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Troops kill three female suicide bombers in Borno

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

...as Buhari raises concern over insecurity in ECOWAS region

ROTIMI FADEYI AND UBONG UKPONG Buratai

Vol. 5 N0. 1267

roops of the Nigerian military, yesterday, successfully intercepted and killed three female suicide bombers in

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Maiduguri, Borno State. A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, however CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

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Y Yuletide: LLagos plans ssmooth ttraffic for C CBD P.10

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Again, Appeal Court sacks Wike, orders re-run Governor heads for Supreme Court

DENNIS NAKU AND DOOSUUR IWAMBE

he Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja yesterday sacked Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Delivering judgment in the appeal case filed by Wike to challenge the nullification of his election by the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Dongban Mensem held that the appeal lacked merit and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

L-R: (front row): President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo; ECOWAS Chairman/President Macky Sall of Senegal; President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria; President John Mahama of Ghana; President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, and other Heads of State and Government, at the 48th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Senate probes Army/Shiites clash in Zaria

…as North East Commission Bill passes 2nd reading

Buhari presents 2016 budget to NASS Tuesday

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Confusion as proBiafra protest rocks Lagos P.12

Customs boss warns officers on hard drugs, kick backs P.43

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Again, Appeal Court sacks Wike, orders re-run CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

substance and consequently dismissed it. In the unanimous judgment of the panel of five justices of the appellate court, Justice Mensem ordered that a fresh election be conducted by Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, in conformity with the Electoral Act 2010 and other relevant laws for the governorship of the state. The lead judge agreed with the Tribunal that the Electoral Act was grossly violated and that

the election was manipulated when the card reader failed on the election day. The court resolved all the seven issues raised by Governor Wike against him and in favour of Dakuku Peterside, the governorship candidate

of All Progressives Congress, APC. Justice DongbanMensen had, in the 110page judgment, held that Wike’s election did not conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act and added that the Tribunal’s judgement did not

occasion miscarriage of justice as claimed by the appellant. “Having resolved all the seven issues raised by the appellant against him, I have no option left than to strike out the appeal. “The appeal is hereby

L-R: Vice chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUTPRE), Effurun, Delta State, Prof. Akii A.O Ibhadode; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Maj. Gen. E.O. Obada (rtd.) and Mr. Esiehor Patrick of the School Bursary dept, at tpresentation of the recognition award to Chief Obasanjo, during a visit of the Management team of the University to Abeokuta, Ogun state, yesterday.

Senate probes Army/Shiites clash in Zaria GEORGE OJI A ZA MSUE

AND

he Senate, yesterday, resolved to investigate the incident involving the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement Group (a.k.a. Shi’ite) and all subsequent events that surround the clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, last weekend. To undertake this task, the Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee comprising the chairmen and vice chairmen of the Senate committees on Defence; Army Intelligence and National Security; Judiciary; Police Affairs; Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs. The ad-hoc probe committee will be chaired by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed La-

wan (Yobe North). The decision to investigate the incident, which occurred last Sunday, was taken by the senators at a closed door meeting yesterday. The Nigerian Army and the Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, clashed in Zaria, Kaduna State at the weekend and the conflict claimed the lives of over 20 people. It was reported that Sheik Muhammad Turi, the second-in-command to Zakzaky, and the group’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Usman, were reportedly killed by soldiers during the incident. This is not the first time that the movement led by Zakzaky had been involved in a clash. Last year, some members of the movement, including the sons of

Zakzaky lost their lives during a clash with the military. The media spokesman for the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who disclosed the decision of the Senate to probe the incident, explained that the action was taken during the executive session, which lasted about one hour. Said he: “The Senate deeply and sincerely regrets the loss of lives and properties and hereby appeals for calm by all affected parties and the general public, while the investigation is carried out. “The Senate is seriously concerned and committed to ensuring that peace reigns in our dear country and will act in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times.”

In a related development, business and commercial activities have started springing up in Zaria, Kaduna State, after last weekend’s bloody confrontation between the military and the Shiite movement. Our correspondent, who visited the town observed that shops and banks have reopened for business. However, soldiers still occupy the three Shiites sites pulled down in the wake of the crisis. Houses surrounding the affected buildings were still deserted as their occupants have refused to return home for fear of the unknown. The state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday visited the city again to assess the situation. El-Rufai, accompanied by top government

functionaries during his second assessment visit since the clashed occurred visited the residence of the sect’s leader, Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky, at Gyellesu, coordinating centre, Hussainiya, within the city and resource centre/cemetery built in Dambo Village, a suburb of Zaria. Also yesterday, ElRufai called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to continue preaching peace in communities. El-rufai, who made the call at a meeting with traditional rulers and 23 Interim Council chairmen before proceeding to Zaria on assessment visit, said he was in constant touch with the Federal Government over the clash in Zaria. He said: “The meeting is to rub minds toCONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

struck out for lacking in merit and I uphold the decision of the Tribunal which held that Nyesom Wike was not validly elected and cannot be returned as the winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election held in Rivers State,” Justice Dongban-Mensen held. The Court further held that INEC should conduct a fresh election within 90 days. The court also struck out the appeals brought before it by PDP and INEC, challenging the decision of the Tribunal for lacking in merit. It would be recalled that the state governorship election petition tribunal headed by Justice Suleiman Ambrosa had in a judgment on October 24, 2015, nullified Wike’s election and ordered INEC to conduct fresh election within 90 days. Wike had gone to the appellate court, challenging the verdict of the tribunal. Meanwhile, the governor declared yesterday that he would proceed to the Supreme Court in a bid to reclaim his mandate. Wike in a statement issued through Simeon Nwakaudu, his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, said he had already instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal which ordered fresh governorship election in the state. The governor said he would exhaust his constitutional right by challenging the Appeal Court judgement. He however called on all his supporters and the people of Rivers State to remain calm as justice would be done at the end of the day. Wike assured that he would use all constitutional processes to protect the mandate freely bestowed on him by the people. “I still remain the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, pending the determination of this appeal by the Supreme Court,” he said. He promised to complete all on-going development projects in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Troops kill three female suicide bombers in Borno CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

regretted that a Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, member, was killed in a bomb blast caused by one of the female suicide bombers, while four persons sustained injuries. Usman said in the statement: “Today at about 7.30am, four female suicide bombers were intercepted by troops and Borno Youths Empowerment Youth, otherwise known as Civilian JTF, ahead of a checkpoint which is about 25km outskirts of the city of Maiduguri.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suicide bombers were earlier observed trying to bypass a military checkpoint through a close by village before they were ordered to take the right road. “However, few metres short of the checkpoint, one of the bombers swiftly detonated her vest. “The vigilant troops gunned down the other 3 suicide bombers before they carried out their nefarious acts. “Sadly, one of the Civilian JTF lost his life and

Senate probes Army/Shiites clash in Zaria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

gether in view of the current security situation in the state and country at large. We will continue to partner with traditional rulers in preaching peace in our communities. Our government will act promptly in any security issues. I am calling on all our traditional rulers not to hesitate to get in touch with us in any security matters. We commiserate with the Emir of Zazzau over the unfortunate incident in Zaria. I am in touch with the federal government over the clash in Zaria.” On his part, Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris, commended the governor and security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, saying traditional institution would continue to assist government in bringing permanent peace to the state. “We thank Governor Nasir El-Rufai and security agencies for their efforts for peace to prevail in the state. We will not relent on our part in preaching peace to our subjects for development and progress to take place,” the emir said. Meanwhile, the bill for the establishment of the North East Development Commission passed second reading yesterday in the Senate. Sponsored by all the 18 senators from the region, the bill seeks the establishment of a commission, which will coordinate all the funds accruable to the region as well as the development Programme of the region

following the devastation of the zone by many years of insurgency and insecurity. Before the commencement of debate on the bill, the Senate passed a motion to consolidate the bill with a similar one by Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South). Following the second passage of the bill, it was committed to the Senate Committee on Establishment for further legislative action. In a brief remark, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, commended the sponsors of the bill, as well as the entire Senate for demonstrating consistent concerns with the welfare of the people of the region. He recalled that for the first time in the history of the Senate, a motion was passed, wherein, the Senate mandated the Senate President to lead a high-powered delegation to visit the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the war-torn Borno State to sympathise with them and seek ways of ameliorating their situation. Saraki also recalled the motion, which urged the federal government to set aside a special fund for the mitigation of the problems of the region occasioned by the insurgency. He thanked the senators for speaking in one voice over the need for the establishment of the development commission and expressed hope that when passed by the Senate, the president would as well assent to the bill.

four other persons sustained various degrees of injuries.” The Army spokesman disclosed that the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device team in the area safely detonated the unexploded Improvised Explosive Device carried by the other suicide bombers. He further said that the security situation in the area had become cool and calm. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that in spite of the significant achievements recorded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), security challenges still persisted in the region. According to him, the region is also confronted with the daunting scourge of transnational organised crime including arms trafficking, drug trafficking, as well as piracy and criminality at sea.

Speaking at the opening of the 48th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS summit of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Buhari said worrying was the rising scourge of violent extremism, and that terrorism was also a source of worry. According to him, all the challenges constituted serious threats to peace and security in the region, stressing that it therefore required urgent and concerted actions. “In spite of the significant achievements, our Community still faces numerous challenges. While some militate against the integration drive, others continue to pose risks to peace and security, as well as political stability in the region. There are also structural and administrative challenges in running the Commission that equally require serious attention.

“Security challenges persist in our region as we continue to be confronted with the daunting scourge of transnational organised crime including arms trafficking, drug trafficking, as well as piracy and criminality at sea. Equally worrying is the rising scourge of violent extremism and terrorism. All these constitute serious threats to peace and security in the region, and therefore require our urgent and concerted actions,” Buhari said. He maintained that regional and global solidarity was vital in the efforts to counter the threats, adding that ECOWAS must continue to enhance system of governance. Buhari explained that working with partners would also accelerate the implementation of joint initiatives and mechanisms created to address the daunting but not insur-

mountable risks. While speaking on climate change, Buhari noted that the catastrophic consequences of climate change were manifest in the region. According to him, a number of fragilities, conflicts and environmental degradation that affect countries with serious negative impact on peace, security, economy and livelihoods were either directly or indirectly triggered by climate change. He noted that ECOWAS alone would not be able to reverse or stop some of the consequences stressing that it required huge investment of resources far beyond their capabilities. He further said Nigeria would like to see that ongoing reforms in ECOWAS institutions were concluded and firmly entrenched to ensure greater effectiveness in leading the integration process.

Managing Director, NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Bayode Samuel with the Controller-General, Federal Fire Service, Engr. Joseph Garba Anebi, during a business visit to the Federal Fire Service, yesterday.

Again, Appeal Court sacks Wike, orders re-run CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

state and promote the security of lives and property there. However, APC expressed satisfaction over the ruling, maintaining that the judiciary had once again shown that it remained the last hope for the common man. State chairman of the party, Dr. Davies Ikanya, who stated this while speaking with our correspondent, said the Ap-

peal Court ruling would pave the way for the electorate in the state to vote without fear of violence. Ikanya said: “We give glory to the Almighty God on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the governorship candidate of the APC (in the 2015 election) Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and his deputy, Hon. Asita, and Rivers people. “This judgement has

proven that the judiciary remains the last hope of the downtrodden and the common man. We thank the judiciary for not disappointing the people. “We are happy that Rivers people now have the opportunity to vote without the fear of being attacked. “The court ruling today also shows that if you engage in violence during election, the ju-

diciary is there to nullify such election.” Ikanya, however, pointed out that APC would not lose any sleep over what the outcome of a Supreme Court judgement would be, adding that the truth would not change. “Whether it is the Election Petition Tribunal, the Appeal Court or the Supreme Court, the truth will always remain the truth,” he said.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

NEWS

L-R: Chairman, D.C Okika Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Beatrice Okika; Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dangote Group, Oare Ojeikere; Chairman, Chinedu and Sons Ltd, Mr. Chinedu Ezenyili; Managing Director, Nwa Ado Resources, Mr. Igwebuike Ikwueme and Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Onne van dar Weijde, during presentation of fleet of trucks to empower distributors in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; daughter/new Graduate of Law School, Ayomide and wife, Olufunso, during the 2015 Nigeria Law School Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja.

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L-R: Globacom’s Senior Manager, Events, Mr. Sola Mogaji; Company’s Director, Events and Sponsorship, Obinna Aniche; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Globacom’s Senior Manager, Events, Mr. Celestine Amucha, at the formal unveiling of One Lagos Fiesta, sponsored by Globacom at Freedom Park, Lagos, on Tuesday.

L-R: Principal, Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Mr. Jonathan Mbaakaa; Business Manager, Education Vertical, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Matthew Iwundu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan; Corporate Social Value Manager, Samsung Electronic West Africa, Mrs. Abosede George-Ogan and Director, Information Communication Technology, Ministry of Education, Mr. Ikechukwu Orji, during the Samsung Smart School launch at Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Abuja, yesterday.

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ASUU urges Ambode to appoint LASU VC on merit A cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Lagos State University, LASU chapter, has urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to consider merit in appointing the university’s new vice-chancellor from among the three shortlisted candidates. Chairman, ASUU-LASU chapter, Dr. Adekunle Idris, said this at a news conference yesterday at the Ojo campus of the university. Idris said merit should not be compromised in the appointment of the vicechancellor as was done by previous administrations by selecting the second or third candidate, rather than the first. He said the staff unions and the university’s community are eagerly waiting for the governor to pronounce the new vice chancellor among the three candidates shortlisted by the governing council. “Information reaching

the union is that the selection committee made up of a joint committee of Senate and Council had concluded the processes for the appointment of the new V-C. “The committee, we learnt, shortlisted the three best candidates among the initial nine and had submitted the result to the governor for him to appoint one of them as the V-C. “Since December 9 when the report was submitted to the governor, no pronouncement has been made by the governor on the new V-C,’’ he said. Idris said the silence of the governor is worrisome, stressing that the pronouncement is usually made within 24 hours after the committee must have submitted its report. He said the action of the government is leaving room for suspicions and speculations. Idris said the union had noted before the selection process that it is not inter-

ested in any of the candidates but that the best among them be appointed for fairness. The ASUU leader said the union would not tolerate to

work, a day longer with any V-C appointed on the four years’ renewable term. “Therefore, there is the need to fast track the implementation of the bill for a

single term of five years for LASU V-C before the assembly to take effect from this tenure. “We assume, this is part of the reasons the governor

is delaying his pronouncement. “The All Progressives Party is a party that loves merit and it is time to show that example,’’ he said.

