirit of the president, but said that worrisome in it was the loan and debt profiles in the proposal. He insisted that the relevant committees to

handle the MTEF must scrutinise it very well and do justice to the debt profile. Ogor, who raised the constitutional issues of Section 318, indicated that the MTEF as it were, may be offending the constitution. He pointed out that financial year as stipulated by the law meant any period of 12 months beginning from January or any other period as the National Assembly may approve within the ambit of the law. Consequently, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who presided, acknowledged his constitutional position, taking notice of same as the MTEF was a three financial years plan. Dogara in taking notice of this insisted that the country must begin to strictly adhere to the rule of law in all its engagements.

Also contributing, Ossai Nicholas Ossai said the House must take note in passing the MTEF to ensure that no government ministry, department or agency breaches the Fiscal Responsibility Act, just as other speakers insisted that the executive arm must be adequately engaged over this document. In seeking to pass the motion, the Speaker stressed on the needs for members to be patient, saying that the committee would still bring report on the document to the plenary for their consideration. The motion therefore, enjoyed overwhelming support and was referred to the committees on Finance, National Planning and Economic Development, and Legislative Budget and Research for scrutiny and recommendations to the House.

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US calls for viable military action against Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of the U.S. Department of State in a statement said Power also called for a regional strategy to disrupt Boko Haram’s hideouts, weapons’ flow and means of recruitment. “The repeated attacks by Boko Haram, which have killed 27 in the Lake Chad region, require viable military action and a wider regional strategy to disrupt their safe havens, weapons flow and recruitment. “It’s also essential that the socio-economic condition in the areas being exploited by Boko Haram be addressed and that their dire humanitarian conditions be addressed as well,” she said. The statement also said that it was imperative for government to ensure that the rule of law was returned to the affected parts of the North-East of the country. It added that the U.S. envoy also stressed the

importance of “decisively combating and defeating armed groups” in Nigeria. The statement also said perpetrators of violence and terrorism in the country needed to be held accountable, while the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, kept in safe places. “It is really important for leaders to begin to look at the welfare of their societies. “They should ensure stability and inclusive governance to ensure that basic dignity and human rights are protected,” she said. In a related development, police in Adamawa State said it had uncovered plots by Boko Haram to recruit young pupils in schools and initiate them as members. The state police command, which raised the alarm in Yola, through a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Othman Abubakar, said the ploy involved the distribution of items such

as sweets, dates palm (Dabino), sugar cane, coconut to schools and young persons under the guise of philanthropy with the view to initiate them into Boko Haram and cultism. The police therefore alerted parents, principals and proprietors of schools to caution their children and wards from receiving anything from strangers and to report such immediately to the force. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared that the return of persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgency to their home communities would begin in earnest next year. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and

Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Buhari spoke at an audience with a delegation from the International Rescue Committee, IRC, led by former British Foreign Minister, Mr. David Miliband. The President said his administration would do all within its powers to facilitate the quick return and resettlement of over two million internally displaced persons in their towns and villages. The President told Miliband that the Federal Government would welcome the support of IRC and other local and international non-governmental organisations for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. “In 2016, the return of

the IDPs will start in earnest. They will return to their communities to meet destroyed schools and other infrastructure which have to be rebuilt. “With agriculture being moribund in the region in the last two years without cropping, hunger is already manifest. We will welcome all the help we can get to assist the returnees,” Buhari said. Responding to a request by Miliband for the Federal Government’s priorities as to the nature of assistance required for the IDPs, the president said there was an urgent need for support in the areas of agricultural inputs, health, nutrition, water and sanitation. Buhari urged IRC and other international agen-

cies to work with the Presidential Committee on the North-East and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, which, he said, were already doing a lot to cater for the IDPs and restore some basic infrastructure in communities affected by terrorism and insurgency. In his response, Miliband assured Buhari that IRC would intensify its ongoing work in Nigeria which had assisted over 350,000 displaced persons, mainly in Adamawa and Borno states. He called for an increased security presence in recovered towns and territories, saying that most prospective returnees still feared for their safety on their return home.

Nigerian stocks drop 3-year low as oil prices tumble CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

with our correspondent attributed the persistent downward trend to the exit of some foreign investors and pressure on the nation’s currency at the foreign exchange market. He said foreign investors, who were supposed to play the market had developed ‘wait and see’ attitude due to developments at the foreign exchange market, pointing out that many things were working against the market, noting that there was no activity at the nation’s economy. Data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange website showed that total foreign inflow in the month of October is the lowest investment by the investors since the beginning of year 2015. According to polls trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments, FPI dropped significantly by N26.50bn translated to 50.90 per cent when compared with N52.06bn invested in October 2014. However, FPI inflow fell by N3.70bn compared to

N29.26bn inflows during the month of September. Consequently, foreign investors pulled N28.64bn out of the market in October higher than N25.56bn they invested during the same month. In comparison to the same period in 2014, total FPI transactions decreased by 64.64 per cent, whilst total domestic transactions increased by 141.25 per cent. FPI outflows outpaced inflows which was consistent with the same period in 2014. Overall, there was a 38.98 per cent decrease in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2014. The country on Monday agreed a N6trn budget proposal for 2016, up by N1.5trn on last year’s, despite low oil prices. Budget and Planning Minister, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, said the cabinet was assuming a conservative oil price of $38 a barrel and oil production at 2.2 million barrels per day. Lawmakers passed the 2015 budget at $53 a barrel in April.

L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Plc, Mr Yinka Sanni; with Minister of State, Solid Minerals, Hon Abubakar Bwari, during a visit by management of the Bank in Abuja, yesterday.

$2.1bn armsgate: Court remands Dokpesi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

tation of its strategic plan and other institutional reforms as measures to increase the capacity to fight corruption. He solicited the cooperation of all civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders in the battle against corruption as part of the Commission’s concerted effort to surmount all hindrances. Earlier, AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, expressed regret that corruption had stunted the capacity of the country to attain economic development even

as he restated the resolve of the present government to purge the nation of the cankerworm. Specifically, he identified a linkage between good governance and economic development and bemoaned the poverty level in the country despite its potentials. “There is a wide gap between revenue generation, appropriation, utilisation, public officials’ transparency, probity and the effect on the nation’s development,” he stated. The minister, who was represented by Barrister Sylvester Imanhobe, lamented that the coun-

try’s profile was worrisome, listing high cost of doing business owing to poor power supply, official corruption and high crime rate; high maternal mortality and large number of children out of school; high illicit capital flight and 800,000 deaths on the highways every year. “The problem of corruption in Nigeria is not in the inadequacy of penal laws, sanctions or lack of institutional framework. Rather, attention must be directed at strengthening the capacity of the enforcement agencies to detect and prosecute offenders,” the

chief law officer said. However, he promised to expedite action on three laws, including the National Financial Intelligence Center Bill, Proceeds of Crime Bill and Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, designed to reinforce the fight against corruption. Ms. Lilian Ekeanyanwu, head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-corruption Reforms, organisers of the forum, said the anti-corruption day had been marked in the country since 2009 as a strategic approach to measure the fight against corruption and make it all-inclusive.

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Reps decide on privatisation of refineries UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

ouse of Representatives has resolved that it would in four weeks from yesterday take its position regarding the privatisation of all the nation’s refineries. This is even as it considers an amendment to a motion proposing the removal of fuel subsidy, which was earlier noted during debate that about N2.5 trillion has so far been spent on petrol subsidy between 2012 and today. The House, which is worried that the nation was operating the refineries at a loss, is moving to have them discontinue op-

eration due to heavy debts and get the Federal Government to privatise them to those willing to operate them. The House has therefore, asked its committees on petroleum resources, upstream and downstream, to investigate the matter about the non-functionality of the refineries and report back to it in four weeks with recommendations on whether or not to urge the Federal Government to privatise them. This followed a motion brought on the matter by Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, calling for discontinuation of operations of Nigeria’s refineries due to heavy debts incurred by the refin-

eries and the need for the Federal Government to privatise the refineries. He is worried that in spite of the huge debts incurred by the refineries, the capacity utilisation of the Warri and Kaduna refining and petrochemical companies in September was said to be zero per cent as both plants did not process crude oil in that month, while the Port Harcourt refining company was reported to have produced at 4.15 per cent capacity, which is a far cry from its installed capacity. The mover of the motion noted that Nigeria’s four refineries were constructed primarily to refine crude oil for local consumption

and export to generate revenue for the country, adding that over the years the refineries have had series of challenges and so huge resources have been invested on their turnaround maintenance. TAM. Ogbeide-Ihama reminded the House that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were once sold to private investors by the government of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, which was reversed by the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The House expressed worry that the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refining Company and Warri Refining and Petro-

chemical Company were reported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to have incurred debts amounting to about N129.07 billion in August and September 2015. While their combined revenues in August was N146.617 billion, their expenditure was N207.287 billion in September. Leading debate on the motion, Ogbeide-Ihama said in August, the Kaduna refinery was said to have lost N6.5 million; and in September, the Port Harcourt refinery lost N11.3 million, stressing that the essence of these refineries are not being met. Minority leader, Leo Ogor, said it was instruc-

tive for government to privatise the refineries and stop losing money as Nigeria is spending so much to maintain other countries’ economies in the name of subsidy. He therefore, said it was appropriate for government to refine at home and stop spending on subsidy, considering the huge amount provided for it in the 2015 supplementary budget. However, majority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was not opposed to privatisation, said there was no need to remove subsidy and at the same time privatise the refineries as doing so would bring untold hardship to Nigerians.

CBN to curtail naira depreciation –Director WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (right) with the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Nigeria, Dr Abdulaziz Alsharrah, during a courtesy call on the former Vice President at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, yesterday.

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it is employing appropriate strategies to prevent depreciation of the naira against major currencies of the world like the American dollar and the British pound to boost the manufacturing sector and Nigeria’s export potentials. Assistant Director, Development Finance Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Babatunde Ogunlaja, said this in Ilorin at the opening of a two-day

Fuel scarcity: FG approves immediate payment of N407bn to oil marketers CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

inister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has confirmed payment of N407,076,805,386.30 for subsidy claims to oil marketers so as to end the lingering fuel situation.

According to a ststement by Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Marshall Gundu, the minister stated that the President has directed that payments be made immediately in order to bring to a quick end the lingering fuel crisis which has caused great suffering to

Nigerian families and businesses. She also said that despite dwindling revenues, the government is committed to ensuring continuous availability of fuel to Nigerians. The payments include arrears from the 2014 financial year as well as for

the current year. It is expected that the recipients would ensure adequate supply of fuel to end the persistent fuel shortage in the country. With this action which shows that government is fully committed to meeting its financial obligations in respect of fuel subsidy, the

minister further implored major oil marketers to reciprocate the action by doing all they can to bring the fuel scarcity to an end. Details of the approved payments under the subsidy scheme will be published in the national dailies as has been the practice.

OPEC daily basket price hovers around $35.30pb UDEME AKPAN

rice of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC’s basket of 12 crudes stood at $35.30 per barrel on Tuesday, compared with $36.45 the previous day, according to OPEC secretariat’s calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of crudes (ORB) is made up of Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and

Merey (Venezuela). The prices of other crude oil grades also remained low in the global market. For instance, the price of WTI crude oil and Brent stood at $39.97 and $43.00 respectively, yesterday. Investigations showed that prices would not leap soon in the volatile market because of low demand and

excess supply. The conference of OPEC observed during its recent meeting that global economic growth was at 3.1 per cent in 2015 and is forecast to expand by 3.4 per cent next year. In terms of supply and demand, it was noted that nonOPEC supply is expected to contract in 2016, while global

demand is anticipated to expand again by 1.3 mb/d. It agreed that member countries should continue to closely monitor developments in the coming months. For instance, the previous meeting of OPEC in Vienna, Austria, on November 27, 2014, did not also make much impact on the market.

fair organised in Ilorin, Kwara State. He said as at last Saturday, the naira had crashed to N251 to a dollar in the parallel market, adding that it was imperative to increase national productivity, block financial leakages, stop influx of banned foreign goods and encourage indigenous production and exports to shore up value of the naira and achieve currency stability. The fair, he said, was organised to create sensitisation, enlightenment and awareness among users of CBN products, adding that the fair was also intended to make banking clients know their rights and get a feedback system so that the apex bank could have a certain level of customer satisfaction. His words: “We have a core mandate. That is currency stability. So, part of what the bank (CBN) is trying to do is to float policies to promote stability. You can see what is happening to the monetary policy rate. You can see the decisions that are taken to be sure that leakages are blocked. “These are things to safeguard our foreign exchange from further depletion, and in addition, to be sure that at least we do not get to a state where we enter into more devaluation. We must close our borders and stop leakages and in doing that we hold on to what we have and, of course, we stream down. We should all be worried about the crash of the naira.

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Shun corrupt practices, Osinbajo tells Nigerians Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that if Nigeria must conquer in the war against corruption, every Nigerian citizen must play their individual roles by not only refusing to give bribes but also endeavour to report acts of corruption. Osinbajo, who spoke at a seminar organised by Inter-agency Task Team comprising anti-corruption agencies to commemorate the International AntiCorruption Day yesterday, noted that corruption will continue to thrive as long as Nigerians continue with the attitude of ‘see no evil, hear no evil.’ The Vice President, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Presidential Inter-agency Task Team on Corruption, Prof. Sadiq Radda, regretted that corruption has become one the major hindrances to economic growth and development in Africa as it weakens the trust of the people in government and institutions as well as escalates poverty and insecurity. The UN secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon in his submission, noted that the global attitude towards corruption has changed dramatically nowadays, stressing that where once bribery, corruption and illicit financial flows were often considered part of the cost of doing business, now corruption is widely and rightly understood as criminal and corrosive. He stated that corruption has disastrous impact on development when funds that should be devoted to schools, health clinics and other vital public services are instead diverted into

the hands of criminals or dishonest officials. Ki-Moon called for united efforts to deliver a clear message around the world that firmly rejects corruption and embraces principles of transparency, accountability and good governance as the world marks the international day for corruption. Also, the Acting Executive secretary of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the anti-graft agency has so far conducted five cycles of audit in the oil and gas sector, three in the solid minerals industry and one that tracked the revenues shared among the three tiers of government and how these resources were used. According to Orji, NEITI has so far recovered $2.4 billion into the federal government coffers. Orji urged the federal government to beam searchlight in the direction of solid minerals sector, stressing that the absence of synergy among agencies of government has created situation where records of revenues on exported solid minerals were poor. He called for an urgent check on the incessant smuggling of solid minerals products out of the country through deliberate creation of boarder markets at strategic border points across the country. Also, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said no effort would be spared to ensure the recovery of public funds allegedly stolen in the guise of arms procurement, adding that all culprits would be brought to book.

Six perish in Kogi road crash Wale Ibrahim, LOKOJA

t least three six people were yesterday confirmed dead in a ghastly road crash in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. The accident that involved three vehicles, one 18-seater bus and two tipper trucks, were said to have brushed side by side on Jimgbe river near Salem University in Jimgbe village, 10 metres from a bus with registration no GKP 12 YN that was trying to overtake the tipper with registration number UNN 702 XA right on the Jimgbe bridge when they brushed,

forcing both off the bridge, thereby killing six of the occupants of the mass transit bus including the driver. The other on-coming tipper with registration number LKJ 690 XA also veered into the bush while trying to avoid a head-on coalition with either vehicle. A six months old baby and drivers of both tipper trucks survived and were being taken to a Specialist hospital as at press time. When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Willians Aya, could not confirm nor deny the incident, saying he was yet to receive detail of any such accident.

L-R: Celebrant, Prof. Uduogie Ivowi; Director, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Ismail Junaidu; Chairman of the event, Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Uduogie Ivowi Educational Foundation, Prof. Union Edebiri, during 19th annual lecture to mark Prof. Ivowi’s 74th birthday, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Buhari didn’t cause Biafra agitation –NOA

•Oyegun calls for ‘carrot and stick’ approach to crisis Obiora Ifoh and Joel Ajayi

irector-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mike Omeri, yesterday disagreed with those linking the ongoing agitation for a republic of Biafra to President Muhammadu Buhari, saying each section of Nigeria is affected by the prevailing economic situation. Omeri, who spoke in Abuja during a press conference on the Threat of Secession, Herdsmen versus Farmers’ clashes, communal clashes and violence across Nigeria, however noted that the government is working tirelessly to address the situation. According to him, the economic and infrastructure backwardness, political neglect and unemploy-

ment was not caused by Buhari, adding that every part of the nation is affected in one way or the other by the many challenges the government is currently battling to resolve. He maintained that the quest for secession by some section of the country is not a solution to the challenges confronting the country. Omeri challenged community leaders and the elite in the country to make a point of visiting their villages regularly, adding: “Nature abhors vacuum, where the elite neglect to pay regular visits to their village in order to play the role of opinion moulders and offer community leadership, hoodlums will take over and lead communities into violence and mayhem.” Meanwhile, National Chairman of the All Pro-

gressives Congress, APC, John Oyegun, has advocated the use of ‘carrot and stick’ approach in addressing the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the Movement for the Actualisation for the Sovereign State of Nigeria, MASSOB in the South East. Oyegun, who spoke at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, dissociated the party from killings that had resulted from the protest. According to him, it would be unthinkable for anybody to associate the party with the protest or killings in the South East. The MASSOB had alleged last week that the APC government was responsible for the killings in the South East protest, noting that members of the party had infiltrated the group.

But in quick response yesterday, Oyegun denied the allegation as he said, “Please perish that thought. What is the involvement of APC? Why would the APC feel any desire to be involved in any way whatsoever? Is MASSOB PDP? It was a clean clear security situation and no government worth its salt will watch any group whatsoever make life impossible for the rest of the society.” Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, had few days ago advised the government on the need to employ a diplomatic approach to the uprising. On the protest by IPOB and MASSOB, Soyinka on national television had called on the federal government to take the protest of Biafra serious and negotiate with the South East geopolitical zone.

Reps to probe NDLEA over corrupt practices George Opara, ABUJA

ouse of Representatives has resolved to investigate the activities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, over allegation of connivance with drug cartels, release of hundreds of drug suspects, manipulated auction process and dubious remittances to the federation account. Also, NDLEA was urged

to stop further destruction of seized drugs and the impending auction of the seized assets and properties of drug offenders pending conclusion of investigation. While presenting his motion yesterday before the House, Hon. Muhammad Musa Soba, representing Soba federal constituency of Kaduna State stated that NDLEA since inception and particularly in the last 10 years has not given adequate account of seized

drugs, assets and properties of offenders whose total value was about N35 billion. However, it could be recalled that NDLEA was established in 1989 to eradicate the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs and to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drugs and to dispose of assets and properties of drug offenders. In consideration of the activities of the agency,

the House was of the view that NDLEA has not performed effectively with an estimate of about 90 percent of the youths into various forms of criminal activities majorly influenced by drug consumption. However, the House has mandated its committee on drugs and narcotics to thoroughly probe the allegations and report back to it for further legislative actions.

South West

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Execute corrupt public officials –Oyebode Wale Igbintade

ormer Vice-Chancellor, University of Ado-Ekiti, Professor Akin Oyebode, has advocated the Chinese formula in addressing the problem of corruption in the country. According to the professor, Nigeria should adopt Chinese method, adding that those found guilty of stealing public resources should be executed by firing squad. Oyebode, who currently lectures International Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Lagos, stated this yesterday in his keynote address titled “Towards Combating Corruption and the Protection of Human Rights’’ delivered at the Human Rights Summit organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos branch. According to the professor, if the country adopts stiffer penalty for the offence of corruption, perhaps, things would be different. He added that emulating the Chinese attitude to corruption or borrowing from the examples of Hong Kong or Singapore would have ensured greater success in the nation’s anti-corruption combat. He described as worrisome that successive Chief Justices of Nigeria have had to bemoan the fact that judges themselves are not immune to corruption virus, saying; “if the physicians cannot heal themselves, it would be no exaggeration to declare that in Nigeria, the

war against corruption could well be dead on arrival.” He said: “Perhaps, if Nigeria had overhauled its substantive and adjectival laws on corruption by opting for the inquisitorial instead of the adversary and accusatorial approach and prescribing stiffer penalty for the offence, perhaps things would be a lot better.” He said the nation cannot continue to embrace the “nuances of our inherited procedural jurisprudence and hope to succeed in creating a new Nigeria. Oyebode added that corruption was a Damocles’ sword dangling over Nigeria’s head, warning that for the nation to survive, it must engender a novel attitude to contain the scourge. According to him, to the extent that corruption entails misappropriation of public resources by private persons, it can be said that corruption constitutes a gross violation of collective rights of members of the community. He urged lawyers to be active in the fight against corruption and be ready to defend the less privileged without demanding for fees. In her speech, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, stressed the need for the Bar and the Bench to work together and ensure that corruption cases are speedily tried. Represented by Justice Morenike Obadina, the chief judge, however, cautioned that “in the fight against corruption and other economic crimes, and in a bid to ensure that there is speedy trial, the rights of suspects must be protected by the court.”

L-R: Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Alake-Adeyemo; Head of Operations Capacity Development, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Mrs. Zoumana Bamba; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Deputy Director-General, IITA, Dr. Ken Dashell and the institute’s Head of Communication, Mrs Katty Lopez, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, yesterday.

Lagos seals 53 worship centres, hotels Francis Suberu

agos State government yesterday sealed 53 churches, mosques and hotels at different locations across the state over noise pollution and other environmental offences. Briefing journalists after sealing the premises, General Manager, Lagos State

Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Engr Adebola Shabi, said the agency was inundated with complaints from residents and neighbours of the shut premises. Shabi explained that some of the affected facilities had been served abatement notices before the eventual closure, adding that the growing rate of worship centres calls for se-

AKURE

orkers of Federal Medical Centre, Owo, under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Workers Unions, JHSWU, yesterday threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if their colleague, Mrs. Queen Ehizogie Adeyeye, is not released by kidnappers. The workers gave a 24hour ultimatum to both Ondo State and Federal governments to ensure the release of the woman, saying failure to rescue her

would lead to an industrial action starting from today. Adeyeye, who is a pharmacist working with the health centre, was on Saturday morning kidnapped at her residence while coming from church where she went for prayers to mark the first anniversary of her husband’s death. Her whereabouts is still unknown at the time of filing this report. The workers marched round the streets of the ancient town of Owo, chanting different solidarity songs. They also carried placards with various inscrip-

as a church or mosque.” According to him, nobody is allowed to make noise above 55 decibel during the day in residential areas and only 45 decibel is allowed in such area at night. He explained that in the industrial areas 90 decibel of noise is allowed during the day while the noise rate must not exceed 80 decibel at night in such areas.

…bans public procession, street carnivals Francis Suberu

s global terrorism threat increase daily, Lagos State government through the state Police Command has rolled out measures to counter any act of terrorism, lawlessness or violence during

the yuletide season. Briefing journalists yesterday after an emergency State Security Council meeting, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, said part of the measures put in place was the banning of street carnivals and public procession of any sort.

Owo FMC workers protest abduction of colleague Ojo Oyewamide

rious regulations, especially in area of noise pollution. He noted that some of the noise-making worship centres are usually makeshift structures. Shabi said: “You cannot have makeshift and say you want to be conducting services or night vigil there. Definitely, you will be disturbing your neighbours. So, the government won’t allow the use of makeshift

tions such as ‘Say no to kidnapping’, ‘Save health workers’, ‘Bring back our staff ’, ‘ We demand the release of Adeyeye’, among others. Chairman of the union, Omoniyi Joseph, who spoke with journalists during the protest, described the kidnap of Adeyeye as “unacceptable and barbaric”. He said it was unfortunate that security agencies in the state had no clue about the whereabouts of the victim five days after she was abducted. He said: “If by today

(Thursday) our colleague is not released, all the workers of FMC would begin an indefinite strike. “As far as we are concerned, nothing has been done to secure the release of our colleague from the kidnappers’ den by government and security agents. “If in the next 24 hours our colleague is not released, we will withdraw our services and it is going to be indefinite. We are now calling on the Ondo State government and the security agents to make sure Adeyeye is freed.”

He also said the use of knockouts, bangers and other fireworks will not be allowed during the season. The commissioner said though Lagos was not under any special threat to warrant any panic, measures and strategies are in place to guarantee security of lives and properties; even as he assured Lagosians of unwavering security. Owoseni said: “We all know that Christmas and New Year is fast approaching. If we look at all we have on ground in terms of strategy and in terms of logistics, the council is convinced and we are reassuring the people of Lagos that yuletide would be celebrated without hindrance. “Most importantly, we have also looked and considered some intelligence reports that are flowing in from different people. Apart from the terrorists, there is information that some people wanted to come out under different kind of names to foment trouble and we feel we should tell members of

the public that with all the situation on ground now, carnivals and public processions should cease. “If anybody should be holding a town hall meeting or whatever meeting, those meetings should be limited to the venue or enclosure in which the meeting is taking place. The situation we have now would not allow us or permit such meetings to hold on the road.” The commissioner also stressed the readiness of government to enforce the ban on the use of fireworks popularly known as “Biscoe and Banger” due to the potential hazard of the device to the people and the environment.

Arase

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Christmas shopping at Dosunmu Street, Lagos PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, December 10, 2015

A trader selling Christmas hats at Martins Street, Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Traders’ expectation of bumper Christmas sales dampened

...Expert lists strategy to increase sales

ust two weeks to Christmas and New Year celebration, traders on Broad Street and adjoining markets like Balogun, Idumota, Ebute Ero Breadfruit among others, are groaning over low turnout of costumers expected to buy during the yuletide. Before now, commercial activities on Lagos Island, being the commercial hub of the state, had been at the low ebb due to many factors affecting business activities generally in the country. However, many traders had hoped that they would recoup lost grounds during the yuletide period when many people would buy gift items for their love ones. What lead to the optimism by these traders, is that this is the period of the year when corporate organisations and government agencies including individuals normally buy Christmas kits such as Christmas light to decorate their offices. However, the traders’ hope for this year seems not to be as they expected, as customers’ turnout at the different markets on the Lagos Business District has been very low, compared to what it used to be in the years past. The expectation of increased Christmas sales had made many traders divert their lines of businesses into selling items that go with Christmas, such as bangers, balloon, fireworks, Christmas hats, decoration lights, ribbon, Christmas tree, toys,

hats as well as other gifts items including hampers which contains assorted beverages, wines and other items which are usually used and sent out as gifts for appreciating each other for existing relationship that lasted during the year. Even items such as electronics, fashion wares, footwear, clothing and furniture that usually witness large sales during the Christmas period have witnessed low patronage this year, while demands for foods was said to have remained weak. Shoppers and retailers, who spoke to National Mirror, said the situation might not be unconnected to the high exchange rate of foreign currencies to naira. They said those items were imported and were too costly for majority of the Nigerian consumers to purchase. One of the shoppers, Afeezat Ilori, who spoke with National Mirror, said people are being meticulous of their spending this time around, cutting away items that were not of primary importance to their needs. Ilori, who said shop owners were optimistic in the run up to Christmas. “This week and next few weeks are supposed to be the most important trading period of the year and key indicators are pointing in the right direction. But peoples’ income is not, in fact, many Nigerians are jobless, while many of those that are working can’t get their salaries

paid, making consumers to be more careful about their spending,” she said. A survey by National Mirror in Lagos Island indicated that many shoppers are making use of the online shopping platform this year because people have found online purchase to be easier, convenient and more cost effective and this has made many high profile sale points to key into the online trading platform. Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AfrikGold Technologies Limited, Mr Osuolale Bello, has listed eight ways to improve Christmas sales and these strategies can greatly assist traders in the Lagos Business District during this yuletide. He said: “It is few days to Christmas and that it can be a frightening thought if you’re the one cooking the jollof rice this year. On the other hand, if you’re a business owner, there’s plenty to be merry about. Now is the time to think about Christmas sales ideas that can help you capture the attention of your target audience over the festive season. “Without doubt, Christmas online shopping in Nigeria has increased over what it was last year. So, a well-targeted, well-planned Christmas campaign could help boost your sales by attracting new customers and encouraging existing customers to spend more. “There are some offline and online

Christmas marketing tips and ideas that can be implemented to have a Christmas season as profitable as last year’s season or even better.” Some of the strategies Bello posited, include: Pay Per Click Advertising; Email/ Bulk SMS Campaigns and Loyalty Programs; Social Media Contests; 10 days of Christmas’ Business Promotion; Entertain Your Customers; Radio and TV Advertising; Special Offers; as well as Helping a Church to Raise Funds According to him, a business owner can contact local churches offering to help them raise money if they make use of Church bulletins. “The Church that agrees will have to inform their members that they will get some discount and freebies if they shop at your store. All they just need to do is to bring the current church bulletin along with them whenever they want to shop at your store during the festive season. When they make a purchase, the cashier would take the bulletin and write on the cover, the total amount of the purchase. The store would then add up the total purchases made through each church, and donate 10% of the purchases to the church. As a store owner, you could easily tell which churches promoted their participation, from the donations you will make to them” Bello said. –Abolaji Adebayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, December 10, 2015

‘Bitter leaf’ delays onset of cancer, enhances treatment, says expert

professor of Growth Biology and Biochemistry, Ernest Izevbigie, has said that Vernonia Amygdalina, commonly called ‘bitter leaf ’, “delays the onset of cancer and improves treatment of the disease.’’ Izevbigie told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Benin that it had been scientifically proved that extract from the plant was able to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. He said: “There is scientific evidence to prove that bitter leaf can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. “If one already has cancer, the extract from the leaf can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which is important in chemothera-

py.’’ The expert said the extract from bitter leaf had also been proved to have anti-diabetes and antiHIV properties. On the prevention of cancer, he called for regular screening and consumption of fruits and vegetables. He added: “There is a huge relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the onset of cancer. “Also, we should go for regular screening; men above the age of 40 years should be screened for prostate cancer. “The World Health Organisation, WHO, has recommended that women should do regular breast and cervical screening.’’ He stressed that “if detected early, cancer can be cured.’’

Police nab 4 kidnap suspects in Delta Elo Ogwara WARRI

elta State Police Command has arrested four kidnap suspects in Isoko South council area of the state. In a statement made available to pressmen in Warri, DSP Celestina Kalu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed that the arrests were due to failed attempt by the suspects to abduct one Dr. Idodo Umeh over a week ago in Olomoro, Isoko South council. The statement added that the victim was abandoned in Iyede, Isoko North, after the suspects got involved in a second accident with a Kia Jeep, which was snatched from one Vincent Onwo. Earlier, the suspects had

been involved in an accident with their Vento Volkswagen car marked LEH 339 LS. Although investigations were still on, the statement said three of the hoodlums identified as “Avueferoye Ifowodo ‘m’, aged 25 yrs, Oghenemine Bright ‘m’, aged 32 yrs, and Nwabuwa John ‘m’ aged 28 yrs” were apprehended the same day, while the fourth, Uzuke John ‘m’ aged 24 yrs, was arrested two days later. “Fortunately for the victim, the suspects got involved in an accident with the Vento car, snatched another Kia Jeep, marked LEH 339SL from one Vincent Onwo ‘m’ but equally had accident with the Jeep at Iyede Isoko, where they abandoned the vehicle and the victim and escaped,” the statement read.

L-R: Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, DSP Stephen Onwochei, Commissioner for Transport, Edo State, Mr Isimeme Iriogbe, Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC RS5, Benin, Mr. Shehu Zaki and Government Services & Alcohol in Society Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs. Nkiru Ogburuche, at the flag-off of Guinness Nigeria’s Operation Sanity, during the Ember months campaign launch in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday.