Okebukola tells varsities to brace-up for tough challenges

ro-Chancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Prof. Peter Okebukola, yesterday called on managements of government-owned universities to brace-up for the tough challenges that would accompany the 2016 financial year. Okebukola said this in his address at the 7th convocation and 10th anniversary of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State. The private Christian university was established in 2005 by the Apostolic Faith Mission. He said it was pertinent for the management of government-owned universities to adjust to the current economic realities, since

they always looked up to government for funding. “It is important that I draw your attention to a phenomenon that may dim the brightness. Two months ago, an African higher education research group which I head rang a bell to Nigerian universities. “It is about preparing for austere times in 2016. Our predictor’s variables include constricted budget for the university and increased poverty level of parents and students. “The increased demand for improvement in welfare by staff is looming menacingly in the horizon. The cost of crude oil to

which our economy largely depends is now at a 10-year low. “This implies reduced revenue from oil to the government, a situation which may persist in the few years ahead as a consequence of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,’’ he said. Okebukola said the Paris agreement which was based on reducing the effect of pollution occasioned by the pollution caused by the use of fuel would affect many economic activities. On how to manage the universities on a lean purse, Okebukola advised the management of the universities to run transparent administrations and ensure prudent

spending. Okebukola urged the management of universities to think outside the box to structurally adjust the operations of the universities to reflect the true nature of their financial capabilities. NAN reports that the university at its 7th convocation graduated 216 graduands from its Colleges of Business and Social Services as well as Natural and Applied Sciences. Six percent of the graduands made first class, 34 per cent made second class upper division, 40 per cent came out with second class lower division and 20 per cent in the other categories.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

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Buhari presents 2016 budget to joint N/Assembly on Tuesday •As Senate passes MTEF, FSP Bill

GeorGe oji

resident Muhammadu Buhari will present the 2016 appropriation bill to the joint session of the National Assembly next week Tuesday, December 22. The president in separate letters to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, appealed to the two presiding officers to reserve Tuesday next week for him for the budget presentation. Saraki read the letter from Buhari announcing his intentions to present the budget to the joint session of the National Assembly during yesterday’s plenary sitting. The National Assembly had planned to commence its Christmas and New Year break tomorrow Thursday, but would be compelled to postpone the break in order to accommodate Buhari’s visit. However, the lawmakers may have to proceed on their Yuletide holidays on Tuesday, immediately after the receipt of the

budget from the President. Buhari is expected to present an estimated budget proposal of N6.12trillion for the 2016. The senate also yesterday passed the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, as well as the Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, into law. The passage of the bill followed the debate and adoption of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriation and National and Planning and Economic Affairs, which considered the original bill from the executive. The MTEF and FSP is a statutory requirement by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, which must be approved by the National Assembly before the actual presentation of the budget appropriation bill. The two documents specify the prospects and basic principles that guide the policy objectives of the budget proper. The MTEF and FSP approved yesterday by the Senate showed a daily oil production of 2.2000mbpd (million barrels per day), exchange rate of N197 per US$1 and crude oil bench-

Gaya, Olujimi paint grim pictures of Nigerian roads olubunmi omooGun

he Senate, through its Committee on Works has stated that the apex law making body will not compromise on its mandate to ensure that the Federal Ministry of Works and agencies in charge of making good our roads live up to expectations. Speaking at the committee meeting with Federal Ministry of Works, at the Senate building on Wednesday, Senator Kabiru Gaya said that; “people are dying every day on our roads, we need to be serious because Nigerians are worried that the roads are bad. There are accidents on the roads daily. Every day we pass laws at the chamber, but now we want to see things done.” Many of the roads and

bridges in various parts of the country have failed due to age and pressure, thereby causing untold hardship to commuters, motorists and other road users. Senator Biodun Olujimi urged officials of Federal Ministry of Works to keep a tab on the numbers of affected roads and bridges. She said: “I am surprised that you don’t have ready list of affected roads and bridges. It is imperative that you have these data ready at all times so that when we ask for any information of any aspect of road construction and infrastructure you should be able to give us”. Senate had earlier called the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to urgently reconstruct collapsed bridges across the country.

mark price of US$ 38 per barrel for the 2016 budget. The senate also proposed N5,720.34 billion for non oil revenue projection for the 2016 budget, even as the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to sustain the current tempo towards increasing the Federal Independent Revenue and Diversification of the economy. The lawmakers in addition recommended that

the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, should initiate measures that will close the gap between the parallel market and the official rate, this was as the senators urged the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, with e-collection platform should be sustained. Furthermore, the senators asked the Federal Government to establish a data base, and possibly a

Single Salary Account for all its employees in order to streamline and reduce its personnel cost. While the lawmakers urged an increase in tax collection to level closer to the accepted tax/GDP ratio of our economy, they in addition advised that the diversification of the economy should be accompanied with economic modernisation, such that the economy can be more

competitive and productive. Finally, the senate urged that the funding of the infrastructural development stated in the MTEF should be clearly captured in the details of the 2016 appropriation bill, even as the lawmakers urged that the arrears of the 2015 fuel subsidy for domestic consumption as proposed in the MTEF be sustained.

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Abdulrazaq Balogun, during inauguration of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, at Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday.

Reps to investigate CBN on foreign reserve accounts GeorGe opara AbujA

he House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Finance to investigate without delay, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on the particulars of the accounts in which the foreign reserve of the country are held and to declare any interests accruable to the foreign reserve accounts held on behalf of the federation in the last four years and thereafter periodically. This development came as a result of the motion brought to the House by Honourable Abdulssamad Dasuki, APC member representing Kebbe/Tambunwal federal constituency of Sokoto State. Dasuki noted before the House that section 36 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 mandates the CBN to oper-

ate as the banker to the government and that the CBN maintains several foreign reserve accounts on behalf of the federation, containing funds in foreign currencies that are held in financial institution before they are shared during the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, meetings. The lawmaker further told the House that the foreign reserve accounts accrue reasonable interest from the surplus of funds held by the CBN which have not been monetised into naira and received by the federation. Moreover, it was disclosed that the CBN contracted fund managers to manage the funds on contractual terms which are not even subjected to public scrutiny or open competitive and transparent processes. However, the Nigeria

Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, was established to undertake the management of the excess crude account funds on behalf of the federation and domestic capacity was being developed so that large state-owned funds could be managed by Nigerians. But the house regretted that accruals to the federation foreign accounts have not been openly declared by the CBN and hitherto, remains uncertain in public records. It could be recalled also that some states have persistently agitated for discontinuance of the ‘agreement’ allowing the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, to decide savings or reserves from disbursable funds to the components of the federation. The house was worried that the entire cir-

cumstances regarding the management of the excess crude accounts of the federation was straining the relationship between the three arms of government, in particular, with the argument of some states that they want the unused funds for certain development purposes and on that premise refused to endorse the continued arrangement. The fear of the unforeseeable consequences, the house has urged the CBN to report the criteria for engaging any and all foreign managers of the foreign reserve accounts of the federation to ensure transparency and to report annually on the performance and continued compliance of the managers with any set guidelines issued by the CBN for the engagement of the fund managers.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

NICON INSURANCE LIMITED Abuja, Nigeria

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT VACANCY FOR THE POST OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TECHNICAL Due to ongoing restructuring and gearing for Job requirements growth, NICON INSURANCE is searching for a * Excellent Managerial skills; to include, strong high calibre Executive Director Technical. leadership, interpersonal and coaching skills. * Persuasive oral and written communication The ideal candidate will form part of the executive skills. committee based in the head office in Abuja and * High effective project management skills with a will have a national responsibility. self-starter aptitude and the ability to be self directed. We therefore invite suitably qualified candidates to * Able to meet regulatory standards for the apply for the positions as specified below; position. * Strong understanding of the insurance life Job description cycle including working closely with product * Provides countrywide underwriting strategies development teams, Sales and Marketing, Client and philosophies across all lines of business. Service and Customer Loyalty teams. * Manages and executes high level of process development as well as the quantity and Education/Experience: quality of work performed by the technical * Bachelors and Masters Degree in Insurance, division. Actuarial Science, Business, a related field or * Management, maintenance and analysis on equivalent education required. the effectiveness of underwriting guidelines * ACII as well as implementation of insurance * 15+ years of experience in underwriting. calibrating and acceptability criteria. * 10years Insurance management at leadership * Evaluates tool and vendor provided solutions levels. including cost controls for products ordered. * Experience in multi-office underwriting * Responsible for employment and management leadership position with operations of underwriting teams; include training and management expertise. mentoring, coaching and development, * Experience in a modern, customer focused performance evaluations, counseling and business environment with knowledge of motivating groups in multiple locations. customer experience and related systems * Provides director oversight for day to day required. operations of policy administration and * Communication and presentation skills. insurance operations functions. * Strong accounting and financial analysis * Accountable for effective implementation of skills. and adherence to established business * Strong industry knowledge. processes and underwriting rules. * Proficiency in the use of modern day * Annually designs, implements and manages Technology to deliver superior underwriting underwriting authority, guidelines and business skills. approval thresholds. * Qualified and interested candidates should * Responsible for all Technical regulatory forward their detailed resumes by electronic compliance as set by the National Insurance mail in pdf format to Commission. infodesk@niconinsurance.com.ng on or before * Other duties as assigned by the MD/CEO. December 31, 2015. * Reports to the MD/CEO. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

South West

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ibadan NBA demands overhaul of judicial system Kemi olAitAn IBADAN

awyers, judges and magistrates in Oyo State, yesterday converged on Ibadan, the state capital, to beam searchlight on causes of delay in justice dispensation in the country, blaming themselves and the police for the system. Agreeing that many innocent ‎persons have been confined to undue prison terms for years either as awaiting trial inmates or prisoners, the legal practitioners at the Law Week of Ibadan branch ‎of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, called for an urgent overhaul of the system with all stakeholders enjoined to employ sincerity of purpose in their various callings. Present at the annual Law Week with the theme, “Fast tracking the administration of justice in Oyo state: The need for stakeholders’ intervention,” include Chief Judge of the state, Justice Mukthar Abimbola, Justices of the High Court and Magistrates, Mr Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), Mr Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Prince Adetunji Gbadegesin, Ronke Ige of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Mr Jide Olanipekun (Secretary of Oyo branch of the NBA), Dr. Oluwole Akintayo, Principal lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of Ibadan, among others. Justice Bayo Taiwo while opening the discourse as anchor person, categorised causes of delay in the administration of criminal justice‎ system in the state to delay in investigation, delay by the Ministry of Justice and delay from the courts. His observations covered slow and care-free attitude of law enforcement agencies, non- availability of equipment to investigate crimes, lack of funding ‎and problem of gathering witnesses to testify in cases, among others.

L-R: Former Deputy Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr Adebisi Adeniran; Inaugural Lecturer, Dr Olatunji Adeniji-Soji; Rector, Prof Olatunde Fawole and Registrar, Mr Ayodele Fehintola, at the Inaugural Lecture on Telecommuting-Travel Substitution: Nigeria’s Panacea for Traffic Gridlock, by Dr Adeniji-Soji, in Ibadan, yesterday.

On the part of the Ministry of Justice, law officers were blamed for non-diligent prosecution of many cases, ‎inadequate law officers for prosecution, as well as lack of conducive courtroom environment in terms of lack of electronic gadgets for recording, leading to judges writing proceedings in laborious long hand; deliberate delay by many counsel, occasioning unnecessary adjournments, among others. Adenipekun (SAN),‎ Head of Afe Babalola Chambers, blamed some lawyers who would file cases for their clients when they know the case is a bad one. He said, “Some of us do this to buy time and get money from clients. If you know your client has no case, why file any application? Doing so unnecessarily congests the courts.” He similarly identified inadequate number of judges, as well as inadequate funding from the government, thus affecting the welfare and health of many judges and legal officers from the Ministry of Justice, as one of the causes of delay in justice administration. Other discussants on the occasion also shed light on the issue, with all agreeing that all stakeholders should wake up to their responsibilities to advance the course of the judiciary and give room for faster justice dispensation in the state. Chairman of Ibadan branch of the NBA, Gbadamosi, however, lauded the Chief Judge for the series of reforms already carried out in the system, including renovation of Iyaganku High Court rooms. He nevertheless, called for installation of air-condition-

Murder: Police insist DSS must produce killer operatives Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

olice in Ekiti State yesterday insisted that the Directorate of Security Services, DSS, in the state must produce its operatives that allegedly killed a police sergeant, Sylvester Malik, at the DSS office in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday. Police spokesman in Ekiti State, Mr Alberto Adeyemi, who said the police had asked the DSS to hand over its killer operatives, said: “We are still waiting for the DSS to turn them in”. Two policemen, Sergeant Malik and Corporal Mough Tergu, from Special Protection Unit, Lokoja, Kogi State, were said to have been shot

within the premises of DSS office after engaging in argument over attempt to disarm them before entering, which they resisted. The DSS operatives were said to have allegedly opened fire on the policemen, leaving one of them dead on the spot, while the other, who survived, is receiving treatment in one of the hospitals in the state. The two policemen attached to former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas, had accompanied him to the DSS command when the incident happened. When journalists visited the DSS base in Ado Ekiti yesterday, a senior officer said the State Director, Mr

Duke Fubara, was at a security meeting with the governor. The official said, “The DSS Director is not on seat now. He is attending a security meeting with the governor. But I want to assure you that we will reach out to you as soon as he is back.” But the police spokesman said, “The policeman was murdered in cold blood, in execution style. The other policeman that was shot pretended he was dead, that was what saved him.” Adeyemi challenged the DSS to show to the world their operative that they alleged received gunshot injury from the policemen. “Is there any law in the land that says one should be killed for escorting someone

to a barrack or command base? Looking at it from professional angle, dropping of arms is even unprofessional. “The DSS alleged that the victims refused to be disarmed and they had to struggle with them and claimed that one of them was injured in the process. We are waiting for them to produce the injured to confirm their claims.” He said the Police Commissioner, Mr Etop James, was in Abuja to attend a meeting of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, with state commissioners, adding that he was represented yesterday at a security meeting with the governor by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sagir Abubakar.

Obasanjo tasks Petroleum varsity on Nigeria’s fuel challenges Femi oyeweso ABEOKUTA

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday tasked the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Efunrun, FUPRE, to evolve strategies that would assist Nigeria in overcoming challenges in its petroleum industry. Obasanjo made the call while addressing the management team of the institution led by Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Akii Ibhadode, who paid a courtesy visit to him at his Hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State

capital. The former president particularly emphasised that the university was established out of Nigeria’s desire to complement her abundant petroleum resources with education and human capital development. National Mirror recalls that FUPRE was established in 2007 as the first of its kind in Africa and sixth in the world by Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Obasanjo, however, noted that the university was one of the relevant institutions the country could depend on in its ongoing

efforts at developing the petroleum industry. He charged the management to “think and act out of the box” and carry out researches and innovations to develop Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The elder statesman expressed displeasure at the vision of the institution which, according to the management, is to rank among the best 500 universities in the world by 2025. He urged the management to consider a more challenging vision of ranking among the leading 10 universities in the world by 2025, and described the existing one as “unambi-

tious”. He told them that he had instructed the management of Bells University, Otta, established by him in 2004, to ensure the institution produced a Nobel Laureate within 20 years of its establishment. Earlier in his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ibhadode, commended Obasanjo for the initiative of establishing the institution. He, however, stressed the need for adequate funding of the institution for the realisation of the purpose for which it was established.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Gridlock on Broad Street, Lagos.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yuletide: Lagos plans smooth traffic for CBD

or the sake of saving unnecessary man-hour lost to traffic by Lagosians operating within the CBD and the desire for a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos Island, the Lagos State Government has launched a full scale traffic enforcement programme to decongest the area. The enforcement exercise which was carried out in and around Agbongbon axis of Lagos island by CBD monitoring officers in their reflective vests, volunteers, State Task force, KAI&LASTMA officials as well as security personnel took motorists and commuters by surprise as many vehicles parked indiscriminately were clamped and towed away with a view to impose heavy fines to serve as deterrent to others. Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Agboola Dabiri, who led the enforcement exercise in company of his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Anofiu Elegushi, said the target of government is to have a smooth, free-flow and unhindered traffic during yuletide and beyond in CBD areas especially in Lagos Island which serves as the hub of businesses in the state. According to him: “Government has set machineries in motion to curtail the nuisances and unwholesome practices of commercial bus drivers and some car owners who are in the habit of impeding traffic through illegal parking on the road to pick passengers, driving against traffic as well as using unauthorised places as bus stops. “The state government will not relent in its promise of providing enabling and conducive environment in the CBD axis for businesses to thrive. ‘’He said the provision of a conducive business environment would attract investors and that this will ultimately which will ultimately boost the economy of the state. This is even as he appealed to Lagosians to cooperate with government in its quest of taking the CBD to the next level in line with international standard as obtained in other developed cities of the world.” Speaking further Dabiri a one-time Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area of the state, said the exercise will continue until motorists as well as traders and other stakeholders within the CBD observe the right attitude and abiding by all rules and regulations guiding the CBD. “Series of sensitisation and awareness programmes, exten-