Bayelsa guber: APC protesters demand Southern Ijaw result

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ommercial and economic activities were temporarily put on hold for hours in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, as hundreds of aggrieved supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday took to major streets in protest against cancellation of Southern Ijaw poll. Comprising youths and persons with disabilities, the protesters began their march at the party’s secretariat in Kpansia area of MbiamaYenagoa road, from where they marched to the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Swali Road. There was heavy traffic gridlock for hours as the state capital was almost locked down by the angry protesters, who trekked over five kilometres to the INEC headquarters. At one point, some resi-

dents of the metropolis joined the protesters, who were under the cover of anti-riot policemen, singing solidarity and war songs, as they made their way through Yenagoa-Mbiama Road, Imgbi Road, en route INEC office. They were, however, prevented from entering INEC premises by scores of security operatives that mounted guard at the entrance, who asked them to wait outside the premises while the commission officials attended to them. They were unanimous in their requests: “INEC, give us our votes in Southern Ijaw and declare our leader and candidate of APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, governor-elect.” They accused the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner of fraud, claiming he subverted the collective will of the people on Saturday and Sunday by cancelling the result of an already held election. They said the REC can-

celled the Southern Ijaw election, which results had already been collated, remaining to be announced because Sylva won in SILGA by a landslide. They said all hell would let loose if the commission failed to announce the poll results from Southern Ijaw as they were, and return Sylva as governor-elect of Bayelsa. The protesters said INEC must declare Southern Ijaw results or cancel the results of Ekeremor, Sagbama and Yenagoa, which they claimed were also marred by extreme violence and irregularities. The protesters further demanded the sacking of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, alleging that he was a bad influence and an election rigger. The protesters, who conducted their demonstration peacefully, brandished banners and placards with inscriptions such as “The

number of our senior citizens, particularly the ones who were in the employ of local governments, covered by the Local Government Pensions Board, for some reasons, have not received their pension for a couple of months. “I need to make the point clear, because when I see their comments, it seems to state that the government is responsible for the payment of their pensions. “It is true that state gov-

ernment has some level of responsibility to supervise and watch over the conduct of local governments. However, the local governments remain the 3rd tier of government and their roles and responsibilities are fully spelt out in the Constitution. “Since I assumed office, Edo State government under my stewardship has never and will never interfere with the funds of local governments.

How we uncovered fraud in pensions payment —Oshiomhole

do State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed how his administration uncovered fraud in pension administration in the state, saying while some pensioners were unable to get their gratuities, others had two vouchers in their names. He therefore, ordered the scrapping of the State Pensions Board and creation of a bureau to oversee payment of pensions, just as he announced that the govern-

ment will immediately key into Contributory Pensions Scheme as a way of stemming the incidence of fraud in pension payment. The governor also assured that within two weeks local government pensioners would be paid as steps have been taken to ensure that henceforth, regardless of the amount of money accruing to local governments, provisions would be made to pay council pensioners. Oshiomhole, who has

already sent the state’s Head of Service, Mr Jerry Obazele and Permanent Secretary, Information and Communications Technology Agency, Mr Dan Aigbavboa, on retirement and directed members of the State Pensions Board to report to the State Civil Service Commission for proper investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Rules, said: “Government is aware that quite a

Resident Electoral Commissioner does not have the powers to cancel election already declared by the returning officer”, “INEC must disqualify Governor Seriake Dickson for personally moving to Southern Ijaw to order violent attacks on APC members.” Others bore the inscriptions: “Mr. Baritor Kpagih, INEC REC, should be sacked”, “We demand INEC to declare the Southern Ijaw results”, “Bayelsans reject cancellation of Southern Ijaw results”, “Ijaw people reject and also say no to dictatorial and draconian leadership of Dickson.” Speaking on behalf of the protesters, an APC chieftain, Mr. Famous Danaumougha, said they had come to send a message to the commission that election was conducted in Southern Ijaw and that the results should be announced. He said APC was leading in that election, wondering why INEC refused to announce the results, adding that the electoral officer that cancelled the results had no reason to do so, as the results had been collated for announcement. “The REC was too much in a hurry to cancel that election. If it had been the Returning Officer, we would not have raised eyebrow. The REC was so biased. We demand the announcement of that result,” he said, adding that their appeal was very simple; the results should be announced to avoid escalation of crisis in the state.

South East

FMC crisis: Youths warn health workers

…issue 7-day ultimatum Chris Njoku OWERRI

s the number of casualties increase at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, due to incessant strikes embarked on by workers, Imo State chapter of the Supreme Council of Niger Delta Youths, yesterday gave the workers a seven-day ultimatum to resume work or resign their positions. The workers, comprising the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, had resumed their suspended strike but downed tools again few days after a probe panel of the Federal Government gave the Medical Director, Dr Angela Uwakwem, a clean bill of health on the allegation of corruption and highhandedness leveled against her by the workers. But angered by the high rate of casualties in the hospital, the Niger Delta youths stormed FMC premises and accosted the protesting health workers, lamenting that since the workers embarked on strike from Janu-

ary this year, the state has lost more than 75 patients at the hospital as a result of frequent closure by FMC workers. Addressing the striking workers, chairman of the Supreme Council of Niger Delta Youths, Thaddeus Nwachukwu, stated that as stakeholders and Imo youths, “the council has observed with concern the incessant strikes going on at FMC Owerri since the beginning of 2015, resulting in the closure of the hospital and disruption of health services to Imo people. The preliminary investigations carried out by our members showed that the incessant strikes at FMC Owerri were taking serious negative tolls on residents of Imo State.” He regretted that due to regular strikes at FMC Owerri, “our people have been denied services and a lot of avoidable deaths and other unpleasant consequences recorded in some communities in the state.” Nwachukwu gave the striking workers and those behind the closure of the hospital seven days from December 8, 2015, to resume full services to Imo people or resign their employment with the hospital.

Infant mortality drops in Anambra Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

ational Demographic Survey conducted by the Support to National Malaria programme, SuNMap-Nigeria, has shown a significant drop in infant and maternal mortality rate attributable to malaria in Anambra State. The SuNMap Technical Director in Anambra, Dr. Tony Okoye, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday during flag-off of the second round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health week, MNCHW, at Obeledu Primary Healthcare Centre in Aniocha Local Government Area. He noted that the partners applied the distribution of the Long Lasting Insecticidal Net, LLIN, and the use of Sulphordoxine mimetamine as two key preventive therapies for malaria in pregnancy. Earlier in his address, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, noted that

MNCHW was a bi-annual event that aims at sensitising people on the poor statistics of women that die during pregnancy and newborn babies under five years. Akabuike attributed the untimely death of pregnant women to bleeding, infection and hypertensive condition, while children, according to him, die mainly of diarrhoea and other preventable ailments. He further explained that malaria was the most significant health problem in Nigeria, adding that it accounts for 25 per cent of under 5 mortality, 30 per cent childhood mortality and 11 per cent maternal mortality. While appreciating Governor Willie Obiano and the partners, UNICEF, SuNMap, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Christian AID, World Health Organisation and others for their support in health care delivery in the state, Akabuike.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ararume’s son among Okorocha’s commissioner-nominees

Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has finally sent the list of commissioner-nominees, which includes the son of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Progressives Alliance,

Dr Vitalis Ajumbe, to the House of Assembly for screening. Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu, who submitted the list to the House yesterday, stated that while the government had done its best by selecting qualified individuals for the job, the House was expected to expedite action on the screening of the nominees.

While receiving the sealed envelope containing names of the nominees, the Speaker, Acho Ihim, promised to unveil the names on the floor of the Assembly during its plenary session. It also assured that the House would speed up screening and confirmation of the nominees. The commissionernominees include Law Eberuo (Ideato North), Barr

Nlemadim (Oguta), Udo Agoha (Owerri North), Vitalis Ajumbe (Ikeduru), Innocent Eke (Owerri West), Ifeanyi Ararume (Jnr) - Isiala Mbano; Emma Ibediro (Onuimo), Engr. Chidi Ibe (Ahiazu) and Gertrude Oduka (Ideato South). Others are Ngozi Njoku (Nwangele), Obinna Mbata (Owerri Municipal), Ajaelu Rodney (Ihitte Uboma), and Josephine Udoji (Ideato North).

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Copen Group, Rev. Ugo Chime; Managing Director of the Group, Mrs Chinelo Chime; Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, at the commissioning of Elim Plaza, in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Rescue Umudike varsity, ASUU implores Buhari Livinus Menedi YOLA

cademic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, has implored President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, against the abuse of power, impunity and maladministration allegedly being perpetrated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hilary Edogha. The union, which directed all its 13 zonal branches to bring to light the alleged scandalous and destructive activities of Edogha, urged the President to set up a visitation panel to the institution. Addressing journalists in Yola yesterday on behalf of ASUU, Dr. Augustine Ndaghu alleged that despite that the union fought very hard to ensure

autonomy of the Nigerian university system and the sanctity of the 2009 FGNASUU agreement, Edogha was busy running the university as his personal estate. Part of the misdeeds of the VC, ASUU claimed, included his flagrant abuse of the conditions guiding appointments and promotions in the university, stressing that in 2015 alone the VC employed over 1,000 staff after collecting N3,800 from over 2,000 unsuspecting job seekers, which the union frowned at because employment in Nigerian public system is not for sale. “In the same 2015, Prof. Hilary Edogha scandalously promoted over 30 unqualified individuals to the rank of professor without recourse to experience, publications and qualification, which are the tripod on which pro-

motion in the university rests,” Ndaghu said. The union, while decrying the watering down of academic standard by Edogha, said it was surprised that “people who have spent less than six years in the university were appointed professors, more so, these were mostly people who had no university experience prior to their engagement in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.” The union, which also regretted the VC’s handling of TETFUND sponsorship, accused him of using it to reward loyalists and associates by sending them to multiple conferences and workshops around the globe, adding that the amount approved for such trips or trainings depends on one’s proximity to the Vice Chancellor. “We call on the Visitor to the University, Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to, as a matter of urgency, intervene and save the university from the clutches of Prof. Edogha before it is too late,” the ASUU statement read. It further stated that its appeal to Buhari had become imperative since it has exhausted all internal avenues for peaceful resolution of the impasse, which has characterised the administration of Edogha. The union also stated that if the visitor to the university fails to accede to its call to intervene and rescue the institution, it would have no other choice than to approach the courts.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Buhari and the Nigeria democracy With the three arms of government facing the challenges of governance, many Nigerians have expressed concerns that the present democracy could be under threat. ROTIMI FADEYI, UBONG UKPONG, GEORGE OPARA AND DOOSUUR IWAMBE examine the challenges and their effects on the expectations of the people in the change agenda.

ince 1999, Nigeria has witnessed 16 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, which was a clear departure from the long military dictatorship which lasted for several years in the country With the entrenchment of civilian rule came democratic institutions and entrenchment of norms and tenets of democracy which brought about different approach to governance as well as challenges that such system of government also bring along with it. The Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary are the three arms of government that are needed to work together for proper functioning in a democratic system that is commonly defined as government of the people, by the people and for the people. However, in recent time, the three arms of government have been facing various challenges that have continued to cause ripples in the country and even portends danger for democracy. The National Assembly took off in an atmosphere of crisis with regard to the emergence of its leadership shortly after the handover of power on May 29 by former President Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari. The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC favoured Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President as opposed to the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki even though both of them are from the same party. Similarly in the House of Representatives and contrary to the expectation of the party, the preferred candidate of the APC, Femi Gbajabiamila could not secure the position of Speaker rather it was Yakubu Dogara that became Speaker. This development generated a frosty relationship between the legislature and the executive while the ruling party made spirited attempt to ensure that Ahmed and Gbajaniamila take over leadership in the Senate and the House of Representatives but to no avail and therefore had to accept the situation. The economic reality in the country also had negative effect on the finances of both the Federal and State governments as salaries of workers could not be paid and the President had to announce a bailout package for the states to offset backlog of salaries owed workers. For the judiciary, there had been allegations of corrupt practices by judicial officers in the dispensation of justice and the delay in the determination of cases which have negative effect on the entire justice system. With the prevailing situation, there are concerns on the future of democracy in the country and anxiety as to whether the expectations of the people in terms of better living conditions would be met. Though the challenges may be considered normal un-

Buhari

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The economic reality in the country also had negative effect on the finances of

both the Federal and State governments as salaries of workers could not be paid and the President had to

announce a bailout package for the states to offset backlog of salaries owed workers der a democratic setting but the effects on governance in the country and the lives of the people are issues of concern which must be addressed to preserve democratic structures.

Highpoints of activities of Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration Since he came to power on May 29 , about 30 years after he left office as military Head of State in 1985, President Muhammadu Buhari had always emphasised that the focus of his government would be on ensuring security, fighting corruption and job creation. Shortly after he took charge as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Buhari effected change in the leadership of the armed forces by sacking the Service Chiefs inherited from former President Jonathan by appointing new Service Chiefs to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency which has led to the loss of thousands of lives and destruction of valuable property in the North East states of the country, Also sacked along with the Service Chiefs was retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser that

was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan. As a replacement, Buhari appointed Babagana Mongunu. Following the appointment of the new Service Chiefs, Buhari issued ultimatum to the military to put an end to insurgency by December, this year and flush out the Boko Haram sect. This is an ultimatum that the military is still trying very hard to meet .. Buhari had also travelled out to other countries in Africa, Europe, America to woo investors and also seek support towards ending insurgency in the country as well as cooperation to ensure development in all areas of the economy. His four-day trip to the United States on July 19 in his effort to strengthen international relations with other countries could be said to be of great significance as Buhari was the guest of President Barack Obama Buhari, who was accompanied on the trip by some state governors and other senior government officials was invited by Obama for talks that would help strengthen bilateral relationship between both countries as well as on how the United States could support the fight against Boko Haram sect The two leaders discussed several issues relating to security, economy, trade and bilateral co-operation with Obama declaring loud and clear the commitment of his country to assist Nigeria. overcome the challenges it was presently facing. Before leaving the United States, the President sought the assistance of Obama in locating and returning $150 billion stolen in the past decade and held in foreign bank accounts on behalf of former corrupt officials. Since then Buhari had also visited other countries seeking their support in the fight against insurgency, recovery of stolen funds and assuring foreign investors of favourable business environment in the country. Four months of Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government without Ministers For about four months after his inauguration as President, Buhari did not constitute his cabinet, he was receiving regular briefings from Permanent Secretaries about the activities in the ministries . It was not until the end of September this year that BuCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 hari forwarded the first batch of the list of his 36 ministers to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation. Buhari later sent the last batch of ministerial list to the National Assembly early October after which they were all confirmed and it was not until November 11 that the President formally constituted his cabinet and assigned portfolios to them. Before Buhari appointed ministers, there were agitations by Nigerians who called on him to respect the provisions of the constitution by appointing ministers from the 36 states of the country. They argued that the cabinet needed to be constituted so that the government can start to function with technocrats and experts at the helm of affairs in the ministries and key government agencies. Since last month when Buhari administered oath on the ministers, they have keyed into the change agenda of the present administration and ensuring that the policies of government are implemented.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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Buhari and the Nigeria

Allegations that Buhari’s anti-corruption war was a witchhunt The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had accused the Presidency and leader¬ship of the All Progres¬sives Congress, APC, of willful blackmail, hound¬ing and harassment of its elected members, using the Economic and Finan¬cial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to cow and force them to join its fold. Specifically, PDP National Public¬ity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh at a press confer¬ence in Abuja said investi¬gation of Godswill Akpa¬bio, the Senate Minority Leader, by EFCC was po-litically motivated. Metuh said that the investigation was also aimed at weakening PDP ahead of 2019 elections and also weaken the legislature and prevent it from effectively carrying out its constitutional role of checks and balances in a democracy. According to him, the fight against corruption had been selective and focused against PDP members, The spokesman said the best example of the curious nature of the war against corruption is the fact that former PDP gov¬ernors and ministers are being hounded and arrest¬ed over apparently orches¬trated petitions, while their APC counterparts, who have more damaging petitions, are being nomi¬nated for ministerial posi¬tions. But the Presi¬dency dis¬missed PDP’s allegation when Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Ad¬esina said there was no truth in Metuh’s allegation that the President’s anti-corruption war was one-sided. He said Metuh has always been saying the same thing all the time and which has made him to sound like a broken re¬cord.

The challenges before the judiciary in the present administration The increasing reliance by Nigeria polity on the court to decide major issues and public interest has brought it into sharp focus. Informed opinions on the Judiciary in Nigeria varies between those who believe that the “Judiciary is dead” or that it is “on trial” and the more compassionate view that it is a “beast of burden” or a “sacrificial lamb”. These remarks derive from observations of the alleged or actual behaviors of the judges and their independence, impartiality and integrity. While the above metaphors may be subject to various interpretations, they do raise consideration, curiosity and interest as to why any Judiciary should attract such comments and perhaps to what extent the concepts are justified. The present administration came with a lot of promises to fight corruption, reposition the country and several other promises but all these promises will be futile if not backed by law. According to the president of the Nigerian Bar Association,NBA, Augustine Alegeh, in every democracy, it is the law that drives the democracy by having legal frameworks on issues. Funding of the judiciary has to be addressed via constitution amendment. There should be changes in the legislative arm of government and the way we appoint judges and Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN). The enforcement of fundamental human rights and the rule of law is paramount There is need for serious reform of the justice sector, and we have been very lucky that our

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Metuh said that the investigation was also

aimed at weakening PDP ahead of 2019 elections and also weaken the legislature and prevent it from effectively carrying out its constitutional role of checks and balances in a democracy chief justices in the last couple of years have taken this matter seriously. It is a good thing that the government should support the judiciary in this quest; especially our criminal justice system must be upgraded to meet the modern times. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Yusuf Ali said, there is need for government to strengthen the issue of observance of the fundamental human rights and the rule of law. There is going to be serious need to reform our police system, that is, total re-orientation and rehabilitation of the Nigeria police. The men of the police must appreciate the fact that they are answerable to all their actions. The same thing goes for the armed forces; there must be critical orientation for us to have good observance of the rule of law. All these and others, will help in reforming of our justice system. No modern society can survive without the rule of law; this administration must ensure that all are equal before the law. The independence of the judiciary must also be preserved and all justice sector reforms embarked upon by the out-going administration must be steadfastly continued and implemented. Justice must reach the grassroots.

Corruption in the Judiciary The former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar on assumption of office acknowledged that there were indeed bad eggs in the nation’s judicial system with a promise to cleanse the bad eggs out of the judiciary. With her sanitizing efforts, judges were indeed put on their toes during her reign as the CJN. Recently at

the swearing in ceremony of 30 new High Court Judges, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed expressed worry over the increasing attacks on the judiciary by politicians and some lawyers noting that it amounted to disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary. He further called on anybody who has evidence of corruption against any judge to submit same to the National Judicial Commission, NJC so as to remove such judge from the bench. Justice Mohammed said it was not enough for those making such allegations to say the judiciary was corrupt and look the other way while thugs beat up judges. He said the fight against corruption is a collective one, especially among public officials, particularly governors who are the chief security officers of their states.

The disobedience to court order in the case of Dasuki It is standard practice everywhere in the world that when people commit crimes, they are arrested, charged and prosecuted. People are also wanted by the police for various crimes committed either in their own jurisdictions or even on an international level. No matter how heinous the crime that is committed, their prosecution follows basic rules and principles that are in place to protect the suspect’s fundamental human rights. These principles go a long way in ensuring that a suspected criminal is treated with respect and dignity and that after his conviction or acquittal, the person may be able to pick up the pieces of his life. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides in Article 10 that everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him. It also states in Article 11 that: “everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense” These rights are there to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and fairly no matter what crime has been committed by them. These rights have been incorporated into the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in section 36(5) where it states that: “every person person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until he is proven guilty” The former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki is currently undergoing criminal trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja for offences that bears organic link with insecurity and corruption. The ex-NSA has

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Thursday, December 10, 2015

democracy

pleaded not guilty to the counts as contained in the charge. The allegation against Dasuki was that he had the presence or likely presence of criminal items in his houses in Abuja and his father’s house in Sokoto. The houses were thoroughly searched by the DSS, in spite of protests of Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, Snr. Justice Ademola then granted Dasuki bail on self-recognition but ordered that his passport and other travel documents be deposited with the Deputy Court Registrar while the case was adjourned to October 26 and 27 for the hearing. But when the court sat on October 26, 2015 however, M.S. Labaran, appearing for the prosecution announced instead that the one count charge was now being expanded to include additional charges bordering on illegal possession of various amounts of local and foreign currency in his Abuja residence and family house in Sokoto contrary to Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. Since then, that order has been disobeyed. One of the school of thoughts also suggest that Dasuki’s travails may not be unconnected with a suggestion he made in London, that the 2015 elections be postponed for security reasons. However, many Nigerians urged the President to settle down to face the challenges of governance rather than indulge in the practice of witchhunt which would not lead to a better life for the average Nigerian.

The agitation by Pro-Biafra group for relevance, autonomy Another contemporary issue of concern is the agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and MASSOB. The continued detention of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kalu and clamour for secession of Biafra from Nigeria gave steam to the agitation of the group. However, the core reasons that underpin its agitation are: structural imbalances especially the country’s geopolitical imbalances and lopsidedness in the number of states, LGAs, senatorial districts, federal constituencies. Federal roads, fiscal allocations and geopolitical compositions of the field formations and headships of the Army, Police, Air force, Navy, DSS, NIA, FRSC and Customs. In the area of federal public office holders, it was alleged that it was drawn from the six geo-political zones, the southeast zone was said to be abysmally represented. All this, IPOB said are due to age-long deliberate policy designed to retard the citizens of the southeast extraction. So, it sees secession as the best alternative option.

Boko Haram attacks and December deadline to end insurgency For over six years now, the insurgency orchestrated by the Boko Haram terrorists group has taken the country by ransom causing huge number of deaths, injuries as well as destruction of property. The insurgency persisted during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan making the country quite ungovernable. The then opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, and its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, all made the insurgency a political issue, failing to give the then administration and military the necessary support and encouragement to end insurgency. Former President Jonathan was labelled clueless and lacking the potentials and knowledge on how to go about ending the Boko Haram menace. Upon taking over power on May 29, President Buhari began the war by asking military high command to relocate to Maiduguri, Borno state, added with his travelling to several countries in search for help. Furthermore, he gave a three-months deadline to the military to end insurgency by December ending. Over six months now into his administration, insurgency is becoming more threatening by the day, with more parts of the north experiencing attacks. Apart from the Boko Haram, there have been more groups like Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, causing unrest in the nation and threatening its democracy. There have been doubts that the military is capable of achieving this deadline, judging from the daily attacks by

Dokpesi

Mohammed

the insurgents and the fact that terrorism is an unconventional war. However, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said recently that the assignment given to the military was achievable, asking them to keep going about it. The military has also said that it was focused on achieving this deadline, been a presidential directive. However, the President, however had assured that he would grant extension if the needs arise.

Nigeria sliding back to dictatorship?

Move by National Assembly to gag social media National Assembly of a country is the symbol of democracy, where citizens’ views are represented and their rights upheld. But as it were, this seems to be fast going down with the moves by lawmakers to gag the social media and this is already getting knocks from the public. Last week while the House of Representatives was entertaining a motion to gag the social media, the same day, the Senate was also deliberating on the same issue with a resultant bill for an Act to stop the social media. This has been seen as a great danger for democracy as the Nigerian Guild of Editors , NGE asked the Senate to stop action on that bill which seeks to breach the constitutional rights of the people, given their freedom of expressions, to hold opinion and disseminate same. Apart from seeking to control the excesses of the social media users, it is believed that there are underlying motives intended someday seeking to regulate the mainstream media, which is the fourth estate of the realm and the pride of democracy. Already, there are protests by citizens, online publishers, bloggers amongst others, who are saying no to this move which is inimical to democracy values. However, president Buhari was reported to have already distanced himself from the Bill saying that he would not grant it assent.

Already, there are protests by citizens, online publishers, bloggers amongst others, who are saying no to this move which is inimical to democracy values

One of the things that worked against Buhari’s presidential ambition in his last three attempts was his background as an army General. As a former military Head of state, as at 1984, Buhari was known for his dictatorial policies most of which were not media friendly. Upon his expression of interest to stand presidential election, many Nigerians were interested in his candidature given his strong stance against corruption, but the fear was that he is a dictator. Buhari and his campaign team did their best to convince Nigerians that he was influenced by military system and had since changed, and would be influenced by democratic norms, laws and values. For the first time, he began to wear dresses from other tribes and region, including English wears for campaigns, visit churches during campaigns, tried to consult deeply with party leadership and chieftains in taking decisions, which all in turn endeared him to many Nigerians. Now that he is in power, many Nigerians are beginning to worry that the country is gradually sliding back to dictatorship in democracy. Although it is said that a good leader must have elements of dictatorship, which many believed former President Jonathan lacked, and that made him unable to stand firm in decision making, there are worries that in trying to be firm, Buhari is gradually making the country to go back to dictatorship. He has now made it clear that he cannot handle the country as he did then with decrees as a military dictator, but that he would put laws in place and make use of all available laws in administering the country.

Opposition leaders issue threats In the face of ongoing anti-corruption war, opposition leaders believe that Buhari is out on a vendata mission, to pull down all his perceived political enemies and those in opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftains have continued to accuse Buhari of targetting his anti-corruption war at them and their members in view of all the arrests made so far. Only last week, Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi was picked by the EFCC as Sambo Dassuki was picked by DSS over arms purchase scam and the PDP chieftains are issuing threatening statements. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh was emphatic that with the way the APC led government was going, the country’s democracy was going down.

Politics

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

he Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, yesterday reserved ruling in the appeals filed before it by Senator Rasheed Ladoja and Accord party, through their counsel, Chief Robert Clark, SAN, and Prince Aderemi Olatubora. Ladoja and Accord in the suits no CA/IB/EPT/ GOV/31/2015 and CA/IB/ EPT/GOV/31A/2015, are challenging the judgment delivered on October 27, 2015 by the three-man Oyo State Election Petitions Tribunal headed by Justice

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Court of Appeal reserves ruling in Ladoja’s suit against Ajimobi

Muhammed Maiyaki. During yesterday’s sitting which lasted for over five hours and presided over by Justice H.M. Ogunjimiju with four other judges, Justices H.S. Tsammani, Uchechukwu Oyemenam, J.O.K Oyewole and M.L. Shuaibu, each counsel was allotted 15 minutes each to argue their briefs. Clark who is the lead counsel to Ladoja, prayed the court to dismiss the

We must all unite in the fighting corruption –Lagos NOA Ayo Esan

he Lagos State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Waheed Ishola has said that the responsibility of combating corruption in our society should not be left to the government alone saying every Nigerian must be committed to the crusade against corruption in whatever capacity they find themselves. Speaking while delivering his opening remark at the Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on the War Against Corruption: Imperative for National Development’ organised by the Lagos State Directorate of NOA in Ikeja , the Lagos State capital , Wednesday, Ishola said parents, educational institutions, market/ commodities associations, Non-Governmental Organisations, youth associations, transport owners/operators among others have critical role to play in the crusade against corruption. He said the Stakeholders’ forum organised by NOA is a platform to sensitize the citizens to contribute to the collective responsibility of fighting the menace He further said that the NOA has been working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria internalize appropriate attitudes and values that will take Nigeria to greater heights, discipline, patriotism, hardwork and law-abiding. “The present administration , its attitude, language and disposition to corruption is zero tolerance. Empirical studies

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have revealed that corruption is detrimental to development in all ramifications political, social or economic. Consequently, this awareness forum is designed to: promote transparency and accountability in governance; Sensitize the public on the effects of corruption on our national security and development; Mobilize national support for the government’s crusade against corruption; and promote democracy, rule of law and dignity of labour”, he said Also speaking at the forum, the chairman , Ikeja Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barrister Yinka Farounbi said Nigerians must support the anti corruption crusade of the present Federal Government. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing leadership by example saying all Nigerians must be partners in progress in this attitude. Farounbi said if not for discipline the country would have gone down completely . “The government should look forward all the times and ensure that the fight against corruption is continued, without that we are going to be in for it. It is because corruption is being fought that we are where we are today otherwise we would have collapsed. In the past six months you know the revenue has been dwindling but because of discipline , because of fight against corruption ,money have been coming from where we didn’t even think it would come and that is why we are still strong today.

judgment of the tribunal against his client, arguing that the lower court excluded the evidence of the principal witness. He insisted that the tribunal excluded the evidence of the principal witness (PW1) (Bimbo Adepoju), which was vital to the petition, adding that the PW tendered 129 exhibits within five days which were not objected to by the counsel to the respondents. The Senior Advocate then wondered why evidences provided by the PW were not catered for in the judgment. According to him, the tribunal was wrong to state that the documents were merely dump on the court and that the PW1 was not

an expert. He made reference to the fact that there were many Appeal Court judgments which never stated that one need to be an expert before inspecting electoral materials. Clark hinged his arguments on the fact that PW1 holds a Masters’ degree in Statistics contrary to the judgment of the tribunal which referred to him as a mere farmer. He then urged the appelate court to allow the appeal brought before it and dismissed the judgment of the tribunal. He said, “the fundamental issue is the rejection of the evidence of pw1 which is the foundation of our case. Once you rejected the evidence which you your-

self admitted, it means you not ready to look into the merit of the case. Because the important thing is that he did not only give oral evidence, he submitted documentary evidence and we felt even if you say that there are contradiction in his evidence, the document speaks for it selves and they should have looked into the document. “We based our brief on three grounds. First, PW1 evidence which was rejected by the tribunal. We feel the tribunal was wrong in excluding his evidence having admitted them in the procedures and late on not giving credibility to it. “ Secondly, the tribunal claimed that PW1 just dumped all the exhibits he brought on them and did

not give evidence which belies the record that we have presented before the court today and thirdly, The evidence submitted by PW1 were procured during the pendency of the tribunal and which law does not apply to this particular type of civil matter.” However in his response, counsel to Ajimobi, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, maintained that the evidence of PW1 was irrelevant, noting that there were contradictions in the evidence during cross examination, an area which the appellant failed to appeal against. He added that the PW1 was not even the leader of the team that inspected the material.

L-R: Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, for Lagos West Senatorial District, Chief Funso Ologunde; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Lagos APC Chairman, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale when members of Lagos House of Assembly paid courtesy visit to the Lagos APC Secretariat on Tuesday.

Lalong’s choice of commissioners best for Plateau –Datti James Abraham JOS

ormer Commissioner for Information in Plateau State, Mr. Yakubu Dati, has lauded Governor Simon Lalong over the choice of commissioners lists which he sent to the state House of Assembly for confirma-

tion describing the lists as well considered and one bound to inspire confidence on the ability of his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy. Dati, in a statement in Jos on Wednesday said that the list showed that the Lalong administration is well-focused and has not

chosen the commissioner based on political patronage, tribal or religious inclinations. He said, “The list is a mixed bag of professionals and technocrats who would help drive the process of governance in Plateau State.” Dati added, “The list avoided the mistakes of the

past because the nominees were chosen by their people and presented to the governor who simply acceded to the people’s wish. This is what democracy is all about. We now expect the commissioners to sit down and actualise the dream of the administration in recreating an indivisible and united Plateau.

Bauchi APC cautions opposition over attack on Abubakar Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

auchi state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC has urged those who are attacking the state governor, Barrister Mohammed Abubakar to toe a path of honour and desist from

act that is capable of distracting good governance and the blueprints of APC which is aimed at improving the lives of the people. The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Auwal Aliyu Jallah who made this known in a statement he made available to National Mirror said the

party has viewed with total dismay some sponsored advertorials in some media outlets in an attempt to create confusion . It described the development as disheartening and urged the perpetrators of such evil motive to stop – “further disparaging of the personality of our

amiable governor through mudslinging mercenary, slanders and malice for perceive scores. The statement further warned the people not to make utterances that they could not account for especially those linking to government policies and programmes.