Traffic jam at Broad Street, Lagos. sive publicity as well as meetings with stakeholders have been carried out in the past to alert the general public on the need to observe and obey the rules wherever they are within the CBD axis for one business or the other,” he said. Speaking in the same vein, Elegushi said impediments to traffic on the Lagos Island were man-made and it will be in the best interest of Lagosians to obey simple rules and regulations and desist from all manners of nefarious and illegal

activities that causes traffic congestion in the metropolis for the benefit of all. “When traders and motorists obey simple instructions and abide by traffic law of the state, traffic congestion often experienced in Lagos especially on the Island will be a thing of the past,” Elegushi said. Meanwhile, as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, Lagos Business District is gradually being lockdown by both human and vehicular traffic.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN A visit to some of the major markets on the business district like Ebute Ero, Balogun, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Gorodomu, Apongbon among others, revealed huge traffic of vehicles and men both struggling to wade through the sea of human traffic that have besieged the various markets. Speaking to Broad Street Diary on the huge traffic, Mrs. Mary Akinwumi who sells textile materials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe market said there is nothing unusual about the traffic on the Lagos Island particularly at this

period of the year. Akinwumi said the Christmas and New Year is fast approaching, and traders and shoppers alike from near and far have to come and buy since the markets on the Island is where they can get whatever they need and also at cheap prices. ‘’Remember we have the big traders here who sell wholesale to those who will resell it, while those who are buying for their need also take advantage of the wholesale price. –Dare Akogun

Traders decry multiple taxes on business

raders on the Lagos Business District have condemned the various taxes and levies charged by both the state and local governments on their businesses. They traders listed about six different levies they claim were being charged by the government, which they described as tool of frustration and humiliation to their businesses. In a chat with Broad Street Diary, BSD, some of the traders on Broad Street, Marina, Balogun, Idumota and its environ, said apart from the taxes and levies on their wares, which were normally charged by the state government, officials from local government also charged them on everything they used in the shop including their electronic, while a partic-

ular charge was also levied on their personality as traders. A wine dealer, Tawa Hussein, told BSD that the various taxes and charges have constituted hindrance to their progress, especially the small scale traders, as most of the profits went for taxes. She said despite their plea to the government, the pressure of those people who paraded themselves as local government officials continued to intensify daily, creating doubt as to whether the “officials’’ were genuine local governments staff. Hussein said traders were however, helpless since the government has refused to check the officials and their activities. She also alleged that apart

from the amount traders were charged in their shops, they were also made to pay other levies in their homes for those of them living within the vicinity of the market. Also speaking, a beverages seller, simply identified as Iya Amirah lamented that Lagos State Government is making business difficult for them with multiple taxes. “We traders know the real implication of the multiple taxes and other unnamed levies on our businesses and our personal lives. Even some of the taxes without receipts are killing us.” A trader from Balogun market, who also attested to the taxes charged the traders, said, “My brother, look around you and ask everyone here. The

government has finished us with taxes. We only want to appeal to the state government to revisit the issues of the multiple taxes so that traders can make headway.” Another small shop owner, who gave her name as Hajia said even though she and other traders did not have television sets in their shops, the Lagos State government through the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, LIRS, still collects TV and Radio taxes from them. The traders however, pleaded with the government to help them out. They also call on the government to ensure that the right people collect the taxes and that the tax is used for the development of the business district. –Abolaji Adebayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Chinese films generate N100bn in 12 years –Envoy MUDA OYENIRAN

Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo /Osun Area Command, Mr. Abdulsalam Hassan, at a press briefing on antiSmuggling drive at the Command headquarter, Agodi, Ibadan, yesterday.

Ambode’s convoy arrests traffic offenders FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday arrested motorists, tricycles and motorcyclists, driving against traffic in deviance of traffic laws at Ijora Olopa area of the state. The governor’s convoy, which was driving from Lagos Island en-route Carter Bridge to Ikeja, also accosted some other motorists committing traffic offence on Apogbon Bridge. Among vehicles arrested include a black Toyota Camry marked KRD 666 DK; metallic Lexus SUV marked LSR 995 BT; black Toyota Co-

rolla marked AKD 911 DC and yellow Mitsubishi taxi marked YE 819 KJA. Other vehicles arrested included commercial buses marked BDG 242 XQ, JJJ 126 SC, LSD 824 XC and a truck belonging to Gafista Concepts Limited, a private PSP operator with the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, LAWMA, marked BDG 708 XJ. A white Toyota Hilux belonging to Lagos Water Corporation was also arrested. While being questioned by journalists in Lagos House, Ikeja, the offenders admitted to driving against traffic and breaching the law, explaining that they were forced to take one way

due to traffic gridlock. Sunday Izebor, a commercial motorcyclist from Edo State, said he was arrested while taking one way. He said he was forced to commit the offence due to heavy traffic. Driver of the PSP truck, Ogunwale Segun, admitted that he drives against traffic to navigate the road on a daily basis. He said: “I wanted to collect refuse at Ijora when I was arrested. The Lawma road was blocked so I had to take one way and that was why I was caught.” On her part, a lady, who identified herself as Adejoke Elemoro, said passed through one way because she was in a hurry to

catch up with a meeting scheduled for 7am in her office. Also, an interstate commercial bus driver, Ganiru Ayakunle, said he committed the offence because of his passengers were rushing to catch up with urgent appointments. A commercial tricyclist, Akinlabi Ahmed, who attacked a security detail of the governor, while attempting to arrest him, said he knew that by his action he had run fowl of the law. The offenders have since been handed over to the state’s Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences for prosecution.

Five parties show interest in Ekiti council poll ...SIEC trains 7,000 ad-hoc staff

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, has said that five political parties are participating in Saturday’s local government election in the 16 council areas of the state. They are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, African People’s Alliance, APA, KOWA Party, United Progress Party, UPP, and People’s Party of Nigeria, PPN. Ekiti SIEC Chairman, Justice Kayode Bamisile (rtd), said the electoral body had made necessary logistics and security arrangements for the election to ensure a credible, free, fair and

acceptable election. It would be recalled that an Ekiti High Court on Monday gave SIEC the nod to conduct the election, having dismissed the suit filed by All Progressives Congress, APC, challenging composition of the electoral body. Bamisile said at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti yesterday that over 7,000 ad-hoc staff has been recruited and trained for the election, adding that they were mainly members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The SIEC boss said the polls would be conducted in a manner that would be a model to states for the conduct of local gov-

ernment elections. According to him, the commission had taken delivery of non-sensitive materials, while sensitive materials would be received today for onward distribution to the councils tomorrow in the presence of the political parties. “There will be equity. We are going to be fair to all parties as we are going to give them levelplaying ground. We will not be biased,” he said. He said adequate security arrangement involving the police, civil defence corps and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, had been put in place to protect the electorate, materials and the electoral process to prevent any breach of the law.

According to him, the commission has accredited some non-governmental organisations, NGOs, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, among others as observers.

hinese Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Liu Kan, has said over the past 12 years Chinese film box office revenue has grown 40 times from $1bn in 2003 to over $100bn in 2015. He noted that the number of cinemas in the country had also grown from 1,140 in 2003 to over 6,200 in 2015. Kan stated this at an interactive session with journalists to announce the 2015 Chinese Film Festival billed for Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, on December 18 and 19. The consul-general noted that Chinese films had improved both in quality and quantity, adding that the number of people who watched Chinese films had grown from 700 million in 2003 to 1.14 billion in 2015.

He said 2015 was the tenth anniversary of the establishment of China-Nigeria strategic partnership, adding that the cooperation between Chinese and African film industries had broad prospects. “Similarly, African film industry also developed tremendously in recent years, especially the film industry in Nigeria, which has huge potentials considering its over 170 million population. “Over the past 20 years, Nigerian film industry witnessed a rapid growth; the well known Nollywood now produces over 2,000 films a year, which is remarkable in global film market,” he said. According to him, over the past years, Nigeria and China have cooperated closely and achieved fruitful results in areas of politics, economy, culture, military, education, agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunication and so on.

Osun pays N320m compensation to property owners BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State government yesterday presented cheques of over N320 million to 127 claimants whose land and houses were affected by the expansion and rehabilitation of Ola-Iya-AsubiaroIsale Osun to Ita Olookan road in Osogbo. Presenting the cheques to beneficiaries, Governor Rauf Aregbesola promised to pay about N2bn to people whose properties were affected at Orisunbare, MDS areas of the state capital. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, promised to complete all

projects initiated by his administration before expiration of his tenure. Aregbesola maintained that Odi Olowo-Ita-Olokan road, when completed, would lessen traffic at Station Road. In their separate remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Nurudeen Adeagbo, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Adewale Ojo, called for cooperation of the claimants with the contractor handling the projects. The claimants commended the state government for fulfilling its promise and promised to continue supporting to his administration.

Ajimobi promises to take Oyo out of economic doldrums KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has appealed to people of the state not to despair in the face of the tottering economy. He assured that his administration has embarked on massive re-engineering and re-structuring that will soon take the state out of the woods. He made the appeal yes-

terday while addressing the congregation during a thanksgiving service in honour of his 66th birthday at Government House Chapel, Ibadan. He said part of the efforts by his administration will yield dividends next year, stating that these would shore up Internally Generated Revenue of the state from the current N1.2bn to N3.5bn. Ajimobi said the pervading economic depres-

sion would bring out the best in him as an experienced manager of men and resources. The governor stated further that he would devote his second term to the attainment of four cardinal goals; part of which he said is the revamping of the economy through diversification and restructuring, as well as improvement in social and physical infrastructure.

South East

adeola Tukuru ABUJA

ederal Government yesterday shut down Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, temporarily to allow government restrategise on the rules of engagement and interim administration to be put in place to oversee affairs of the institution. Federal Government also ordered that the staff ’s December salaries

Francis suberu

eavy traffic congestion yesterday characterised the old Ojo road in Lagos as hundreds of traders and other Biafran loyalists protested at Alaba Market in Ojo Local Area of Lagos State, causing confusion in the axis. It was gathered that the traders shut down shops and restricted vehicular movements in the area for hours. The Biafran supporters, who demanded unconditional dismissal of the case against the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, said until their demand was met, they would continue to agitate. One of the protesters said they were provoked to

doosuur iwambe ABUJA

Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja yesterday struck out a one-count criminal charge brought against self-acclaimed director of Radio Biafra and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government. Chief Magistrate, Mr. Shauibu Usman, in a ruling yesterday discontinued the trial of Kanu, following a motion to that

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG shuts down FMC, Owerri

...orders December salaries stopped be stopped because they are not working. Federal Government through Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, expressed dismay during his recent visit to Owerri, saying he was saddened because “it showed labour unionism is at the

Pro-Biafra protest rocks Lagos

Kanu

Thursday, December 17, 2015

protest because of the continued detention and trial of Mr. Kanu by the Federal Government, saying everyone has the right to voice out his/her opinions. Another protester told journalists that, “We were singing solidarity songs, and marched through the streets to express our grievance on the trial of Nnamdi Kanu. We all dispersed when news came around 1pm that he had been freed from the court trial,” he added. As the protesters constituted threat to existing peaceful environment in Lagos, it was learnt that policemen from Ojo, Ajangbadi and FESTAC Area E Command trooped to the highway to monitor activities of the protesters to ensure that it did not turn violent. Efforts to speak with Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, met a brick wall as his phone rang out several times. It would be recalled that the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had on Tuesday warned members of the movement not to stage any protest in Lagos. The party warned MASSOB and IPOB against plunging Lagos into crisis.

highest level of impunity whereby employees of government, who have been getting their salaries regularly, were all clad in black and chanting solidarity songs.” While briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the minister explained that it also showed that labour unions were unyielding to all overtures from the executive and legislature, even at the realisation that “I was barely one month in office and should have been given the benefit of doubt. “The penchant to resort to strikes and disruption of services is inimical to the overall development of the country and should only be deployed as a weapon when dialogue has failed.

Adewol

“A situation where workers are fully aware of the fact that the FMC, Owerri, was the only functional hospital in the state at the moment, but still disrupted services simply shows how bad our value systems have degenerated. “The workers, among other things accused the medical director of misap-

propriating funds, but for which she was found not guilty. What level of corruption is more than the fact that people have been receiving salaries for the past eight months without working? Let he/she that is without sin cast the first stone. “The fact-finding committee that investigated the allegations against the medical director has since submitted its report and the contents of that report were brought to the public domain at a press conference held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity on November 3, 2015. The Ministry of Health recalled the medical director, has been exonerated of the allegations levelled against her. “This singular action

sparked off another round of protests from the unions who insisted that she must go, hinging their demand on a minority report submitted by the union members of the committee which indicted the medical director.” According to him, the FMC must work to deliver healthcare services to the Nigerian people because that is the mandate for which the Federal Government is maintaining over 2,500 people employed in the centre with the available meagre resources, inclusive of tax payer’s money. It would be recalled that the crisis at the FMC, Owerri, started in April, 2015 and has completely paralysed activities in the centre ever since.

L-R: Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Obinna Oriaku; PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonna and state Chairman of ALGON and TC Chairman of Isiala-Ngwa North LGA, Chief Ginja Onwusoibe, during the presentation of official vehicles to TC Chairmen by the governor in Umuahia, recently.

...Court strikes out charges against Kanu effect filed and argued by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Moses Idakwo. Usman’s ruling was in line with a request by the Department of State Service, DSS, to drop the charges against the Biafran activist in order to enable them pursue his trial at a Federal High Court that has original jurisdiction on terrorism. The DSS had argued that the magistrate’s

Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami

court lacked the jurisdiction, since it has obtained the FHC order to detain him for 90 days based on terrorism charges. Before the case was struck out, Kanu had been put on trial on criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society and criminal intimidation contrary to Section 97, 97B and 397 of the penal code. The fact of the case, ac-

cording to DSS report, is that the accused formed an unlawful society with the purpose of bringing into being a Republic of Biafra. He was alleged to have proclaimed himself the leader of Republic of Biafra and established a radio for Biafra. Kanu was also alleged to have appointed himself Commander of the Loyal Forces of Biafra and was broadcasting

to the whole world the dire consequences the government and people of Nigeria would surfer should they attempt to hinder the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra. Meanwhile, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the FHC sitting in Abuja will today rule on the bail applications by Kanu to enforce his freedom and fundamental human rights.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

s the dusts raised by sudden death of Kogi State political icon and Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the November 21, governorship election, Prince Abubarka Audu are gradually settling down, another political crisis is also raising its ugly head as leadership tussle is tearing Kogi State House of Assembly apart. Observers of political events in Kogi state have argued that a lot of misfortune is befalling the state because of lack of unity between the major components of the state in the last 24 years. They posited that if the major tribes had determined to work for the unity of all for purpose of development, the state would have ranked among the best in the country, considering the God- given natural endowments of the state in terms of human and natural resources available . Analysts also lamented the recent development in which ethnic colouration eventually play itself up after the death of Audu as announcement of substitution sparked riots and demonstrations by youths in some part of the state. It was also noted that the recent leadership tussle in the Kogi State House of Assembly was masterminded by some ethnic chauvinists to cause yet another confusion in the Confluence state. National Mirror investigations revealed that the discord seeds planted during the inauguration of 6th Kogi State House Assembly is now germinating leading to the crisis rocking the Assembly. It was learnt that shortly after the inauguration of the house by the State Governor, Captain Idris Wada on June 6, 2015, some new members particularly from All Progressive Congress, APC were not allowed to participate in the selection process of the present leadership of the House. It was also gathered that the present Speaker emerged through a leadership tussle that rocked the House between late 2012 and early 2013 in which 12 legislators purportedly impeached the then speaker of the House of Assembly ,Alhaji Abdullahi Bello. Some school of thought had seen the leadership crisis as a recurring decimal, arguing that no one be can be perfect and satisfy all interest groups and this might account for the reasons the struggle for power may continue for sometimes to come. Prior to this crisis, it was gathered that the legislators had sent the speaker to the state governor to discuss on salient issues including the constituency allowance. After the meeting the legislators were said not to be satisfied with message from the Governor. On Wednesday, 9th December, 2015,all the 25 members including the speaker met with the governor again and the governor was said to have told them why there was delay in payment of their Constituency allowances as he begged for patience and understanding. But it was a different ball game on Thursday 10th December 2015 at plenary session when 17 members out of the 25 legislators claimed to have impeached the speaker of the House Rt. Hon Momoh Jimoh Lawal in a rowdy and tension soaked atmosphere. From this moment, it has been allegation and counter allegations between the two warring factions, the 17 members at a press conference stated that the speaker, deputy and minority leader have been impeached and new speaker and two other principal officers have been elected. The Speaker, Momoh Jimoh Lawal who was said to have later returned to his office in the evening with some few members claimed to have thefirm control of the state House of Assembly, stressing that the purported removal was ill-motivated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Leadership tussle tears Kogi Assembly apart