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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Social media bill and freedom of expression CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

oday is the International Human Rights Day, which is marked in December 10 of every year. I have chosen the controversial Social Media Bill, a human rights related theme, to commemorate the day. The Nigerian Senate is seriously engaged with a bill now popularly referred to as Social Media Bill. The bill aims at checkmating what the lawmakers perceive as undue maligning of innocent persons through the social media. The bill, which has the long title: “A bill for an Act to prohibit frivolous petitions, and other matters connected therewith”, is double-edged, as its focus goes beyond social media to conventional journalism. Thus, publication of any material adjudged offensive through print, television or radio broadcast, as well as in the social media, is punishable under the bill. On social media, the bill states “Where any person, through text message, tweets, Whatsapp or through any social media post any abusive statement knowing same to be false with intent to set the public against any person and group of persons, an institution of government or such other bodies established

by law, shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2 million or both fine and imprisonment.” This all-encompassing bill was sponsored by, a member of the governing All Progressives Congress from Kebbi State, Bala Ibn Na’allah. Several stakeholders group are already kicking against this bill for its anti-freedom of speech nature. The Nigerian Guild of Editors instance has opposed the bill and urged the Senate to suspend all the proceedings with respect to the bill unconditionally. The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has defended the bill, saying that it only seeks to stop the activities of irresponsible people. Against all the above-background, it is important to say that the rationale behind the bill leaves much to be desired. The position of those claiming that the bill is purporting to stymie freedom of expression cannot be faulted. It is really a shame that after 16 years of uninterrupted democracy, we are still grappling with basic issues like freedom of expression. The argument that the bill would check irresponsible journalism or misguided, virulent or defamatory statements on social media does not hold water. To start with, there are enough laws within our legal framework that already cater for such areas like defamation (comprising libel and slander), treason, sedition, incitement etc, therefore, coming up with another Act of National Assembly on the selfsame subject may be rightly construed as an attempt to muzzle free speech. What is there in free speech that makes

PARADOXICALLY AND MOST INTERESTINGLY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HAS DISSOCIATED HIMSELF FROM THE CONTROVERSIAL BILL many leaders fret and shiver? Well, most leaders have things to hide and the regime where freedom of expression is not curtailed is most inimical to shady governance they would have preferred. It is the notorious former dictator of Uganda, Idi Amin, who was quoted as saying, “I can guarantee freedom speech, but I can’t guarantee freedom after speech”. That statement is a confirmation that every dictator, in spite of all arms, ammunition and terrifying at his disposal, always fear free speech. But is this how things are supposed to be in a liberal democracy? Capacity to absorb criticisms and manage dissentient voices of all sorts without resorting to any oppressive measures is part of my own definition of good governance. If this bill succeeds, the relative freedom of expression we have been enjoying would be grievously undermined. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) itself gives the media the power to operate with unfettered professional latitude within the confines of law, when it provides in its Section 22 thus: “The press,

Adadevoh: Late hurray to Ebola heroine ELEANYA ISIGUZO

any people wondered why in the twilight of his administration immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan did not deem it fit to give a posthumous national award to late the Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, who gallantly sacrificed her life while preventing the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), thereby saving the nation from an endemic catastrophe. But before recalling the patriotic work of this national heroine, let us give kudos to Rev. Chris Okotie’s Household of God Church for giving this year’s prestigious Karis Award to the late doctor, whose prompt action during her rounds at the First Consultants Hospital, Lagos, while treating index EVD case in Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian diplomat who brought the deadly EVD to Nigeria, led to her death. This award to Dr. Adadevoh, whose name became synonymous with Nigeria’s battle against the rampaging epidemic, once again brought to the fore the question of the relevance of national sacrifice in our decimated society. The amiable doctor, whose bravery saved the nation from a possible calamity, paid the ultimate price when the cold hands of death snatched her away a few weeks after that unfortunate encounter. It is this question of oversight that the Karis Award 2015, with which she will be honoured during this year’s G.R.A.C.E. programme, answers emphatically.

THIS AWARD TO DR. ADADEVOH…ONCE

AGAIN BROUGHT TO THE FORE THE QUESTION OF THE RELEVANCE OF NATIONAL SACRIFICE IN OUR DECIMATED SOCIETY The award was announced by Rev. Okotie recently in the build-up to the annual event, which will hold in the church’s premises on Sunday, December 13, 2015. With this posthumous award, Dr. Adadevoh joins a long list of eminent Nigerians, who have been so honoured for their selfless, but often unrequited service to the nation. The Karis Award, which was instituted in 1996, is the main attraction in the church’s charity outreach, the G.R.A.C.E. programme, which is in its 25th year. G.R.A.C.E., which is an acronym for God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense, will as usual support some charitable organizations: The Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted; the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria; the Strong Tower Mission, and the Sunshine Foundation, with donations to the tune of N1 million each to support them in their service to humanity. Household of God also backs the Gideon’s Bible ministry annually. Rev. Okotie, who introduced the award, said: “The Karis Award, which carries a cash prize of N1 million is borne out of patriotism and the need to foster national

unity and zeal, but it is without any religious, political, geopolitical or ethnic or social bias. The substantiation of this can be seen from the diversity of the previous Karis Awardees, the chairmen and special guests of honour of the G.R.A.C.E. Events because Nigerians from different walks of life, different faiths, ethnic groups, political leanings, geo-political zones and social backgrounds, had either been conferred with the Karis Award or chaired or graced the Events in past”. Prominent Nigerians, who have been so honoured with the award include Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of Nigeri’s national flag; the late statesman, Mallam Aminu Kano; the late Oba Funsho Adeolu; former deceased head of state, Gen Murtala Ramat Muhammed; retired Police D.I.G., Chris Omeben; renowned mathematician, Prof. Chike Obi; political activist, the late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro; politician and nationalist, the late Sir Akanu Ibiam and Chief Thomas Osigbemhe JP. Others are political stalwarts and activists, Chief (Mrs) Margaret Ekpo and also Hajia Gambo Sawaba; Air Commodore Habiba Ruth Garba (Rtd), one-time national goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, and first female enlisted police woman, the late Mrs Beatrice Ibeneme. The church’s conceived the event as its way of giving back to the society, and recognizing those who have contributed to national development, one way or the other. It also seeks to encour-

radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people”. Furthermore section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution gives freedom of expression to every citizen, including those commenting on social media, when it provides thus: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.” Paradoxically and most interestingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has dissociated himself from the controversial bill. According to his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Mr. Garba Shehu, the President is committed to upholding the freedom of expression of Nigerians, among other human rights and freedoms. “President Buhari is not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution, which he swore to uphold. The president said free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world. “The President explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues”, Shehu stated. This evidently is reassuring from the President as he gives Nigerians the hope that the Presidency is at least apparently not afraid of free speech. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco.

age patriotism and excellence in national development. So, as the church celebrates the 25th anniversary of the G.R.A.C.E programme and the 19th anniversary of the Karis Award, it is fitting that a woman of Dr. Adadevoh’s stature, who could easily be identified with the strong character and courage she demonstrated, be chosen for this year’s honour. One commentator once said: “G.R.A.C.E. programme and the Karis awards at this auspicious time in Nigeria is relevant because it places emphasis on reward of integrity in any sphere of Nigerian life, and highlighting the fact that service, personal integrity and honour are still valuable and recognizable attributes, at a time when the nation is grappling to correct its pitiable image as a corrupt nation, and upturn the belief that crime and corruption pays”. To mark the 25th anniversary of the G.R.A.C.E programme this year, the popular Queen Esther costume pageant, another highlight of the event in which contestants parade costumes based on female Bible characters, takes a different look this year, as some past winners and runners-up will come together in a parade of queens. Isiguzo wrote from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday December 10, 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 OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Senate versus CCT chairman

he Senate last month intensified its move to probe allegations of corruption against the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar. Reports said the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, gave the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions two weeks to conclude the investigation prompted by claims of fraud, bribery and inflation of contracts a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the AntiCorruption Network, said to be the brainchild of Senator Dino Melaye, a core Saraki loyalist, among others, made against Justice Umar. It was alleged that the judge spent N1 million in July 2011 from the coffers of the CCT to sponsor his wedding; used another N15.2 million to purchase a Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle without following due process; awarded contracts for the supply of office furniture and fittings worth the sum of N11.3 million in March 2011, which were executed by a supposedly engineering company and not a furniture or supply company; and paid N4.2 million for the purchase of welfare items in a contract executed by a private individual, et cetera. Another NGO, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in the same last

month also petitioned the two chambers of the National Assembly demanding the immediate probe of an alleged N10.6 million bribery scandal against the CCT chairman and his personal assistant (PA), Mr. Ali Gambo Abdullahi. On November 6, the registered trustees of yet another NGO, Mission for Peace and Development Initiative (MPDI), filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to compel Justice Umar to vacate his position as the CCT chairman. The suit, in addition, sought to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out the instruction of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, to prosecute Umar for allegedly collecting a bribe of N1.8 million through the bank account of his PA. Umar, reports claim, has been in the news since 2014 following an investigation carried out by the EFCC into allegations made by a retired Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rasheed Taiwo, that the CCT chairman demanded N10 million bribe to quash a case against him (Taiwo). Even a cursory look at the said allegations would agitate any sane mind. They are weighty, indeed. It is common knowledge, however, that the Senate President, before the intervention of the

THE NATIONAL JUDICIAL COUNCIL… SEEMS IN A BETTER POSITION TO DO THE

PROBING, IF

JUSTICE

UMAR HAS TRULY

INFRACTED THE LAW Supreme Court, which gave him temporarily relief lately, was standing trial before Justice Umar’s-led CCT in respect of a 13-count charge of alleged false declaration of assets as contained in the form he filled in his capacity as Kwara State governor in 2003. This has fuelled the suspicion that the Senate, over which Saraki presides, is all out for a tit-for-tat with Justice Umar because of the latter’s insistence on subjecting Saraki to a rigorous trial on the alleged false asset declaration palaver. Not even the claim by the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Sam Anyanwu, that Saraki would not interfere with the upper legislature’s probe of Justice Umar has diminished this fear. We recall, for example, that the Senate also initiated a similar probe against former EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, shortly after the anti-graft agency’s grilling of wife of the

ON THIS DAY

December 10, 1948

December 10, 1968

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled. It consists of 30 articles which have been elaborated in subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, national constitutions and laws.

Four Kokubunji branch employees of the Nihon Shintaku Ginko bank transporting 294,307,500 yen (about $817,520) in the trunk of a company car were conned by a fake uniformed officer who stopped them and warned that a dynamite about to explode was planted in the transport car. When the four employees stepped aside for safety, the con man entered the car, drove off and disappeared with the cash.

Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, roughly six months ago in connection with allegations of suspicious in-flow of funds into companies, where she had huge stakes when her husband served as Kwara State governor. Lamorde’s probe followed a petition to the Senate by the Chief Executive of Public Alert Security Systems, Mr. George Uboh, in which the ex-EFCC head was accused of diverting N1 trillion worth of assets recovered from high-brow suspects of corrupt self-enrichment. Our thinking, therefore, is that the Senate’s conflict of interest in its probe of Justice Umar would vitiate the integrity of the final outcome of the investigation, as the probability of bias is visibly very high. Besides, the probe assignment may end up an exercise in redherring and waste of scarce public funds since the Senate, at the end of it all, can only pass its findings and recommendations to the appropriate authorities for further action. Consequently, the Senate should face more pressing legislative tasks instead of being distracted by revenge missions. The National Judicial Council (NJC), which recommends the appointment and removal of judges to the President, seems in a better position to do the probing, if Justice Umar has truly infracted the law.

December 10, 2012 The life of Nelson Mandela was celebrated in a memorial service at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was South Africa’s first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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Education Today

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

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

adiq Olayinka Olamide was the cynosure of all eyes at the recent graduation ceremony of the University of Ibadan. This was because of his outstanding academic performance which was revealed to the public during the event. Sadiq, 23, who graduated with First Class honours in Veterinary Medicine, is the overall best graduating student of his set in the university. He is also the best in his facultyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine - and in his department. But that’s not all. He is equally the best in 28 other subject areas considered for award by the university’s governing council. Each of these won him an award for which he was called to the podium 31 times to collect his prizes. The Iragbiji, Osun State born-graduand scored distinctions in eight out of a possible 11 subjects. He had distinctions in Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Surgery, Pathology and Parasitology. This result, according to the university is the best so far in the history of the 52-yearold Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the university. And based on this outstanding outing, Sadiq equally won in addition, the Nupemeco Prize, Liman Ciroma Prize, Coomasie Prize, Professor D.H. Hill Prize, Gamaliel Onosode Scholarship Scheme, Professor O.A Durojaiye Prize in Virology, Professor Joseph Apkokodje Prize for the best final year student in veterinary reproduction as a subject, Olagoke Oladini Prize in veterinary medicine as a subject and United Bank for Africa Departmental Prize, among others. But Sadiq getting to this level was not by accident. He had, in his academic pursuits from primary school up to the university, been coming top in most exams. “And when I gained admission into this university six years ago and got my bearing right as an undergraduate, I never looked back. I gave my studies deserved attention,” he recalled. “And I knew I was going to lead my class but not my entire set.” Identifying some of the factors that helped him for the accomplishment, he said he must first of all acknowledge God’s favour and assistance not only now but also from the beginning of his academic journey. “I must also say that I didn’t entertain any form of distractions not even from friends or the opposite sex. I did not attend

Best UI graduand wins 31 awards ...says ‘I never had a girl friend’ social functions anyhow and I did not also have any girlfriend or what you may refer to as a lover because I knew having one would come with distraction here and there. So, I married my book by concentrating on my studies and I thank God for crowning my effort with success.” Sadiq, who also acknowledged the strong support and cooperation of his parents and family members towards his studies and other needs however argued that it was like 24 hours of the day were not enough for students studying veterinary medicine particularly in UI because of the enormous work that the course required. He said, “Going to class from Mondays to Fridays between 8:00am and 5:00pm, doing extra-classes on weekends and numerous tests from various lecturers required a lot of effort, dedication and commitment. “So, the routine is basically from hostel to class and then back to hostel and to the Mosque, as a Muslim, for prayers.” I n t e r e s t i n g l y, Sadiq had wanted to study medicine and surgery but he couldn’t make the cut off point with his average performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board in that year for the course. “I was surprised at my low mark in the exam and instead of evaluating candidates’ scores together with our Ordinary Level results as the practice before then, the university used only the UTME result to deter-

mine the candidates’ scores. Because of that, I had only 27.5 points on the average and this was considered too low for medicine. So, veterinary medicine was neither my first nor second choice but an alternative to nothing due to what I would call irregularities by the university so as not to stay at home.” Even at that, Sadiq said though there were hard times, God took total control and therefore had no regret for taking that decision as what he now believes is to remain focused and committed in the path he is treading. Now, Sadiq’s next line of action is to go for the one-year mandatory national youth service corps scheme after which he said he would enrol for a postgraduate studies in diagnostic medicine hopefully in the United States. According to him, “diagnostic is a key aspect of medicine and to sustain good health in both humans and animals we must take the field very seriously as a country.” He is however not sure yet whether he would come back to take teaching appointment with the university, at least to reproduce his kinds. “But I know I would contribute meaningfully to the field of medicine and humanity when I settle down for work,” he said. The 67th foundation day and 2015 convocation event of UI was not all about Sadiq alone. A total of 2,362 students graduated during the ceremony. The breakdown showed that 53 made first class, 494 made second class upper, 822 obtained second class lower division, while 185 were in the third class category. Earlier at the event, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole who is now the Minister of Health congratulated Sadiq for his exemplary performance and all his mates for the successful completion of their various courses, asking them to go and make a positive change as they move on. Represented by the acting VC and deputy vice-chancellor (administration) Prof. Eniti Olorunda Aiyelari, Adewole also urged them to remain good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves, saying the university has equipped them with the right knowledge, skills and character that would help them to achieve their aspirations for life. He disclosed that the 53 first class graduates had become UI scholars, adding that the university would bear the cost of their studies up to doctorate (PhD) degrees. ‘‘

ABUAD: Re-defining engineering education standard in Nigeria 26

‘UK/Nigerian teachers’ training scheme will boost service delivery ‘ 21

ASUU threatens showdown at MOUA 23

Education Today

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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NUC laments poor maintenance of equipment by tertiary schools

L-R: PhD Accounting graduands from Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Dr. Mary Josiah; Dr. David Isiavwe, General Manager Union Bank; Prof. Tonye Okorie; Dean, School of Graduate Studies & Research; Dr. Beshiru Sanusi and Dr. Betty AliMomoh during the recent graduation ceremony of the institution.

Regina Otokpa ABUJA

he National Universities Commission (NUC) has lamented the poor utilisation and maintenance of equipment by the various tertiary institutions in the country. Expressing the commission’s worry at a seminar on Science and Engineering Equipment, Functionality, Procurement and Processes in Nigerian Universities, organised in conjunction with Eagle Scientific Ltd in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, revealed that more than 50 percent of laboratory equipment at the institutions were not operational. According to him, an independent study carried out by the Commission and the World Bank to assess the impact of equipment maintenance programme in selected universities in the country, revealed that only 47.65 percent of laboratory equipment were functional, 28.69 percent were non-functional while 23.66 percent were completely obsolete. While noting the commitment of the immediate past government towards enhancing quality education, Okojie maintained that tertiary institutions needed to cultivate a habit of procuring and maintaining equipment, given their direct link to ensuring production of high quality professionals in diverse disciplines. He said: “ Each of the new federal universities established during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was given N300 million to purchase equipment for their technical laboratories. Our priority as a regulatory body will be to step up monitoring to ensure that these equipment are maintained, but we have a very poor maintenance culture which we must try to address. “The high percentage of non-functional and obsolete equipment in the Nigerian universities attests to the fact that poor attitude to maintenance was still lingering in the system. In his remark, Tim Johnsen, an equipment expert, said the workshop was aimed at addressing shortcomings associated with physical structures for laboratory and workshops.

CNN launches English learning solutions provider

NN International Commercial is expanding the CNN brand and generating additional revenue streams in the areas of English language learning and international money transfers through two new partnerships. Working with Germany-based learning solutions provider Papagei.com, CNN is launching a dynamic English language learning service – CNN Learn English. Available on desktop and mobile, the subscription-based digital service will facilitate English language learning by overlaying CNN video content with Papagei.com’s unique translation and learning aids. Content is focused on finance and business, spanning a range of subject matters and a variety of dialects. Tailored to enable the learning of business-level English, CNN Learn English will be available globally to consumers directly or to companies wishing to boost its workforce skills.

ABUAD: Re-defining engineering education standard in Nigeria

Tajudeen Kareem

triving to square up with other developed nations of the world, Nigeria, seems determined accelerate infrastructural development and speedily achieve the golden aim within the shortest possible time. This concerted drive among the stakeholders in the engineering world, which is the cradle for all sustainable infrastructures, necessitated the theme of the 2015 National Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting where Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, among other distinguished 56 citizens together with four other institutions bagged the 2015 Presidential Award. The event, with the theme: “National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) 2015: Strategies for Implementation,” bears positively on the new drive, said President Muhammadu Buhari, who commended the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) for the choice of the theme to catalyze the new drive. “Engineers all over the world are recognised in their capacity and quest for providing the necessary technical support to the governments in bringing about sustainable infrastructural development,” Buhari said in an address read by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal During the event, the NSE singled out the Engineering programmes offered by one of Nigeria’s towering private universities, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) worthy as template for engineering education in Nigeria. This is not farfetched; the declaration is predicated upon the quantum of the modern, sophisticated and state-of-the-art equipment and teaching facilities sourced from the US, Spain, Eng-

land and Germany as well as the quality personnel of international repute manning the university’s engineering programme. Eminent lawyer, economist and educationist, Aare Afe Babalola, who is also the founder of the university, together with few notable Nigerians, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chairman of Innoson Industries, Chief Innocent Chukwuma were recently honoured by the NSE. While Babachir bagged the NSE professional fellowship award, Aare Babalola, Dr. Mimiko, and Chief Chukwuma were made honorary fellows. The university did not just attain the rating. ABUAD was built within eight months on 130 hectares of land, admitting 240 pioneer students in January 2010 and currently has over 6, 200 students with modern facilities, ICT centre with 3,000 desktop computers and 500-capacity auditorium. “ABUAD is now a reference point for the NUC. They helped us to raise the quality bar for private universities. Those coming after the university will have a higher hurdle to scale,” said the National Universities Commis-

sion’s boss, Prof. Julius Okojie. In the same vein, the NSE President, while speaking after a facility tour of the university’s vast College of Engineering built on 2.5 hectares of land which was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013, confessed that what he met on ground in the university, in terms of equipment, was far more in excess of what was contained in the report submitted by the combined team of the NUC and NSE that came for the accreditation of the University’s Engineering programme in January 2015. As a result, at the end of the accreditation visit by Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in January 2015, all the university’s seven Engineering Programmes: Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering as well as Civil Engineering were accorded full accreditation. The success of that exercise was indeed an impeccable feat for the university and for Aare Babalola who has not hidden his passion to return the nation back to the path infrastructural

renewal, using the template of the engineering programmes the university has to offer. A visibly elated President of NSE, Engr. Olorunfemi wondered that despite the large number of sophisticated equipment, about 50 per cent of which are exclusive to the institution, the founder of the university keeps on adding more almost on a daily basis. In fact just recently, Babalola paid the sum of $4,000 to ship in additional engineering equipment worth more than $250,000. He encouraged the institution to take maximum advantage of the pool of the sophisticated equipment to partner with some industries nationally and internationally. Responding, Aare Babalola in his keynote address during the conferment of the award said the infrastructures on ground in the university were evidence which trailed the commitment of his hard-earned resources and goodwill tailored to the College of Engineering and the university generally, in view of his determination to produce engineers and other professionals that will be able to be relevant in the contemporary competitive job market. Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, (left) receiving the certificate of his Honorary Fellowship Award from the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, FNSE; during the professional body’s 2015 National Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, recently

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Bauchi to prioritise technical education —Gov Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

he Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritise technical and vocational education. He gave the assurance during the 4th national conference and inauguration of ASUP office complex at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State. The belief according to him is that getting vibrant technical and vocational education will afford the vulnerable youths in the state a better future in the face of current economic doldrums in the country. While assuring that his government would equally invest in other areas of education, the governor promised to always supporting the polytechnic in the areas of needs including getting their courses accredited. Speaking earlier, Chairman of Academic Staff of Polytechnics (ASUP) of the branch, Abdullahi Yelwa identified corruption as one of the major factors affecting education development in the country. “This ill practice” he stressed “oftentimes leads to mass youth unemployment, insecurity and poverty.” He however appealed to the governor to assist the polytechnic in constructing road network, course accreditation and reviewing of house allocation, among others ASUP boss promised that his association would do everything humanly possible to support the government in its policies and programmes where necessary.

OAU honours Alex-Duduyemi

Education Today

Thursday, December 10, 2015

n recognition of his remarkable contribution in entrepreneurship and philanthropy to humanity, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) will on its 41st convocation ceremony, confer elder statesman and renowned entrepreneur Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi (Aro-Asiwaju of Ife) with a Doctor of Business Management (DBM) Honoris Causa of the institution. The event is slated for Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Oduduwa Hall of the university. A letter from the institution with a title ‘’Conferment of Honorary degree’’ signed by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole hailed Duduyemi for his outstanding input in building the nation’s economy. Part of the letter reads ‘’ the award is for your outstanding achievements in the world of business, contributions to public, national and international spheres as well as your sustained philanthropic gestures and positive interest in the progress and development of the university’’ In accordance with the University laws, the honorary degree cannot be awarded in absentia and it was gathered that Duduyemi who is a lawyer by training, has indicated in writing his acceptance for the award. Through his philanthropic gestures, Duduyemi has helped many to rediscover lost destinies and find hope for daily living. The story of Aro of the world (as popularly called by friends and well-wishers) is one of resilience, commitment, doggedness and of course, grass to grace. The octogenarian who clocked 80 last August is a shrewd multi-dimensional personality and highly industrious with ability for multi-tasking. He had a brief stint with the politics of the First Republic where he was a quintessential and cerebral politician, very eloquent with the gift of the garb. As a parliamentarian, he represented the Ife Central Federal constituency and was Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was a member of the Nigerian Delegation to the 20th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, 1965.

UK\Nigerian teachers’ training scheme will boost service delivery —Sawyerr Mrs. Antonia Sawyerr is the managing partner of ALTS Consulting Nigeria. Her company, which provides educational advisory services to students who want to study abroad and in the country, was recently teamed up with a UK-based Mark Tailor Partnership to train some secondary school teachers in Lagos and Abuja with a plan to broaden the scope in the near future. She talks in this interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE on the project which has many UK teachers as resource persons. Excerpts: What is your project all about and what informed your company partnering with Mark Tailor from the UK? The initiative was conceived by Mark Tailor Partnership in the United Kingdom. He has done a lot of work with Nigerian students in the UK. He is a lawyer. Their own focus is on students’ immigration and so he has come across many Nigerian students in the UK schools and he has come to Nigeria many times. So, Mark Tailor considered coming to Nigeria to train alongside with Nigerian teachers. To do the training as many Nigerian youths have gone to study abroad and come to our environment and work along with teachers. Of course, they contacted me because my company is well-known in the industry. Our company is focused on Nigerians studying abroad. So, so many people have gone to study in the UK, Canada, the USA and so on through us. Some are also still in those countries studying. So, the company contacted me about the initiative and asked if my company could go into partnership with them as a local partner. Of course, I could have said no because I wasn’t paid for it but in another way round, I believe training of teachers is a good thing. Training can never be too much. I don’t even think our teachers get enough let alone to be too much. I was excited about it because I saw it as a unique opportunity. If I had turned the offer down, the good things from it might not have happened or if happened, wouldn’t be through me. So, I embraced the initiative and since we talked about it three months ago, I didn’t look back even at the expense of my personal engagement and I have never mind that. As we have to go all out to some schools to become the beneficiaries of the project. We have been to International School, Regent School, British Nigerian Academy and a host of other highbrow secondary schools in Abuja. Some schools even hosted other teachers for the event and they were really kind and generous. They provided foods and drinks for the teachers that came. They gave us seven rooms where we ran our seminar concurrently at four intervals per day. It was usually a whole day affairs. Many teachers that we could not even reach out to came to be part of the seminar. It was not only impressive outing but also informative and educative. We have attendance of participants and hopefully, it will be a yearly thing. The training is free of charge for Nigerian teachers while UK teachers paid heavily to come here. But the beautiful thing about the programme is that it was a winwin situation for every participant. The UK teachers also left with knowledge which will help them back home. What is the fate of schools at the grassroots including the government-owned schools as regard this project? One thing I am excited about is that we didn’t limit the project to the high profile private schools. We cut across all categories of schools including teachers from both the stateowned and missionary schools. So far, it was a mixed training. Apart from teaching, teachers from church and state owned schools also looked at the environment of private schools that served as venues, their structures, classroom settings and all that, which they likely to replicate back home. So, participants went home loaded with knowledge that will impact their world back home. For instance, we visited 38 schools in Lagos and one of these schools caters for children with autism. It’s a small private school inside GRA, Ikeja. These children have learning difficulty based on their

health challenges. Our team appreciated the good work being carried out by the owner of the school and we looked at the way we could support them. And for me, such support is another strong achievement from the project. It looks as if the work is enormous for you and your partner, do you then seeing the government key into the project? With this initiative, we partner with UK Trade and Investment. And from the UK side, we had been hosted twice.One in Abuja by the British High commissioner who endorsed the project and another time in Lagos by the Deputy High Commissioner. Many parents and teachers as well as educators were all present at the reception party. So, we are already on the UK side. We got UK endorsement as well as the involvement of the Nigerian government. Now, we have some things to build on. On numbers of teachers, we trained over 500 teachers in Abuja alone. Some of them came from Mina in Niger State, Jos in Plateau State and so on. The outing was quite impressive. Participants came on time and desirous to learn. They believe that quality training would translate to quality service on their students and in turn quality practice for our country. So, where exactly do you see government supporting your project? I believe the government is already aware of the initiative. And that they need to allow the teachers to attend seminars and encourage them to participate actively in class. Government should also ensure whatever that teachers leant are implemented, particularly as regard budgeting and policies. Now, what is your advice to parents? I think ultimately parents equally have many things to gain from this project. This is because many of them do spend a lot of fortune to send their children abroad to study. Some people do this because their children couldn’t secure admission easily due to space constraints in most of the nation’s universities. Some also do that because of the quality that is questionable. But the good news is that if we can start to work on quality, many parents will have confident in the educational system at home. Although, to study abroad has become a global movement but we want our children to also study in Nigeria. A significant number of Nigerians including myself and those who had died studied in Nigeria and the results turned out fine. There was a great confident in the system then. So, it is high time we restored that confidence in the interest of not only our education sector but economy as a whole

Education Today

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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BSN Nigeria introduces doctorate studies in Business Admin Tunbosun Oguindare

o further research and knowledge production in the field of business in Nigeria, Business School Netherlands has officially launched a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programme in its executive education offering. Ten corporate executives drawn from various sectors of the economy are the first enrolees from Nigeria for the European DBA programme. The CEO of the school in Nigeria, Mr. Lere Baale who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos said introduction of the programme was one of the platforms through which the institution seeks to wrestle lack of advanced skills to facilitate overall business growth among Nigerian professionals. “The executive MBA programme is seen as the pinnacle of all business administration qualifications. It is our mission to offer this doctorate programme to senior professoinals, chief executive officers, directors and senior managers in order for them to experience professional advancement, develop research skills and a scientific attitude through the encouragement of original research at doctorate level while adding new theory and/or findings to the existing body of knowledge in business administration,” he explained. Baale continued, “BSN Nigeria was founded with the intent to address growing need for 21st Century skills, stem unemployment by increasing employability skills of graduates through executive education, entrepreneurial skills, MBA, DBA as well as improve the skills of frontline managers to accelerate business growth.” He noted that candidates on the DBA would spend a minimum of four years in the programme divided into four phases stressing that the programme is focused on developing a scientific attitude, rather than merely completing a research project. Application of research methods within a theoretical framework is a skill that will serve you throughout your career. BSN was founded with the intent to contribute to higher education in management learning and facilitate the development of managers’ skills, knowledge, research capabilities and ability to take action with regards to the problems, prospect and challenges facing their organizations. BSN’s programmes carry the intrinsic character of the Action Learning Methodology. Through the Action Learning practice, the students apply the essential learning in their various subject areas by researching and developing solutions for their organisations immediately after completing each module. The Nigerian arm of Business School Netherlands prepares students for the MBA and DBA degrees of the Buren, Netherlands-based institution. Enrolment for the MBA has grown in Nigeria past the 1000-students mark. Nigeria graduated 83 students at the recent graduation ceremony at The Hague, with 22 scoring distinctions in various subjects and one overall best (Cum Laude) in the Englishspeaking world.

L-R: Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso, GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and DMD, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka with the winners of 2015 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition- 1st prize winner, Miss Emediong Uduak Uko of British Nigerian Academy, Abuja (middle); 2nd prize winner, Miss Enonuoya Starish of Lagoon School Lagos (right); and 3rd prize winner, Miss Eze Ugochinyere Golden of Living World Academy Aba, during the prize giving ceremony held at UBA House in Lagos, on Monday.

ASUU threatens showdown at MOUA Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUA) Umudike, Professor Hillary Edogha for flaunting rules, victimising staff and students. ASUU Zonal coordinator, Prof. Nanmwa Voncir of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi made the allegation while addressing a press conference in Bauchi last weekend, accusing the vice-chancellor of allegedly flouting laid down rules regarding the university system. The don had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to without any further delay intervene through visitation panel to ascertain the union stance over the matter and avert of possible crisis. Prof. Voncir explained that the union has always been in the forefront of canvassing for good governance in the country which led to improvement in the development of both the university system and the country. “It is however very sad to note that the authorities at MOUA Umudike, under the leadership of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hillary Edogha have attempted to rubbish this little gain

L-R: Chief Executive, Business School Netherlands Nigeria, Mr. Lere Baale; Operation’s Manager, Morenike Adeyeye and Business Development Executive, Mr. Olutope Ilesanmi during the school’s media briefing in Lagos, on Monday.

made over time,” he stated. Nanmwa also accused the Vice Chancellor for allegedly taken actions that are at variance with the laws of the university system while terrorising the staff and students of the institution. “Both staff and students are victims of the reckless and mind boggling atrocities of the Vice Chancellor. For example, first year students of the University in 2014/2015 academic session were forced to pay N60, 800 per bed space even though many of them and no refund was made,” ASUU added. The ASUU boss further noted that staff recruitment and promotion is being carried out arbitrarily by the MOUA Vice Chancellor without recourse to the

laid down rules and guidelines. “The Vice Chancellor appoints and promotes at will using all manners of primordial sentiments. This has resulted in the appointment and promotion of unqualified or at best half qualified staff with dare consequences for the country at large, Voncir added ASUU said its chapter at the MOUA had made concerted efforts to call the Vice Chancellor to order to stop his primitive ways of administration but it was frustrated through various means. He alleged that the governing council of the university headed by Prof. Anya Anya of compromise by failing to restrain and check the excesses of the Vice-Chancellor.

Olashore introduces podcast for learning Abolaji Adebayo

lashore International School, Osun State has introduced online podcast for students preparing for final year exams in order to help them improve on International subjects in their exams as well as in furthering studies. This was confirmed by the principal of the school, Mr. Derek Smith, during the Speech and Prize Giving Day celebration, recently held at the school. According to the principal, “Currently we have lots of projects going on. This year we involved technology by introducing iPads for learning. We have that for the teachers and for students so that by 2016 they will be used to the system of working with the iPads. “In the senior classes, we already introduced Online Podcast for students offering IGSCE subjects. It will help them to improve on international subjects. “The Podcast is used in variety of ways. For example, the podcast is online so whether they are in school or at home they can use it. We recommend the teachers to give them the playlist of podcast of various topics in various subjects, so they can read up in advance.” He explained further that “It is similar to the playlists that all these young people use. It can also be used in form of videos such that the teachers can use them for introduction of a topic in classrooms during lessons. Blending technology with learning is highly effective and will give students from Olashore International School a strong competitive advantage in the new competitive global economy.” The Guest Speaker at the event, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, while speaking on ‘The Challenges of the Future’, highlighted the importance of superior knowledge and creative thinking in order to excel in the new world order. “Today’s prize-winners are true representatives of the best that this school stands for: hard-work, commitment to excellence, good manners, industry, integrity, self-motivation and a sense of service to others. And for those of you who would not be receiving prizes today, I urge you not to give up. You must look forward to new opportunities and the adventures awaiting all of you”. The best prize winner in this year’s Prize-Giving Day Miss Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe, a 16year old girl in year 12 students and the Media Prefect got awards in 9 subjects.