Lawal

Osiyi

Prior to this crisis, it was gathered that the legislators had sent the sPeaker to the state governor to discuss on salient issues including the constituency allowance. after the meeting the legislators were said not to be satisfied with message from the governor Meanwhile, as Kogi State House of Assembly tussle deepens, two speakers have emerged and each laid claim to the leadership of the House along with members of their factions The embattled Speaker of the House ,Right Hon. Momoh- Jimoh Lawal disclosed that he still remained the authentic speaker of the State Assembly. Lawal who was speaking in a chat with Journalists in Lokoja stated that the move to hijack the leadership of Kogi State House of Assembly by some few members was most unpatriotic and at variance with the legislative practice and principle all over the world. He explained that the attempt to remove him, his deputy and minority leader was foiled, urging the aggrieved members to note that power comes from God and God alone, stressing that he is still in firm control of the state House Assembly. He later written to the State Commissioner of Police that the State House of Assembly Complex should not be opened until 2nd February,2016

“It is important to let the public know that though Ukwubile Achanu Ochejenunu of Idah Constituency attempted to move an impeachment motion with self acclaimed 17 other members”, he said. The speaker added that when the attempt was made to impeach the principal officials, there was chaos in the house, noting that a peace loving leader quickly adjourned till February 2nd 2016. Lawal noted that even if he has to step down based on the new arrangement of the incoming administration for governor to come from central senatorial district ,it has to be through dialogue and not by force impeachment and forging the signature of Honourable members who were not part of impeachment process. Earlier on Thursday, 10 December 2015, 17 members of Kogi State House of Assembly while addressing newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, stated that the speaker has been impeached and replaced by Godwin Osiyi as new Speaker. “The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal has been impeached along with two other principal officers, Deputy Speaker and Minority leader”, the 17 members claimed. At a press conference in Lokoja, the Chairman House Committee on information, Hon. John Abbah stated that the action of the 17 members of the House become imperative in view of the demand to remove the speaker before now. Abbah explained that before now, there have been several moves to remove him, but they have been managing him, stating that when the 17 members could no longer manage him and others, the speaker was impeached because of incompetence, greedy and betrayal of the members. Those who were allegedly removed along with Speaker Lawal are the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Alih Akuh and Minority leader, Hon. Hassan Bello. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Kogi assembly crisis: Four escape death, N7m property destroyed Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

our Principal officers of Kogi state House of Assembly yesterday escaped death by whiskers and property worth several millions was damaged when suspected thugs unleash terror on the factional principal officers of the Assembly. The suspected political thugs loyal to the impeached speaker, ,Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal were said to have stormed Reverton Hotel at about 1.00pm yesterday afternoon cuddled with dangerous weapons such as guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. While addressing newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, factional speaker, Hon. Godwin Osiyi expressed shock on the attack of the members at Reverton Hotel .

He explained that following the intervention of the state governor, Captain Idris Wada who advised that they should take the path of peace, we decided not to sit again and decided to shift it to any other day. He pointed out that he and other members are resolute and have been sleeping from one hotel to the other for fear of attack. Osiyi stated that it was shock when the Junior brother of the embattled speaker lead thugs numbering over 50 in convoy of official vehicles of Lawal to smash three Prado Toyota Jeep and KIA sportive SUV cars and carted away over N3 million. He said the cars belong to him, the new speaker, the Deputy Speaker Hon. John Abbah, the Majority leader of the House, Hon. Mathew Kolawole,, the Minority leader and , Hon.

Idachaba Salifu Isah. The factional speaker disclosed that it has been threat to their lives since the speaker was impeached last Thursday, noting that no amount of intimidation can stop the group from carrying out their functions as member of the House. Speaking, the Majority Leader of the House, Honourable Mathew Kolawole explained that he went to Bank earlier in the morning when he noticed that suspected thugs were trailing him. Kolawole disclosed that he quickly alerted the governor who gave a security detail, adding that he later joined his colleagues at Reverton to intimate them and warned them . He pointed out that apart from pumping bullet to his KIA SUV car, the glasses of

the car were smashed and they carted away N2.6 million withdrew in the bank. The Manager of the Reverton Hotel stated that the property worth of over N20 million were damaged, pointing out that it was around 1.30 pm that the suspected thugs stormed the Hotel premises with dangerous weapons and started destroying cars, main gate and the electric Slide doors and ransacked some rooms. Reacting to the insinuations that his younger brother led thugs to attack other members of the House, the embattled speaker, Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal stated that he was not aware of any attack on the factional members. Lawal stated that it was an attempt to give a dog a bad name, adding that mentioning his name was to tarnish his image.

L-R: Former Senate President David Mark; his wife Helen and former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Morro, during the PDP Benue State South Senatorial District Zone C. meeting with Sen. Mark In Otukpo.

henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

ormer Commissioner representing Benue at the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chief Abu King Shuluwa has accorded 99 per cent performance to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Shuluwa who spoke in an interview with National Mirror yesterday in Makurdi observed that the issue of insecurity hitherto posed serious challenges

PDP chieftain gives FG pass mark

in the country is almost winding up to the chagrin of every Nigerian and gave kudos for the impact created by the present administration. The elder statesman further stated that the issue at stake is not about whether one belong to one political affiliation or the other but stressed that it is a matter of saying the naked truth because the administration has achieved extraordinarily in the shortest time. “ I am speaking as a Nigerian and I guess every other citizen will understand

with me that what Buhari has done is not a mere feat, for him to have taken the mantle of leadership within barely six months and had succeeded in curbing the acts of terrorists plaguing the country” The septuagenarian also noted that the ongoing fight against corruption is one among other cardinal agitations that has for so long been a source of concern to every well meaning Nigerian and urged him to carry out the fight until the battle is won. The former commission-

er for agriculture in the second republic revealed that whoever is found guilty of corruptly enrichment at the detriment of the masses while in public office should face the consequence of his actions. He stated that now that the Dasuki saga is awash in the media Buhari is now vindicated because he had said one time that Boko Haram was a creation of the immediate past administration but he was insulted and criticized by many Nigerians but now the truth is uncovered.

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Leadership tussle tears Kogi Assembly apart CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 They claimed that the house has elected a new speaker, Hon. Godwin Osiyi, while Hon. John Abbah was elected as Deputy Speaker and Honourable Eneche Ojochemenemi Linus as the new Minority Leader. Speaking to the newsmen in Lokoja, the newly elected speaker, Godwin Osiyi stated that the impeachment exercise has nothing to do with the political situation in the state, saying he hails from Central Senatorial District of Kogi state He pointed out that all the 25 members are capable of becoming the speaker of the house, stressing that if anyone is not competent such can be removed. He therefore stated that the House has been adjourned to 16 December. However, a group, Coalition of Political Progress and Development has condemned the purported removal of speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal, describing it as baseless, selfish and unacceptable. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media of the group, Comrade Tashilani Maximilian, who stated that it was against the interest of all peace loving and law abiding people of Kogi State. He explained that the proponent of impeachment failed to follow due process, therefore it could not stand .The Coalition regretted that some honourable members involved in the so called removal acted out of ignorance and it is borne out of inexperience exhibited by such members. “Considering the political situation in Kogi State at moment, it will be unreasonable for any group among the members of the Assembly to think of impeachment as it will destabilize the peace and tranquility as well as the unity of the state and our continuous mutual working relationship as a people with common destiny”, he stated Those who signed impeachment paper to remove Alhaji MomohJimoh Lawal are Hon. Osiyi Godwin Ojo, Hon. Ibrahim Abdulmumini, Hon. (Bar) Oluwatoyin Lawal, Hon. Eneche Ojochenemi Linus, Hon. (Alh) Musa Jimoh Omiata. Others are Hon. Prince M. O. Kolawole, Prince Zakari Osewu Mohammed, Hon. Omofaye Victor Adewale and Hon. John M. U. Abah, Hon. Edoko Moses Ododo, Hon. Obaro A. S. Pedro, Hon. Alfa Momoh Rabiu, Hon. Ndako Idris, Hon. Salifu Isah Idachaba, Hon. Hassan Abdullah, Hon. Ukubile Ochijene-Acharu and Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam. Meanwhile, the member representing Lokoja Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Umar Immam told journalists that he was not part of the impeachment saga that came up earlier in the day on Thursday He decried the attitude of some aggrieved members of the house for allegedly forging his signature in the paper present for the purported removal of the speaker Umar pointed out that he was supporting leadership of Lawal, calling on other members to give peace a chance, noting that this period calls for sober reflection in the state. He added that Kogi had been in the news in recent times and there is no need for another round of crisis in the state. Also speaking, the member representing Igalamela/ Odolu ,Hon. Friday Sanni stated that the whole process of the impeachment was a charade, noting that the rule of the house was not strictly followed. He alleged that the recent attempt was quite revealing because it was a long plan to destabilize the state, noting that before now an attempt was made to impeach the governor so that he would not be able to contest election in the state. Sanni maintained Ukwubile could not laid claim to have the mandate of all members, saying it was erroneous to say so. However a new twist may have been added to the impeachment saga as Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the election of three out of 17 members, thereby raising the question of whether the purported impeachment will still stand.

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Politics

Thursday, December 17, 2015

$2.1bn arms deal: Allegation against Buhari, decoy to taint anti-graft war –Bamidele Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

ormer member of the House of Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele has said that the allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari benefited from the $2 billion arms deal fraud allegedly perpetrated by the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, was part of the design of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to stall the trial of those fingered in the scan-

dal. Bamidele, an All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain said such allegation coming after those behind the alleged massive looting of the country’s commonwealth had been unveiled, was a decoy from the opposition PDP to taint the ongoing anti-graft war. The former lawmaker said in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the development would not stop those involved from being prosecuted. He said: “Buhari’s war has commenced and it is go-

ing to be total. No one with ill-gotten wealth will be exempted from the fight and no amount of blackmail, caustic statement and sentiments will stall the process meant to restore Nigeria to the path of honour, dignity and self-sustenance”. Bamidele said that the two Jeeps donated to Buhari by the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration after Boko Haram attacked his motorcade in Kaduna should not be used to rubbish the case against alleged looters of the country’s resources.

He praised Buhari’s courage for coming out boldly to challenge whoever had a claim that he received cash gift from former President Jonathan to make it public, reiterating that the cars presented to Buhari were his statutory entitlements as a former Head of State. Bamidele said that the attempt to stall the trial of those fingered in the alleged multi-billion naira arms deal, had further exposed the PDP as a party averse to sanity and ridding of endemic corruption out

of the country. He said: “At a time when the PDP is expected to show soberness and apologise to Nigerians for the massive and mind-boggling looting, they are raising dust against President Buhari, a man ever known for his Spartan and credible life, on which he rode to power by beating an incumbent President. “All the allegations being raised by the PDP and its hirelings will only add to the popularity of the president. “If he knew he had ben-

efited from the fraud, he wouldn’t have had the effrontery to try those that were involved, so the PDP should rather look for other means to ventilate their anger.” “Today in Nigeria, millions of our graduate youths are taking up arms against the state because they are unemployed, electricity is unstable, there is petrol scarcity, poverty is increasing on daily basis and many other social ills caused by the wickedness of some few,” the former lawmaker said.

Senate committees illegal –Marafa bunmi omo’ogun

Vehicles belonging to members of the Kogi State House of Assembly destroyed by political thugs who invaded Reverton Hotel venue of a meeting by the lawmakers, yesterday.

Bauchi Gov’s wife task women on empowerment ezekiel TiTus BAUCHI

ife of the executive governor of Bauchi state , Hajia Hadiza MohammedAbubakar has charged women groups in the state to explore all avenues in their commitment to assist the indigent women through empowerment drive. This was just as she urges government at all levels and stakeholders not to relent in their renewed commitment towards poverty eradication in the state The first lady made the plea while speaking as a special guest during the distribution of grinding and sewing machines by Jam’iyyatul Birri Muslim Women Association Abubakar who de-

scribed the occasion as timely emphasise the need to put in place palliative measures for the indigent women to be self reliant especially those that lost their bread winners She applauded the association’s decision and initiative to provide the empowerment machines to the beneficiaries as a soft loan to enable them tackles the challenges of household as women She also seeks stakeholders’ support toward poverty eradication in the state and urged the beneficiaries to judiciously avail themselves of the loan and ensure timely payment of same to create more jobs for women folk “Even as a member of the association I am really satisfy and convince that the loan granted to women

will go a long way in alleviating poverty in their respective homes and will be of immense importance to train their children in schools and other aspects of livelihood” the first lady said. Also speaking at the occasion, the coordinator of the association, Hajia Aishatu Shehu Awak said the association has its origin in Saudi Arabia in emulation of similar gesture to indigent women in the holy land Awak stressed that the occasion marked the 3rd round of distribution of empowerment materials to indigent women on loan basis which she said is payable within a stipulated period to enable others benefit. She said that about 14 and 12 sewing and grinding machines were avail-

able and were given to the beneficiaries by Abubakar who was there alongside the wife of the deputy governor Awak added that the association is determined to cater for the less privilege women and award, scholarship to their children, visits hospitals to cater for patients with serious cases among others. “Apart from that we cater for women’s feeding especially during Ramadan fasting as a demonstration for respect and support for the propagation of Islamic religion in complimentary to what government and stakeholders do” Awak said She therefore urges the beneficiaries to ensure timely payment of the soft loan saying same should be judiciously use to curb poverty.

he dust raised on the issue of assigning committees to senators is yet to abate as a Zamfara state Senator, Senator Kabir Marafa has again urged the Senate to seriously look into the legality of committees that were formed by the senate. According to Marafa, ‘We don’t have any committee legally, no committee can function legally. The committees are in violation of our order 1, order 3 (2) 1-4, order 97 (1-57) and order 100’. Speaking on Wednesday, Marafa stressed that there is a need to follow steps to address the violations saying that ‘nobody has the right or authority to increase senate committees without recourse to order 110’. “As far as I’m concerned, the senate is in material breach of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Section 60 that gives power to the National Assembly to regulate its own procedures”. “I don’t see how as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I will descend so low to break my own rules all in the name of service. If tomorrow we have a President that decides to reduce the states in Nigeria from 36 to 12 or raise them to 50, who will call him to order?’ ‘It is incumbent on the senate to respect Nigeria

laws first before calling someone else to order’, he said. He recalled that he raised the issues of legality on the floor of the senate when the committees were formed early last month. “I will not succumb to the tyranny of the majority. It’s just like committing error in the Supreme Court. If you have errors in the lower court, it can be rectified at the Supreme Court, after Supreme Court that’s it. Senate is the apex and highest law making chamber in Nigeria, therefore we can’t afford to get it wrong’, he further said. “Nigerians have the right to say that they have to do it right. We have to respect laws of the land first, then we can call on all other people to do the same but when we cannot do that we lose the moral right to call anybody to order .They said our order 100 says the Senate President should form committees in consultation with the selection committee subject to the approval of the Senate”, he said. Marafa said if those issues of legality are resolved, he will commence work immediately in his committee. He further reiterated that he will be delighted and honoured to chair a sensitive committee such as the National Identity and National Population for which he has been assigned only if the legality issues is revisited.