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Education Today

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Sacked lecturers and NUC accreditation imbroglio R eports of a mass retrenchment of lecturers in one of the state universities began to appear in the national dailies on Monday the 23rd of November 2015. The university involved was the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu where 153 lecturers were allegedly relieved of their duties in one-fell-swoop. The official reason for terminating their appointment as contained in a sack letter sighted by reporters, that the university is currently not in position to employ the said lecturers seems to suggest that they were never employed by the institution in the first place! The entire saga seems to be enmeshed in mysteries. Though available information suggests that they were all employed, they were never paid a dime for eight months until they were sacked in October 23. Some sources suggest that they were illegally employed by the then outgoing Vice Chancellor of the institution just before he left office without appropriate budgetary provisions, hence no emoluments were paid. Some even suggested that the bulk of the 153 affected staff were employed from the same part of the state based on tribal sentiments. But the bulk of opinion suggests that the sacked lecturers were hired to enhance the chances of the institution securing accreditation for the various programmes which had been denied accreditation previously. No matter how and why they were employed, these lecturers have rights which must be respected. Unless there are problems of incompetence or insubordination or otherwise, their termination without payment and without notice is an illegality that cannot be condoned. What is becoming obvious is the absolute powers the Vice Chancellors appear to wield in influencing different aspects of the university life including hiring and firing. If an outgoing Vice Chancellor could single handed employ so many academic staff on behalf of the

university, then the university is obliged to make provision for their remuneration and other entitlements. The most damaging aspect of the entire saga is the allegation that the affected staff were hired by the institution to secure accreditation from the National Universities Commission and thereafter sacked. This is clearly an incontrovertible evidence of the deceit in some of the accreditation exercises carried out by the NUC. While this is obviously glaring in this case, it is not an isolated event. Many of the programmes given interim or full accreditations by NUC may have been given in error. It appears that virtually anything, including Laboratories, offices, lecturers and equipment can all be borrowed or rented for the purpose of accreditation. Offices and laboratories are often named and renamed during an accreditation year as the exercise progresses from one department to the other, just to give the impression that the programmes have enough office and laboratory spaces to provide the necessary learning environment. In many institutions, lecturers are hired only when accreditation exercise is imminent. The case of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology is different not only in the magnitude of the event but also in the untidy manner in which the school administration attempted to resolve it. In some private universities, the additional lecturers who are usually

engaged on part time basis are paid off as soon as the accreditation exercise is over. In other institutions, the admission quota of affected departments may be arbitrarily increased without due consideration to its carrying capacity in order to generate additional revenue to offset the remunerations of the additional staff hired. In one institution, the staff situation had deteriorated to such an appalling level that some postgraduate programmes had to be suspended. There are full-fledged departments running an undergraduate programme and multiple postgraduate programmes with only seven lecturers allegedly because of paucity of funds. While accreditation is an affirmation that an institution would produce high quality graduates suitable for employment by the various agencies in Nigeria, the reverse is the case in Nigeria! The quality of graduates in Nigeria has continued to plummet notwithstanding that they are all produced from NUC accredited institutions. The revelation from the ESUT narrative gives us a glimpse into one of the reasons why statements of accreditation by NUC cannot be relied upon. There is need for a change of approach to the process! Sadly enough, there has been no rebuttal of the story by the institution that stands accused of multiple malpractices bordering on academic fraud and employment racketeering; this may be interpreted as an admission of guilt. The NUC as the chief quality assurance agency, should immediately set up a high powered investigating panel to unravel the truth behind the sack or otherwise of 153 lecturers of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology and impose appropriate sanctions on the erring institution. Furthermore, it must also address the present predicament of the unfortunate gang of 153 lecturers! The Nigerian academic community expects appropriate action from NUC if it must begin to rebuild its crumbled image.

Lagos LEAMSP inaugurates new excos

Saidat Alausa

he authorities of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have resolved to collaborate with the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), the body of journalists covering the education sector for various media organisations including print, broadcast and online platforms nationwide towards the reclaiming of lost glory in the industry. The two bodies announced their partnerships when EWAN members paid a courtesy visit to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, at the institution’s headquarters in Lagos last week. A member of the Governing Council of the university and former Dean of the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Arts, Prof. Godwin Sogolo and the Director of the university’s Media and Information Unit, Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin were also in attendance. Tenebe in his address commended the association for its foresight and contributions to national growth and development through quality reports, asking members to continue to be objective with their reports. He noted that the role of media in bringing about the desirous positive change in line with the present administration crusade, especially in education sector cannot be quantified. While explaining the mandate of NOUN to include opening up of

Robert Awokuse

he League of Muslim School Proprietors, LEAMSP, Lagos State chapter has last week inaugurated its newly elected members of the executive. The event which was held at the University of Lagos Mosque multipurpose hall had in attendance many stakeholders in education. In his acceptance speech at the inauguration ceremony the newly L-R: Lecturer and Director of Special Study Centre of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), elected chairman of the League AlNational Assembly, Abuja, Prof. Joy Eyisi; Registrar, NOUN, Mrs. Josephine Akinyemi; Bursar, Mr. haji Raheem Fatai charged the state Ernest Odeigah; Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Adm.), Prof. Victor Adedipe and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe shortly after Eyisi delivered the 9th inaugural lecture of the university in Lagos, on Tuesday. The new executive team and member schools to dedicate themselves totheme of the lecture was “Accuracy in the use of English.” wards improving the quality of education in the state and the country at large. The chairman said the need for all Mirror, thanked the university for access to university education to ly with NOUN to work together educationists to uphold the ethics of extending its hands of fellowship as many qualified Nigerians who to correct wrong perception of the teaching profession is imperato the association, promising the could not attend the conventional many people about NOUN just betive in order to dispense invaluable commitment of the body to imuniversities as possible, the vice- cause its system of studies is still educational services that would have proved education coverage towards chancellor noted that the univer- new. Though not conventional, positive impact on the students, who achieving the required reform in sity had close to 70 study centres NOUN is a full-fledged university incidentally are the future leaders. the sector. spread across the nation with the that is running courses being run Fatai noted that the responsibiliHe also appealed to the univeraim of covering the entire 774 local by any conventional university government areas in the country anywhere in the world. NOUN sity management to always con- ties of building students in the areas is being regulated just like every sider members of the association of cognitive, psychomotor and affecwithin a short time possible. Tenebe, who disclosed that other university in the country for scholarship towards enhancing tive domain, which according to him Open and Distance Learning by the National Universities Com- their knowledge and skills, saying would birth national development, mode of education as the practice mission, NUC and its certificates such support would greatly help rest on the teachers hence the need with NOUN remains the only solu- are even more respected due to the beneficiaries to report the soci- to maintain diligence and dedication to service. tion to end the nation’s university our partnerships with various ety more effectively. “We cannot afford to fail; for failOgundare also urged the univeradmission crisis however tasked related global institutions as well ure in education connotes failure in sity to always spread their advert journalists and EWAN members as the democratic nature of our other spheres of our existence as a patronage to various medial housin particular to adequately en- operations,” he added. nation. es and not just few of them, saying Earlier in his speech, the lighten the public especially on the “We should make every moment Chairman of EWAN, Mr. Tun- such support is what is required to university’s mode of operations. better than the one before,” he said. sustain their continued existence. “The media need to work close- bosun Ogundare of National

NOUN, EWAN partner on education reform

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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

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Law student emerges AAU SUG President Yomi Ayeleso

300L, BUS ADMIN, AAU, AKINGBA-AKOKO

How to avert mgt/students’ clash —Former student’s leader The immediate past President, University of

law student, Adegbola Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU), Abiodun Martins Odunyemi have emerged in this interview with MIFTAUDEEN RAJI, (MASS the Students’ Union President, Adekunle Ajasin University, COMM, 200L,) bears his mind on the goals, Akungba-Akoko. achievements and challenges recorded by the He defeated his closest rival, Benunion under his leadership. jamin Amos with a total of 1,078 against his 1,040 votes and other three dues and that will help them get lots tured mind? candidates. At times, the problem comes in of things done in a twinkle of an Other elected executives of the the way of people inciting you to do eye unlike our regime. They should union include, Ayeni Rita(Vice-Pressome things that obviously they are just ensure they consult or they will ident), Segun capable of doing. When you follow make a lot of mistakes. Martins Odunayo(Gen. Sec), Beltheir suggestions, it’s the populace Sir, do you think various the greatest events we were able to lo Segun(Fin.Sec), IkuejuroAs a students’ union leader, that will bear the brunt. By a level je Olarewaju(PRO), Oyelade programmes by the students’ do was the UNILAG Sports Festival. of maturity we were able to man- what do you want to be rememOla(Welfare Director), Olarewaju union have been able to meet Above all, we were able to bring stu- age situations both between the stu- bered for? dents together on a common ground Seun(Treasurer), Bamidele Olamide their goals? I believe being the first SUG dents and the management without We set various agenda for our as far as Idi-Araba. I think we can (Sports Director), Anbire Donald (Sopresident after 10 years of the procausing any havoc. cial Director) and Akinola Seun (As- programmes in which the goals still give glory to God. We said it in our manifesto that scription, without funds, with a of these programmes were met sistant Gen.Sec.). we didn’t want to disrupt the aca- very short tenure I have been able Can you highlight some the The election which was done elec- at a point. Our programmes were demic calendar however, the right to impact into so many lives. I could tronically had students turned out en objectively targeted towards hu- challenges faced by the union? remember when we emerged, thouof students must be preserved. The major challenge we had was mass to elect their preferred candi- man capital development vis a vis sands of students were unable to social and academic programmes. that of fund, the challenge of people dates. What advice do you have for register, some were unable to pay Announcing the winners, the elec- We said during our inauguration creating problems for the union in the incoming executive? but with our support and doggedtoral Chairman, Dr. Benson Igboin that we want to achieve academ- terms of when you set out your goals What people say when they are ness, we were able help students said the university in a bid to have ic excellence through our pro- they make it so slow to the extent seeking for posts is always different scaled through that. Some students a 21st Century university and its re- grammes as a way of developing that if you are not a matured mind from what they see when they as- had personal problems with the you will get derailed from the mosolve to adopt global best practices the students. sume office. I will only say that they management, faculties which were We allowed students to explore tive of the programmes. Although have made it pertinent for the instituhave to consult so wide and do not al- able to resolve. And we’ve been able and maximize all the opportuni- some of the problems came from the tion to adopt e-voting system. low people that supported or claim to assist some students in terms of He said, “We made students to un- ties available through the pro- personnel we worked with and some to support them at the beginning to finances. I think these students we derstand that a 21st century univer- grammes and also bring out their came from the management. But as drag them into the pit. They should impacted in their lives will never sity is driven by technology, innova- latent skills and potentials. We God would have it we were able to consult and consult very widely and forget my administartion. These tion and creativity and that e-voting also encouraged academic excel- handle those problems. they won’t have problems in terms are things I want to be remembered system is part of the 21st century lence by expanding the intellecof funding because they will collect for. tual capacity of students. One of What do you intend by a mapackage” While urging those who lost at the poll to cooperate with the winners, Emeka Chukwuemeka the SUEC chairman charged the winShe said this during the College’s 1st Inau- tion of Values for the Education of the Child: A ners not to renege on their promises. rovost, Nwafor Orizu College of Ed- gural lecture series held at the institution last Family Involvement Recipe’ Uzoezie noted that He urge them to pursue their agenda value is principle, standard, quality considered ucation, Nsugbe (NOCEN), Anam- week. in tandem with the According to her through education, and a worthwhile or desirable for maintaining a set bra State, Dr. Cordelia Uzoezie has requirements of 21st Century stustressed the need for more family involve- timely contribution to the values dimension of of customary standards. dent unionism. “We must refocus on family involvement in human personal development, children can be Speaking on the newly intro- ment in inculcating values in children, teaching children that this is the right way and train to help sustain the society. duced Electronic Voting system, which according to her would help to fill that this is the wrong way. Families must model Presenting her paper entitled “Regenerathe Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ig- a gap in responding to societal challenges. values for their children because if we can bekele Ajibefun extolled the proviolate values, why can’t they? We also have to cess saying the initiative is ingeclarify our values because the reality is that we nious and great. “It is a rare feat live in an era of change and controversy with which we are proud of as a unirespect to many kinds of values, including valversity; it has been our resolve to ues about family life.” move away from the analogue to She said, “If we take important steps and redigital in virtually all facets of generate a sense of values in our children, it is endeavours, including teaching unlikely that they would support or stab their and learning. community in the back, destroy families, kidThe VC also said AAUA had nap others, engage in exam malpractices, shut made another landmark achievedown the employment sources of thousands ment as one of the few instituof people in the community through stealing tions that has introduced the eand vandalism, and take jobs that yield blood voting system in the country. money.” “AAUA is a leading university In her remarks, the state Commissioner for in other major areas, we can also Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha commended be among the first to introduce ethe College management for organising the voting and set the pace for other inaugural lecture while urging families to preuniversities and the nation which pare their children to acquire values, act with are still struggling with the pos- Chairman, Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Program, ADMAP, Isaac Ehimen (middle) with some pharmacy students, University of Benin, during their sensitisation programme on World Aids Day at the institution, character and serve as stewards of their comsibility of achieving such a feat. recently. munities.

Provost makes case for child devt values

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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

Pharmacy students sensitise public on diabetes Ezekiel Efeobhokhan 500L PHARMACY UNIBEN

t is a well-known fact that the epidemic of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases have skyrocketed. During the recent World Diabetic day, about 3 million Nigerians were said to have been suffering from the disease; and several millions are ignorance they had it until complications arises. In a bid to create awareness and showed selfless efforts in curbing this trends. Pharmacy students who were on houseman ship recently organised a one day free medical consultation and counseling service at the popular Ejigbo market, Ejigbo, Lagos Speaking with the coordinator, Emmanuel Egbroko stated that the targets for the programme was from 18 years and above, adding that early detection for any ailment provide a better prog-

Saidat Alausa

postgraduate student, who is currently undergoing a Doctorate degree in Parasitology at the Federal University of Agricultural, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Mr. Olabanji Surakat, is rising high, courtesy of the Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), based in Seattle, United States of America, for his immense contributions to the alleviation of Onchocerciasis, a disease commonly known as River Blindness. PATH has offered Olabanji an opportunity to work with the team in its Seattle laboratory to learn the Enzymelinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Testing Techniques and compare the Ov16 RDT results against the PATH Ov16 ELISA. Olabanji, who studied Zoology for his First Degree and has a Master’s Degree in Parasitology from FUNAAB, had collected skin-snip samples in early 2015 from people in communities and who had been tested for baseline levels of Onchocerciasis about ten

nosis for that condition. “We are trying to combat the increase and prevalence of diabetes and hypertension through screening; we can detect these diseases early enough and then it would be cheaper to maintain than when it has not caused many complication.” Addressing participants at the programme, one of the organiser, Andrew Saba said that, the hasty lifestyle in Lagos would make anyone take in junks instead of proper meal and “accumulation of these junks overtime would lead to diabetes.” He advised them to have brisk walk daily and avoid sedentary life styles. He also called on the men to avoid alcohol intake and quit smoking as these would lead to progression of the illness. Participants were given free drugs and were also able to check their blood pressure.

We’ll produce robot soon —FUT MINNA Abdullahi Habibu Adeiza

HND 2, MASS COM.FEDPOLY, BIDA

he Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State is working towards producing robots soon. Towards this end, the institution has introduced Mechatronics Engineering Department with the aim of producing robots and other machines. The Director of centre for open Distance and e-learning (CODEL), who also is the HOD of the department of Mechatronics Engineering Dr. Abiodun Musa Aibinu revealed this in his office while speaking with Campus News. According to him, the course was recently added to other engineering courses in the school of engineering and engineering Technology. The Director also disclosed that, the department has been equipped with latest machines and equipments for stu-

dents’ practicals. “The Federal Government has provided the facilities we need to carry out practical in the laboratory, some of the machines are: suspension simulator, Transmission simulator, Automobile suspension simulator, milling machines, Hydraulics Training System, Computer Numeric Control among others. “Our patron, His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has also to a large extent assisted us in various ways.” He further explained that apart from making robots there are other things that students studying mechatronics can produce as mechatronics is integration of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer telecommunications engineering, stressing that robotics is an option in mechatronics. In affirmation to that, the HOD explained that they are going to make home automation, whereby people would be

able to communicate with electrical appliances in their homes using local languages. He added that, they are going to improve agriculture by creating different automated farm machines.” We are going to automate farm machineries, the automated farm machines will work on the farm without anyone operating them.” Aside that, he also said that they are going to create a mobile phone with a super sim card that will automatically switch its self to any available network to save people the stress of going about with different phones and using different sim cards. He also stated that there would be a sensitisation programme February next year at the Etsu Nupe’s palace and also a workshop for people to come and learn during long term holidays will be made available. Pharmacy students on houseman ship during their sensitisation programme in Lagos, recently.

FUNAAB researcher records breakthrough years ago. The goal was to evaluate the impact of 10 years of mass administration of the drug, Ivermectin. In addition to the skinsnip samples and nodule palpation, Olabanji used the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 Rapid Test (Ov16RDT) while PATH helped develop the test, which indicates previous exposure to the diseasecausing parasite by testing for antibodies to the Ov16 antigen. The doctorate student said he first learnt of Onchocerciasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases that the World Health Organisation (WHO) was targeting to eliminate under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) initiative, as a youngster. D Explaining how he developed interest in the study, he said even though he knew of the disease as a kid, the determination to embark on the study grew from his tutor, who eventually became his mentor and supervisor, Prof. Sammy Sam-Wobo.

Tunbosun Ogundare

he proprietors of Babcock University Ilisan Remo, Ogun State have inaugurated a new President/Vice-Chancellor for the institution. He is Ademola Stephen Tayo, a Professor of Christian Education and for-

Babcock University gets new VC, others mer Rector of Adventist University, Cosendai, Cameroon, and immediate past Dean, College of Postgraduate Studies, Babcock University. Prof. Tayo succeeded Prof. James Kayode-Makinde, an outstanding administrator who had served the univer-

sity as a vice-chancellor for a decade. The new vice-chancellor is pioneer director of academic Planning of Babcock University. He brings fresh perspectives into university administration in tandem with modern demands.

New President/Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo(middle) flanked by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Dr Bassey Udoh (left) and Chancellor\Chairman of Board of Trustees, Dr Elie Weick-Dido during Tayo’s inauguration as a new vice chancellor of the university, recently.

In his words “vision without mission is an illusory dream, so also mission without vision is nothing less than hallucination or charting a course without a compass.” He noted that his tenure shall be characterized by creativity, innovation, development, invention and entrepreneurship. Professor Tayo will be assisted by the Senior Vice President (Academic), Professor Iheanyichukwu Okoro, a renowned surgeon; Senior Vice President (Management Services), Professor Sunday Owolabi, a celebrated professor of Accounting; Vice President (Financial Administration), Mr. Ilesanmi Akande, a reputed banker;Vice President (Student Development), Dr. Joseph Olanrewaju, an outstanding Christian religion author.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

“A

S at 2012, the university admission ratio has

(had) reflected the federal government’s directive of (on) 60:40 ratio in favour of postgraduate students” “NDIC, Polish bank enters (why?) into partnership” “Minister assures of improved services” Who did the minister assure—the object is very critical to the construction. Please note that ‘in the hot seat’ is British English, while ‘on the hot seat’ is American English.’ Which is your preference? The former is mine. Of course, the inside pages, naturally, were also not left out: “The Honourable Minister for (of) Power….” But, Commissioner for Power…Niger State Government, take note! “NDLEA arrests two over (for or in connection with) trafficking at Lagos Airport” “…has given a firm assurance that his government will stop at nothing to (at) reducing the menace to the barest minimum in the state.” “I misled Middle Belt to vote for Jonathan” Politics Today: I misled Middle Belt into voting for Jonathan “…he has been able to repay back N20 billion.” Delete ‘back’ and move forward! “ABUAD: It can stand with world class (world-class) universities” “ABUAD students on life in the campus” Special Report: ABUAD students on life on campus—or, simply, ABUAD students on campus life, especially for headline purposes “Buhari has no solution to Nigeria’s crisis” Definitely, Nigeria has more than one crisis: therefore crises. “…creative people to interact at (in) the corridors of power” “One military personnel was also killed in the encounter.” ‘Personnel’ (plural) is a collective noun that cannot be used for just an individual. “…Amaechi said that his purported suspension was an act of political witch-hunting.” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: political witch-hunt

Ogun harps on modern teaching techniques Tunbosun Ogundare

he Ogun State Government has charged the educational institutions in the state to introduce modern techniques of imparting knowledge on their students. The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota gave the advice when she visited some schools and Zonal Education Offices in the East Senatorial District of the state, recently. She said the world had moved from analogue to digital age, hence the need for schools to embrace latest teaching techniques to enable their students be at par with their counterparts in other parts of the world. Mujota, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Press Officer, Mr. Elijah Udofia said Ogun State like others in the country was experiencing financial constraints, urging management to impress upon their staffers to be more civil in their request from the government.

‘Assure’ must take an object

“Time for leaders to close rank (ranks)…” “Okorocha seeks on leadership training” Yank off ‘on’! “…the military lobby intensively for deployment into (in) the zone.” “To bring this to the attention of the decerning (discerning) investors, the Jigawa State Government is organising the first Economic and Investment Summit.” (Full-page advertorial) “Courts are not permitted to suo motu raise issues, resolve same (the same) without hearing from parties” “The good news came few (a few) hours before President Buhari….” “…after overrunning three terrorists camps (terrorists’ camps) in the riotous….” “I duff (doff) my hart (hat) for (to) a brother that is more of value than gold.” Preferably, I take off my hat to…. “Your deligence (diligence) in business is wonderful….” “Many residents of the state have agreed to endure in order to enjoy a safe and secured (secure) tomorrow.” “Some parts of Maiduguri was (were) no go area (no-go areas) to any sane mind as people are (were) picked up for slaughter. The laws operating in those areas were different from any other parts (part) of the state (or other parts of the state).” “….the deployment of more troops to (in) states was belated.” THE NATION ON SUNDAY of November 15, 2015, displayed slothfulness and crankiness: “To stem this abuse by some judges, the CJN said that he has (had) directed that before any judge can (could) travel abroad, he or she (sic) must obtain permission from the head judge.” My comment: instead of ‘he or she,’ use ‘they’—which is the current form. “…Wike opened up on the crisis in Rivers State and his grouse with (about) Rotimi Amaechi….”

“If we have problems, probably there might be one reason or the other (one reason or another) the governor is not happy.” “As two-time Governor of Lagos, you shone like star (a star).” “To their dubious chicanery, your voice resonate (resonates) distinctly….” Also, note that the last word in the extract is otiose! “THISDAY checks reveal that every termination penalties goes from 500,000 US dollars to 2 million US dollars”. Check the discord as already discussed above. “Lack of funds cripple waste management activities” Another error of attraction: Lack of funds cripples. “Nevertheless, the donor country is also interested in this decision to ensure that the loan is repaid as at when due with its accrued interest.” Without any periscope: the loan is repaid when due (not as at when due which is pleonastic). “Government should consider the destructive effect that further delay in the sale of rescued banks would mete out on the banking system”. Stock phrase: mete out to (not on) the banking system. “If the family cannot truely relish at least a decent meat….” Spelling counts: truly. “A man does not have to be a money bag (sic) before he can dress well and look charming in his own little way.” Brighten up your English usage: A man does not have to be moneybags…. Moneybag is a sac! “…in addition, (sic) to dispensing drugs for immediate relief and giving counsel on the steps necessary to prevent a reoccurrence.” Good grammar: recurrence. “The arsonists usually escape with their loot as the embattled market lays in ashes, leaving many traders terminally ruined financially.” There should be no dilemma: ‘lays’ for ‘lies’?

Nasarawa varsity alumni honour Danjuma, others Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

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asarawa State University Alumni Association has concluded arrangement to honour some eminent Nigerians who include Gen Theophillus Danjuma (rtd), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Prof. Adamu Baiki and some organisations which include Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TEDFUND and the National Universities Commission, NUC. The Chairman, Media and

Publicity Committee of the association, Polycarp Auta, disclosed this at a press conference in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, adding that the honouring of those personalities and organizations would come up during the 10th graduate anniversary of the association coming up this weekend in Keffi. Auta said: “The main purpose of the event is to reunite the alumni of the university and also use the opportunity to give special recognition to some eminent

Nigerians who have contributed to the establishment of the university and who are still contributing to itssustainability.” He continued that it was against this backdrop that the association under the stewardship of its first national executives, being spearheaded by Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, thought it wise to call its members and the general public to come and celebrate the laudable achievements attended by the university.

L-R: Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Abimbola Olashore, Best Awardee, Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe, Guest Speaker, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, the Head Boy, Patrick Unokiwedi, and the Principal Olashore International School, Mr. Derek Smith, during the Speech and prizeGiving Day ceremony, recently.

YABATECH emphasises roles of science in achieving SDGs Saidat Alausa

he role of science in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was the theme of the just concluded 3rd international conference and exhibitions of the School of science organised by Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. The 2- day event held college auditotium drew attention of academia from different institutions across the country. In a welcome address delivered by Dean, School of Science, YABATECH, Dr. Afolake Dawodu expressed her gratitude to the rector of the institution, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, for allowing them to have the conference. She disclosed that the first international conference was held in September 2011, and the second one in June 2013. She however said that in keeping with his biennial tradition, the school is holding the conference in spite of many mitigating circumstances. She said that the theme for this year’s conference “the role of science in achieving sustainable development goals” is very apt and timely as the millennium development goals (MDGs) are being transitioned into sustainable development goals (SDGs) or global goals which will guide the world’s policy and funding for the next 15 years with a pledge to end poverty, fight inequality and justice, and tackle climate change by the year 2030.

Business Thursday, December 10, 2015

Online journalists, enthusiasts rally against Social Media Bill’s passage

Apapa gridlock: Senate to resolve N1.5bn truck terminal contract 28

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders task FG on infrastructure for mobile economy

World Bank predicts difficult outlook for Nigerian economy Tola Akinmutimi

he World Bank on Tuesday predicted difficult outlook for the Nigerian economy in the short run following the sustained decline in oil prices at the global market and canvassed some stringent fiscal measures for implementation to mitigate the impact of the oil market’s whirlwinds on the nation’s economy. The Breton Woods institution, in its 3rd edition of its Nigeria Economic Report, NEP, noted that the 40 per cent decline in oil revenues for the country over the past 18 months had created major challenges for all tiers of government, adding that improving the revenue situation of the country requires adequate focus on the improving the non-oil sector revenues on a sustainable basis, amongst other imperatives. The report also indicated that there was also a room for greater efficiency in public finance, including better coordination between the federal and state-level finance for realizing essential services and investments in the country. This is even as the multilateral finance institution noted that while the value of Nigeria’s imports had contracted significantly under a weaker naira but not as fast as on exports, it attributed the reasons why the nation’s gross foreign reserves may have stabilised despite a weaker trade balance to the fact that most of the $35 billion in short-term capital inflows into the country in 2012 and first half of 2013 had already left the country. This is in addition to its believe that the recently introduced currency controls by the Central Bank of Nigeria may have likely decreased imports further, thus strengthening the trade balance, but also having a negative impact on the GDP growth. According to the Bank, the growing wedge between the Bureaux de Change (BDCs) and interbank rate suggests that the naira is again coming under some pressure. Expatiating on the country’s outlook, it stated: “The short run outlook remains difficult due to expected low oil prices.

“Even if oil prices recover, government oil revenues should continue to decline in the medium term relative to the size of the Nigerian economy. Thus fiscal adjustment will be of critical importance. “Investors stand willing to bring considerable investment to Nigeria if they receive credible signals

from the new government of commitments to policy directions and regulations consistent with strong private sector growth”, it added. Taking a holistic appraisal of the cost-benefit analysis of the fuel subsidy regime over the years on the economy, the Bank pointed out that the benefits of the subsidy appeared quite limited while the costs are high.

It concluded that for given fixed domestic fuel prices, the burden of the fuel subsidy, that is, “its share of government oil revenues will likely increase over time regardless of whether oil prices remain low or recover”. In the early part of the NER, the Bank reported the macroeconomic overview, noting that sharp declines in oil prices since

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: Mr. Nurh Byarufa, Counselor, Uganda High Commission; Mr. Nelson Ocheger, Ag. High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission in Nigeria; Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, CON, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Muda Yusuf, Director General of the Chamber during the Envoys’ courtesy visit to the LCCI office in Lagos.

Nigeria, others launch $100bn solar alliance scheme UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government and other countries have unveiled plans to invest $100 billion in solar power projects and infrastructure that are needed to complement power demands in the various countries by 2030. The partnership with over 120 countries in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), including some African and Asian nations, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France, China and the United States, is to advance a low-carbon economy powered substantially by clean energy. The widely anticipated initiative was conceived by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and jointly launched by President François Hollande in the presence

of the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon at the on-going international climate summit in Paris. Under the initiative, the Indian government is investing an initial $30million in setting up the alliance’s headquarters in India. The eventual goal is to raise $400million from membership fees, and international agencies. Companies involved in the project include Areva, Engie, Enel, HSBC France and Tata Steel. In their declaration, the countries stated that in furtherance of the objective to significantly augment solar power generation in our countries, they intended making joint efforts through innovative policies, projects, programmes, capacity building measures and financial instruments to mobilize more than $100 billion of investments that are needed by

2030 for the massive deployment of affordable solar energy. The alliance partners stated: “We intend to work together towards the development of appropriate benchmarks, facilitating resource assessments, supporting research and development and demonstration facilities, with a view to encouraging innovative and affordable applications of solar technologies. “We share the collective ambition to undertake innovative and concerted efforts with a view to reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment of competitive solar generation assets in all our countries and to pave the way for future solar generation, storage and good technologies adapted to our countries’ individual needs”

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, December 10, 2015

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Apapa gridlock: Senate to resolve N1.5bn truck terminal contract FRANCIS EZEM

he Senate, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, has stepped into the N1.5bn truck terminal, which is expected to clear the port access roads and rid the area of the perennial traffic congestion. Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Sani Yerima, who spoke in Lagos shortly after the inspection of the Tin Can Island Port truck terminal located opposite the port, disclosed that the Senate was concerned by increasing reports on the poor state of the port access roads, which has given rise to perennial gridlock in Apapa, thus subjecting Nigerians to untold hardships. It was gathered that the truck terminal contract awarded to Broni Proni was abandoned over the failure of the Federal Government to meet it financial obligation to the contractors, which could not continue with the contract due to paucity of funds. The committee chairman, who also disclosed that the contract is more than 95 per cent completed, pledged to ensure that the N1.5bn, which is the outstanding balance of the contract sum was paid to the contractor so that it would move back to site to complete the job.