Politics

OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

he All Progressive Congress, APC support group yesterday decried the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel the rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, describing it as “unacceptable and regrettable”. This is coming as coalition of civil society group in a statement in Yenagoa, salute the professionalism of the media and the Nigeria Military over the Bayelsa poll, while also calling

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bayelsa poll: Group condemns cancellation of Southern Ijaw’s election for the immediate release of the remaining result from the troubled local government area. In a statement in Yenagoa, Tuesday, the president of the APC group, Mr. Clement Adaminegbe, said the group are still at a loss as to what prompted INEC to cancelled the rescheduled polls, as violence were also widespread in other local government areas across the state. While calling on INEC

Group kicks against internet censorship bill

alvage for Development Initiative, SDI, a non-governmental organisation, and political group within the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, has joined millions of Nigerians, to condemn the anti-social media bill sponsored by Senators Ibn Na’Allah, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Dino Melaye, describing the proposed bill as “usurpation of power by a few ‘misguided senators,’ who are ignorant of what freedom of speech means in a representative democracy. TSG National Coordinator, Peter Ajayi, said that the bill has fuelled emotionally charged debate about the secrecy of corrupt politicians and the people’s right to know. He said shutting down the internet is a serious attack on freedom of expression, adding that Nigerians have the fundamental right to print and disseminate political information and voice their opinions about it. He stressed that all over the world, values are codified into laws and are included in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Ajayi said: “We believe the bill is repressive, coercive, and a weapon of control and surveillance to gag, muzzle, and restrict

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the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution. The bill is an act of betrayal and dishonesty on the part of the sponsors, especially coming from senators of the governing party, APC. “At no point in a modern society should Nigerians be made to feel that a better future is impossible, neither should anyone, especially elected representatives of the people, define the democratic choice Nigerians make. “The bill would limit the freedom of speech, the press, and expression which are detrimental to society. By preventing free access to information, the sponsors are fostering ignorance on its citizens. Through this ignorance, citizens are more easily controlled by special interest groups led by corrupt politicians to hide and maintain their corrupt practices. We believe we the people should control the government instead of the government controlling its people. “The bill will have the power to invent any penalty, including jail term, for any digital transgression the sponsors deem Nigerians to be guilty of. It would allow unaccountable corrupt politicians to arbitrarily hide information from the public.” TSG said the bill plans to carry out unprecedented extension of state powers by claiming the authority to monitor, restrict, or abolish completely all emails, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other internet activities nationwide, adding that the attack on free internet

to release the results of the Southern Ijaw Local Government without further delay, the group however, note with reservation that it is a wrong notion to ascribed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as an Ijaw political party. In the same vein, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former member of the PDP in Ogbia Local Council Area, Chief Weleguo Azini has also called on INEC to release the results of Southern Ijaw Local Government so as to reduce the tension in the state occasioned by the stalemate of the Southern Ijaw poll. However, he expressed the beliefs that APC will clinch Southern Ijaw in an event of a supplementary

election, describing the area as a stronghold of the party as it is where the party governorship running mate and state party chairman hail from. The civil society coalition statement was signed by Sokari Afiesimama, the Chief Executive Officer, Mission for Rescue of Nigeria Socio-cultural Environment, Mallam Musa Arugundu, General Secretary, Rescue Nigeria Mandate Mission and Prince Chiding Emeka, CEO, Center for Community Crime Prevention & Development. The coalition expressed their deep concern, to salute the doggedness, courage and high level of professionalism displayed by the security agencies to effectively manage electoral

violence which erupted in Sagbama, Nembe, Brass, Kolokoma/Opokoma, Yenagoa, Ogbia, especially their unrelented effort to arrest the arrogance, recklessness and use of gang stars by the incumbent governor, Henry Seriake Dickson. The statement read, “The performance of the Nigeria military and the forth realm of the estate during the 5th Dec. 2015 Bayelsa State governorship Election, is convincing to the world that the high chain of command has truly turned a new leaf to discharge its duties in accordance with the rules of engagement. The unanimous high sense of discipline demonstrated by security agencies drawing the Bayelsa governorship election signifies

thoroughness on their part, to act within the rules of engagement, and has also added hope to the Nigerian populace contrary to the envisaged negative view about the military and the media Unknown to us, they had also rated the election in Southern Ijaw as peaceful, free, fair and credible which translated communal responsiveness and awareness to educate other LGAs on the need for mass participation in democracy.” The group advise that the continued delay in announcing the election result as collated in Southern IJaw will create a very wrong precedence, saying it will mar the concept of Nigeria’s founding motto of Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Bauchi Forum (BF), Senator Adamu Gimba; Chairman, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Speaker, House of Representatives,Hon. Yakubu Dagora, during the visit of members of the forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

Adamawa legislature gets 26 committees livinus Menedi YOLA

he Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa yesterday announced the composition of 26 standing committees for the state legislature. The composition of the standing committees is se-

quel to the recent dissolution of 6 of the committees inaugurated by the speaker, the dissolution was allegedly targeted at removing Hon. Abdulrahman Abubakar who chaired the House standing committee on Public Accounts, Finance and Budgets, after the members charged him with unethical conducts and equally sus-

pended him. But Abubakar has since gone to courts to challenge his suspension which he also followed up with a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.. The standing committees as constituted ensured each member headed at least one committee with the exception of Hon. Abdulrahman

Abubakar who has been away from the house following his suspension. The House selection Committee comprised of the Speaker, Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sunday Peter (APC) representing Guyuk and Hon. Musa Mahmud representing Mayo-Belwa who also doubles as the Majority leader.

Lawmaker drags assembly to court livinus Menedi YOLA

damawa’s suspended lawmaker, Hon. Abdulrahman Abubakar Isa (APCMubi South) has filed a suit against the House for approving N11 billion sectoral virement in the 2015

budget. The plaintiff, Abdulrahman, who was the chairman House Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation before his suspension by the House which dissolved the committee he was chairing sued the assembly alongside the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mi-

jinyawa, and 15 other lawmakers as defendants. The suit No. ADSY/70/2015 was seeking the declaration of the court that “ the purported approval so given by the defendants to the Executive Governor of Adamawa state for the sectoral virement on capital esti-

mates was unlawful, null and void. “A consequential order of the Honourable court nullifying the purported approval so given by the defendants to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State for the 2015 sectoral virement on capital estimate.”

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Curbing the menace of ritual killings CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

he fact that the infernal practice of killing for ritual purpose keeps soaring rather than abating was underscored by recent reports in the media concerning the resurgence of the evil practice. Numerous reports of major and minor incidents keep popping up ominously as the year winds down. It will be recalled that last June, a decomposing corpse of a 21-year old female student of Science Laboratory Technology, identified as Morenikeji Owolabi, was discovered in a shrine in Eposo- Akaka community in Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State, by the police, who acted on a tip-off. It was gathered that Morenikeji had allegedly been lured to the shrine on June 6, 2015 by a commercial motorcyclist, who was an accessory to the human ritual syndicate. The shrine was said to be notorious in the underworld as a place where “human flesh were allegedly eaten, sold and used for rituals.” The sad happenings keep happening year-in-year-out and from season to season. The Soka scandal in Ibadan is still

fresh in the memory. Soka is a suburb of Ibadan, where about 20 decomposed bodies and some emaciated captives were discovered on 22 March, 2014. What about the sad case of a 100 level accounting student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Miss Oluwaseun Adaramoye, whose corpse was found behind a popular guest house at the Under-G area of the town on Friday 20 June, 2013 after she was declared missing. Again, many vital parts of her body were removed by her killers. Apart from proven murder cases, we have also had numerous incidents of sudden disappearance where victims were never seen or heard of again. We could all remember the famous ‘Otokoto’ saga in Owerri in1996, where the police successfully smashed an underground syndicate headed by one Chief Vincent Duru. After seven years of trial, Otokoto and his fellow ritual killers were sentenced to death by hanging. But recent incidents points to the fact that cases of ritual-inspired murders are increasing rather than otherwise. The society seems to be reverting to a state of primitive cannibalism. Therefore, the civilised segment of the society must keep eternal vigil to checkmate the unscrupulous elements. The problem of ritual killing and human parts merchandising have become highly entrenched. Who does not know that in almost every major market in the country there is a thriving underground market specialising in sale of human body parts. Because these items are pur-

THE PROBLEM OF RITUAL KILLING AND HUMAN PARTS MERCHANDISING HAVE BECOME HIGHLY ENTRENCHED

veyed in virtual market rather than the real market (though the physical location may be the same), the uninitiated who want to purchase them for whatever purposes may roam effortlessly if he is not conversant with the coded language and signs necessary to connect with the merchants. In most cases, the dealers would sell only to accredited agents. This practice of ritual killing is inextricably tied to the belief that these human parts are vital ingredients for money-making ritual or acquisition of some mystical powers. Some politicians in search of mystical powers patronise the human parts black markets. It is an indictment on Nigerian moral character that despite the proliferation of churches and mosques, this practice keeps soaring. Really, the strange belief that human parts could be used to procure money in some supernatural way or procure electoral advantage or attain some super human feats in any way is a belief rooted in outright ignorance. Unfortunately, it is this irrational belief itself that is sustaining the business rather than the potency of the ritual. It is pure superstition thriving on lack of enlightenment.

Many perpetrators of this horrifying practice have been arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to long term imprisonment, or even executed to serve as deterrence to others. But the fact that the problem remains intractable only goes to prove that the best approach to eliminating this wickedness should not be restricted to legal alone; there is need for proper education and enlightenment of our people. Once the people are made aware of the fact that dead human body parts would simply decompose as they have no inherent powers in them and that nobody would get rich or obtain any power by making use of these parts in some god-forsaken primitive rituals, the practice would gradually disappear. Our governments should place greater premium on sciences in the curricula of our schools, while the mass media should embrace the responsibility of desensitising the minds of the people to superstitious beliefs that have no empirical validity. Other influencers like the Nollywood filmmakers themselves need to be enlightened on the kinds of films they produce. They should not be sowing the seeds of primitive beliefs that run contrary to critical thinking. Propagation of knowledge and truths needs to be combined with the legal approach to eradicate this criminality, ignorance and shame. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco

Role of women during war and peace ALEX OSONDU ATAWA-AKPODIETE

he proverbial expression that behind every successful man is a woman has been modified to state that besides every successful man is a woman. The converse is also true. Even if your religion is evolution as opposed to some form of creationism, you cannot argue against the historical importance of women. African history is replete with women warriors like Queen Amina of Zazzaa (Zaria), Queen of Sheba (Saba Kingdom in present day Yemen) and Queen Nefertiti of Egypt. Of course, I was privileged to be raised by a great woman and can without shame boast that I am who I am today because of what my mother did for me. There is a great truth in what many great men, from US President Barack Obama to even former President Goodluck Jonathan, will tell you about the impact their mothers made in their life. Biblically, we see the coup of Jacob against Esau engineered by their mother Rachel, and the vow of Hannah the mother of Prophet Samuel. Even Abigail saved her children from annihilation by King David and ended up marrying the King after her wicked husband died of heart failure. Women can have both positive and negative roles in the history of the world. There are so many Jezebels and Delilahs in the world, just like there are the Mother The-

SOME STUPID MEN EVEN COMMIT SUICIDE OVER WOMEN. MANY MEN BORROW TO MARRY resas, Indira Ghandis and the Abigails. Whether in war and peace, the role of women can never be overemphasized. Someone once said that the armed robber has a mother just like the priest. In fact, we use the expression “mother nature” and “mother tongue” to show the dominance women. Even if a man is the head of a home, the woman is the neck that holds and turns the head. Pastors know what the “mummy” of the church can do to build or destroy a ministry, just like with a home. The Word of God says that a wise woman builds her home, while the foolish one destroys it with her own hands (Proverbs 14:1). In the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California early this month, it has been proven that the husband was probably radicalized by his wife, who was a supporter of ISIS. This was the only plausible explanation for the actions of a man in joining his wife to kill over 14 people. The world is still trying to grapple with the issue of female suicide bombers because it is still baffling that the one that gives life can senselessly take so many lives, including her own. The kidnap of the Chibok girls was brought to the fore by

the protests of their mothers. I have always wondered out loud: Where are the Chibok Girls’ fathers? In a recent course at the United States Peace Institute of Peace, we dealt with the issue of gender in war and peace. We concluded that we must train our men to help our women. Specifically, we reasoned “if we do not train our men, we cannot help our women.” Men’s sense of masculinity should not be threatened by understanding the role women play in war time and peacetime. The discussions on the role of women in this context cannot not happen without a discussion of the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 1325, whose scorecard shows that only 52 countries have National Action Plan for women. The UNSCR 1325 was adopted in October 2000 essentially as a post-cold war strategy to address evolving gender issues in war and security matters. The scorecard is simply “a tool to evaluate how well the principles of UNSCR 1325 are implemented within the armed forces of NATO countries. It also provides NATO member states and partner states recommendation on how to improve implementation.” One of the reasons accepted the position of Director of Communications in Dr. Esther Uduehi governorship campaign was because I believed in the portfolio of this formidable woman. I still be-

lieve that Delta missed a great opportunity by not electing the first female governor of the state and in Nigeria. Just observe how messed up the country is today and it will beg the question: Could a woman have done better since 1999? As we progress, it is vital that we recognize the powers that women wield. Two brothers and friends can become enemies over a woman. Some stupid men even commit suicide over women. Many men borrow to marry. Of course, women broker peace, while others flame the fire of wars. Wars have been fought over women. Women can stop the war or stoke the fire by stroking the egos of misguided warmongers. Hitler’s wife could have prevented his antics and even his murder of their children before they jointly committed suicide. In those days, it was considered an abomination in African culture for women to demonstrate on the streets naked. It is still so in many places. My guys, make una respect women! Rev. Atawa-Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State via Profatawa@gmail.com 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 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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’s noxious social media bill

f the civil society and rights’ activists in the country choose to remain docile; and with the support of the Presidency, even if it is tacit, the 8th Senate may criminalise free speech with the speed of light. We say so because the anti-social media bill sponsored lately by the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi South), which seeks to imprison or heavily fine Nigerians who post “abusive statements” through the social media passed the first and second readings on November 24 and December 2, 2015, respectively, an interval of roughly nine days. A sketchy detail of the strange bill indicates, for instance, that when passed to law, any infraction of it would attract a twoyear jail term. ‘False allegation’ made via radio, television or print media would carry a fine of N4 million, while the same allegation, issued through social media, would attract a fine in the sum of N2 million. It doesn’t matter to the lawmakers what the constitution says about freedom of speech and the responsibility of the media to hold government and its functionaries accountable to the people. They also do not, or they pretend not to take cognizance, of extant laws on sedition and libel, etc., that have been in place for ages, which take care of whatever it is they have against

the media and the free-flow of information. It would seem because a huge number of them have sordid scores to settle with conscience; and countless skeletons in their closets, they have been overwhelmed by their desire for selfish legislations, whereas they are voted into office strictly for the purpose of making laws in furtherance of the good of Nigeria and its citizens. It is, however, to his credit, that President Muhammadu Buhari - a man that came to office from a military background; and, indeed, a former dictator widely criticised for his high-handedness as a maximum military ruler - has distanced himself from the selfish legislation now in the works. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “President Buhari has sworn to defend the constitution of Nigeria and would not lend his hand to anything that is inconsistent with the constitution… without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues”. This is not the first time lawmakers, both at state and federal levels, are disappointing Nigerians with self-serving legislations. At the early stages of the nation’s fledgling democracy, for example, some state lawmakers

SENATE’S SOCIAL MEDIA BILL IS NO LESS A PLOT TO PUT A STAMP OF AUTHORITY ON MEDIA CENSORSHIP THROUGH THE BACKDOOR made spirited attempts to pass laws granting them pension for life. For being legislators for four years; and when many of them must have retired from the public service and were already enjoying their pensions. In 2012, the House of Representatives rose to legalize the operation of foreign accounts by the president, governors and other public office holders in the country, contrary to the provisions of the 1990 Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. One Rep Bamidele Faparusi of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) plotted an amendment to Section 7 of the said Act, Cap 56, which prohibits some categories of public officers from operating bank accounts in any country outside Nigeria. The bill was also quickly listed; read by the Clerk of the House and was expected to come up for the second reading, a strong demonstration of Reps’ vested interests in the ungodly document. This was in spite of

ON THIS DAY

December 16, 1998

December 16, 2012

Iraq disarmament crisis: The United States and United Kingdom bombed targets in Iraq for four days (December 16, 1998 to December 19, 1998) in ‘Operation Desert Fox’, a major bombing campaign. The contemporaneous justification for the strikes was Iraq’s failure to comply with United Nations Security Council’s resolutions, as well as the country’s interference with the work of UN Special Commission’s inspectors.

A 23 year-old woman was viciously gang raped in Delhi, India, sparking international outcry. The incident occurred in Munirka, a neighbourhood located in the southern part of New Delhi. The 23-year-old female physiotherapy intern was beaten and gang raped in a private bus in which she was travelling with a male friend. There were six others in the bus, all of whom raped her. She later died from her injuries thirteen days later.

the fact that the Act in question is in compliance with the 5th Schedule of the country’s 1999 Constitution (as altered) part one, paragraph three, which says: “The President, Vice President, Governor , Deputy Governor, ministers of the government of the federation and commissioners of the governments of the states, members of the National Assembly and Houses of the Assembly of the states ….” shall not maintain or operate bank accounts outside Nigeria. Quite recently, the Senate selfishly salivated for constitutional immunity from prosecution for the Senate President (who is currently undergoing prosecution at the Code of Conduct Tribunal) and his deputy; Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), apparently in dubious deference to the third arm of government. The same Senate had earlier dissociated itself from a similar move by the House of Representatives in 2003. Therefore, Senate’s social media bill is no less a plot to put a stamp of authority on media censorship through the back-door. We urge all who wish Nigeria and Nigerians well to roundly reject the dubious, self-serving and anti-people bill which is a grave disservice to democracy and the nation.

December 16, 2013 A bus fell from an elevated highway in Manila, Philippines, killing at least 18 people and injuring 20 others. The accident occurred when a bus fell off the Metro Manila Skyway, in the Manila suburb of Paranaque at around 5:15 AM. The bus was traveling on the South Luzon Expressway when it fell six meters and crashed on top of a van that was on the road below. However, the driver of the bus, Carmelo Catlatcat, survived the crash.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

Education Today

In ABUAD, You Get It All —Dr Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State Governor.

SAIDAT ALAUSA

t is no longer news that the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo has been engulfed in crisis for some time, especially in the last four years, with the office of the ViceChancellor at the firing line. First, it was Prof. Lateef Hussein who was removed unceremoniously and later, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa who got chased out of the office on March 16, 2015 until his tenure eventually ended last month. A major issue between Prof. Obafunwa and LASU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities,(ASUU) was the withdrawal of PhD certificates of 19 of its members including the chairman, Dr. Adekunle Idris, last year, two years after they were issued. The withdrawal, according to the university authorities, was due to some errors discovered in the certificates. But the affected individuals were assured they would be re-issued. However, the chairman cried foul saying that his own certificate, unlike the others, was simply withdrawn without any promise of re-issue. “The university is completely silent in my letter and I don’t know why mine should be different,” he said “I earned the certificate because I fulfilled all conditions required to have it and that is why I have come to the conclusion that the withdrawal was as a result of my roles during the last ASUU strike. “Or come to think of it, what would have happened if I were to be working outside LASU with the certificate, especially abroad? How would the school senate justify this action,” he lamented. The union through several agitations called for the re-issue of the chairman’s certificate, moreso that of others had been reissued. Apart from the certificate issue, the union, during the agitations also accused the vicechancellor of using illegal Budget Committee to request for Assessment Intervention Funds thereby denying access to the balance of billions of naira allocated and due to LASU. The VC was also accused of destructing the university’s image through unnecessary exposure of internal matters. It was in this vain that the Governor of the state, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on assumption of office, inaugurated a new governing council to end the lingering crisis. This, however, did not work as the crisis did not end till the end of Prof. Obafunwa’s tenure.

Re-issue of my PhD certificate not end to LASU crisis —ASUU Chairman ...lists what Ambode must do

OUR UNION SHOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OR THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION DURING THIS

TRANSITION PERIOD.

Idris displaying his certificate earlier withdrawn And it seems not to be over yet, even with the end of Obafunwa’s tenure as VC and the recent re-issue of ASUU Chairman’s certificate on December, 3rd, by the university On the orders of the newly constituted 10th Governing Council following investigations by an ad-hoc committee of Council headed by the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo. The union is now demanding that the erstwhile VC and his cronies should be brought to book. Addressing journalists at a press confer-

‘Govt should subsidise imported learning aids’ 20

ence at the Ojo campus of the university last week to announce the re-issue of his certificate, the ASUU-LASU Chairman, Dr. Adekunle Idris insisted that Prof. Obafunwa and those involved in causing the university a lot of embarrassment should be brought to book. While appreciating the zeal thus far shown by the new Governing Council to tackle the myriad of problems on ground, Idris declared there was an urgent need to clear issues such as the single term of five years for the university’s vice-chancellors, saying the unions

My plans for Muslim schools —LEAMSP Chairman21

were still at a cross-road concerning that. “The university is at the verge of engaging another VC in a few weeks from now, yet, core issues that are germane to the current crisis remain unresolved. Our union owes it as a duty to press for the rights of our members and the resolution of outstanding matters,” he said. The ASUU-LASU Chairman warned that it would be most distracting to the incoming Vice- Chancellor to start off his or her tenure with crisis, saying if the matters are not resolved, the incoming vice chancellor would simply be sitting on the proverbial ‘Keg of Gun Powder’. “We therefore suggest that core outstanding issues be resolved by the government so that the incoming VC can start work on a clean slate with the staff unions. Our union should not be held responsible for the inaction of the government or the governing council of the university administration during this transition period. We have already taken the initiative to bring this to the notice of the authorities concerned”, he said. He also affirmed that the union would not cooperate with any vice-chancellor appointed without a PhD certificate or appointed on a four year term renewal, saying the Lagos State House of Assembly should ensure that due process is followed in the appointment of the new vicechancellor. Other outstanding issues which he want CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

‘‘

Persons with disabilities urge inclusion in curriculum 20

Education Today

Persons with disabilities urge inclusion in curriculum saidaT alausa

he Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to design curricula on the rights of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs for use by colleges and tertiary education. He said this would go a long way in helping persons with disabilities to do well both in academic and other activities. Anyaele said this during the presentation of research report on access to public infrastructures for persons with disabilities in Nigeria to journalists, last weekend in Lagos. He disclosed that the NGO is presenting the report to the media because they have a key role to play in sharing positive messages about inclusion and accessibility for all groups, with special focus on PWDs who have been a long neglected sector of the society. According to him, the federal government should implement national, multimedia, public education campaigns that will raise awareness about the needs of PWDs as a way to reach the wider publics. “Public enlightenment and education of all should be undertaken by the federal and state governments to increase knowledge on the needs of PWDs, especially with regard to provisions that facilitate basic access to public facilities by PWDs.” The Executive Director also wants government to adopt and implement national legislation and policies on PWDs in Nigeria that conform to international standards. He added that there is need for the government to create organs with responsibility for informing, sensitizing, educating and mobilising the public against discrimination in the provision of access to public services.

Ogun assures corps members of smooth service year Tunbosun ogundare

he Ogun State Government has assured corps members posted to the state of conducive working environment as they commence their service year. Governor Ibikunle Amosun who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Afolabi Afuwape gave this assurance at the Sagamu International Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2015 Batch ‘B’ stream 2 Orientation Course, recently. He said government would continue to evolve strategies and partner with genuine organisations for the socio-economic development and progress of the state. He told them that people of the state were hospitable and caring and they should therefore identify with them and share their hopes and aspirations. Earlier in his address, Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. James Afolayan advised corps members to make good use of all that they have learnt in the orientation camp, which he said would be useful for them in the future.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tunbosun ogundare

or effective acquisition of knowledge in Nigerian primary and secondary schools, Mrs. Madeenah Gbadamosi-Falade, the proprietress of Precous Sprout Muslim School, Lagos has called on the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of learning aids imported into the country. She made this call recently during the Abacus learning aid presentation by her school’s pupils. Abacus is a mathematical learning solution that not only aids pupil’s understanding of mathematics, but also enhances their mental capability to solve calculations with ease as well as excel in other subjects. Gbadamosi-Falade noted that we are in the digital age where elearning is very vital, saying that in some countries, every student is armed with a laptop to aid learning which we do not have here. She also identified as major challenge to the smooth running of schools in Nigeria the issue of power, “most private schools provide power for themselves and we’re in the digital age where elearning is important and needs power to operate.”

L-R: Registrar, Mountain Top University, MFM Prayer City, Ogun State, Mr. Ademola Bobola; ViceChancellor, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi and Chairman, University’s Scholarship Board, Prof. Emmanuel Adedun during a pre-matriculation press conference at the university, on Tuesday.

Govt should subsidise imported learning aids —Proprietress All these challenges she said invariably impact on the school fees which Nigerians are alarming that it is on the increase every day. She explained that it was so because most private schools rely on school fees to operate, adding that a school can make fees affordable for pupils residing in the same area with the school’s location if it is not solely run based on the

fees. “For example if some resources can be subsidized, the fees will definitely come down,” Gbadamosi-Falade reasoned. She however disagreed with most Nigerians that the standard of education in the country has fallen, but that the focus has changed. “It is that what we need now is different from what we had then. I won’t say things are getting better; we’re in the tech-

nology age. What I see is falling is the zeal to learn because pupils feel Music artists are better and more promoted.” Also lacking now according to her is discipline which was one of the strengths of education in the previous days. She noted that then if you discipline a child parents dare not come complaining unlike what obtains in this age.

FEDPOLY Bauchi has zero tolerance for indiscipline —Rector ezekiel TiTus BAUCHI

total of 5,666 students were matriculated out of 9,500 candidates who applied for admission into the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi for the 2015/2016 academic session. This is just as the polytechnic urged the Federal Government to strengthen the National Board for Technical Education for effective regulation of Technical and Vocational Education subsector. The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Shuaibu Musa disclosed this during the matriculation ceremony held at last weekend.

Tunbosun ogundare

he Principal, Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, Lagos, Rev. Chris Ugorji has promised not to relent in his contribution to the education sector and the service of humanity as a whole. He made the promise as his reaction to the award he received from the Institute of Corporate Administration, which honoured him for his contribution to the development of science and technical education in the country. He was given the award alongside others at the 2015 4th Quarterly Public Lecture and Investitures organised by the institute in Lagos last weekend. Ugorji, who is also a cleric thanked the institute for recognising what he termed his little contribution especially towards

He noted that 3, 406 were for Ordinary National Diploma, 1,540 for Higher National Diploma while the remaining ones were for other courses. Musa told the new students to guard their admission jealously by concentrating on their studies so as to graduate in record time and with good grades and acceptable character. He also urged them to take entrepreneurship training with all seriousness to enable them become self-employed rather than job seekers after graduation and to be disciplined and religiously comply with the school’s rules and regulations. “To achieve what brought you here you

must shun examination malpractice, any form of violence, indecent dressing, sexual harassment by allowing the code of conduct set by the polytechnic to guide your activities,” he further admonished them. He told them that appropriate sanctions awaiting whoever that flout rules irrespective of family background of such person in the society. According to him, the polytechnic has zero tolerance for indiscipline. He however lamented the dichotomy between fresh HND and Bachelor’s Degree holders in the labour market, saying such practice has grave implications on polytechnic education and the economy at large.

Award: I’ll do more for humanity –Principal the recent development at FSTC. He said although he was only doing his own work as someone who cherishes quality education in a friendly environment without knowing that somebody somewhere was watching. “So with this award, I am encouraged to do more for humanity. I believe so much that life is all about purpose- to impact positively on peoples’ lives. I am always driven by that belief and God has been helping me greatly on this and other areas of my undertakings,” he stressed. Speaking earlier, Consultant/ HOD, Executive Training Institute Of Corporate Administration, ICAD, Abuja, Sir Dafinone Pender said all the awardees including Ugorji were found worthy to be honoured by the institute based on their outstanding per-

formances in their fields of endeavours. He however urged them to

work harder and cause a desirable change in their fields and the society at large.

Consultant/HOD, Executive Training Institute Of Corporate Administration, ICAD, Abuja, Sir Dafinone Pender (right) presenting an award to the Director/Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Rev. Chris Ugorji during his investiture by the Institute in Lagos, last Saturday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG urged to start free meal in schools

Saidat alauSa

rincipal, Babcock University Schools, Ogba, Lagos, Mr. Gabriel Fasanu has urged the Federal Government to commence the implementation of her free meal for children in public schools in order to alleviate the hunger problems these children are facing. He said this would go a long way in the growth and wellbeing of the children because most parents could still not afford three square meals a day which according to him has often resulted to poor academic performance and increased number of children who are out of school. He stated this during the thanksgiving service and “Community Guest Day” organised by the school recently. The educationist, who described the one free meal programme as a laudable idea, said that the earlier it is implemented, the better for Nigeria as a nation because according to him, these school children who are the future leaders of this country should be encouraged and adequately catered for. Speaking on the reason for the thanksgiving service, he said that it was a medium to thank God for the achievements the school has recorded in her two years of existence and also to appreciate the contributions of staff, students, parents and the community towards the success story of the school. On the achievement of the school, the principal said that within the two years, the primary school has been approved by Lagos State Ministry of Education and that Junior and Senior Secondary School have been approved by the West African Examination Council, WAEC and National Examination Council, NECO, to write their exams. In terms of facilities, he said the school has wellequipped science laboratories, library, information technology centre and conducive learning environment, among others. He urged the student to be disciplined, have robust reading culture and to obey the rules and regulations of the school so as to be successful in their academic pursuit. Also, speaking during the occasion, the Principal of BabBab cock University High School, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Dr. Bolanle Adebowojo also urged the government to maintain facilities in schools, and pay teachers well in order to improve the standard of education in the country which according to her, Adamu Minister of has fallen. Education

tunboSun ogundare

Professor of English at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Mrs. Joy Eyisi has explained how Nigerians especially school children could improve their communication in English and become mastery of the language both in spoken and written forms. She said since English is the official language for Nigerians based on the multilingual nature of the country, people would have to understand the language for effective communication. Prof. Eyisi, who is the Director of Special Study Centre, Na-

Education Today

Thursday, December 17, 2015

abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

ow tertiary institutions can play their expected roles in driving the change agenda of the present administration in the interest of nation-building came to the fore recently at a forum of scholars, intellectual giants, seasoned managers and custodians of Nigerian citadels of higher learning and other stakeholders. The eminent Nigerians who gathered at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State to rub minds on the theme: “The Anticipated Change(s) in Nigeria: The Roles of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria” during the 10th National Conference of the School of Business Studies, agreed that the rot in the polity occasioned by years of misrule had made attitudinal change imperative. They included former House of Representatives member, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele; the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof Patrick Oladele; the FPA Rector, Dr Theresa Akande and the Dean of FPA School of Business Studies, Mr Olabisi Olasehinde. Bamidele, in his keynote address, said the situation Nigeria had found itself following several years of state militarism, bad leadership and neglect of the education sector required the change that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration promised, adding that the education sector, particularly the tertiary institutions had vital role to perform in this regard. According to him, “for any nation to develop, great attention and painstaking efforts must be geared towards ensuring that scientific research, critical thinking, novel propositions, discoveries and inventions find natural habitat in the higher citadels of learning and are given expression at policy making levels, in the corridors of power. “No nation can develop beyond the capacity of its educational institutions. The professionalism and productivity of our tertiary institutions will determine the quality of their products and the impact of their research and training endeavours on the larger society,” he added. Bamidele, however, lamented that education, which is “the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, interests, abilities, competences and cultural norms of a society by people to transmit

Conference harps on change agenda for tertiary schools

Opeyemi

Akande

life experience to the coming generations so as to enhance perpetual development of the society, rather than being used as an instrument for effective national development had become a tool for destruction. “This is a terribly pathetic situation which calls for urgent and decisive measures. It is more worrisome that the advanced decay in our education sector has continued to engulf our tertiary institutions in a series of monumental avoidable and crises, leading to a situation where our erstwhile sacred temples of knowledge have become mere havens for miscreants and cheaters,” Bamidele said. Bamidele, an ex-NANS President, regretted that the result of the hydra-headed and multifaceted problems facing the tertiary institutions included “sharp deterioration of academic standards and output to the extent that communicative leadership and productive abilities have become scarce commodities among graduates, making them unemployable half-baked graduates lacking confidence in themselves.” However, for the maximum potential utilization of tertiary education, Bamidele urged governments and other stakeholders to provide clearly articulated educational policies and plans setting out clear objectives and a timetable for achieving those objectives. He added that “new education policies must emphasize a clear cut paradigm shift in curricular planning in favour of leadership, vocational, entrepreneurial and moral attitudinal changes that would make

the products of tertiary institutions to become better citizens, creators of wealth, employers of labour, exemplary state actors and political players.” The former lawmaker also made a case for adequate funding of tertiary institutions by the federal and state governments as he charged the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the “Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is judiciously and prudently managed to achieve its avowed objectives as an intervention fund.” He also opined that “government machinery for effective monitoring and supervision of the tertiary education system should be put in place but without undue interference in the day-to-day running of individual institutions as a way of encouraging academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof Patrick Oladele in a lecture, said tertiary institutions had the roles to provide qualitative education for young men and women to prepare them for the outside world and to provide leadership by functioning in a way to imbibe “integrity, genuineness, accountability and purposedriven.” He charged tertiary schools to go beyond awarding certificates to training for human resources development with the purpose of adding value to society, adding that attention must be paid to research, technological development and entrepreneurship training for the country to leapfrog.