Also on the inspection visit in company of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport were vice chairman of the committee, Senator Ighoyota Amori, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, a member of the committee and the chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Kabiru Gaya, among others. While bemoaning the poor state of the port access roads, Senator Yerima urged the port community and residents of Apapa and environs to see the challenge as a national problem, which would also require a national solution. He expressed worries that the current situation could be a disincentive to both local and foreign investors, who might want to do business in the nation’s seaports, a development that makes it expedient and urgent for the government to fix the roads. “We are going to look at the short term, medium term and at the end of the day, we will be able to come up with permanent solution to this problem. We also learnt that so many other committees have been going around in the past and not much has been achieved but I want to assure you that whatever we resolve today, we hope to take to the Senate”, Yerima also assured. Meanwhile, chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Gaya, while speaking during the

Small holder women farmers seek improved access to land Adeola Tukuru, ABUJ

mall Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), has appealed to governments in the country to help small holder farmers get equal opportunity for land ownership to women in the face of current challenges they encounter on acquisition and ownership of land. The appeal came on the heels of a launch of a programme tagged ‘Referral Pathway on Women’s Rights in Nigeria’ organised by Actionaid Nigeria in collaboration with Federacion Internacional De Abogadas (FIDA), SWOFON and Heinrich Boll Stiftung Nigeria. The First Vice President, Rural Women Farmers Forum, (RWFF) covering over 14 African countries, Mary Afan, during an interactive session wuth journalists, lamented that the issue of women owning land particularly in Nigeria was most challenging. She explained: “The controversial issue of women acquiring land in Nigeria has been one of our major problem, even when we

meet at the regional platform the story of women with regards to access to land and ownership is the same.” Afan disclosed that women accounted for about 80 per cent of the total foods consumed globally, adding that if only women farmers are given equal opportunity to own land like their male counterpart the issue of poverty would have been a thing of the past.

assessment visit, however disclosed that his committee would liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works, which awarded the contract to ensure that the outstanding sums were paid off to facilitate the completion of the job. “I wish to confirm to the stake-

holders that I am in touch with the Federal Ministry of Works, which has confirmed that the truck park being constructed as one of the immediate remedies to these problems has reached 95 percent but the contractor was waiting for just N1.5 billion to come back to site”,

L-R: Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita; Regional Bank Head, Abuja 1, Fidelity Bank Plc., Hassan Imam and the Bank’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo, at the launch of the Book “From Opposition to Governing PartyNigeria’s APC Story” authored by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in Abuja on Monday.

TFAA boss picks holes in Nigeria’s teledensity report David Audu

he co-founder and lead coordinator of ‘The Future Awards Africa Award’, Chude Jideonwo, has described the purported growth of the mobile phone market and users in Africa as mere consumption the people are noted and not growth. Jideonwo, who spoke during the future award held in Lagos recently, said that the 329 million mobile phone users could not be classified growth but rather, mere consumption.

“We should not celebrate 200 million people using phone as market growth and development when there are no roads for the same people to move their goods and services. He also noted that people should not be carried away with springing up of the luxury motor shops opening in Lagos, saying that “it is not development, rather, it is alternative reality”, he said. Jideonwu urged Africans and her leaders to stop lowering the bar of development, noting that it is absurd to celebrate “six per cent growth rate over the past 10

Etisalat reiterates commitment to SMEs’ growth Adejuwon Osunnuyi

tisalat Nigeria, the leading innovative and customercentric telecommunication network in the country, has again reiterated the fact that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) can help accelerate the growth of the Nigerian economy if greater attention is paid to the sector. The telco, while reiterating its commitment to the development of Growing Up Businesses (GUBs) in the country, said SMEs are the engine of economic growth in many developed countries. Regional Manager, Enterprise

.he said. Senator Gaya also said: I will therefore urge all of us to look at this problems as a national disaster and see how we can come about suggestions in terms of the way forward as far as this matter is concerned”.

Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Victoria Ibeji, stated this in Abuja at the just concluded Market Access Nigeria, a quarterly business networking and empowerment session for Small and Medium Enterprises, organised by the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria. “At Etisalat, we have been consistent in implementing solutions that stimulate the growth of SMEs in Nigeria. One of these numerous solutions is this partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University for meeting the global entrepreneurship need of small and grow-

ing businesses. Also as part of the initiative, we have trained a lot of SME operators from across Nigeria; we have connected them with mentors, and inspired them for great successes through networking opportunities with entrepreneurs of large organisations”, she said. Speaking on the importance of Market Access Nigeria, the Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Peter Bamkole, said the initiative is a platform that brings together Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and large companies to network, start relationships and create opportunities.

years when countries like China have sustained 11 percent growth for most of the last 30 years, pulling millions out of poverty in the process’. He pointed out that the consequences of the lowering of standard has been the rising instead in “the number of Africa’s children out of school, about18 million as at last count, the number of young people living below two dollars a day, about 72 per cent as at last count, the percent of our GDP that goes only to less than 10 per cent, the number of people who have to hold their hands over their heads to pass into the airport in Kenya, and the sheer number of jobless youth, over 75 million between ages 15 and 24 who have no jobs”. He said the need to get Africans actively engaged and involved in solving problems has informed The Future Awards Africa’s decision to visit 100 cities over the next one year to discover them, mentor them to tell their stories. “That’s why we are finding young people solving problems across these communities and telling their stories, spreading their action. That’s why we are getting them all the support that they need that we can get. We will train them, we will support them, we will help them scale. That’s why we are launching howcanIgetinvolved.com”

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Global News

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Diesel farms in line for power payout

iesel farms could this week win contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds as part of a Government scheme to keep the lights on. The payments, which will add to our energy bills, are intended to ensure there is enough generating capacity on the power network. Critics say the capacity market has failed to deliver new gas plants to replace aging coal power stations. The government says its priority is reliable, affordable energy supplies. The diesel farms are expected to win contracts in a capacity auction that gets underway today. Overseen by National Grid, the auction is intended to secure 45 gigawatts of power for a period of four years. Companies with existing power stations and those planning new generating plants will take part. For the first time the auction will also be open to the operators of interconnector cables that carry electricity between the UK and the continent. The auction is designed to deliver the power at the lowest price. But a new report suggests that instead of ensuring large gas plants are built, the capacity market has incentivised the growth of diesel generation, which is less clean than gas. “In the same week that world leaders are in Paris negotiating a

Diesel farm

climate deal, the UK government is handing out new subsidies to the most polluting form of electricity generation available,” said Jimmy Aldridge of the Institute of Public Policy Research. “This is allowing sky-high returns for diesel investors, but terrible value for money for consumers” he said. The think-tank estimates that operators of diesel sites won £109m worth of contracts in last year’s capacity auction. Based on the companies that have registered interest in this week’s event, it estimates that diesel generation could secure up to £434m more. Together with other payments, the IPPR estimates that diesel operators earn returns of at least 23 per cent on their investments.

It is calling on the Government to prevent diesel generation from taking part in subsequent auctions and for constraints on those who have already secured capacity payments. The capacity auction is designed to provide an incentive for firms to keep power plants online. It is also meant to ensure new plants are built as older plants come off the system. Earlier this month the Energy Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed plans to shut all coal-fired plants by 2025. She said that it was “imperative that we get new gas-fired power stations built” to replace them. But the first capacity auction, held last year, cleared at a lower price than expected.

Anglo American to cut workforce by 85,000 in restructuring

hares in mining firm Anglo American have fallen by more than 10 per cent as the company said it would sell huge chunks of its business and shrink its workforce by nearly two-thirds. The changes will see the workforce drop by 85,000, from 135,000 to 50,000. The group has been forced to restructure after the collapse of commodity prices slashed profits. Anglo will also suspend dividend payments for a year, and consolidate from six to three businesses. All the world’s big mining companies have seen profits tum-

Cutifani

ble along with plunging commodity prices as demand from China has slowed. The price of oil is at sevenyear lows, as is copper, and on Tuesday the price of iron ore tumbled to a 10-year low of $39.60 a tonne, after reaching a peak near $200 in 2011. As part of the restructuring, Anglo American’s diamonds business will be run by its De Beers subsidiary, its platinum and base metals operations will come under Industrial Metals, and its Bulk Commodities division will concentrate on coal and iron ore. A company spokesperson said the job cuts would be made through asset sales and internal cuts: “Bear in mind that these include assets that we will sell, so the 85,000 jobs don’t [all] disappear as many will be employed by new owners of those mines that we sell.” Anglo will sell its phosphates and niobium businesses during 2016 and plans $3.7bn in cost and productivity improvements by

2017. Chief executive Mark Cutifani said: “While we have continued to deliver our business restructuring and performance objectives across the board, the severity of commodity price deterioration requires bolder action.” Anglo’s share price has fallen by more than two-thirds over the past year. Shares in other major mining companies also saw sharp falls in trading in London on Tuesday. Glencore was down 9.3 per cent, Rio Tinto fell 6.3 per cent and BHP Billiton was 5.8 per cent lower. “Anglo American, like all of its counterparties in the mining sector, has found there is no more fat to be cut and, as had been speculated for the last week, it had to face the reality that it could no longer pay out the dividend,” said Alastair McCaig, market analyst at IG. “Where one goes, others will follow and the possibility that BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto might be forced into similar action now looks increasingly likely.”

UAW launches strike at auto supplier Nexteer’s U.S. operations

nion workers at Nexteer Automotive’s complex in Saginaw, Michigan, walked off the job early Tuesday after rejecting a proposed contract, halting production of steering systems and other components essential to vehicle production by General Motors Co (GM.N) and other automakers. United Auto Workers union Local 699 announced the strike on its Facebook page shortly after midnight on Tuesday. The action came after workers at the Saginaw factory on Sunday voted down a proposed contract by a wide margin. Local 699 leaders posted a tally sheet of the vote on Facebook. GM was assessing the potential impact on its operations Tuesday morning, a spokesman said. Nexteer, controlled by a unit of Aviation Industry Corp of

China, was formerly part of GM, and remains a major supplier of steering systems and related hardware to the Detroit automaker. Nexteer supplies steering systems for GM’s profitable large Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. “We are trying to resolve this as quickly as possible,” Nexteer spokesman Luis Canales said in an interview on Tuesday. A spokesman for UAW leadership in Detroit did not have an immediate comment. Officials at Local 699 could not be reached. Trade newspaper Automotive News reported on Tuesday that Nexteer also supplies parts to Ford (F.N), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCHA.MI) and Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T). Canales said he could not comment on the customers affected.

Fiat

Japan’s economy avoids a technical recession

apan’s economy avoided a technical recession in the three months to September, according to revised official numbers released on Tuesday. Preliminary numbers released last month indicated the economy shrank at an annual pace of 0.8 per cent during the period. The preliminary figures meant it was Japan’s second consecutive quarterly contraction, which constitutes a technical recession.

Japan PM, Shinzo Abe

However, the new data suggests the economy grew at annual pace of one per cent. Japan, which is the world’s third-biggest economy, has been in recession four times since the global financial crisis. On a quarterly basis, the latest economic numbers show gross domestic product (GDP) for the three months to September grew 0.3 per cent - instead of initial report which showed a contraction of 0.2 per cent. Analysts said Tuesday’s numbers were stronger than expected. “What’s more, GDP only shrank by 0.1 per cent quarter on quarter [in the three months to June] instead of the earlier reported 0.2 per cent,” said economist Marcel Thieliant of Capital Economics. Mr Thielant said one reason for the revision was stronger business investment, which edged up by 0.6 per cent instead of the preliminary reported 1.3 per cent quarter on quarter fall.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 10, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015

Equities as at December 9, 2015

Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001

Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 7 11 18

Current Price 29.65 31.00

Quantity Traded 27,555 56,932 84,487

Value Traded 776,224.35 1,790,620.88 2,566,845.23

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 1.42

Quantity Traded 331,500 331,500

Value Traded 470,780.00 470,780.00

415,987

3,037,625.23

Quantity Traded 19,751 1,340 930 7,952,162 331,352 8,305,535

Value Traded 15,208.27 4,797.20 818.40 11,214,006.84 8,012,850.39 19,247,681.10

8,305,535 Quantity Traded 34,145 Page 34,145

19,247,681.10 Value Traded 17,072.50 12 1 of 17,072.50

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 CONGLOMERATES Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other

Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM JOHNHOLT Daily Summary TRANSCORP UACN

Symbol COSTAIN Totals

No. of Deals 3 1 2 (Equities) 90 44 140 140 No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.74 3.76 0.92 1.39 24.20

Current Price 0.50

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 37.81

Quantity Traded 8,554 8,554

Value Traded 318,937.50 318,937.50

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 135,349 135,349

Value Traded 815,917.96 815,917.96

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

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 45.22 10.00

Quantity Traded 60 40 100

Value Traded 2,577.60 400.00 2,977.60

178,148

1,154,905.56

Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015

Printed CONSTRUCTION/REAL 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015Totals Food Products--Diversified Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products Activity Summary on Board EQTY P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Personal/Household Products © Totals

Symbol

GUINNESS INTBREW NB Symbol 7UP

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN ALLIEDEQTY PLC Activity SummaryAND on Board FCMB GROUP PLC. FINANCIAL ROYALSERVICES EXCHANGE PLC. Other Financial Institutions STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangePLC © UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 46,560.00 24,520,758.29 11,646,057.75 135,572,946.64 171,786,322.68 Value Traded 3,095,782.00 2 of 12 3,095,782.00 Value Traded 2,857,204.00 8,091,431.14 1,050,341.12 4,228,085.00 13,654.35 167,727.65 16,408,443.26

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 9 39 48

Current Price 18.68 810.03

Quantity Traded 111,666 164,578 276,244

Value Traded 2,098,541.14 133,312,848.22 135,411,389.36

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 16 11 (Equities) 27

Current Price 4.90 0.72

Quantity Traded 306,853 1,020,000 1,326,853

Value Traded 1,389,981.45 734,000.00 2,123,981.45

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 62 34

Current Price 26.50 45.50

Quantity Traded 6,920,617 296,201

Value Traded 183,606,262.27 12,804,947.54

Symbol

No. of Deals 96

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 7,216,818

Value Traded 12 3 of 196,411,209.81

565

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 88 DIAMONDBNK 17 ETI 84 FIDELITYBK 26 GUARANTY 233 SKYEBANK 42 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 4 UBA 171 UBN 40 UNITYBNK 12

13,368,453

525,237,128.56

Current Price 4.91 2.30 16.00 1.35 18.53 1.40 1.93 3.80 5.60 0.64

Quantity Traded 26,839,429 425,529 4,759,257 1,469,777 18,577,213 2,985,070 2,420 35,610,707 488,932 534,548

Value Traded 129,075,905.09 974,287.49 74,422,505.37 1,985,408.95 344,350,812.33 4,179,098.00 4,454.20 133,192,817.17 2,708,245.08 342,417.02

Value Traded 2,887,856.48 694,123,807.18

Quantity Traded 170,000 120,100 7,600 7,821,186 30,600 Page 3,000,000 1,128,000 12,800 27,667 12,317,953

Value Traded 155,050.00 115,527.00 3,800.00 5,005,559.04 79,866.00 12 4 of 1,500,000.00 762,100.68 6,400.00 13,833.50 7,642,136.22

No. of Deals 2 3 5

Current Price 5.15 1.01

Quantity Traded 120 30,500 30,620

Value Traded 618.00 30,495.00 31,113.00

Quantity Traded 1,892,324 206,544 12,793,707 18,237 Quantity Traded Page 697,888 4,847,923 20,456,623

Value Traded 4,247,729.27 838,575.30 22,521,884.87 9,118.50 Value Traded 12 511,227,232.86 of 6,185,231.05 45,029,771.85

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 2 7 7 4 2 22

Current Price 0.50 2.69 36.00 0.99 2.25

746,826,828.25

Quantity Traded 155,040 295,315 289,671 10,000 10,000 760,026

Value Traded 77,520.00 795,574.03 10,415,428.05 9,870.00 22,500.50 11,320,892.58

760,026

11,320,892.58

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 300,000 300,000

Value Traded 150,000.00 150,000.00

Page

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

150,500.00

No. of Deals 12 4 18 9 1 1 2 1 35 83

Current Price 23.00 9.85 37.60 7.40 0.50 0.50 3.95 10.93 90.00

Quantity Traded 27,190 27,800 174,306 56,482 61 875 12,660 1,500 529,524 830,398

Value Traded 600,920.88 274,677.36 6,548,013.75 397,068.46 30.50 437.50 47,601.60 15,585.00 47,641,925.32 55,526,260.37

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 1.52 50.93

Quantity Traded 468 8,200 8,668

Value Traded 678.60 396,798.00 397,476.60

839,066

55,923,736.97

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 19,800.00 19,800.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.79

Page 5,000

12 of 19,800.00

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 81,800 81,800

Value Traded 40,900.00 40,900.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 113 113

Current Price 5.69

Quantity Traded 2,568,123 2,568,123

Value Traded 14,638,205.14 14,638,205.14

Symbol CONOIL

No. of Deals 2

Current Price 26.04

Quantity Traded 2,000

Value Traded 49,480.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 6 78 20 14 120

Current Price 1.59 235.90 132.41 148.01

Quantity Traded 506,000 109,023 16,112 22,453 655,588

Value Traded 804,360.00 24,445,174.53 2,062,099.23 3,380,686.89 30,741,800.65

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 217.35

Quantity Traded 59,573 59,573

Value Traded 12,764,491.55 12,764,491.55

3,365,084

58,185,397.34

245

Quantity TradedPage 11,215 11,215

8 of 12 Value Traded 5,607.50 5,607.50

Current Price 4.20 Current Price 1.03 1.59 235.90 Current132.41 Price 148.01 0.50

Quantity Traded 77,500 Quantity Traded 15,000 506,000 92,500 109,023 16,112 Quantity Traded 22,453 18,000 655,588 18,000

Value Traded 325,550.00 Value Traded 15,150.00 804,360.00 340,700.00 24,445,174.53 2,062,099.23 Value Traded 3,380,686.89 9,000.00 30,741,800.65 9,000.00

Current Price 217.35

Quantity Traded Page 59,573

Value Traded 912,764,491.55 of 12 12,764,491.55

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

2 2

0.50

Symbol REDSTAREX Symbol TRANSEXPR ETERNA FO MOBIL Symbol TOTAL CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 No. of Deals 1 6 4 78 20 No. of Deals 14 1 120 1

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 10 10

59,573

245

3,365,084

58,185,397.34

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 11,215 11,215

Value Traded 5,607.50 5,607.50

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 1 4 (Equities)

Current Price 4.20 1.03

Quantity Traded 77,500 15,000 92,500

Value Traded 325,550.00 15,150.00 340,700.00

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 18,000 18,000

Value Traded 9,000.00 9,000.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 3.14

Quantity Traded Page 379,000

Value Traded 12 91,165,009.04 of 1,165,009.04

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Printing/Publishing Totals Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 1 6 7

Current Price 0.57 0.72

Quantity Traded 2,000 210,000 212,000

Value Traded 1,140.00 150,155.00 151,295.00

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Transport-Related Services Totals Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Support and Logistics Activity Summary on Board ASeM CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC and Logistics Totals OILSupport AND GAS

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 1 23 (Equities) 24

Current Price 1.90 3.58

Quantity Traded 500 295,881 296,381

Value Traded 990.00 1,062,790.63 1,063,780.63

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 2.47

Quantity Traded 680 680

Value Traded 1,679.60 1,679.60

Quantity Traded 1,009,776 69,800 69,800

Value Traded 2,737,071.77 34,900.00 34,900.00

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors SERVICES Totals CAPITAL OIL PLC

Daily Summary

Daily Summary Symbol CAVERTON

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors OIL PLC ASeMCAPITAL Board Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

379,000

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 48 1 1

CAPOIL

Petroleum and Petroleum Activity Summary on BoardProducts ASeM Distributors Totals Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 EQTY Board Totals

0.50

2,077

PrintedOIL 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 AND Totals OIL AND GAS GAS

Symbol CAPOIL

No. of Deals 1 1 1

Daily Summary Summary (Equities) (Equities) Daily

OIL AND GAS Totals

FINANCIAL Name SERVICES Totals

HALALStock EQUITY ETF © Published byLOTUS The Nigerian Exchange INDUSTRIAL GOODS NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Building Materials ETF VETIVA BANKING DANGOTE CEMENTGOODS PLC ETF VETIVA CONSUMER VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF INDUSTRIAL ETF Published byVETIVA The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Value Traded 34,900.00 34,900.00 34,900.00

34,900.00

69,800

34,900.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price Quantity Quantity Traded Traded Symbol No. 64,312,117 240,942 64,312,117 240,942 Quantity Traded 19,899,623 Quantity Traded 84,452,682 19,899,623 64,312,117

Value Traded Traded Value 856,044,849.16 39,078,382.98 856,044,849.16 39,078,382.98 Value Traded 91,782,105.24 Value Traded 986,905,337.38 91,782,105.24 856,044,849.16

64,312,117 240,795,723

856,044,849.16 2,410,781,804.74

Quantity Traded 19,899,623 Quantity Traded 19,899,623 240,942

Value Traded 91,782,105.24 Value Traded 91,782,105.24 39,078,382.98

Page

ZENITHBANK

Symbol FBNH Symbol ZENITHBANK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Other Financial Institutions INDUSTRIAL GOODS FBN HOLDINGS PLC Building Materials Other Financial Institutions Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Exchange Traded Fund

1,423,841,567.36

ASeM Board Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES Building Materials Banking ZENITHMaterials INTERNATIONAL Building Totals BANK PLC Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM Activity Summary INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES FBN HOLDINGS PLC Banking PREMIUM Board Totals Other Financial Institutions Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

156,273,241

Quantity Traded 69,800 69,800 69,800

69,800

Current Price 0.50

Activity Summary on Board Board PREMIUM Activity on PREMIUM Published by TheSummary Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Banking Totals Equity Activity Totals

301,000

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Employment Solutions Activity onPLC. Board EQTY C Summary & I LEASING Employment Solutions Totals SERVICES Hotels/Lodging HOTELStock PLC Exchange © Published by IKEJA The Nigerian Hotels/Lodging Totals

Current Price 0.91 0.96 0.50 0.64 2.74 0.50 0.68 0.50 0.50

127,725,166

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Exploration and Production Totals Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 OIL AND GAS Totals

Value of Shares(N)

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN FIRSTALUM IPWA PORTPAINT PREMPAINTS WAPCO

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of Deals 5 4 1 5 4 7 8 1 2 37

928

CONOIL PLC OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Quantity Traded

Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE GUINEAINS LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS WAPIC

2.22 4.06 1.76 0.50 Current Price 16.07 1.27

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Chemicals Totals

Exploration and Production Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

Quantity Traded 3,227,088 94,919,970

46 4 34 3 No. of Deals 14 51 152

Quotation(N)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Courier/Freight/Delivery OIL AND GAS RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. ETERNA PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL Solutions NIG PLC. Employment TOTAL NIGERIAPLC. PLC. C & I LEASING Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Employment Solutions Totals

Current Price 0.93

AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB ROYALEX Symbol STANBIC UCAP

No Of Deals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 17 734

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

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Totals Packaging/Containers

SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Automobile/Auto PartExchange Retailers© R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol WEMABANK

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC IPWA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Petroleum and on Petroleum Products Distributors Activity Summary Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 469,900 414,527 698,558 603,955 1,597 159,693 2,348,230

Daily Summary

Daily Summary (Equities)

ICT ICT Totals

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Current Price 6.06 19.50 1.60 7.00 8.99 1.15

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

Current Price 181.10

Quantity Traded 12,000 198,190 755,725 1,217,438 2,183,353 Quantity Traded 16,955 Page 16,955

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 Energy Equipment and Services Totals

No. of Deals 15 61 26 35 1 13 151

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Current Price 3.70 123.00 15.50 112.01

Company name

NATURAL RESOURCES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange NATURAL RESOURCES Totals ©

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM TIGERBRANDS

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/12/2015 DIAMOND BANK PLC Printed 09/12/2015 14:33:01.001 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC ActivityUNION Summary Board EQTY BANKon NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

No. of Deals 3 52 17 161 233 No. of Deals 10 10

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION

Sector

Symbol FBNH Summary Daily Symbol DANGCEM Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD Symbol VETBANK DANGCEM VETGOODS VETGRIF30 VETINDETF

590 14.00 12 590 12 No. of Deals Current Price 381 Current Price 4.66 No. of Deals 983 381 590 14.00 590 3,061 971 No. of Deals 381 (ETP) No. of Deals 381 12

Current Price 4.66 Current Price 162.19

84,211,740

84,211,740 No. of971 Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 1 9.30 10 Page 1 2,070.00 50 No. of Deals 4 Current Price2.66Quantity Traded125 12 3 162.196.83 240,942120 2 12.21 110 1 20.44 Page5 12 420

34,900.00 10

947,826,954.40

947,826,954.40 Value Traded 11 of93.00 12 103,500.00 Value Traded 334.50 39,078,382.98 829.30 1,357.10 102.20 12 11 of 106,216.10

ETF Board Totals

420

106,216.10

ETP Activity Totals

420

106,216.10

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Online journalists, enthusiasts rally against Social Media Bill’s passage Despite being a tool of development globally, the ongoing plans to legislate on new media practice is creating serious ripples in the Nigerian larger society as social media enthusiasts and chieftains see the move as antidemocratic and a subtle way to gag the media. Isaiah Erhiawarien analysis the controversies spurred by the National Assembly’s move.

he Social Media Bill seeking to gag the activities of social media savvy is causing rage and chief executives officers in the telecommunications industry have called for an all industry campaign against the Bill. Ardent users of the platform, which has become a tool of social critics in Nigeria, assumed a freighting dimension when executives of telecoms companies called for an all stakeholders mobilisation against planned entrenchment of the Bill into our law books. A senator from Kebbi state, Mr. Ibn Na’Allah had presented a Bill, if passed into law, will anyone found guilty of posting abusive comment on the social media liable to two years of imprisonment or a fine of N2 million or both. The bill provides for an option of N4 million for persons convicted of false newspaper, radio and television statements and N2 million for offenders of false phone text messages or messages on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, or WhatsApp. The Chief Executive Officer, Teledom Groups Limited, an IT solution firm based in Lagos, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem called on ICT industry stakeholders association such ATCON, ALTON, NIG, NCS to rise up in unison to challenge the planned bill saying that it is taking the nation back into the military era of dictatorship. According to him, the Bill is a reflection of Decree 4, which must be vehemently resisted all stakeholders group in the country noting that the explanation that the use of the Bill to regulate the social media is against the will of the masses. He said that it is duty of all stakeholders rise up and challenge the Bill without the use of violence saying that there are enough civil laws as well as the cybercrime law to regulate the abusive use of the social media. Ekuwem called for a unique identification of all devices used to access the internet so as to ascertain whoever is using its device for character assassination on the social media noting that “I sympathise with members of the National Assemble over the issues that they are reacting to but to react by gaging the social media will be an over-reaction.” He disclosed that the National Assemble must not be allowed to make a law that will regulate the social media stressing that the social media is a tool for national development and cannot be regulated just like free speech.

“What I am telling the members the National Assemble can take care of their existing laws in the country that can address their concern, and once an individual has been known to engage in the use of abusive words he should be taken to court”, said Ekuwem. Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo said that it is appropriate for anyone worried about the negative use of the social media to get a copy of the Cyber Crime Law of 2014 noting that it addresses the fears of the National Assemble. According to him, there is no place in the world where the social media is regulated in the manner that the National Assemble is seeking to achieve stressing that no country regulate the social media, and that where that is done, there is always crisis. President of the Programos Software Group, Mr. Emmanuel Amos while challenging the Bill on his Facebook page described it as dead on arrival saying that the industry needs strong engagement with the National Assemble on Bill. Amos said that the Bill is a “Pam Sandal’ laws saying that it does not represent the will of the Bill, which he said that the lawmakers are supposed to protect. Beyond the agitation of the industry top players, the social media was also washed with rage, which criticised the Bill. In one of such post on Facebook, Abdulmujeeb Bayo Adebolajo described the Bill as a re-enactment of the memories of the military regime where decrees were passed to gag the media and derogate from the right to free speech. According to him, it is clear that the Buhari/APC government is laying the legal foundation to stifle the growing criticism and increasing awareness on social media of the gross incompetence being displayed by this government.

Saraki He recalled that the social media was a tool that the past administration excelled and used to drive their activity and that ironically it gave the opposition a voice. For Collins Obi Praise, “the attempt by the senate to legislate on issue that touches on the social media and freedom of expression is strong evidence of the faineance character of these groups of senators. Someone should remind them that they cannot legislate how people spend their free time.” As for Ola Bakare, the proposed Bill is a strategy by the present government to gag critiques saying, “They want to use style to gag our mouth so that all their shady acts should not be talked about.” A legal practitioner, Ope Banwo while kicking against the criminalising the thoughts of the people said, it is taking it too far to criminalise what people are saying on the social media. He described the social media as a market where everybody go to sell as saying that it would be wrong to send someone to jail because he post information. Banwo who was speaking on Channels

I sympathise with members of the National Assemble over the issues that they are reacting to but to react by gaging the social media will be an over-reaction

TV Sunrise Daily program, said that there are existing laws that addresses defamation noting that when it is criminalised it will stop a lot of people from speaking about crucial issues. He said that there are is no redeeming features in the Bill because there are already checks in the civil law to check that besides the checks that existing in the social media features. He said that the law does not make sense noting that there are over 5,000 signatory asking for the recall of the Na’Allah by his constituency noting that Facebook has provided a means for posting to be removed when complain. Concerning countries that like Turkey that has social media, he said that Nigeria cannot be compared to countries with repressive laws adding that those who are supporting the Bill are those who have been in public eye. Despite the stiff opposition by social media enthusiasts there are some who view the Bill as critically essential for the control of what people say on the social media. A broadcast journalist, Omor Bazuaye said, “Don’t you think there’s a need for some measure of reasonable control. Can people just say what they like without having their facts in the name of freedom of speech?” Moji Danisa Dawodu, a blogger on her Facebook wall said that Senator is not making sense saying that “the Bill against social media lies and lying has to be passed. We need some sanity, I swear.” And Jeanette T. Lopez said, “I think it is good so as to avoid a lot of speculations, assumptions and miss information that leads people to believe otherwise.”

Info Tech

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders task FG on infrastructure for mobile economy Stories by Isaiah Erhiwarien

takeholders in telecoms industry have urged governments to take conceited efforts towards improving infrastructure that will enhance the performance of the nation’s mobile economy. In paper presentations made at the Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit and Awards in Lagos, speakers said that they attributed the rapid growth of the nation’s economy to the fast pace of the mobile economy. The mobile is economy is the use of mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets to carryout economic tasks such as mobile money transfer, mobile insurance, mobile agriculture and mobile health. Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, in her presentation said that the mobile internet had the capacity to unlock the potentials of the Nigerian economy because of the huge growth in mobile uptake. According to her, the digital revolution has created a great impact in the Nigerian economy noting that latest trend in Nigeria revealed that over 97 million Nigerians are online, which represent tremendous growth since 2005. She disclosed that Nigeria remained the largest Twitting nation in Africa saying that more

Nigerians are going online using their mobile phones while a lot are having their first internet experience via the mobile phones. Ehimuan-Chiazor said that about 65 per cent access the Google Search and Youtube through their mobile phones saying more access to these devices will drive further the growth of the economy, and that as such business must develop along multiple devices in the market. She explained that the use of the mobile phone in detecting fake and adulterated medicines, monitoring of election, banking business as well as news on the go signify the importance of driving an economy via mobile. Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria Limited, Kushal Dutta said that mobile device has changed the landscape of the hospital industry in Nigeria saying that with the mobile device it is easy to make a hotel reservation from any location across the country. He said that one of the greatest achievements of his company in the country is offering Nigerians a platform to make hotel reservation for hotels outside the country saying that it is the first African company to partner with Google Hotel Ads. He said that Jovago provides a vast portfolio of 8,000 hotels in Nigeria and over 200,000 hotels around the world at the best prices

CWG raises alarm over impending rot in NgREN

omputer Warehouse Group (CWG Plc) has alerted stakeholders in the private and public sector of the economy of the possibility of the rot Nigerian Education Research Network (NgREN). The company called on stakeholders to contribute their quota towards ensuring that the NgREN is not allowed to rot away as a white elephant project. Chief Executive Officer, CWG, Mr. Austin Okere said at the closing gong ceremony held on the trading floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) building in Lagos, noted that the survival of the NgREN has been threatened by the failure of the Nigerian Universities Commission, NUC, to pay for its annual bandwidth fees. According to Okere, the World Bank and the Federal Government had financed the project and it received international acclaim at the 2014 World Economic Forum summit in Tianjin, China saying that it should not be allowed to die on the account of such a small need especially when we consider its impact on our educational system and the

society at large. Okere noted that CWG has undergone a number of fundamental changes in line with global realities saying, “in line with the new shared economy, CWG Plc is moving from providing IT solutions to the big players in the industry to providing platform services through the cloud to SMEs so as to help them scale their numerous limitations and spur innovation and inclusive growth.” He added that these include SMERP, a cloud based enterprise resource planning that will allow SMEs keep their records and have access to loans from banks. Another is Diamond Yello Account, our mobile banking solution that will allow mobile phone users on Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology of the NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo disclosed that NgREN is a potential catalyst both for the growth of the tertiary education system in Nigeria and the growth of the nation’s economy as a whole. According to him, the project is of peculiar interest to the NSE because it can stimulate tremendous

possible urging for government to assist in enhancing telecoms infrastructure. Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta earlier in an opening address expressed

government desire to improve on the provision of telecoms infrastructure that are needed for the growth of the mobile economy. Represented by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the NCC boss assured that govern-

ment will provide the enabling environment for the mobile economy to thrive saying that the Commission is not relenting in the pursuit of achieving the goals of desirable and affordable broadband growth.

L-R: Account Manager (Print Solutions), HP Corporation, Francis John Angbo; Microsoft Nigeria, Partners Channel Marketing Manager, Bunmi Bialose; Managing Director, HP Corporation, Ify Afe; Microsoft Nigeria, Consumer Channels Group Director, Mark Ihimoyan and MD/CEO, Crown Crystal Technologies Limited, Adeniyi-Martins Adegbenro at Microsoft/HP’s Celebration of Stars in Lagos.

Sophos releases new solution to fight cyber threats

he cases of cyber security threat may soon begin to dwindle following the introduction of the first synchronised security protection firewall from Sophos, a network and endpoint security solution company. According to a statement announcing the release of the firewall in Lagos, the company stated that using the Sophos Security Heartbeat capability of the Sophos XG series of next-generation firewalls and UTMs, will mitigate against today’s sophisticated threats. The company said that the new firewall technology directly links next-generation firewalls and UTMs with next-generation endpoint security to share threat intelligence that enables faster detection of threats, automatic isolation of infected devices, and more immediate and targeted response and resolution. Chief Executive Officer of Sophos, Kris Hagerman, noted that with the new technology, organisations of any size can advance their defenses against increasingly coordinated and stealthy attacks and drive a dramatic reduction in the time and resources required to investigate and address security incidents. He explained that the Security Heartbeat pulses is continuous, offer real-time information about suspicious behaviour or malicious activity between endpoints and the

network firewall or UTM noting that by giving these traditionally independent products the ability to directly share intelligence, the Security Heartbeat can instantly trigger a response to stop or help control a malware outbreak or data breach. He said that the Sophos XG Firewall uses data provided by

Sophos endpoint protection to isolate and restrict access to and from the affected device, and in parallel, the endpoint protection can remediate the attack adding that IT organisations can benefit from advanced threat protection capabilities without requiring additional agents, layers of complex management tools, logging and analysis tools, or expense.

Nigeria’s spam calls rise to 120,000 daily

he number of spams has reached a total of 120, 000 spam and unwanted calls detected every day across the country. Search technology company, Truecaller in a recent report said that it is becoming an increasing cause for concern in Nigeria as spammers become more adept at harassing and taking advantage of smartphone users in Nigeria. According to the Vice President of Growth and Partnerships for Truecaller, Husain Misherghi, thousands of smartphone users are the victims of spammers in Nigeria every day. “You can protect yourself with Truecaller by reporting spam and unwanted numbers, and blocking them forever. That information is listed in our database and we report it to Truecaller’s community of users, providing a safe and secure communication experience for all Nigerians with easy, hasslefree calls.”

The report said that about four million Nigerians use Truecaller amongst the global Truecaller community of over 200 million saying that the innovative app enables users to block unwanted and spam calls they have reported to Truecaller, or receive assistance from the app’s database where spam numbers are listed and marked in red. To further protect smartphone users from spam, Truecaller has taken its cutting-edge technology to the next level with Truemessenger, an SMS replacement app that tells users who sent an SMS even if they are not in your contacts. Truemessenger does for SMS what Truecaller has done for mobile phone calls - identifies incoming SMS, filters and blocks spam SMS, to keep our users’ inboxes safe and clean. Truecaller can be downloaded for free on popular platforms including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Tizen and Nokia feature phones.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Brands & Marketing

PR practitioners charged on impact measurement DAVID AUDU

he Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, has been challenged to adopt available technology in the measurement of impact of PR activities on their clients’ business. Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, who was the guest speaker at the 5th edition of the association Monthly Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos recently, dismissed the widely held notion that PR could not be measured and said that there are available technology that can help with measurement. Speaking on the topic, ‘Public Relations Agency-Client Relationship: A view from both sides’, she noted that, for example, Word Mapping could be done using Google and other available tools that would determine how many times key messages were mentioned and their Olumidei-Ojo who started her career on the Agency side of PR practice said, “we deny ourselves more credibility if we do not mark our own work,” adding that PR measurement agencies were springing up now. “It is important that we patronise them. We don’t have to wait for annual brand health checks before we see how well we have fared,” she added. Speaking on client’s expectations of PR agencies, Olumide-Ojo advised PR consultants to be more proactive in attending to clients’ needs. She advised that PR agencies must anticipate challenges and offer PR solutions to deal with them. She admonished: “Clients want their

National president, Nigeria Institution of Estate surveyors and Valuers, Olorogun James Omeru FNIVS, (left) in a warm Handshake with lead consultant and Head of practice Nuel mark Group, Sir Emmanuel Mark FNIVS, at the 10 Anniversary of Nuel Mark Group, in Lagos, recently.

PR agencies to take up the role of a consultant. They want an agency that would look at a situation and give professional advice. They feel more comfortable with an agency that is able to do that. It is the easiest way for agencies to earn respect and trust as they would see you as a strong partner rather than a messenger.” She stressed the need for PR consultants to understand the client’s business. According to her, clients get impatient with consultants that find it difficult to understand terminologies of their industry. “When clients know that you speak their language, they are more comfort-

able with you,” she said. Olumide-Ojo said that PR in Nigeria has really grown in the last 15 years. “Prior to the fast-paced growth of the practice post-2000, PR practitioners were perceived largely as glorified pressmen as practice was almost limited to press releases distribution,” which was why veteran journalists drifted seamlessly between PR and media professions. In her words: “After year 2000, a lot of things happened. PR practice was removed from the appendage of the creative industry. Technology and increasing sophistication of practitioners

Agency fetes media partners in open house parley DAVID AUDU

ublic Relations and Marketing Communications agency, Sesema PR, hosted media partners and clients at its first annual open house event in Lagos. The event was organised to celebrate business relationships and to showcase the company’s refurbished work facility. It also served as an avenue to celebrate media personalities for their support while giving a review of Sesema PR’s achievements over the years. During the event a milestone video which chronicled the highpoints of the agency over the years was played including a glowing tribute to the late founder Alima Atta. The video explained the sponsor a child CSR project where primary schools students are given education grants worth N150, 000 yearly to support their mental growth and development. The video also showcased a yearly scholarship program for LASU students featuring free tuition fees, feed-

ing and accommodation for the last two years of tertiary education for two students. Speaking at the event, Managing Director Sesema PR, Mrs. Tampiri Irimagha-Akemu said that. “We are always excited to be able to open our doors to our partners that is why this open house event is very important to us as it gives us a platform to be able to bring such valued stakeholders together to appreciate them.” The event was also used to introduce the “Emerging Entrepreneurs” project. A project that showcases fast rising entrepreneurs who are pacesetters in their individual industries and spheres of influence. Emerging entrepreneurs aims to promote the entrepreneurs through public relations, networking with other entrepreneurs and strategic business advisory. The event also was used to unveil the agency’s CSR project called ‘Emerging Entrepreneur’. which is our own way of giving back to the society, by providing a platform for budding innovative entrepreneurs to blossom”. Mrs Akemu added.

Other highlights of the event were the displays by Mall for Africa the online retail store with access to over 80 global brand stores. Mall for Africa used the event as an opportunity to introduce its end of the year discount program to the media. The event was also spiced up with soulful music and uplifting humorous intermissions by the event compere Tega. Sesema PR prioritizes its relationships and strives to maintain this track record of excellent relationship with the media and clients. This open house is intended to reiterate the high esteem accorded every business partner. Sesema PR remains relentless in its pursuit of evolving advancements and growth in the industry with more innovative and effective public relations, market research, IT and digital marketing and event management solutions. Sesema PR boasts of both local and multinational clientele with the likes of Visa, Etihad Airways, Vinci Hair Clinic, Philips, FMC technologies, WISCAR and the Ovie Brume Foundation as major clients.

helped to change perception. Now we have more PR practitioners who understand their clients and are ready to learn.” PRCAN President, John Ehiguese, in his remarks, admitted the importance of measurement but said clients were not always willing to pay for research. He however encouraged PR agencies to invest on research and evaluation in order to reap the full benefits of measurement. He said the breakfast meeting was in furtherance of the commitment of the Association to boost the capacity of PR consultants in Nigeria so that they could better understand the client’s point of view and thereby manage their expectations better. Previous editions of the breakfast meeting have featured communication professionals from the private sector. They were: Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc; Emeka Oparah, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria; David Okeme, President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) who is also Brand Building Director at Unilever Plc; and Tony Ojobo Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. PRCAN is chartered by a Bye Law of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to cater to the interests of the consultancy side of PR practice in Nigeria. It currently has a membership of 51 PR consultancy firms providing services across at least 21 PR practice areas.

P&G moves £1.77bn media account to Omnicom

rocter & Gamble, the world’s biggest advertiser in terms of spend, will move the bulk of its media buying and planning in North America to Omnicom, following a competitive pitch. Omnicom Media Group will handle the media for most of P&G’s products, while Carat, a roster agency, will work on other product categories. The bulk of P&G’s media planning and buying in North America was handled by Starcom Mediavest Group, the Publicis Groupe network, which has been on the company’s roster for more than 15 years. Starcom will continue to work on Duracell, cosmetics, fragrances, and some hair products in the US and Canada, but these business are due to be sold by P&G. It will continue to handle media for

P&G outside of the US, which makes up about 40 per cent of the global business. P&G spent about $2.66 billion, £1.77 billion, on measured media in the US last year, according to WPP’s Kantar Media. The review began in May, when P&G said it planned to cull the number of agencies it works with to make savings of up to $500 million. In July the company said that it had cu the number of agencies it work with by 40 per cent globally The company also changed its chief executive last month, when David Taylor replaced AG Lafley, and also sold 43 brands to cosmetics giant Coty for $12.5 billion. ZenithOptimedia, another Publicis media network, picked up Coty’s global media business from OMD in June.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Philips to impact three billion lives by 2025 DAVID AUDU

hilips has restated its commitment to sustainable future globally, with plans to deliver personal, meaningful innovation of products to impact on people’s lives. Chief Executive Officer, Philips Africa, JJ van Dongen, stated this at the opening of the Philips Africa Innovation Experience in Lagos recently. He said, “Our mission is to improve the lives of three billion people by 2025. This is a bold and daring vision. But looking at the state of the world, it is a path worth taking’. The Philips Africa innovation experience provided a glimpse into the future of healthcare and lighting as attendees were taken on an experiential tour through an im-

mersive setting, showcasing how the healthcare industry is slowly becoming more agile, effective and more importantly, within a regional context, and also, more cost-effective, especially, for people on the African continent. He said, the rapid transformation of the lighting industry and how LEDs are transforming the nature of lighting, how and where, artificial light is used to enhance the human experience, were part of the overall experience. “Innovation has been and will always be at the heart of Philips and the Africa Innovation Experience underlines how we are pushing the boundaries to improve people’s lives with a host of localized solutions and services. “With a presence in Africa for

over 100 years Philips is committed to providing effective, sustainable and value based solutions to the continent. We hope to inspire our customers and partners and demonstrate the steps we can take together to improve people’s lives across the continent.” Giving credence to advances in imaging and monitoring technologies, combined with rapid development in digital health data and cloud computing, the CEO explained further that Philips is leading the transformation of the healthcare industry and creating highly integrated, personalised care with better outcomes at lower costs. As part of the experiential setting at the event attendees were able to see solutions which are addressing the challenges in Africa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

Measuring APP effectiveness

ontinuing our discussion about apps, let’s look at how we measure the success of apps from established brands. One thing is for certain—we need to go beyond the number of downloads they receive or the type of audience they reach. While these metrics are important, they tell only half the story. The other half, which is absolutely critical, is the impact the app has on the brand. If we think of an app as a piece of creative, we can draw on familiar advertising concepts to frame and understand its brand impact. For example some of the critical questions Millward Brown asks to measure the effectiveness of the app include: Is the app engaging? Does it draw users in and provide them with an enjoyable experience? Does the app leave users with a

compelling impression that is linked to the brand? Does the app encourage users to continue using the brand or to take some specific action? With apps, there are also new things to think about: What is the brand’s role in the app? How does the app perform from a usability perspective? Is it intuitive? Can consumers find what they’re looking for? How does the app perform from a technical perspective? Is it reliable? Does it do what users want it to do? It is with the answers to these questions in mind, together with the number of downloads and audience statistics, that app effectiveness should be measured. Do you agree with us? Let’s know your thoughts @ michael. umogun@millwardbrown.com + 234 802 311 7969 / + 234 809 023 554

MCN launches Nigerian Festivals Pop-up Channel on DStv, GOtv DAVID AUDU

n response to satisfying viewers during the holiday season MultiChoice Africa has launch Nigerian Festivals pop-up channel on DStv and GOtv platforms. From the first week of December until Saturday to January 2016, all DStv and GOtv subscribers will be treated to the Nigerian Festivals pop-up channel, L-r: Vice President, PRCAN, Muyiwa Akintunde, , Head, Marketing &Corporate Communications, Stanbic IBTC Bank, a channel dedicated to showcasing four Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Guest Speaker, PRCAN President, John Ehiguese, and Member firm of PRCAN and Sponsors of Nigerian music festivals this season. the event, Rosemary Otalor of Caritas Communication at the PRCAN Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos, recently. This will be the second holiday popup channel coming on the heels of, Hoolee, a fun children’s holiday channel that went live on 01 December on night. Other nominees in this Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi, also DStv Premium, Compact Plus and DAVID AUDU category are Total Nigeria Plc explained that the Best CorpoCompact packages. rate Governance Award highn recognition of its com- and Custodian and Allied Plc. Subscribers on DStv Premium, Organisers said the award lights that the Board and Manmitment to quiality serCompact Plus, Compact, Family and vice, Africa Prudential was established to reward agement of the company have Access bouquets and on GOtv Plus will Registrars, APR, has received corporate excellence, there- been working in harmony. She double award, Best Profit Mar- by challenging and spuringr assured stakeholders that the gin Ratio and Best Corporate quoted companies to explore company will continue to proGovernance at the 20th Pearl innovative and competitive tect their interests, while enDAVID AUDU Awards Dinner held in Lagos, approaches towards achieving suring international best pracoutstanding performance and recently. ealth and Safety professiontices in corporate governance. In the Market Excellence growth. als have lauded the manageAPR Plc has steadily reManaging Director of APR, category, APR Plc won the ment of Promasidor Nigeria corded a positive return on award for Best Profit Margin Peter Ashade, who was on Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk for investment for its numerous Ratio, beating other listed hand with directors and manproviding hygienic and safe working local and international invescompany in Nigeria. In 2014, agement team of the company environment for its members of staff. tors. In the current financial it led the entire group of listed to receive the award said, “deThe experts gave the commenyear, the company has already companies by profit margin spite the feat recorded by the dation during the 2015 Promasidor with a distance at 54 per cent, company on profit margin ra- paid 17 Kobo interim dividend Safety Day held at the company’s the closest rival being 40.7 per tio, we will always strive to im- per share to its shareholders. headquarters in Isolo, Lagos. It would be recalled that a thirprove our performance yearcent by Dangote Cement. Chief Medical Director, St. RaAPR also won the Best on-year, particularly when it ty-five (35) Kobo dividend was phael Hospital Limited, Dr. Omotola Corporate Governance in the comes to ability to convert rev- paid to shareholders for 2013 Anthony , who spoke on Industrial and 2014 financial year, respecSpecial Recognition category, enue into profit.” Accidents, Ill-Health/Occupational Chairman of the company, tively. making her awards two on the

Africa Prudential gets double recognition at Pearls Award

get a front row view of Nigeria’s hottest music festivals from the comfort of their own homes on DStv channel 198 and GOtv Plus channel 29. The festival extravaganza is expected to kick off with the coverage of The Experience Music and Worship gospel concert from 04 - 05 December. Billed as ‘the most awaited gospel music concert in the whole of Africa’, The tenth edition of The Experience is anticipated to be a grand one with some big name ministers like Sonnie Badu, Don Moen, Sammie Okposo, Micah Stampley, Chioma Jesus, Midnight Crew and LMGC due to bring their ministries to the crowd. DStv and GOtv subscribers will get an opportunity to enjoy the gospel music concert alongside the 600 000 worshippers expected to attend the concert in Lagos, Nigeria.

Professionals laud Promasidor’s safety measures

Disease and Prevention; said the safety gadgets installed in strategic locations within the Promasidor premises is an indication that the company holds the issue of sound health in high esteem. According to him, the Safety Day annually celebrated by the company is another major programme that Promasidor uses to educate its workforce about the need to be safety conscious in their workplace. Dr. Anthony said an industrial accident is a sudden and unforeseen event that happens to somebody and resulting in injury to self and possibly to co-workers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Glamour as TFAA honours 11 young African achievers Leonard Okachie

t was a joyous moment last Sunday, at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, as the The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) honoured 11 outstanding young achievers for their excellent work across the continent in different fields. The glamorous event which was the 10th year anniversary edition lived up to its billing as Africa’s biggest youth event. First held in 2006, the TFAA is a set of prizes given annually to celebrate and accelerate innovation, creativity and enterprise amongst young Africans aged 18 – 31, and has produced over 150 winners and over 1550 nominees. It is presented in conjunction with The Future Project, which has a mandate to build empowered citizens across Africa, through (inclusive) enterprise and (active) citizenship. This year’s awards hosted by multitalented singer and producer, Dare Art-Alade and South Africa’s leading OAP, Bonang Matheba, recognised African youths who have distinguished themselves in different areas ranging from science and technology, business, entertainment, politics, to education. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to deserving winners from all across Africa with Nigeria’s Philip Obaji Jnr. taking home The Future Awards Africa Prize for Young Person of the Year. Similalrly, Nigerian artiste, Olamide ‘Badoo’ Adedeji beat Yemi Alade, Vanessa Mdee, Anne Kansiime, and South Africa’s Refiloe Maele

‘Cassper Nyovest’ Phoolo to clinch The Future Awards Africa Prize in Entertainment. The Chief Executive Officer of Poise’ Graduate Finishing Academy, Ukinebo Dare won the Ford Foundation Prize for Youth Employment category. Dare beat other nominees: Kabiru Seidu-Dankata, Eze Ifedy-Ralph, Olamide Adeleye, Ifeanyi Aniagoh, Olajide Kabir-Tosin and was awarded 5000 as well as media inventory valued at $20,000. Others winners included : Queen Baboloki (Botswana) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Advocacy & Activism, Lily Kudzro (Ghana)- The Future Awards Africa Prize in Education, Olufunbi Falayi (Nigeria) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Enterprise Support, Kelvin Mutize (Zimbabwe) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Community Action. Also awarded were Rasheeda Mandeeya Yehuza (Ghana) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Technology, David Asiamah (Ghana) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Agriculture, Samuel Malinga (Uganda) - The Tony O. Elumelu Prize in Business, Emmanuel N. B. Flomo (Liberia) - The Future Awards Africa Prize in Public Service. The event was attended by highprofile personalities including the Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, Oby Ezekwesili, Mo Abudu, Tara FelaDurotoye, and more.

L-R:Waje, Omawumi, Joselyn Dumas at The Future Awards Africa, 2015 in Lagos

Winner of Ford Foundation Prize for Youth Employment, Ukinebo Dare, receiving her award

Priest charges YCW to rebrand Nigerian youths ,

Monsignor Livinus Ukah with memebers of the YCW, during the 2015 Workers Day celebration in Lagos.

Leonard Okachie

atholic priest, Monsignor Livinus Ukah has charged the Young Christian Workers, YCW to take up the challenges of rebranding the Nigerian youths as well as themselves, to be loyal and law abiding citizens.

Monsignor Ukah gave this charge recently at the 7th Annual General Meeting of YCW Lagos Region, which held at St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos. Ukah, who is the Chaplain of the group, in his address remarked that the youth of the world are in trouble and are seduced by different ideolo-

gies. The Chaplain, who was represented at the event by Mr. Gabriel Olajide, stated: “The Young Christian Wokers of Lagos, Nigeria have a great work to do. In most of your Exco meetings, I found out that you have what it takes to face these challenges of rebranding and also rebrand yourselves.” He commended the group for making proper use of the year 2015, adding “But 2026 is going to be a year of spiritual productivity and a year where all the past plans will be implemented to show that we are moving with time. “I have really noticed a lot of growth, spiritual development and a sense of cooperation in you. Your last May Day was a big splash and intimidating. You made a statement to Nigerian youth. People are asking questions about YCW. They are beginning to know and that is why your number is increasing.” However, in his welcome remark, the Regional President, YCW, Lagos, Mr. Andrew Esan Akins thanked God for sparing the lives of all members in the past year, and offering them another opportunity to gather again for

the AGM. He noted that this year’s AGM theme ‘Discerning God’s call to ministry’ was carefully chosen considering their call as ‘young workers’ in the church. “How do we carry out this apostolate in us and within us? Each of us has been called to play a vital role in life of every individual of the body of Christ, the church thereby fulfilling the ministerial mission of evangelizing the world,” Akins said. Chairman of AGM Committee, Mr. Victor Omola thanked God and his committee members for the success the meeting, even as he stressed that a lot was demanded of them as young Christian workers. He maintained that the Chaplain’s admonition was timely because the Nigerian youths needed to be guided for a better future, even as he stressed that YCW would not relent in championing such course. The AGM was added by representatives from various deaneries Lagos Region, including: Apapa, Ikorodu, Maryland, Festac, Ikeja, Agege, Ipaja, Surulere, Yaba, Badagry and Isolo.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG advocates adoption of IDP children in Borno Joel Ajayi Abuja

isturbed by the dilemma of thousands of children who were homeless, orphans in Bama and some affected areas in Borno State because of Boko Haram insurgency, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has called on well-meaning Nigerian to come to the aid of the children by adopting them for a better Nigeria. Minister who was visibly depressed by the plight of children in Konduga, Bama other made this call during a tour and assessment of havoc wrecked by Boko Haram in Maiduguri. He called for adequate humanitarian assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP s). While addressing the IDPs in Bama and other crisis prone areas, Alh Lai Mohammed observed that Bama that used to be a commercial hub is now a shadow of itself. Almost all the basic infrastructures in the town suffer destruction by the Boko Haram insurgents. The minister then assured that federal government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the displaced persons are adequately relocated to their homes. He said: “Most of these children here, I’m made to understand don’t have father and mother anymore, they are just there clapping for nothing, and they don’t even know where they are. “The level of destruction here strucks me, for many of us who have not been here; I don’t think we got the full impact of the war until we got here. “The tragedy of the victims, mainly women and children, I hope these will serve as a lesson to all of us not to take for granted the unity of this country and to appreciate that there is no alternative to united Nigeria. “With this visit there are abject sorrow and poverty in the camp, the IDPs children were clapping without even knowing what was said to them. “If we indeed love this country and we want our future to be secure, I think these IDPs can be adopted by well-meaning Nigerians. These kids basically sleep in open places and don’t even know why they were there.” On his part, Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, described the past six years as a very sad moment and path of war for people of Borno which many wouldn’t want their unborn generation to experience.

Children in Bama IDP camp 2

At 12, I already discovered myself – Singer Awoko Leonard Okachie

ollowing the success of her first album, upcoming gospel singer/ songwriter Grace Komolafe is set to take the world by storm with her inspirational gospel songs. Popularly called Awoko by her fans, Awoko, who is also an actress, launched her first album entitled “Thank You” in June in Lagos, which was produced by

Awoko Music International. The launch was graced by some personalities including the Lagos State Chairman, Association of Juju Musician of Nigeria (AJUMN) Ambassador Segun Nabi and National Coordinator, Association of Juju Musician of Nigeria (AJUMN) Champion Kunle Opio. A native of Lampese in Akoko, Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, Awoko, who grew up in a Christian family, started her musical career at the age of 12 in the church choir ministry. But she never knew it would be her major career in life. “At the age of twelve, I already discov-

Millenials, biggest spenders at 2015 Black Friday - Kaymu Leonard Okachie

O Komolafe

nline shopping community Kaymu.com.ng has release some figures, showing that millennials spent the most during this year’s Black Friday, spending an average of wN10, 600 each. The data also found that men spent more than women during this shopping event at a ratio of 7:3. This corroborates PwC’s prediction in their 2015 Holiday Outlook Report stating

Indomie to organise end of year party for children

Saidat Alausa

ufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has concluded plans for a fun-filled end of the year party for all Indomie fan club members across six cities in Nigeria. The Indomie Fan Club which was launched July in 2005 with the key objective of creating an engaging atmosphere for children between the ages of 5 – 12

ered myself, I got motivated, which made me stick to what I know best, my parent saw it coming and gave me the total support and freedom, ” said Awoko who has performed at various events such as special praise programmes, open crusade, musical concerts, wedding ceremonies, house warming and so on. Speaking on her challenges, she revealed that despite all the rough and tough journeys so far, she never gave up because of the passion for music, “although some people plotted distractions just to my musical career, but my God remained faithful to me; my zeal and passion for music kept me going.”

years where they can mix, learn and interact with one another irrespective of their socio-cultural background, has grown to become the largest children’s fan club in Nigeria. According to the Head, Public Relations and Events, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, this time, the company will be celebrating the end of 2015 party in a big way with all the fan club members at 17 different venues across six cities, namely Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan,

Akure, Abuja and Benin. Ashiwaju said this was designed to demonstrate the company’s appreciation of their loyalty and to provide an unforgettable experience for them during the forthcoming festive period. He also explained that the essence of the party is to ensure as many children as possible get to have a memorable celebration, especially pointing at the fact that many parents may not have the time to celebrate with their children.

that almost 60% of millennials will shop online or in-store around thanksgiving, celebrated a day before Black Friday. According to Sefik Bagdadioglum, Managing Director of Kaymu, this can be traced to the impact of mobile on online shopping. The company has reported that 70% of its Black Friday sales were completed online. “The smartphone has become the most powerful shopping tool especially on a critical day like Black Friday which falls on a work day. It allowed customers partake in the festivities while they were out and about, helping them search products, compare the best deals and shop discounts before they went out of stock”, he stated. Among categories shopped on Black Friday via the Kaymu platform, fashion, electronics, phones and jewelry had the highest selling products. This year’s Black Friday marked a change in the shopping trend since the concept was introduced in Nigeria two years ago. It was a battle between online giants for who had the best deals and assortment with first time partakers like Kaymu ensuring their merchants provided substantial discounts with the promise of clearing out their stock.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Digital switchover: NBC harps on strategic partnership

... Nigeria to host Africa on ADGF Leonard Okachie

s Nigeria transits from analogue to digital broadcasting, the Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Emeka Mba has reiterated the Commission’s need to establish a working relationship and cooperation with other regulatory agencies in Nigeria. Mba stated this when he and some members of his management team paid a visit to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). In a statement posted on the NBC’s official website, Mba expressed delight for the warm reception accorded him and his team, and noted that strategic partnership with relevant agencies was key to the success of the digital switchover. He said, “After a review of all the government agencies and stakeholder groups we see as critical in making sure that we succeed in this digital transition, NOTAP was identified because for digital, which requires technology, and careful planning and execution, NOTAP is strategically placed to offer advice.” He pointed out that the visit was to afford the two agencies, explore ways of infusing local technological potentials into the process and for NOTAP to offer advice when needed. This, he explained, would eliminate areas of conflict. The Director General noted that the immediate action steps in this regards was inter-agency collaboration on the DSO; setting up of an inter-agency committee to identify areas of collaboration; and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Mba stressed that these efforts, combined with the deliberate steps taken by the Commission, would see Nigeria lay the foundations to being a world leading digital economy. He, afterwards, gave a presentation on ‘The Vision of the future of Television’, and expressed NBC’s vision for Television in Nigeria. The presentation showed what the Commission had done; what it was doing at the moment; and what it is primed to do, setting out trends that would shape television. Ibrahim applauded Mba and commended the Commission for the foresight to compel companies to manufacture Set-Top-Boxes locally. This, he noted would create employment and enhance technological transfer. He outlined the mandates of NO-

L-r: DG, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, with Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Mr. Shola Taylor, during the signing agreement on the 11th African Digital Switchover Forum, in Abuja, recently.

TAP and promised that the organization would do its best to assist the Commission in making the DSO project a reality, “Because you are bringing in investment into the country, you are gradually going to transfer technology into this country.” He assured that the technical staff of NOTAP would do their best to support the Commission in identifying suitable technologies before an agreement was entered into for its acquisition. “Before you sign any agreement, bring it to NOTAP. For a token fee, the officers would look at it and advise you, accordingly. This will shorten the time to receive certificate of the registration. We would need to inspect the site and be sure that the property exists. We would help monitor to ensure that the terms of the agreement are met before the company goes into operation.” Speaking further, Ibrahim stated that, “Before the factory for the production of Set-Top-Boxes is set up, the Commission, in conjunction with NOTAP and other relevant agencies, should scout for smart engineers that could understudy the operations of the companies and assimilate the technology.”

He advised that all regulators should come together, to ensure that the country was not surcharged. “It is this that would ensure a good future for our children,” he added. Meanwhile, The NBC has, on behalf of Nigeria signed an event hosting agreement with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation – CTO to host the 11th African Digital Switchover  Forum scheduled to hold on 11 – 13 May, 2016 in Abuja. Signing the event hosting agreement in Abuja recently, Mba described the hosting of the event by Nigeria as very significant to the country’s digital switchover project and the development of the broadcast industry; and pledged the Commission’s total commitment to ensuring that Nigeria successfully hosts the Forum and participates fully at the event. Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Mr. Shola Taylor, who signed on behalf of CTO, noted that Nigeria won the hosting rights amongst other African countries that indicated interest because the National Broadcasting Commission showed unrivalled interest and commitment to Nigeria’s successful hosting of the event. He as-

sured the Commission of CTO’s full support towards the success of the proposed event. The global event provides a unique and authoritative annual meeting point for policymakers and regulators to interact with broadcasters, content developers, broadcast network infrastructure providers and operators, equipment manufacturers and opinion leaders to discuss challenges, solutions and opportunities in the ever competitive and innovative broadcasting industry. The event which has held 10 editions in the past decade has been a major contributor to the global effort to migrate analogue broadcasting systems to more spectrum-efficient digital platforms, with discussions focused on challenges faced by Commonwealth countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Since its launch in South Africa in 2005, the event has been hosted predominantly by South Africa and in 2014 by Tanzania. Nigeria will be hosting it for the first time. Present to witness the agreement signing were some top management staff of the Commission and other stakeholders.

Media

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAMED condemns Frivolous Petitions Bill for the exercise of this right, which is now globally recognized as not just a fundamental right in itself but also as an enabler of all other rights, including other civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights. “PAMED wishes to inform the Senators that by seeking to gag the press through the Frivolous Petitions Bill, they are actually subverting the con-

Leonard Okachie

artnership for Media and Democracy in Nigeria (PAMED) has asked the Senate to drop the Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition, etc.) Bill, 2015 sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, arguing that the bill itself is frivolous and unwarranted. The PAMED comprising the Institute of Media and Society (IMESO), Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC) concluded that the bill constitutes a threat to democracy because it seeks to repress the social media, the conventional media, the civil society and the citizenry as a whole. The group in a statement signed by the Executive Director, IMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu; Executive Director, MRA, Edetaen Ojo and Director, IPC, ‘Lanre Arogundade, wondered why the bill should be sponsored in the light of all the pressing development challenges confronting the country, which should be the priorities of the Senators and all other persons exercising any form of political power or authority. The statement noted that the bill, through its frivolous content and malicious intent, seeks to achieve nothing other than undermining freedom of expression, press freedom, public participation in governance and democracy. It stated thus : “For example, the bill in section 3 states that: “.....any person who makes any allegation and or publish any statement, petition in any paper, radio, or any medium of whatever description, with malicious intent, to discredit or set the published against any person or group of persons, institutions of government, he shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment term of two year or a fine of N4,000,000:00” “The bill also states in section 4 that “Where any person through text mes-

Media Abroad Ojo

sages, tweets, WhatsApp, or through any social media post any abusive statement knowing same to be false with intent to set the public against any person and/ or group of persons, an institution of Government or such other bodies established by law shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2,000,000:00 or both such fine and imprisonment”” The group therefore, affirmed that that the bill violates all the norms of democratic practise, freedom of expression, press freedom, transparency and accountability as well as open governance. PAMED further stated that the bill completely negates the letters and spirit of important international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19) and the African Charter on Human Rights (Article 9) all of which affirm the right of citizens to hold opinion, freely express themselves and freely disseminate information. The statement continued: “If the bill becomes Law, it will have the effect of imposing an unwarranted pre-condition

Buhari restates commitment to free speech

resident Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the protection of free speech in keeping with democratic tradition. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity. Shehu was reacting to the public hostility towards the social media bill now being debated by the Senate. According to him, President Buhari has sworn to defend the constitution of Nigeria and will not lend his hand to anything that is inconsistent with the constitution. He said: “But he (Buhari) is not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution which he swore to uphold. “The President said free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world. “The President explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about

stitution which they have sworn to uphold, particularly section 22 of chapter II which states unequivocally that: “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.””