How to become mastery of English —Expert tional Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, National Assembly, Abuja, gave the explanation while delivering the 9th inaugural lecture of the university in Lagos last week. She spoke on “Accuracy in the use of English.” She listed some of the things that would lead to that effectiveness to include the use of only the trained and knowledgeable persons in the subject to teach the subject in schools and the installation of language laboratory in every school to enable students listening to videos in the language by the native speakers. “It is also necessary that users

of English make constant recourse to standard dictionaries, read books in good English and insist on correct pronunciations whether they are laughed at or not and avoid faking of voices or ascent while speaking,” she added. “But we lack doing many of these in the country,” she argued, linking the situation to persistent mass failure of students in English language especially in the senior school certificate examinations. Prof. Eyisi, a recipient of NOUN’s 2011 Best Sabbatical Leave Staff Award said it was far better for a doctor or an engineer to commit error than a teacher teaching

wrong things, saying while impact of the former may be momentary, that of the latter may last through generations. “So I will use this opportunity to appeal to students, teachers, journalists and writers of any kind to always recourse to good dictionaries and basic linguistic assertions on correct usage before they speak Eyisi clude academicians and journalists, or write,” she re-emphasised. In his remark, the Vice-Chancel- among others to make good use of lor of NOUN, Prof. Vincenet Tenebe the knowledge gained from the leccommended the lecturer for her lecture, saying such would help them ture revealing many common flops not only in making their communipeople make in day-to-day commu- cation effective, but also in enhancing their productivity at work and nication. He asked the audience who in- other places.

Education Today

40% lawmakers’ constituency allowance should go for research’ RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

he National Association of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Alumni Association has advocated 40% contribution of constituency allowance of 36 legislators representing Cross River State at the National Assembly and state assembly to be devoted to encourage research development in the school. The National President of the association, Mr. Eyam Abeng stated this in Calabar while presenting his post inaugural speech of the National Executive Council of the group last weekend. The association also advocated the inclusion of CRUTECH alumni in the convocation seat of the Governing Council of the institution for better contribution for growth and positive development. CRUTECH alumni appealed to the governor Ben Ayade-led administration to believe in the vision of the institution and its products by contributing meaningfully to the actualization of the rapid infrastructural development on-going in the institution and urged the institution alumni to join hands in the exco quest to reposition the association, raise the bar for betterment of their alma mater. In an interview shortly after the inauguration, the president stated that one of the policy thrust of the current exco was to develop a viable website for alumni and contribute to the development of the university as well as the welfare of members. Also speaking, the outgoing president, Mr. David Mbotor thanked members for their support during his tenure and made a donation of an 18-seater bus, customized note books and jersey to the incoming administration

Students admit reduction in sexual harassment on campuses oseyiza oogbodo

n a recent research study, 78% of Nigerian students confirmed that the End Sexual Harassment and Bribery in Nigerian colleges campaign by Dream Project for Africa has greatly discouraged rape and bribery in their colleges. 91% believe that the campaign could eventually help eradicate sexual harassment, rape and bribery from their colleges, and 98% believe that the eradication of sexual harassment and bribery from Nigerian colleges will boost their careers. The above was made known by Nelson Oluwabukola Michael, CEO, Dream Project for Africa, while making public the results of the ESHBNC campaign and its follow-up research study. Speaking further, Michael said it was disheartening that Nigerian school system is fast collapsing based on group finding. According to him, so many students don’t even sure why they are in school while many final year ones have no clue on how or where to market their degrees but only believe that somebody would help them to secure a job. “Aside the case of the uncertain future that awaits millions of fresh graduates on yearly basis, sexual harassment and bribery on campuses happen to be another devastating impact on the educational system and individual students,” Michael added. He noted that “more than 10 other advocacy groups and organisations are currently in partnership with DPA to jointly fight the two ills and eradicate them from the system.

Re-issue of my PhD certificate...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 the governor, through the governing council to resolve, according to him include, unpaid salary increase arrears since 2010, replacement of damaged union vehicles, new retirement age for academic staff on the professorial cadre and non academic staff and also outstanding overdue promotion of staff members. The ASUU-LASU boss also called on the Lagos State Government to curb the “excesses” of the Registrar, Mr. Akinwumi Lewis for the university to make progress.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

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My plans for Muslim schools —LEAMSP Chairman The newly inaugurated Chairman of the League of Muslim School Proprietors, LEAMSP, Lagos State branch, Alhaji Raheem Babatunde Fatai in this interview with ROBERT AWOKUSE speaks on his plans for the league, its execution strategies and other issues. Excerpts: You have just been inaugurated as the Chairman of the League of Muslim School Proprietors, LEAMSP, Lagos State branch, what are your plans for the group and how do you intend to execute them? The league has been existing for the past 18 years and our plans in the last three years hinge on three key areas that involve all member schools. These plans for continuity reason I have decided to consolidate. One is to intensify our effort to get more member schools approved by the government. When we started newly, we had just few schools but today, the figure has increased to about 100. So, we are on course to increase the number by assessing the school standard in terms of facilities and infrastructure and approve those that meet the league and government requirements. Secondly, finance which is one of the major challenges facing schools is considered. We are going to establish a cooperative institution that will give financial support to members to procure land and executive projects. We want to ease the problem of lease or rent of property. The third task is to move ahead of time to borrow a leaf from other countries like Finland, Cuba, Ghana, among others for exchange programmes. We just have to raise our standards in line with 21st Century demand. In addition to the three cardinal plans, we are going to be organising training programmes for proprietors and principals of member schools as well as teachers

grade himself in one year will not have salary increment, which is what I do in my school, because if remuneration is based on qualifications and service delivery, employees will strive to upgrade and perform excellently. And my advice to any individual who finds him/ herself in teaching is to do same by enrolling at any college of education and labour for the certificate.

Fatai and parents. We want to move out of box. There has been advocacy for vocational training for students even at the secondary school level in the country to enable them prepare for future, does the league think in this direction? We notice that the government is not doing much on that. So, we have started it and it is part of the programmes we have for our students in secondary schools. By next February, we shall have science exhibition for members at secondary level where they will showcase their skills. We want to see what each student has done and can still do. And this will afford the best to exhibit their works at an event that will be organised by the state government later. And part of what we have taught them is that if you want to

do instructional material, you can create your own to sooth your teaching instead of relying solely on readily made ones. We have also included our parents in our plans on human relations and most importantly help their children in their school works and create more time for them to achieving the league goals. Many parents don’t have time for their children again. So, we have resolved to enlightenment programme that will re-orientate our parents to rise up to their responsibilities. What are your plans for schools which parade academic staff without requisite certificates? I will encourage member schools to compel their staffers to acquire necessary qualifications in education. I will also recommend that any staffer who fails to up-

There have been allegations that Islam promotes anarchy following recent rise in insurgency by an Islamic sect, how do you react to this? One of the steps we are taking is to apart from the government policies create our own guideline which is already in place but will be modified. We have a subject we call ‘Deen’ where Islam is being put to practice largely apart from the theoretical frame work. The subject focuses on how one is expected to relate with his neighbour without any form of rancour by respecting everyone beliefs. We even have competition that cuts across different religions; we invite people to our schools for competition and we attend in other schools too as a way of telling the world that we advocate peace and not war. And that is why today we have Christians among our guests present who share goodwill messages, indicating that we are together. And consolidating on this cooperation and peaceful coexistence is one of my plans for the league to have a chain programmes that will foster harmony among the pupils.

Anambra wins 55th Independence Anniversary Debate

nambra State has emerged winner of the 55th Independence Anniversary President’s Inter-SUBEB Debate Competition. Fifteen States and Police Secondary School participated in the competition, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The states are Anambra, Imo, Kaduna, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Niger, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Benue, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Kastina, and Plateau State. Kaduna State came second while Niger State came third. Ogun State government sponsored the competition which held for four

days in four stages. While addressing the debaters and the panel of judges, Elder Dare Oritu, the National co-coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Competition urged the students to be confident as they present their arguments. He said “The whole idea of the competition is to teach the debaters, the importance of effectual communication as it has become clear that good communication skills can enhance leadership abilities.” The chairman of the Advisory Board of the competition, Professor Jerry Agada thanked the Ogun State government for hosting the competition and assured the audience that the

Board would continue to work hard to ensure the competition is sustained. The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Dr. Ayo Tella, represented Professor Peter Okebukola, Director of the Department of Human Security, Obasanjo Presidential Library. Among those in attendance at the dinner hosted by Former President Obasanjo at the Liberty Hotel, Abeokuta to end the competition are Professor Gidacho Tahir, Dame Pauline Tallen and the former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankaso.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ince the adoption of the multiple choice tests platform for large scale assessment of the aptitude of World War 1 recruits by Frederick Kelly, it has become widely accepted as a method of assessment in examinations involving large number of candidates. Attractions to the multiple choice test format are numerous. The objectivity of the test and the ease of grading endeared the test to teachers saddled with the responsibility of examining large classes. The coming of the computer age increased the versatility of the multiple choice test as it became the backbone of the computer based test. Nigerians embraced the multiple choice test protocol and its computer based version for two reasons. One is the applicability to large number of candidates and the ease of grading. The second reason which I believe is more important than the first is the belief that the computer based version will eradicate the plague of examination malpractice. Based on these, many institutions have adopted the multiple choice platform as the preferred mode of examination for foundation courses taken in the first year of study and large university wide courses. Recent discussions making the rounds suggest that some universities are contemplating adopting the Computer Based Test (CBT) for all examinations conducted in their institution. Reasons proffered include the reduction in the cost of conducting the examinations especially in terms of the production cost of examination scripts and answer sheets, elimination of examination malpractice and eradication of the vice of victimization of students by lecturers. But there are many arguments against the use of the multiple choice question for assessing competence in courses taught at various levels. In the first place, the multiple choice question cannot accurately assess the richness of a singer’s voice or the dexterity of the fingers of an instrumentalist on the keyboard or stringed instrument. Neither can it in anyway assess the strokes of an artist’s brush on the canvass Head, Public Relations and Event Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju (left) and coordinator Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Ibe Ifeyinwa with Indomie Fan Club members during the club end- ofyear party at in Lagos.

Saidat alauSa

ufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles through its kiddies club, Indomie Fan Club (IFC), last week treated no fewer than 80,000 school children nationwide to end-ofyear party. The event held simultaneously at Parkland Maryland, Apapa Amusement Park, Brainfield Igando, Faith Plaza Bariga, FAOB Amusement Park, and DE Fun Park, Ikorodu, all in Lagos State and also in other locations in Abeokuta, Akure, Benin, Abuja and Ibadan with some of their teachers in attendance. Inside Parkland, Maryland, where a cross-section of the children gathered, there was laughter and dance to the tune of the music as carefully selected by the DJ while others delighted themselves with lots of diverse attractions like face painting, bouncing castles, train rides and races of all

Education Today

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Pit-falls of computer-based test nor grammatical skills of a budding linguist. In fact, the list of courses than cannot be accurately assessed on the multiple choice question platform is virtually endless. But when certain parameters can be examined under the multiple choice questions platform, it tends to examine lower level thinking skills, promote rote learning and rewards candidates for correct answers obtained through random selection, a form of gambling! The possible outcomes are graduates with poor skills, poor control of both written and spoken English, poor communication skills and shallow knowledge of subject area. But the most damaging criticism of multiple choice questions is the possibility of a candidate scoring 25% in a four option question and a whopping 50% in a two option system typified by the “True” or “False” question with absolutely no knowledge of the subject matter. To reduce the potential damage done to the system by candidates passing the examination principally through guessing, or more appropriately through gambling, examiners introduced the face saving principle of negative marking which penalizes candidates with loss of some fraction of the score already obtained for every wrong answer selected. An alternative method of making up for this gross anomaly is to implement the principle of “Standard Setting” in which

the pass mark is adjusted, using a mathematical formula, to a higher value depending on the number of options available. When there are only two options as in the “True” or “False” questions, the calculated pass mark is 75%. However, as the number of choices increase to five, the calculated pass mark drops to 60%. This mathematical adjustement is expected to reduce the impact of guessing correct answers to a minimum and eliminate the need to penalize candidates for wrong answers. Many universities in the West are reviewing their policies to reduce the potential damage done to the system by the widely accepted multiple choice question system. Beginning from the 2014/2015 academic session, Ghent University has jettisoned the principle of negative marking in multiple choice questions in favour of “Standard Setting”. Just last year the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Central Queensland University, Australia revealed that the academic board of the university had altogether abandon the multiple choice question platform rather than attempt to “fix the mathematics”. If we do not have the courage to jump ship, let us at least attempt to “fix the mathematics” and limit the damage to the lower and large classes of the university system. We need to fix the mathematics of the cut-off mark in the UTME conducted by JAMB to avoid admitting candidates without knowledge of the foundation subjects into the tertiary institutions. The university systems need to adjust the pass mark of the various examinations conducted on the platform of the multiple choice system in view of the above reality. We may only aggravate the already bad situation of the products of our higher educational system if we choose to ignore the pitfalls of the multiple choice questions and extend it to smaller classes in the higher levels of our tertiary educational system.

Vice-chancellor must be brilliant, says ex-VC Boladale BamigBola OSOGBO.

F Fun as DUFIL holds end-of-year party for school children

kinds. Speaking at the event, Head, Public relations and Events, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said the event was to celebrate the children for being their loyal partner over the years and to fulfill their expectation and fill the gap of excitement for this season which they might be lacking due to the busy schedule of their parents and to appreciate their teachers for moulding them into great leaders. “The fan club was launched in July 2005 with the aim of creating fun, excitement, bonding and an enabling environment for children as well as a way of appreciating the kids, who remain loyal to our brand.” According to him, Dufil wishes Nigeria well and understands that the time is tough and that is why “we always strive to put smile on the faces of Nigerians through the brand experience for the privi-

leged and less privileged.” He emphasised, “We continue to place premium on the well being and overall developmental growth of the Nigerian child as they are no doubt the seed of greater future for our nation.” He said the company would not rest on its oars, but would continue to support causes that would contribute to both the mental and physical development of children in Nigeria through support for education and creating opportunities like this to amuse and excite them. Coordinator of Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Ibe Ifeyinwa, commended the company for giving Nigerian children the opportunity of a memorable end of the year party across different regions, especially in situations where some parents might not have the opportunity to take them out for the celebration.

ormer Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Peter Adeniyi has listed academic brilliance and managerial competence as basic qualities anyone must possess before being considered to head a university. He stated this at the sixth convocation lecture of the Jospeh Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State recently, saying appointing vicechancellors who are academically brilliant but lacked managerial capabilities would have adverse effects on the administration of their universities. He noted that vice-chancellors are like the chief executive officers, stressing that any candidate, who lacks one of the qualities would draw back the university if appointed the vice chancellor. Adeniyi said, “A lot revolves around the vice chancellors, who integrate the policies of the Governing Council with those of the university Senate and other interests to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the university mandate. “Such individuals must be people who can command the respect of their academic colleagues and combine this with managerial competence as well as great emotional intelligence. Going outside this is bound to draw the university down.” He said it was wrong to assume that academic and research brilliance would automatically translate to excellence in management and adminis-

tration, saying this wrong assumption had affected some universities. Adeniyi also stated that the choice of the candidates to be appointed as vice chancellors should not be limited to professors within a particular university or even to professors from sister varsities. He said Nigerian universities should also emulate their counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom which had successfully experimented with appointing suitable persons from outside the particular university or even country as vice- chancellors.