Buhari

governance issues. “As a key component of democratic principles, the President acknowledged that people in democratic societies are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might.’’ Shehu explained that President Buhari was fully aware of public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that “there is no cause for alarm because the Senate is a democratic senate.’’ He assured that the President would not assent to any legislation that might be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria.

South Africa: New broadcasting bill offensive –Activist Leonard Okachie

President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma

other than undermining freedom of expression, press freedom, public participation in governance and democracy. It stated thus : “For example, the bill in section 3 states that: “.....any person who makes any allegation and or publish any statement, petition in any paper, radio, or any medium of whatever description, with malicious intent, to discredit or set the published against any person or group of persons, institutions of government, he shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment term of two year or a fine of N4,000,000:00” “The bill also states in section 4 that “Where any person through text mes

Sun apologises over misleading story

he Sun has apologised for a story that claimed a reporter had travelled from Turkey to France without showing his passport, after admitting that the information was untrue. In a correction on page 2, the newspaper said it had been “misled” by former marine and freelance journalist Emile Ghessen, who claimed he had managed to evade all security checks during a 2,000-mile journey along a refugee trail from Turkey into western Europe. But Sun insiders said that, after the Croatian authorities denied the account with scans of his passport to prove it, Ghessen confessed he had flown from Croatia to Paris – using his British passport – to deal with a “domestic trauma”, possibly involving his children. Instead of telling his paymasters the truth about the journey before publication, the Sun said Ghessen simply made up the account of taking “a series of trains up to Paris, dodging the guards on

the way” and hiding in unlocked toilets. The Sun is understood to be examining legal action against Ghessen. One executive called it “disgraceful” behaviour, admitting it was “not a particularly glorious episode” for the Sun. On a Facebook page entitled Emile Ghessen on Islamic State, the author appears to apologise for his “unfounded and misleading” findings. “I apologise to all that were offended and I should have been more transparent with my work,” it read.

The Sun

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Community urges Amosun to provide alternate route Odinaka Uruakpa

and lords and residents of Yakoyo/ Odozi community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the state government, to provide road users who ply the Alagbole-Ojodu Road an alternative route before the road is closed as planned this month for renovations. Making this appeal on behalf of the association, Professor Olakunle Macaulay, President Yakoyo/ Odozi Land lords and residents Association revealed that the bridge being constructed at Alagbole area, to connect Alagbole to Sango Ota has caused a lot of inconveniences to the residents of the place. According to him “This is the only road connecting Lagos state to Ogun State and many people stay in Ogun State, work in Lagos. Since the state government started work here, it has caused a lot of inconvenience to the users of this road. Macaulay further claimed that though the road is being constructed for the benefit of the community, the government seems insensitive to the plight of the people as they are not informed ahead of activities towards the construction of the bridge.

“We know the road is being constructed for the benefit of our community, but the people must know how it affects them so that they can control their movement and at the same time help the government to achieve its goal. Everything comes to us and we panic. Every time, we see caterpillar, see engineers, we get panicky because the first time the governor came here, the next day, he ordered for the demolition of so many houses here which brought untold suffering to the community. “We want the government to tell us exactly what it is doing, so we can work together with the government. We have no problem with the closure, but the government should provide an alternate route when they eventually decide to close the road”, he appealed.

•Amosun

Group renovates classroom blocks for slum dwellers Francis Suberu

ive classroom blocks belonging to the Eagle’s Wing International School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children at Ilaje in Bariga area of Lagos State have been renovated by a group of Nigerian graduates, operating under the name “36-Gladiator”. The 36-Gladiators are graduates, trained as the 36th Stream of the Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, a school set up for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training for Nigerian graduates. Speaking while commissioning the renovated blocks, leader of the group, Mr Prosper Ekina, described the gesture as part of move to build an

egalitarian society and give opportunities to the less privileged. According to him, the society might not know peace if the children of the poor are not given the opportunity to be educated, saying the group had identified the need for urgent intervention in the school. Commending the group on behalf of the pupils and residents, the school’s head teacher, MrsToyinSanni said the communities had no school until 2007 when a Non Governmental Organisation, known as Hands at Work established the school for the orphans and vulnerable children. whose parents lack the wherewithal to enroll their wards.

Burnt shops at Mafoluku, Oshodi

Mafoluku residents task Ambode on miscreants Abolaji Adebayo

esidents and shop owners of Mafoluku area of Lagos state have called on the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to help them tame the atrocities wrecked on them by some hoodlums in the area as they burnt not less than seven shops over the weekend while threatening to burn some house more. They complained that they had to appeal to the state government since they have lost confidence in the police within the community especially the Makinde police force. The hoodlums had on Saturday razed some shops at No 92, Mafoluku Road, Ayo ni bus stop, MafolukuOshodi because one of the shop owners had refused to give them gift upon his return from Libya.

According to the shop owner, Mr. Olayinka Showunmi Esho, who was the main target of the miscreants, he was approached in his shop by those guys upon his return journey from Libya on November 17th who demanded dollars from him. He said they threatened him for denying possession of any dollar. He later called one of their godfather, Mr. MoshoodFadipe known as Moshu, who cautioned them and apologized on their behalf. However, he explained that some days later, precisely on Saturday evening last weekend, about seven of the boys suddenly reappeared around the shop, with petrol and set them ablaze despite the pleas by the shop owners. About seven shops were burnt leaving the owners in great loss as many of them lost all their properties and earnings to the

fire incident. The miscreants who were simply identified as Seun, a.k.aDrogba; Sunkanmi, known as Sunko, RilwanLateef (Lampard) and some others, leaving in an area called Agboole in Mafoluku, have since been at large. The affected shop owners who spoke to Community Mirror said that despite informing as well as giving the names of the culprits to the Makinde police station, no arrest has been made, alleging that the Makinde Police station has not been cooperating with the residents in arresting those hoodlums within the area. Also speaking to Community Mirror, the Secretary of Ndezura Family of Mafoluku, who is in charge of the burnt properties said that the resident of Mafoluku were tired of the Makinde Police, alleging that they

have been harbouring the miscreants for no reason. He declared that despite the presence of the DPO of Makinde Police Station and the Executive Secretary of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government at the scene of the fire incident on Saturday, nothing has been done by the police to bring the culprits to book. He said such has been the attitude of the station for a long period of time reiterating that the attitude has continued encouraging the hoodlums in the area. Meanwhile, when contacted with the DPO, Mr. Funso Gabriel, he told CommunityMirror that the police have been working effortlessly to make arrest of those suspect. He said one of the gang leaders simply identified as Muyiwa, a.k.aAbinja, was arrested on Tuesday and that police is still working to get others arrested.

Ikere Ekiti at a programme he organised to encourage 20 students resident in the community that he has chosen to cater for their educational needs. Apart from responsibility for their educational needs including payment of their West African Examination Council, WAEC, registration fees, Akinniyi registered the beneficiaries for coaching classes and as well hired private teachers for them to ensure success in their WAEC examination. He also promised to purchase Joint Admission and Matriculations Board, JAMB, forms for them to pave the way for their ad-

mission to tertiary institutions. According to him, beneficiaries of the education assistance programme on which he had committed over one million naira cut across all sections of residents in the two constituencies in the town - Ebiras, Igbos, Idoma and Ikere indigenes. The beneficiaries are: Akpowu Agbo Joseph, Eje Omodi Dickson, Akabuke Favour, Chinasaramoku Ogbo, Florence, Salau-Aina Biliki, Amusa Akeem Peter, Others who are indigenes of the Ikere are Akinniyi Bayode, Aluko Bukola Mayowa, Popoola Ajoke

Bukola, Arije Bukola, Adu Oluwatobi Victoria, Aloba Tosin Muyiwa, Odeyemi Muyiwa, Adejugbe Ikeoluwa Seyi, Ajiro Temitope, Olorunfemi Kayode, Ajeniya Oluwatoba, Akinniyi Taiwo Emmanuel, Owoeye Seyi and Alabi Babatunde Matthew. Akinniyi, who said the choice of the beneficiaries has no political undertone, said “it is not a PDP affair. “They emerged through a test that showed that they have potentials and need to be encouraged. I believe the best thing is to empower them by way of teaching them how to fish rather than giving them fish,” the lawmaker said.

Ekiti lawmaker donates N1m to constituents

Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Sunday Akinniyi, has reiterated his willingness to always contribute to the educational development of younger ones in the ancient Ikere Ekiti community. Akinniyi, who represents Ikere Ekiti Constituency II, described education as key to self actualisation and growth of any society, saying: “it empowers one to be self-reliant and be able to contribute to societal development”. The lawmaker spoke in

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 10, 2015

FG to raise N155bn in T-bills

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday said it planned to raise N155.39 billion in Treasury Bills next Wednesday with maturities of three months to one year. The bank said it will issue N20 billion worth of three-month paper, N25 billion of six-month paper and N110.39 billion in one-year bills, using the Dutch Auction System. Traders said the debt is

expected to be oversubscribed with yields likely to drop further from the last auction of short-dated paper at the auction next week, in tandem with the prevailing trend in the secondary market. The CBN raised N129.17 billion in Treasury bills with maturities from three months to a year at an auction last month, with mixed yields compared to returns at

previous auctions. The result of the auction showed that the bank sold N57.85 billion worth of three-month paper at 5.61 per cent, up from 5.34 per cent at the November 18 auction. It also sold N18 billion naira worth of six-month debt at seven per cent against 7.2 per cent previously, and N53.32 billion of one-year paper sold at eight per cent compared

Minister lauds Guinness standards Johnson Okanlawon

rish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney, has commended Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to high quality standards, which distinguishes the Guinness Stout 256 years after it was first brewed at St. Jame’s Gate in Dublin, Ireland, by Arthur Guinness. The company, which announced its financial results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2015, with a three per cent increase in revenue year on year, reported N22 billion net sales for the quarter. Coveney, who disclosed this during a tour of the Ogba Brewery of Guinness Nigeria, located in

Ikeja, Lagos, said the brewery tour by Ireland’s most influential minister is significant because it indicates support and firm belief in the Nigerian business by senior leaders of the company’s country of origin. He also formally unveiled Guinness Africa Special, a variant of Guinness stout with natural herbs, spices and ginger grown in Africa, and with a packaging that proudly projects African roots and creative spirit. While unveiling the new brand, he stated that he is most proud of Guinness Nigeria because of its reputation for high quality standards, bestin-class processes, and innovation. Guinness Nigeria is a Nigerian company doing its Irish heri-

tage proud. “What makes this even more special for me personally is the rich heritage that the Guinness brand has in Ireland dating back to the 1700s and how much Nigeria has made this iconic brand their own national beer over many years. So much that I hear Nigerians will tell you as many stories about the perfect pint as an Irish man will. “The launch of new Guinness Africa Special just over 50 years since the brewery was built here in Lagos marks a pivotal next chapter in the development of Guinness in Nigeria,” Coveney enthused. In his welcome remark, Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, said Guinness Nigeria is home of the first Guinness brewery outside

with 8.5 per cent. Total demand for the paper rose to N407.53 billion compared with N301.04 billion demanded by investors at the last auction. Trader said the drop in yields was a reflection of trends in the secondary market, where yields have fallen to 1.94 per cent, 6.16 percent and 6.93 per cent for three-month, sixmonth and one-year debt each.

oil price is helping to stabilise the stock markets,” said Hantec Markets analyst Richard Perry. Copper prices also held their ground which in turn gave a lift to mining stocks which on Tuesday had dropped to their lowest level since March 2009. Ashtead was the bestperforming stock on the European STOXX 600 index, climbing 7.2 per cent after the industrial equipment hire group raised its profit expectations. US stocks looked set to snap a two-day losing streak as crude oil prices clawed back some losses and reported merger talks between Dow Chemical and DuPont helped prop up shares of raw materials companies. Crude oil prices stead-

ied after a brutal five-day selloff, but many investors expect oil to fall below 2008 lows due to a global supply glut. Copper prices also held their ground. Dow Chemical was up 11.2 per cent at $56.59 while DuPont jumped 12.5 per cent to $74.94, after reports that the companies are in talks to merge. DuPont was the biggest boost to the Dow Jones Industrial average and the second biggest boost on the S&P 500. The stock added 58 points to Dow’s 188-point rise. “I think at present equities are largely events driven, last week’s performance was driven by employment, this week it is oil, next week it is the Fed,” said Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.98 of Ireland and Great Britain. “After the historic brewing of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in Nigeria on the 30th of November 1962, opportunities opened up for the brewing of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in other parts of the world and today, the brand sells over 10 million glasses daily. “We are proud to be one of the biggest market for Guinness stout, and a major part of the inspiring 256-year history of the brand. Worthy of note is the positive mention Nigeria gets anytime the exciting story of how a unique Irish stout became the best-loved stout brand and the most recognisable beer in the world is told,” he said.

European shares rebound on commodity stocks recovery

uropean shares bounced back up yesterday from a sharp sell-off in the previous session, helped by a stabilisation in commodity stocks as energy and metals prices recovered. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index, which had fallen 1.8 per cent to its lowest closing level since late October on Tuesday, rose 0.3 percent while the euro zone’s blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 index advanced 0.4 per cent. Oil prices climbed back up on Wednesday as US crude inventories dipped, while Japan posted rising machinery orders, and this helped shares in oil firms such as Total and BP to rise. “The general reaction to the move back up in the

Source: NSE

US Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis. “Uncertainties are relatively higher at the moment and accordingly prices will trend sideways into the year-end.” Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Market indicators All-Share Index 27,004.50 points Market capitalisation 9.28trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

SEPLAT

207.00

217.35

10.35

5.00

LAWUNION

0.61

0.64

0.03

4.92

IKEJAHOTEL

3.00

3.14

0.14

4.67

ETERNA

1.52

1.59

0.07

4.61

LEARNAFRCA

0.69

0.72

0.03

4.35

VONO

0.69

0.72

0.03

4.35

NEM

0.66

0.68

0.02

3.03

INTBREW

15.11

15.50

0.39

2.58

HONYFLOUR

1.56

1.60

0.04

2.56

REDSTAREX

4.10

4.20

0.10

2.44

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

UNITYBNK

0.70

0.64

-0.06

-8.57

TRANSCORP

1.52

1.39

-0.13

-8.55

DANGCEM

170.72

162.19

-8.53

-5.00

CADBURY

19.66

18.68

-0.98

-4.98

FIDSON

2.83

2.69

-0.14

-4.95

SKYEBANK

1.47

1.40

-0.07

-4.76

AFRIPRUD

2.32

2.22

-0.10

-4.31

CONTINSURE

1.00

0.96

-0.04

-4.00

UCAP

1.32

1.27

-0.05

-3.79

ZENITHBANK

14.35

14.00

-0.35

-2.44

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.38

110.19

7.21

111.19

6.49

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.55

117.82

9.92

118.82

9.62

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.18

115.56

10.80

116.56

10.53

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.14

122.99

11.11

123.99

10.91

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.26

117.12

10.99

118.12

10.82

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.62 92.10

11.10

93.10

10.95

Closing Market Prices of December 9, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

03-Mar-16

2.18

2.20

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

02-Jun-16

5.39

5.54

EURO

214

01-Dec-16

6.42

6.85

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

0.8750

POUNDS STERLING

293

9.9124

11.3830

SDR

273

NIBOR

12.7760 CBN Clearing Rates of December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Christmas: FRSC to deploy 36,000 personnel

L-R: Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai; a Partner in Retirement Benefit Advisory Service, Prof. Sheikh Abdullah and Chairman, Premium Pension, Alhaji Aliyu Dikko, at the National Pension Commission’s North West Stakeholders Conference on Pension Reform Act 2014 in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

We inherited N14bn gratuity, pension arrears –El-Rufai ...PENCOM to begin micro pensions A ZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai yesterday revealed that his administration inherited arrears of N14 billion gratuities and pensions, adding that Nigeria needs a 20-year plan to offset pension liabilities incurred from moribund national institutions. El-Rufai, who spoke at a stakeholders’ sensitisation conference for the North-West zone on Pension Reform Act 2014, or-

ganised by the National Pension Commission, PENCOM, said he had since confirmed 2,484 ghost pensioners and deleted their names from the pension payroll in his state. El-Rufai, who was director-general, Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, said ghost pensioners were impossible under a fully contributory pension scheme. He explained that Kaduna State approved a new pension bill based on the contributory model,

adding that when passed by the House of Assembly, it would ensure that future retirees from the public service never suffered the pains of unpaid pensions. On her part, DirectorGeneral, National Pension Commission, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said the commission was working to provide incentives with requisite flexibility in terms of access to encourage the informal sector to embrace micro pensions for future economic security. She noted that effective and sustainable pension system remains a challenge in the country as

well as in most African countries. Anohu-Amazu, however, appealed to states and council areas to implement the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, to avoid huge future pension liabilities. She said: “However, the Federal Government of Nigeria took a remarkable step in changing the pension landscape through the enactment of the Pension Reform Act, PRA, in 2014. “The Act provided novel solutions to what appeared then as intractable challenges of the old defined benefit scheme.”

Al-Makura to release 78 inmates in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday said arrangements have been completed by his administration to release about 78 inmates serving various jail terms in the state tomorrow. The governor disclosed this during the swearingin of 15 special advisers and three permanent secretaries at Government House, Lafia, adding that payment of fines by the affected inmates to government authorities has been completed. He said the gesture was in line with the All Progressives Congress, APC’s philosophy of inclusive government whereby

vulnerable persons in the society are considered as part of beneficiaries as, according to him, “indigent persons living in the state would be considered in the 2016 budget proposal of the state.” He said women and children are the centrepiece of his administration, hence his readiness to pay more attention to displaced persons in the state by renovating and rehabilitating facilities of displaced persons as their cause would be featured prominently in next year’s budget. The governor reminded the appointees of the economic downturn facing the country due to dwindling oil prices in the international market, which Nigeria so much rely on for revenue ac-

cruals; which situation he said was a clarion call for proactive action in diversification of revenue sources to finance development projects. “I urge you to imbibe the philosophy of ‘change’ that is the cardi-

nal principle of the APC administration. By so doing, you are to key into the principles of accountability, financial discipline, transparency and due process in carrying out government business,” AlMakura stated.

ederal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, says it would deploy 36,000 personnel to highways across the country to ensure safety during the yuletide. Corps Marshal of the commission, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, made this known on Wednesday during a familiarisation visit to the FRSC command in Minna, Niger State. Oyeyemi said 21,000 regular marshals and 15,000 special marshals would be deployed during the period. He said the measure was to ensure that road accidents are reduced to the barest minimum during the period. The corps marshal also said there would be 200 mobile courts at strategic points on the highways to try traffic offenders during the period.

INEC presents certificate of return to Bello WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented a certificate of return to Kogi State Governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud, presented the certificate to Bello at exactly 4pm at the commission’s headquarters in Lokoja. Making the presentation yesterday, the chairman, who was represented by Prof. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine, INEC national commissioner, said the exercise was in conclusion of the entire process of the governorship election, explaining

Corruption: Shake-up in Adamawa SUBEB LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

overnor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla of Adamawa State has suspended Director of Finance in the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, and all 21 local government education secretaries over corruption charges. Also affected in the shake-up meant to bring sanity into the administra-

tion of primary education following allegations of corrupt practices and employment racket, all heads of finance in the 21 local education authorities and all internal auditors in the councils have been temporarily suspended. In a press release signed by Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ahmed Sajoh, the government said the action followed some disturbing revelations in the manner

“We are going to deploy 21,000 personnel and 15,000 special marshals for the yuletide period to ensure safety on our roads. “Any traffic offence will be met with maximum punishment; you can be convicted and sent to prison or fined, depending on your case,” he said. “We have concluded arrangements and ready to carry out the task but expecting additional logistics promised by President Muhammadu Buhari to enable us surpass last year’s record. “We did well last year; so, our aim this year is to surpass it,’’ he added. While advising motorists to plan their journeys to reduce accidents, Oyeyemi urged them to maintain and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any trip.

payment of teachers salaries have been handled. The statement noted that “the director of finance at SUBEB has been suspended. “All educational secretaries in the 21 local government areas; all heads of finance in the 21 local education authorities and all internal auditors in the 21 local governments areas have been suspended. All suspensions are with immediate effect,” the statement noted.

that it was in accordance with section 75(2) of the Electoral Act (as amended). He stated that the section prescribed the issuance of a certificate of return to the winning candidate of a political party in a governorship election within seven days of the conclusion of the election. Meanwhile, deputy governor-elect, Abiodun Faleke, was conspicuously absent and not represented to receive his certificate of return when it was his turn to receive his. Responding, Bello acknowledged the role and contribution of everyone, particularly the late party leader, Prince Abubakar Audu, whose death led to his emergence as a replacement. The governor-elect eulogised Audu, stressing that his shoes were “too big for me to step into.” He thereafter called for a one-minute silence in memory of the departed leader. Bello, however, appealed for calm and understanding, saying he was not unaware of the acrimony thrown up by his emergence, and promised to work tirelessly to unite all factions that have arisen in the unfolding crisis.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Masari wants more policemen in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

New Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries taking oath of office before Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State in Lafia, yesterday.

Kwara Assembly summons Power Distribution Company WOLE ADEDEJI, ILORIN

ollowing persistent blackout affecting two business districts of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IEDC, Kwara State, particularly in Ilorin, the House of Assembly has summoned management of the company for questioning. The IEDC is to appear before the House Committee on Energy, Works and Transport to explain the blackouts crippling the state’s economy and tell what measures it is putting in place to arrest claims of sharp practices. The House, while debating a motion on arbitrary billing system and sharp

practices by IEDC raised by a member representing Owode/Onire Constituency, AbdulRasheed Abdullahi, resolved that the electricity firm be invited to explain itself. The parliament resolved that the appearance of tmanagement of the company became imperative for a fair hearing, before the House takes definite position on the allegations. The house resolution was based on complaints by members of the public that IEDC engages in overbilling consumers, delays in providing prepaid metres to consumers, procuring prepaid meters out of the country when it was being produced locally, its inability to provide transformers to consum-

ers and slow response to complaints by energy consumers in the state. Abdullahi, while moving the motion, said he was concerned that the company had refused to distribute prepaid metres even when consumers had paid for it. He stressed that the distribution company had for long through this practice been exploiting consumers through crazy electricity bills and non-provision of transformers nor refund those that procured it, as well as unjustly inflicting blackouts on the citizens. Other members, who contributed in the debate observed, among other things, poor power supply, slow response to consumers’ complaints and called on the House to wade into

the problems so as to rescue people of the state from undue exploitation by the Ibadan company. The IEDC’s services of late has become worrisome, as it employs imaginary billings for those with old meters without necessarily reading and dropping such reading for consumers to see in the event of complaints. Also, the company’s services had become worse in the last two months in many places in Ilorin, the state capital, which are thrown into blackouts for weeks, and are given the same bills of previous months for services not rendered. Consumers also complained of bad transformers IEDC refused to replace.

Unemployment: Stakeholders want GIS sustained WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

raduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the Federal Government has been described as one of its successful programmes aimed at reducing spiralling unemployment in the country. According to the Project Director of GIS, which is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Finance’s Peter Papka, many Nigerians are already clamouring for the sustenance of the scheme beyond 2015 by de-

veloping a national policy to guide its implementation. Papka, who spoke through Mrs. Monisola Lawal during the ongoing Career Development and Entrepreneurship Skills Training for 94 interns in Gombe State, said the training was meant to prepare the interns for the task ahead as some of them may be retained by their organisations. It is also hoped that some of them could also become employers of labour. She assured that based on their training and experience gathered from the

various organisations they worked for as interns for the past 12 months, they were better equipped to work anywhere and even employ others. Lawal said the training centered on evaluating job market and understanding the process of recruitment, tips for preparing and uploading curriculum vitae, CV, on a CV portal, interviews, salary negotiations and employment offers, selecting career, building and monitoring career growth and methods for effective entrepreneurship develop-

ment. Some of the interns, who spoke with our correspondent, commended the programme for affording them the opportunity to put their skills into practice, especially for offering them a source of livelihood through getting stipends. Some of the married interns said it really helped in supporting their families, and as such would want the scheme to be sustained to cater for the growing number of graduates tertiary institutions are yearly churning out across the country.

igeria Police have been called upon to deploy more officers and men to help in the fight against rustling and related crimes in Katsina State. Governor Aminu Masari made the call yesterday when he received the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, in his office. Masari said police in the state were overstretched and that modern equipment should be provided for additional hands coming to the state for effective combat of rustling and related crimes. He lamented that the state, like others in the North-West, was facing

problem of cattle rustling, which had led to loss of animals and in some cases human lives and property. He also said the state was grappling with challenges posed by miscreants popularly known as Kauraye, and that with additional policemen, the issue would be adequately dealt with. Earlier, IGP Arase called on the state government to provide lands for the construction of additional houses for police officers in the state. Arase said the police had entered into agreement with a company based in Kenya for housing project in selected states of the federation.

Police set up welfare fund for retirees J AMES D ANJUMA KATSINA

igeria Police say it had set up welfare fund for retired policemen and children of officers who lost their lives while in active service. Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, who stated this yesterday in Katsina State, said the welfare fund was in for m of a trusteeship programme. Arase said meagre retirement benefits, among other issues, led to setting up the trusteeship, and that adequate funding would be put into the programme for its sustenance. He said about 300 children of officers who died during service had been selected and would be provided with scholarship from the fund beginning next year. The IG disclosed this during a one-day official visit and interactive session held with policemen and other security stakeholders in the state. He assured that the police was working to ensure better welfare

package for its officers and men, with a call for improved cooperation with traditional institutions to ensure proper community policing. He said about 37,000 police officers who recently sat for promotional examinations would be upgraded to different ranks by January 2016. On plan to recr uit 10,000 people into the police, he said the process was still in place, though some issues needed to be handled before the recr uitment was carried out. He said the issues of salaries, training, unifor ms, among other things, for the new personnel was being considered, and such would be captured in the 2016 budget. Earlier, Police Commissioner Usman Abdullahi lamented the low tur nout of officers and men in the state, with a call for deployment of additional 2,645 police officers to the state. Abdullahi said the state police command had succeeded in minimising cattle rustling and crime rate in the state.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY MISS MUSA MEDINAT SADE NOW MRS LATEEF MEDINAT SADE . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that ADOGA KERU DANIEL is the same one person as KERU OZIREN DANIEL henceforth wish to be addressed as ADOGA KERU DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Irene now which to be known and called as Mrs Iyamu Irene. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY MISS MUSA MEDINAT SADE NOW MRS LATEEF MEDINAT SADE . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CORRECTION OF NAME & DATE OF BIRTH:

This is to notify the general public that my correct name is EYONG ONEN BUTUM and not EYONG BUTUM EYONG. Also, that my correct date of birth is 16th November, 1982 and not 18th November, 1982 as wrongly written in my bank documents.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Ogbemudia

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AKANDE VICTORIA FOLASADE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OLAREWAJU VICTORIA FOLASADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK, STERLING BANK, ZENITH BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY MISS MUSTAPHA SAKIRAT LABAKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS SHITTU SAKIRAT AJOKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME l formerly known as Nzerem Chidubem Anthony now wish to be known and referred to as Vitus Vicanics, all docnments bearing these names to remain valid, general public take note

This is to confirm that Onwuasoanya Obinna .H and onwuasoanya Henry Obinna belong to one and the same person.all documents bearing these names to remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ameh Micoremus Nnamdi Kenneth Ejiofor Idoko Sunday, now wish to be known and addressed as IDOKO SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AKINWANDE SOLOMON ODUNAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWANDE TOSIN ODUNAYO . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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MODINAT:I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KAREEM BOSE MODINAT, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLANREWAJU MODINAT ABOSEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ENIMOWO ABIOLA NOW KNOWN AS OLOWODASA ABIOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY MR OMOJOLA AYODEJI JOY NOW MR OMOJOLA AYOMI BOSUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS ADEYEMI OLUWASEYI TEMIDAYO NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS ADEJUWON OLUWASEYI TEMIDAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY LAWAL UMAR FARUK NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUHAMMED UMAR FARUK. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS ADAOBI MMADUAKOR NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS NWOFIA AMARACHI V. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

Formerly Miss Iyanda Mary Shade Now Mrs TolulopeAjewole Mary Shade Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Bakare kehinde Adijat, now wish to be known and addressed as Odewale kehinde Adijat.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeosun Williams Ibukun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ONWUBIKO CHUKWUEBUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ANAYO ABUKA CONFIDENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Victoria Abisola Sogaolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Victoria Abisola George. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Okedi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Virginia Candidus Onah. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS BASHIRU HASSAN KOLAWOLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS BASHIRU ABASS KOLAWOLE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GTB AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as ELIJAH SIMILOLUWA MARTINS now wish to be known and addressed as ELIJAH SIMILOLUWA NOAH. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as HOUVESSOU MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as KUDO MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that I, MRS. OLUFUNKE OLATUNDE OLUJEMISIN and MRS. OLUFUNKE FAITHFUL FAJEMISIN, refer to one and the same person. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME AKPAN: I, formerly known and addressed as FRIDAY SAMSON AKPAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ENO OBONG SAMPSON AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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WUSU: I, formerly known and addressed as WUSU MORENIKE MODINAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SOLOMON MODINAT MORENIKE MUTIAT IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EMMANUEL: I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL KELECHUKWU DENKYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UGHO EMMANUEL KELECHUKWU DENKYI . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OLALERE KASUMU now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDIRAN KAZEEM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

AJIBADE: I, formerly known and addressed as DUPE GLORIA AJIBADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. MOJISOLA MARY AGBOOLA-AGORO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Joseph Akwaji Ewhenji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. JOSEPH Shalom John’sson. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OZOKWEL CHUKWUDI CHUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA CHUKWUDI CHUDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NOMEH: I, formerly known and addressed as NOMEH IFENYINWA PATIENCE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IFI IFENYINWA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly Miss Ogbemudia Irene now which to be known and called as Mrs Iyamu Irene. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE FAITH AND PRAYER EVANGELICAL INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above name Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Prophet Olusoji Samson. A. 3) Evangelist Okpala Edwin 5) Mr David Ogundele

2) Mrs Olusoji Susan. A. 4) Mrs Tijani Lydia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To Preach the goodnews of Jesus Christ 2)To embark on life Transforming Programs 3)To plant and establish church where necessary 4)To carry the gospel to the whole world especially the unreached regions people Any objection to the registration should be forwarded totheRegistrarGeneral,CorporateAffair sCommission,Plot 420 TigrisCrescent, OffAguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Prophet Olusoji. S. A 08038181984

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that SAHEED WAHAB AROLE is the same one person as SAHEED WAHAB ADEWALE, henceforth wish to be addressed as SAHEED WAHAB ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Paul Kebir Joel Andrew Daniel now wish to be known and addressed as Paul Kebir Johnson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Agnes Along Ojua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Shalom John’sson. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEMEE: I, formerly known and addressed as LAZARUS OKOLI SATANA, now wish to be known and addressed as LAZARUS OKORIE EZEMEE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Nwankwo Franklin Chinedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Emelife Franklin Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that I, ODEKU OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA and GARBADEEN OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA, are referred to as one person. now wish to be known and addressed as GARBADEEN-ODEKU OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as OZOKWEL, UGOCHUKWU BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWUEMEKA, UGOCHUKWU BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my correct names are Ismail Muazu not as was wrongly used in some documents as Mamza Samaila Danyarima. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that I, RUTH EGBUNU AKPAN and QUEEN OCHIGBO, represent the same person as it is written in my GTBank and Sterling Bank documents. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

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CORRECTION OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as MURITALA ADEBAYO , now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWUNMI OLUMIDE ATANDA. while my correct date of birth is July 7th 1978. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to correct the error on my name that my right and correct name is Are Oluwasesan and not Oluwasesan Sesan as erroneously written on my BVN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Akodu Shakiru Babatunde now wish to be known and addressed as Akodu Oriyomi Rasheed. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that I, SOLOMON MODINAT MORENIKE is one and the same person as SOLOMON MUTIAT IYABO. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

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ETUKUMOH: I, formerly known and addressed as ENOH ANDREW ETUKUMOH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as INIH UKPE MAXWELL. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

AKIN: I, formerly known and addressed as AKIN SMITH SEUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AGIM OLUCHI NNANDI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ECHEFU: I, formerly known and addressed as ECHEFU CHINYERE CONCILIA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHINYERE CONCILIA ANYIAM . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME OGBENNA: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBENNA DANIEL UCHE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DANIEL UCHE DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned please take note.

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ISIAKA: I, formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA KADIJA OLUWATOBI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NURUDEEN KHADIJAT OLUWATOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

IYOHA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IYOHA PATIENCE FELICIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JIMOH RALIAT PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ALI: I, formerly known and addressed as ALI KURA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALI GAMBO. All documents bearing my former name remains mine and valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as EKWEBELEM AKUDO, EKWEBELEM PEACE NKEIRU and UGORJI PEACE NKEIRU now wish to be known and addressed as UGORJI NKEIRUKA PEACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EVELYN IGOHO, now wish to be known and addressed as TYOWUA SEWUESE. My name was mistakenly written as TOYWUA instead of TYOWUA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as IBRAHIMU OMOSALEWA now wish to be known and addressed as OKENIYI FASILAT AJIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAMES Formerly known and addressed as Miss Veronica Sunday Okon, now wish known and addressed as MRS. Veronica Okon Okoroboh . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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AMINU: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OYEYINKA ABIODUN AMINU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS OYEYINKA ABIODUN ADETONA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BENSON: I, formerly known and addressed as BENSON FIDELIS OSAMUDIAMEN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IMHENRION FIDELIS OSAMUDIAMEN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAMES AKANDE: I, formerly known and addressed as AKANDE SUNDAY ADEYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EMMANUEL SUNNY AKINYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MUSTAPHA: I, formerly known and addressed as MUSTAPHA IBRAHIM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as RASAKI ALABI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Veronica Sunday Okon, now wish known and addressed as MRS. Veronica Okon Okoroboh . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Atoyebi Oluwakemi Toyin Now Mrs Ajadi Oluwakemi Toyin Lautech Teaching of Hospital Obomoso Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

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BALOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN TAOPHICK, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BULIAMINU TAOFEEK AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLAYIWOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA BUKOLA TOPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MUSTAPHA ADIJAT ARINPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Odewusi Mariam Funke Now Miss Razaq Mariam Oluwafunke Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Faleye Abisola Oluwaseyi Now Mrs Emmanuel-Rabiu Abisola Oluwaseyi Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

Formerly Mr Owolabi Kenny Aderemi Now Mr Owolabi Kehinde Aderemi Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly Mr Abdulhamid Olawale Taofeek Now Mr Lamidi Olawuyi Taofeek Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note,

Wednesday, Deecember 9, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Olamilusi Oluwadamilola Olabiyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Olamilusi Oluwadamilola Abraham Olabiyi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly know and addressed as MISS AYANNIYI REBECCA ODUNOLA, now wish to be know and addressed as MRS OLATOYAN REBECCA ODUNOLA, all former document remain valid. FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR.SYDNEY ENWENACHIOZO ANYA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR.SYDNEY DIMGBA ONYENWENA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Onitini Ololade Funmilayo now wish to be known and called as Mrs Olaoluwa Ololade Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid, Banks and general public should please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Sakibu Mutiat now wish to be known and addressed as Sakiru Mutiat Omowunmi all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Awoyemi Temitope Olaoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jesukoya Temitope Olaoluwa. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olusegun Akinlarin Oyedele now wish to be known and addressed as Odufote Segun Oyedele all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Sakirat Olamide Olanipekun now wish to be known and addressed as Sakirat Olamide Fawole all former documents remain valid Tescom and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as DANIEL Okafor Tochukwu but now wish to be known as Emmanuel Adololom. General public please take note.

as AKIN Obidare but now wish to be known as AKINWANDE Obidare. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME SAMAIL: formerly known and addressed as SAMAIL LAWAL now wish to be known and addressed as SAMAILA LAWAL RILWAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADESHINA: formerly known and addressed as ADESHINA TOLUWALOPE JAMIU now wish to be known and addressed as JAMIU LATEEF ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SAMAILA: Formerly known and addressed as SAMAILA ATIKU, now wish to be known and addressed as ISMAILA ATIKU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EWUZIE: Formerly known and addressed as CHINENYE EUNICE EWUZIE now wish to be known and addressed as CHINENYE EUNICE IGBOKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as MUINAT BABALOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MUINAT ADENIKE TIJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as OTENE JOHN ONUH, now wish to be known and addressed as OBAJE JOHN ONUH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Tawakalitu Abolanle Lawal, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss ABOLANLE TAWAKALITU ADEYEMO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kabirah Ayoola Ganiu Oyedokun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kabirah Ayoola Adeoye. All former documents remain valid. Acces bank, GTB bank, Ecobank and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to Confirm that i am one and same person bearing Yusuf Dauda falomo and Yusuf Dauda Olaniyi. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotayo Christiana Ibitoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omotayo Christiana Inobeme. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE ARTLEON EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named organisation has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. The Trustees are: 1 Arthur Peter Chukwuma 3. Paul Ifunanya Chukwuma 5. Obinna Chiduzien Ekeh

2. Chijioke Leone Chukwuma 4. Chukwuemeka Collins Ekeh 6. Sharon Onyinyechi Chukwuma

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (a) To empower women and young persons especially females with valuable skills, trainings and enlightenment; (b) To enlighten people through television and radio programs that will educate, empower and liberate them from poverty backwardness and ignorance. (c) o award scholarships to deserving indigent students; (d) To enhance individual growth, development, economic empowerment and survival strategies that are environmental friendly; (e) To carry out charitable projects such as health and medical care, educational advancement and learning, philanthropic missions, water projects etc, in various communities within Nigeria; (f) To relieve persons, who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress as a result of local, national or international disaster or by reason of their social and economic circumstances; (g) To engage in community and social development programmes and scholarship schemes, establish operate maintain and manage convalescence homes, and mission- aids centres for the furtherance of these objectives Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja not later than 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly know and addressed as MISS ADESINA KOFOWOROLA NANNA-AWAWU,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS IYANDA KOFOWOROLA NANNAA,all former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed as BAKARE ALABA OLADUNNI,now wish to be know and addressed as BAKARE OLAWUMI,all former document remain valid. General public take note.

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS.GRACE IFEYINWA ANYA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS.GRACE IFEOMA ONYENWENA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as Tajudeen Adebayo Oluwatosin now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo Oluwatosin Timothy. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Afolayan Adeola Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olorunfemi Adeola Adenike. All former documements remain valid,federal University Oye Ekiti,first Bank Plc and general public take note.

This is to confirm that Ogunnusi Oluwaseun and Owolabi Oluwaseun Gloria is one and the same person,now wish to be addressed as Ogunnusi Oluwaseun,former document remain valid,Eco Bank plc,First Bank plc and the general public take note.

I Fajuyi Abike Tolani am the same person as Jimoh Abike Tolani and Ganiyu Sadiat.Henceforth i want to be called and addressed as Mrs Fajuyi Abike Tolani.All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Veronica Itohia Azeke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Veronica .I. Olawole all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Kalu James Peter now wish to be known and addressed as Okorie James Peter all former documents remain valid and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adeniyi Mariam Olubukola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sidi-mahamud Mariam Olubukola all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adeosun Taofeeq Oyeniyi now wish to be known and addressed as Adeosun Taofeeq Adeniyi all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Onyema Thomas now wish to be known and addressed as Taye Onyema Augustine all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Blessing Isaiah now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Chinwen Ukpai all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that BABAFEMI BUSAYO is the same and one person as OJO MARIA BUSAYO. Now wish to be known and addressed as OJO MARIA BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc. and ACCESS Bank Plc and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. FAMILUSI SEUN FUNMILOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJAYI FUNMILOLA OLUWATAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SHA’IRI: formerly known and addressed as BASHIR ABUBAKAR SHA’IRI now wish to be known and addressed as BASHIR ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GIBSON: formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM GIBSON ANAJA now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM ANAJA. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GARBA: Formerly known and addressed as MURTALA ALHAJI GARBA, now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMAD NURA SHEHU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHEDRACK: Formerly known and addressed as AFAKERETA SHEDRACK ENAREBE now wish to be known and addressed as AFEKERETA PAUL ENAREBE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Alli Risikat Oriyomi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Owoyalumo Risikat Oriyomi all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SATI: formerly known and addressed as SATI KATO EGOH now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON EGOH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHRIS: formerly known and addressed as CHRIS UCHECHUKWU PRINCE AGU now wish to be known and addressed as AGU UCHECHUKWU PRINCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ROSELINE: formerly known and addressed as ROSELINE AHIWE now wish to be known and addressed as ROSE AHIWE. All former documents remain valid. UNIONO BANK and the general public should please take note.

BULAMA: Formerly known and addressed as YAKUBU BULAMA, now wish to be known and addressed as YAKUBU WADIDA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

EZE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE FRANCES UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LUKE JANE-FRANCES UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Olukemi Adeparusi Ajiboye, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeparusi Olukemi Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as YISA HABEEB HAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as ISA SHEHU HAMMOD. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that my correct name is ADEJOH MATTHEW and not as it was wrongly documented as ADEJOH DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES concerned and general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

EZEMEE: I, formerly known and addressed as LAZARUS OKOLI SATANA, now wish to be known and addressed as LAZARUS OKORIE EZEMEE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certify that SAHEED WAHAB AROLE is the same one person as SAHEED WAHAB ADEWALE, henceforth wish to be addressed as SAHEED WAHAB ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to certify that ADOGA KERU DANIEL is the same one person as KERU OZIREN DANIEL henceforth wish to be addressed as ADOGA KERU DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Yunusa Alfa Kabiru, now wish to be known and addressed as Kabir Yunus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abeng Abri Enang, now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Abri Enang. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oluchi Linda Esonwunne, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwachinemere Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Saheed Sanmori, now wish to be known and addressed as Babatunde Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwu Igwe Ifeyinwa Jane, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okobodo Ifeyinwa Jane. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SULE: l formerly known and addressed as MISS SULE ABIMBOLA ADEBOWALE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNBODEDE ABIMBOLA ADEBOWALE.All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note

I MUOGOR JOHN WISHES TO BE ADDRESS AS OKONKWO JOHN CHIBUIKE, THAT MY BIRTH DATE IS 8TH JANUARY NOT 12TH, every other documents bearing the above name remains valid. General public to note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Okon Sunday Pius now to be known and address as Uche Essien Mbang . Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS RITA IFEOMA ONWUASOR NOW MRS RITA IFEOMA ONYENKWO.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

PUBLIC NOTICE

E - LEARNING BOOK CLUB INTERNATIONAL

PROPHETIC CHURCH OF GOD & POWER INTERNATIONAL

The general public is hereby notified that the above name Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 Arc. Akinlabi Oluyomi 2 Mr Olayinka Olugbenga Ibidunni 3 Mrs Risikat Titilayo Akiyode 4 Miss Tolulope Oluyomi 5 Mr Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN) 6 Mrs Yemi Olanrewaju 7 Prof Emmanuel Oladipo Otolorin 8 Sculptor Okay Ikenegbu 9 Justice Gabsiu Ademola Bakre AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1To Organise and establish a community - based Book-reading Club that will be accessible to people of all races and ages in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria 2 To Organise activities that will promote values of sound education and befitting legacy amongst Nigeria 3 To gainfully intiate the masses of Nigerian Youth into the culture of reading for leisure and intellectual pursuits for the overall betterment of the Nigerian society using computer and the Internet as platform and its website. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded totheRegistrarGeneral,CorporateAffair sCommission,Plot 420 TigrisCrescent, OffAguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Adedamola. S. Ademola. Esq 103,Ibadan Road, Asero, Abeokuta 08037141746.

The general public is hereby notified that the above name Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) prophetess Adeoye Funmilola Wunmi 2) Elder Idogun Henry Zaccheus 3) Pastor Adeoye Michael 4) Brother Tunde - Taiwo Olutoyin 5) Mr Adebayo Zaccheus AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1) To Raise a congregations of people who will readily experience and rely on the power of God 2)To make service to God the center of worshipping 3)To inspire God’s Power - Oriented Christians. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded totheRegistrarG eneral,CorporateAffairsCommission,Plot 420 TigrisCrescent, OffAguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Adegbenro. R. Ogunbade Solicitor

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun targets agric, solid mineral devt to boost IGR Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has disclosed that his administration would henceforth focus on agriculture, solid mineral development and industrialisation. He stated this at the commissioning of the new effluent treatment plant and expansion project of the International Breweries Plc, Ilesa. Aregbesola noted that given the falling price of oil and diminishing revenue from the oil sector, the state was already looking beyond oil for revenue, sustenance and fulfilling his electoral promises. He commended the company for its vision and the forthrightness of its founder, the late Dr. Lawrence Omole, and managers of the company for complying with international best practices and the aptness of the commissioning of effluent treatment plant coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France. Aregbesola said: “Our new focus is agriculture, solid mineral development and industrialisation. This, indeed, should be the focus of the wise, who is thinking beyond the financial catastrophe that befell this nation since 2013 on account of falling revenue from the Federation Account.” Aregbesola also lauded the company for increasing its presence and acceptability, which has translated into an increase in the market

South West

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Aregbesola share of the brewery. He added: “I commend you. But you must do more, not just to dominate your immediate environment but to spread to other regions as well and ultimately make your brands international by venturing outside the country. On our part, we will continue to support you and help to realise your vision to expand.” Earlier in his remark, Chairman, board of directors of the company, Otunba Michael Daramola, commended the state government for its unflinching support towards the growth and development of the company. He extolled Governor Aregbesola for keeping to the promises he made in 2013, saying the memorandum of understanding signed between the company and the state government has yielded positive results and tremendous impact on the lives of citizens of the state. Enumerating some of the organisation’s achievements, Otunba Daramola said the company has been a job provider and development partner to the state.

LASU VC: Joint senate, governing council c’ttee pick 3 candidates L agos State University, LASU, Joint Committee of the Senate and Governing Council has selected three of the nine professors initially shortlisted to contest the post of vicechancellor. A reliable source within the university disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday, in Lagos on condition of anonymity. According to the source, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun of the University of Lagos came first, Prof. Hamidu Sanni of the Department of Islamic Studies, LASU, came second; while Prof. Olatunji Bello of the Lagos State University’s College of Medicine, LASUCOM, Ikeja, emerged third. The source said the interview for the candidates was held on December 7 in the office of the vice-chancellor in LASUCOM, adding that the senate and council would

ratify the result at its next sitting and present the selected names to visitor to the university, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. “The remaining process will be done by chairman of the governing council, who will forward the three shortlisted candidates’ names to the visitor for approval. “The final approval and who emerges as vice-chancellor rests with the visitor,” the source told NAN. Prof. Fagbohun is an indigene of Awori, Lagos State; Prof. Sanni is from Oyo State, while Prof. Bello hails from Ondo State. Fourteen professors applied for the post within six weeks of its advertisement. Nine of them were shortlisted after several considerations of their qualifications and pre-requisites for absorption. Six of the shortlisted

professors were from LASU, while the other three were from outside the institution. The shortlisted professors are Prof. Abolade Adeniji, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Senna Bakre, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics); Prof. Olatunji Bello of LASUCOM. Others are Prof. Nurudeen Olasupo of the Department of Microbiology; Prof. Hamidu Sanni of the Islamic Studies Department, and Prof. Babajide Elemo of the Science Faculty. Those from outside LASU are Prof. S.A. Tella from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, and Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, a former LASU staff (now at the University of Lagos), and a professor from Texas, U.S., simply identified as Prof. Oki. One of the five candidates not shortlisted was the immediate past vice-chancellor

of LASU, Prof. John Obafunwa, whose tenure ended on October 31. NAN reports that the post of the vice-chancellor of LASU became vacant on October 31 following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Obafunwa. Lagos State government had on November 7 appointed Prof. Fidelis Njokanma, (DVC, Administration) as acting vicechancellor of the institution as recommended by the university’s governing council, led by its chairman, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo. Ambode had on November 17 sent the LASU 2015 Amendment Bill to the House of Assembly for ratification. The governor had proposed in the bill a singleterm of five years for the institution’s vice-chancellor.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (6th right); Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Amb. Hakeem Sulaiman (6th left), and Ogun State team at the ongoing UN Climate Change COP 21 in Paris, France.

Court to rule on forgery case against ex-CAC secretary Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan and presided over by Justice Nathaniel AyoEmmanuel, yesterday fixed February 23 next year, to deliver ruling on the two applications argued by counsel to the two accused persons allegedly involved in the forgery of certificate of incorporation of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC. The two accused persons

in the 24-year-old crisis of the CAC are immediate past general secretary of the church, Pastor Gideon Okegwemeh, and a former staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Mohammed. In a new seven-count charge numbered FHC/ IB/992011, filed against the two, they were accused of conspiring to fraudulently procure a certificate of registration of the Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria, No. 147 of 1995 from the CAC,

Abuja, when they knew that the original and valid certificate of registration bearing the same No. 147 of 1985 of the same Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria, was in possession of the late Pastor N.E. Udofia. The charge stated that they committed an offence contrary to section 518(7) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of 2004 and punishable under the same section of the Act. While addressing the

court, counsel to the two accused, Mr. Michael Lana, said the first application filed on November 16, 2015, was seeking an order striking out the new charge against his clients, while the application filed on November 24, 2015, was an appeal before the appellate court, challenging the re-arraignment of the two accused persons based on the Constitution. According to him, the two accused persons could not be re-arraigned under the new charge because there is still

an appeal pending before the Court of Appeal based on the old charge that involved his clients and the former president of a CAC’s General Executive Council faction, Pastor Honward Elijah Olusheye. But counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Kareem Salawu, while objecting to the applications, said section 395(2) of the Constitution forbids the court from allowing the accused person, whose plea has not been taken, to be heard or enjoy

any benefit before it. He stated that the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), section 396, insists that before an accused person could raise any objection or argue an application, he must have submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the court through taking his plea, which is not so in this case. Salawu urged the court to dismiss the two applications and rule that the two accessed persons take their plea.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

There is still enough room in my team for Thiago Silva to return. But he will have to justify his inclusion and he knows it

5,000 athletes for NPUGA competition

– Brazil Coach, Carlos Dunga

Nigerian players carrying Coach Samson Siasia shoulder high after their victory over Senegal

Glo hails Dream Team

ational Teams’ sponsor, Globacom, has commended the U-23 team for recording an all-important semi-final victory against host Senegal in the ongoing 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations match played in Dakar. In a press statement released in Lagos immediately after the match yesterday, Globacom gave kudos to the Dream Team IV for winning the match and qualifying for the football event of 2016

Olympics in Rio, Brazil. “We Congratulate the U-23 team for qualifying for the Olympics and urge them to remain focused on the task ahead. We believe that victory is achievable in Rio and we stand by you as ever, believing fervently that you will do Nigeria proud at the Olympics,” the statement concluded. Globacom is the major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of the Nigerian national teams.

Supporters club denies U-23 ban

igeria Football Supporters Club has debunked reports in some social media network that its members have been banned from the on-going CAF U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal particularly ahead of yesterday’s semi-final match against host country, Senegal. Some social medial network on Monday published a report that the Supporters Club has been banned from the championship following the display of Biafra flag by the members. According to a statement by the club signed by its President General , Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, none of its registered members has been in Senegal not to talk

of displaying the defunct Biafra flag during the last group match against Algeria . “We have not been banned and we cannot be banned as been speculated because we have not even traveled to Senegal. I enjoin Nigerians to ignore the report as it is not only wicked but aimed at tarnishing the good image of the club”. He noted that all his members are good ambassadors of the country as against the unpatriotic fans/spectators who were only seen clapping hands without the usual drumming, blowing of trumpets as well as singing inspirational songs that are the trade mark of the club.

Siasia boys qualify for Rio Olympics

idfielder Etebo Oghenekaro ensured Nigeria became the first team to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with the winner against host Senegal in the AFCON U-23 semi-final clash yesterday in Dakar. The Warri Wolves midfielder converted a penalty midway into the second half to secure victory for the Nigeria U-23 team against a determined Senegal side, cheered on by an expectant home crowd. ‘Les Lionceaux’ will have themselves to blame for failing to convert the numerous chances that came their way in addition to missing a penalty just before half time with Ibrahima Keita shooting in the waiting hands of Nigerian goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel. The victory of the Nigerians cannot be complete without mention of the heroic saves from Daniel, who was the busier of the two shot stoppers and his team’s best player on the pitch. Both teams got off to a blistering start but it was Senegal

who dominated possession firing from every angle in search of the opener. And their consistent raids upfront yielded some decent chances but Nigeria goalie, Daniel, stood between them and the opener. Nigeria tried to contain the host with occasional moves upfront and had their best chance on 42 minutes from a well-rehearsed three-man move. Midfielder Oghenekaro’s delicate chip found Junior Ajayi, who slid past Senegal goalie Pape Ndiaye only for Adama Mbengue to weather the storm with a timely clearance. On the stroke of half time, the host had the perfect opportunity to go up with a penalty after Daniel fouled Cheikou Dieng in the vital area. However, Daniel stood firm with an easy save from Keita’s feeble shot from the shot distance to end the first half barren. Daniel was on hand yet again to deny the host the opener on 58 minutes saving with his foot from a Ismaila Sarr goal bound

shot on a one-on-one situation. The turning point of the game came after the hour mark when Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia, introduced FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer, Victor Osimhen, for God’s Power Tower which paid off minutes later. The Nigerians pressed for the opener and on 71 minutes forced a blunder from the Senegalese backline and hard-pressed defender Ousseynou Thioune deliberately tried to stop the ball from entering the post. Thioune was sent off and Oghenekaro converted for the penalty for the opener to silence the home crowd. Victory means Nigeria, 1996 champions and 2008 runners up but missing from the last Olympics in London, will be one of Africa’s three flag-bearers at the tournament in Rio de Janeiro next year. In Saturday’s final, the Nigeria U-23 will take on the winner of the second semi final between Algeria and South Africa, at the same Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, December 10, 2015

5,000 athletes for NPUGA competition Ifeanyi Eduzor

resident of Nigeria Private University Games (NPUGA), Akintunde Akinola, says that arrangements have been concluded for the accommodation of over 5,000 athletes and officials that will storm the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State today and tomorrow for the beginning of the 6th edition of NPUGA slated for December 10-20 2015. Akinola told National Mirror that the bi-annual games which will be officially declared open on Saturday at the Sports

Complex of the University will feature such games as; football, basketball, athletics, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, badminton, chess and scrabble amongst others which will be held at both the University’s sports complex and the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium, Ado Ekiti respectively. Akinola who also doubles as Director of Sports, Achievers University, Owo while expressing confidence that the games will be hitch-free considering modalities put in place by the body and the host University, noted that with the level of awareness created by his administration since assumption of office, they are expecting

almost all the private universities in the country to be part of the games. “The last Games we held in 2013 at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji- Arakeji, Osun State attracted many institutions and we hope that with the level of awareness about the games since the last edition, more private universities will be part of this year’s edition,” he noted. He expressed confidence that the host university will be banking on the success recorded in its first attempt in the games in the last edition, where it placed second behind Benson Idahosa University, Benin City to challenge for honours in this year’s edition.

Track and field athletes

RIGAN 2015: FRIN emerges winner in Zaria A za Msue KADUNA

he Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Ibadan, has emerged champion of the 15th Research Institutes Games (RIGAN) with 45 medals at the end of the weeklong competition. The 2015 RIGAN games which ended in Zaria, Kaduna State with 19 research institutes in attendance, was hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria with over 262 trophies were won by the participants. According to the medals table released by the RIGAN National Secretary, Dr. O. Owolade, the FRIN led the medals table with 45 medals which include 16 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze medals followed by the Institute for Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) also from Ibadan, winning 13 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze medals.

The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike clinched the third position with 12 gold, one silver and six bronze. Nigerian Building Roads Research Institute (NBRRI), Abuja and Lake Chad Research Institute of Nigeria (LCRI), Maiduguri were the last with just a bronze each. In the final football match, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria defeated the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) also of ABU, Zaria by six goals to five to clinch the coveted trophy. The match was decided through penalty after the two teams played a one – one draw. Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who was represented by Alhaji Usman Mahmud Hasssan, Commissioner of Works and Transport, presented trophy to the team leader

of FRIN, Ibadan. The governor who declared the fiesta closed renewed Kaduna State Government’s commitment towards supporting sports at all levels. “I wish to reiterate the commitment of Kaduna State towards promoting sports at all levels. We are also willing to assist all sports men and women to develop their talents.” he said. Earlier in his closing remarks, Director General and Chief Executive of the NITT, who was also the Chairman Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Aminu Musa Yusuf, said, “RIGAN fraternity has indeed lived up to its core objectives of fostering friendship through sports. “I have noticed with appreciation that RIGAN has continually used sports activities such as the one we just had as a platform for promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.”

NFF congressmen listening to David Dein in London

Dein wows NFF congressmen as leadership summit ends

ey members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress were enraptured on Monday as a former Chairman of The Football Association and a former Chairman of English Premiership top club, Arsenal FC, Mr. David Dein, delivered a paper on ‘Building a Brand.’ The respected football administrator made the presentation as part of the conclusion of a four-day leadership summit for Chairmen of Football Associations of States in Nigeria, packaged by the NFF in conjunction with New African Soccer, and sponsored by Zenith Bank, FROT Group and Arik Air. The delivery at the Hilton Watford, London lasted only an hour, but some of the congressmen reacted thus after the presentation: Chidi Okenwa (Chairman, Enugu State FA): “This has been a gospel. You know, Christians go to Jerusalem and Moslems go to Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage. We have come for our own pilgrimage in the cradle of football and have been so blessed. It has been quite an exciting experience, listening to Messrs Dyke and Dein, and the others. We have broadened our knowledge of pre and post-match organisation, execution and de-commissioning, as well as revenue generation and the principles you cannot compromise if you must succeed as a football administrator. This is wonderful.” Frank Ilaboya (Chairman, Edo State FA): “The papers have been profound, touching on the whole gamut of football administration. Delivery was excellent and the message illuminating. I tell you, this is one of the best things to have happened to Chairmen of State FAs. I give kudos to the NFF leadership. If we continue this way, development of football in our country would be fast –tracked.”

Porbeni Ogun (Chairman, Bayelsa State FA): “The programme has been highly interesting. We have learnt so much in the area of close relationship between the National Association and the regional bodies. The NFF and the State FAs must work more closely together, and if we can do this, other countries will be coming to Nigeria to learn very soon. I am impressed with the direction the present NFF is leading Nigeria football.” Sunday Longbap (Chairman, Plateau State FA): “This programme is a great learning curve. We used to think that everything should come from the centre; now, we know there are several ways that ourselves can generate funds. Proper accountability and prudence are key factors to generating money through the community. We have certainly broadened our knowledge of administration at this summit.” Oswald Atuake (Chairman, Cross River State FA): “Messrs Dyke and Dein truly impressed us. We have come across new ideas on football administration and grassroots development. We have to go back to Nigeria and apply all we have learnt so that we can power the development of our football from the grassroots.”

Pinnick

WORLD RECORD

Fastest rugby league hat-trick

Vol. 05 No. 1261 Thursday, December 10, 2015

N150

The fastest hat-trick of tries scored from the start of a match is 6 min 54 sec by Chris Thorman (UK) playing the semi-final of the Buddies National League Cup at Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK on 19 May 2002.

Tajudeen Obasa and demystification of power M y friends all, I never met Honourable Tajudeen Obasa, member representing Ojo, Lagos at the Federal House of Representatives until that Saturday. The venue of meeting? On the air! He was a guest on the popular Saturday programme, IRE NI TIWA anchored by the Yoruba OAP on Bond FM, Tunji Olalekan. Obasa spoke with such flair, sincerity and efficiency about his vision for Lagos, what he had already done for Lagosians, the bill he was sponsoring etc. Such was the fluidity, apparent genuineness and eloquence of his explanation and responses that I could not but wonder if such politicians still existed. But something that really got the journalist in me cracking was his statement that unlike most politicians, he picked all calls! “Impossi-

orld heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, has been stripped of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title less than two weeks after winning it. The Briton, 27, had to agree to fight the IBF’s mandatory challenger, Vyacheslav Glazkov, but will instead

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

ble!” I scoffed in the loneliness of my bedroom. Not in this Nigeria, where politicians suddenly shape-shift into tin-gods as soon as they got elected, becoming as inaccessible as the sun. If this guy had spoken many truths today, this was one ‘lie’ I was not ready to stomach. I decided to take him up on this, mischievously smiling that this one politician must be taught a lesson. I did not call as soon as the programme ended, believing that he would still be playing to the gallery and want to prove his point. I called the line he announced on air more than twenty-four hours later and, sincerely, I got one of the pleasant shocks of my writer’s life. The line rang once and presto, it was instantly answered. I still didn’t want to believe it was he. I expected the receiver to be either his PA or another aide. But, lo and behold, it was Honourable Obasa himself. I did not initially introduce myself as a journalist, thinking he might want to impress me. I told him I was a Lagosian, who wanted to take him up on his stewardship. Calmly, humbly, he expressed his readiness to listen to me. I pinched myself. Was I dreaming? It was not long ago I met one of the Lagos senators on one of the corridors of the National Assembly in Abuja and the bitter memory of his snobbish disposition still lingers. That day I was on an entirely different mission at NASS, but the cu-

OBASA HAS BROUGHT AN ADMIRABLE FLAIR TO THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF POLITICS…

riosity of meeting a Distinguished Senator from my state of residence and the chance to chat up a senator whose humility I had heard a lot about pushed me to approach him. May be he thought I was one of the hangers on, or whatever. His response was like, “Sorry, I don’t talk to people on corridors!” and he walked off so snobbishly, without another word. I was scandalized! I began to wonder: So to who would this politician, this supposed people’s representative talk on corridors? Angels or demons? So Hon Obasa came to me as a refreshing stand alone that day. He not only copiously articulated his dreams for Lagos, humbly asking to call me back so as not to burn my credit, he further asked me to feel free to call and criticize him anytime he, according to him, does not live up to expectation. I was really struck by his simple, down-to-earth disposition! I later introduced myself as a journalist and he actually took it with a pinch of salt. What came across that day was that this was one unique politician.

However, I still wanted to doubt him despite this, thinking he was like that because he was still new in Abuja and yet uncorrupted by the demon that eats up the soul of otherwise good people as soon as they taste power. But Hon Obasa has continued to beat the odds. I even asked colleagues to call him incognito in Abuja and the story remains the same. Sincerely, I think this man saw and still sees his presence in Abuja as a service and would bend over backwards to satisfy the people who sent him there. He is simply incurably an adherent of the mantra of servant leadership and journalists who were at the Rennaisance Hotel Ikeja last Sunday, where he was given an award would corroborate this. He was simply humble to a fault. People snuggled up to him easily and he would greet all comers with unaffected camaraderie. One other thing that would delight a journalist about Honourable Obasa is his readiness to battle the anti-social media bill being midwifed by some senators against popular will. He did not mince words about his opposition to any legislation that is anti-people. He was so refreshingly different that one journalist was forced to ask: “Is this man from Mars? And is he truly a PDP politician?” There is really so much our contemporary politicians must learn from the Obasa example. Politics should be about service. The tendency of most politicians to disregard and disrespect constituents after they have gotten the vote is another Nigerian phenomenon worthy of the garbage bin. Rather than flamboyance and personal aggrandizement, Obasa has brought an admirable flair to the serious business of politics and has proved that after all is said and done, ultimate power rests with the electorate. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@ yahoo.com

Sport Extra Boxing: Tyson Fury stripped of world title face Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch. The 31-year-old Glazkov, also a Ukrainian, has won 21 of his 22 professional fights. Fury beat Ukrainian Klitschko on points on November 28 to claim three versions of the heavyweight crown.

BBC Sport quoted Lindsey Tucker, championships chairman at the IBF, as saying, “It’s true he’s been stripped of his IBF belt.” Fury, who is unbeaten in 25 professional contests, retains the WBA and WBO versions of the heavyweight title, while the WBC belt is held by

American, Deontay Wilder. The contract for last month’s title fight in Dusseldorf included a clause for a rematch, for which the date and the venue have to be decided, and Klitschko - who had been world champion for 11 years - announced last week he would take up the option.

Tyson Fury

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