AOCOED gets new bursar

he Governing Council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, at its 1st regular meeting held last Thursday approved the appointment of Mr. Sunday Babatunde Oyewolu, as the substantive Bursar of the College, with effect from 6th February, 2016. Born on 7th July, 1963, Oyewolu joined the service of the college as an Executive Officer (Account) in 1990 and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Accountant in 2005. Before this appointment, he was the Head of Management Information System, Bursary Department and the Acting Bursar of the college. Oyewolu, a chartered accountant, is an alumnus of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, and member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACIT) as well as the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

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

UNIJOS holds seminar for petroleum research experts

Co-ordinator, Imam-Lawal Ummulkhaeri (middle back row) with participants and a team of medical volunteers during the seminar on breast and cervical cancer organised by students of University of Ilorin, recently.

james abRaham JOS

etroleum research experts last weekend converged on the University of Jos (UNIJOS)in Plateau State for a one-day seminar where they brainstormed on the application of geology and geochemistry for hydrocarbon oil and gas exploration in the middle Benue sedimentary Basin. The participants were drawn from eight universities. Professional Chair-holder of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Geology and Mineral Resources, University of Jos, Professor Uriah Alexander Lar in his speech during the seminar said they were confident of finding oil and gas beneath the Benue through, saying the seminar focuses on the geological and geochemical applications to hydrocarbon and (solid) mineral resources exploration in the middle Benue through which is an expanse of land mass along the River Benue measuring about 750 km by 150 km wide covering eight states to include Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe States. The theme of the seminar which is “Setting a research agenda for hydrocarbon and mineral resources exploration on the middle Benue” was organised by the Department of Geology, UNIJOS and held at the National Institute for Mining and Geoscience in Tudun Wada area of Jos. Professor Lar said the aim of the seminar was to chart a new course of action for hydrocarbon and mineral resources exploration in the middle Benue trough. Executive Secretary of the PTDF Abuja, Mr. Femi Ajayi on his part, commended charged participants to come out with a position of research that would add value to the oil and gas industry in the country. Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State who was also represented by the Chairman Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals, Mr. Emmanuel Dakas promised to collaborate with the university in the areas of research to ensure the discoveries of solid minerals in the state.

Osun students to train selves on vocational, entrepreneurial skills abimbOla Ridwaanullah

300L, ISLAMIC STUDIES UNILORIN

n a bid to reduce unemployment rate in the country, the National Association of Osun State Students, UNILORIN chapter is set to hold its first edition of Vocational and Entrepreneurship training programme. It is titled: “Omoluabi Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training’’ with about 500 participants expected. The programme is billed for between 18 and 20 of December, and between 8 and 10 of January. This was made known in a press release by the President of the association, Olasupo Abideen. In his words, Abideen lamented the helpless situation Nigerians found themselves, especially the youth, as a result of the pitiable state of unemployment. “Universities are turning out thousands of graduates on yearly basis without any viable employment prospect for them. ‘’Their certificates are being rejected at points of interview on the account that they lack years of working experience, and in situations where the certificates are not rejected, the holders are offered jobs that cannot put enough food on their table, thus resulting in underemployed.’’ He further explained that, “This pathetic situation motivated the association to want to improve the conditions of the Nigerian youths, the supposed leaders of tomorrow. ‘’A reliable research has informed us that the Asian Tigers of china, Taiwan, and the rest depend on entrepreneurship which contributes to 30-40 percentage of their GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

Students take cancer awareness to campus Olawale Odeyemi,

400L HISTORY, UNILORIN

n an effort geared towards a disease free society, the centre stage is set to host the forthcoming Breast and Cervical Cancer awareness seminar on the campus of the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, Kwara State. The awareness group led by VicePresident, Students’ Union of the university, Imam-Lawal Ummulkhaeri, was to fight against Breast and Cervical Cancer disease. However, the campaign train has taken off with a rally and awareness show from the main campus of university and has since extended to the OkeOyi campus of her College of Health Sciences. Imam-Lawal, a 400 level History and International Studies student of the university said the Breast and Cervical

miftaudeen Raji 200L, MASS COMM

he authorities of University of Lagos (UNILAG), have inaugurated the newlyelected members of the UNILAG Students Union (ULSU) executive council. Also inaugurated were members of the students’

Cancer awareness campaign is particularly targeted at women as the major victims of the killer disease. The exercise according to him at a press conference was to further sensitise the general public on the risks associated with this virus. In this address, Imam-Lawal attributed the major and growing challenges facing the women folk on health related matter to lack of good health education, absence of awareness and proper sensitization exercise. She noted that: “Having discovered the prevailing incidence and mortality rate of these scourge and also the unimaginable level of ignorance and nonchalance exhibited by students about cancers, one can conclude there is need for immediate intervention and sensitization by staging an encompassing campaign of this nature.” Imam-Lawal, however reiterated the

uniqueness of her campaign program, saying: “I have witnessed quite a number of campaigns on cancer in women, but the uniqueness of this one is the ‘Free Screening Exercise’ that will be given to participants. The vice-president noted also that, since the sole cause of the ever-increasing incidence of the disease is poor awareness, creating an enabling environment for female youths and adult as to the necessary information required to prevent Cancer will help save life and future of children. In her remark, the Vice-President, College of Health Sciences, of the Students’ Union, of the university, Olubunmi Afuye has encouraged students, particularly female students to go for regular medical checkup in other to ascertain their health status and to prevent any traces of a life threatening diseases.

UNILAG inaugurates student leaders

Legislative Council, faculty, departmental and halls of residence executives. The combined swearingin-ceremony which was held at the university Multipurpose Hall last week was attended by the university management led by the ViceChancellor, Prof. Rahamon

Bello. The university Principal Assistant Registrar, Legal, Mrs. Olufunke Akinsode led the officers in taking the oath of office just as the VC and the Dean presented certificates of return to the officers. Speaking on the occasion, Bello commended the im-

Cross section of University of Lagos Student Union executives during their swearing-in ceremony, recently.

mediate past Martins-led administration for pioneering the new constitution of the union. Commending all the candidates in the last election, Bello said the management would address all issues surrounding the petitions submitted to the ULSU election petition committee. He urged students to imbibe the attitude of challenging situations in ways that are democratic and communal. In his remark, the Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Tunde Babawale noted that the expectation of the management on students was to expand the frontiers of constructive student unionism in Nigeria for others to emulate. The new ULSU president in his inaugural speech stated that the promise to keep the voice of students has come to stay.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

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

NOUN bags multiple awards

Tenebe review of its operations, transparency and accountability, innovation and quality of service delivery, among other criteria. Reacting to the awards, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, said the honour could not have come at a better time than now in view of the increased access to the university education made available by the institution to many qualified Nigerians irrespective of the ages, tribes and locations in the country. While expressing delight at the transparent manner the selection process went through, the vicechancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to champion the course of Open and Distance Learning, ODL, not only in Nigeria but in the entire West African sub-region.

NBC approves radio station for AUA ‘Yomi AYeleso

300L, BUS ADMIN, AAU

igeria Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, has granted the Radio station of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State license to operate and be on the air wave for live transmission. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun disclosed this while addressing a press conference to herald the activities for the institution’s 6th convocation ceremony. The Radio station called ‘Varsity Radio’ with the frequency 107.8fm brings to a total of 6 radio stations in Ondo state. The Vice-Chancellor said the approval of the radio station will enhance the productivity and effectiveness of mass communication students in the school. He said the institution will through the approved radio station train the future broadcasters that will rule the world and be successful

500L PHARMACY UNIBEN

Tunbosun ogundAre he National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has won multiple awards from the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG), which is a consortium of Civil Society Organisations. The awards include the Most Outstanding Public Institution in Nigeria in the year 2014/2015, the Service Delivery Award as well as Certificate of Effective ICT Deployment award. National Mirror gathered that 13 other public institutions were monitored by the group for recognition during the period with NOUN emerged the best. The announcement was contained in a report by the group which was unveiled to the public at the award ceremony held in Abuja recently. The group noted that the judgment was a by- product of the public opinion polls conducted by the group for the purpose. According to the report, NOUN emergence was based on the composite

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in their professions. He said his 11 months in office as the VC have been spent to consolidate and improve the institution, deepening the academic integrity of the university’s programme, improving on research efforts and also improve staff and students welfare. Prof. Ajibefun said the university will continue to entrench academic excellence and also sustain its meritdriven admission and staff recruitment. In order to further deepen its academic programmes, he said the university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Alabama State University in the United States of America for star and student exchange. He said the signed MoU would enable registered and selected students of AAUA to be awarded full tuition scholarships for up to one year during the programme, while the credits acquired would be transferred back to AAUA.

he Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP) visited the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Benin, Edo State sensitising students and lecturers on HIV and AIDS prevention. This was to commemorate this year’s World Aids Day held cross the globe recently. The Chairman of the group, Isaac Ehimen stated that they decided to use the faculty of pharmacy because students of pharmacy would be the ones practicing in the nearest future hence if there was going to be any change in the stigmatisation currently going on against HIV patients, it has to begin with orientation of future health work-

HIV: Group storms campus for sexual abstinence campaign ers. Addressing the 500 level pharmacy students Isaac advised them to change their mindset on how they perceive HIV patients. He added that HIV cannot be gotten by handshake, hugs and other social interacting tools. “We all know that HIV cannot be gotten from handshakes hence we should not withdraw ourselves from relating with those who have this virus”. He said. Giving a lecture on HIV and AIDS, Francis Amukamara, also a member of ADMAP gave the history of virus and the latest drugs involved in its treatment. His

words, “Many HIV and AIDS patients work and live normal in the street, HIV is no longer a death sentence. But the side effects of the drugs used in treating the disease are sometimes very terrible.” Isaac also stated that abstinence is still the best way in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS as the disease is usually asymptomatic for a very long time. A question and answer session followed the presentation and the chairman addressed them. ADMAP is a body aimed at preventing drug abuse among students and young persons.

Cross section of new inductees, Institute of Operation and Management Science of Nigeria held at University of Lagos, recently.

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lecturer in the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Dr. Olubukola Adenubi, has been conferred with the 2015 L’Oréal-United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for Women in Science Doc-

FUNAAB lecturer becomes UNESCO Fellow

toral Fellowship. She was among the nine recipients that bagged the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Doctoral Fellowships. In qualifying for the award, 12 female scientists from across sub-Saharan Africa were selected for their outstanding works and impact in the scientific field. This year, applications

were received from 19 countries due to the increasing awareness of the programme and commitment to advancing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Dr. Adenubi, who is also a Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellow, is currently pursuing her PhD. programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uni-

Lecturer, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Olubukola Adenubi (middle) with other recipients of the 2015 L’Oréal-United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for Women in Science Doctoral Fellowship, recently.

versity of Pretoria, South Africa. Her research interest focuses on Tick Repellent and Acaricide, as well as other potential biological activities of Seventeen Plant Species. Speaking on the fellowship, Managing Director of L’Oréal South Africa, Sandeep Rai, said, “For the last 17 years, with the Women in Science programme, we have been fighting to advance the cause of women scientists worldwide. Much has been achieved: more than 2, 000 women have been recognised worldwide, the programme has gained recognition from the international scientific community, a springboard to enable women to go further and rise to greater heights. “Science is part of our DNA and we are really proud of all the women who continue to make a difference in Africa through our programme.”

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The clergy, clerics, clergymen: distinctions

ROM the front page of Voice of The Nation of November 30 comes this error: “He stated that the Borno First Lady, in her empowering projects, organised women to form cooperatives (cooperatve) societies….” “Umeh mourns dead CWO members of Awka diocese” He could not have mourned living people! Delete ‘dead’. Sub-editors should think before casting headlines. “Senate panel to accomodate fresh N108bn subsidy claim” Spell-check: accommodate “Crusade: Clergies (Clerics) from over 50 countries to storm Aba” ‘Clergies’ is thoughtlessly wrong! According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) for Advanced Learners, clergy (the clergy) (plural): the official leaders of religious activities in organized religions, such as priests, rabbis, and mullahs; clergyman (plural clergymen): a member of the clergy—cleric (a member of the clergy). Therefore, ‘clergies’ is simply blasphemous! “Some youths, majority (a majority) from the north….” “Who is (Who’s, for headline purposes) afraid of Nigerian Shippers (Shippers’) Council?” “Woman loses two (2) months (months’) pregnancy to police brutality” “Forum hits Okorocha over workers (workers’) plight” “Ndigbo needs (need) to develop human resources” THISDAY Front Page of December 5 takes over from Voice of The Nation: “…Dickson and Sylva made last minute (last-minute) efforts to win voters.” “Activities at (on) the premises of the INEC building was (were) frenetic and tense….” “Featuring amongst (among: modern trend) a stellar cast, she shines like a million stars.” “When she left a well paying (well-paying) banking job some years back to start the events outfit….” “…for the first time on (in) this column.”

“…during and after the last general elections (election) in the state.” Lastly from THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, under review: “Contractors besiege Imo Govt. House, demand for N450m debt” Yank off ‘for’ as ‘demand’ when used as a verb does not accommodate the otiose context. “Ikpeazu re-assures (reassures) on reconstruction of Abia roads” Who did the governor reassure? “Ecobank flags off (inaugurates, auspicates, launches, opens, establishes, introduces, begins, kicks off, sets up) online trading platform for SMEs” “Nigeria’s economy in dire strait (straits)” “Fellow Nigerians, before the APC plunge (plunges) the South-South and nation (the nation) into chaos - please read this!” (Full-page advertorial signed by Chief Tom A. Umanah for Niger-Delta Political Committee for Justice, Fair play (sic) & Equity (NDPCJFE) An aside: there is a distinction between a hyphen and a dash—the punctuation mark between ‘chaos’ and ‘please’ above should have been a dash. “Abia North: Jubilations as Kalu wins at Appeal Court” This way: ‘jubilation’ is uncountable. The following infractions are from a full-page advertorial by bia Political Group for Change: “As in Bayelsa and Kogi, why not Abia” Who removed the question mark? “…on account of irregularities and other incidences (incidents) of electoral malpractices.” “…when similar (a similar) situation occurred in the state’s governorship election on April 11, 2015.” “We recall that INEC had earlier carried out similar (a similar) action….” “The Abia episode is an ugly departure from the Commission’s stance in (on) Kogi and Bayelsa.” Lastly from the foregoing advertorial: “It negates the time-tested dictum of what is good (sauce) for the goose,

Queen’s College seeks support for annex project tunboSun ogundare

he Principal of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Lami Amodu has called on the Federal Government, corporate and individual philanthropists to support the school in its drive to build an annex to enable its offer admission to more qualified students who are yearning for quality education. She made the appeal during the college matriculation ceremony organised for the newly admitted students into JSS1, JSS2 and SS1 classes held last weekend. About 600 of them took part in the programme, which was the first ever to be organised by the school since inception. And it was graced by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, ParentTeachers’ Association, the old students’ association as well as the parents of the new students. The principal, who is also a director in the Federal Ministry of Education, pointed out that it was disheartening that the

college could not able to provide admission to all qualified candidates seeking admission into the college on yearly basis. “So, the school is willing to acquire a new space to serve as annex so as to meet the yearning of many parents who desire quality education for their children, “she stressed. Speaking on the matriculation, Amodu said the major reason for organising the programme was not only to formalise the students’

admission process, but to also let the parents know that admission into the college just like other unity schools in the country had been closed for the year. She noted that many parents and stakeholders were besieging the college with admission requests many months after the process had been winded off. “It is not their fault looking for admission for their children in such a school like ours because of our high standard but

(sic) being also good (sauce) for the gander.” “Our mission is to ensure safety of Igbos (Igbo)” “Anambra FA election: Igbokwe raises alarm (the alarm) over missing N4.4m” “Army assures of probe…” Who did the army assure? “Our amnesty programme yeilded good results” Spellcheck: yielded. “Inflation inches to 9.4% in November” A rewrite: Inflation hit 9.4% in November “The Office of the National Security Adviser hereby calls on all companies who (which) had contracts with…to appear before the Contract Verification (Contract-verification) Committee sitting at (on) its premises between 15-23 December 2015.” Get it right: between December 15 and 23 or from December 15 to 23 “Gunners overrun Villa to go top (tops)” DAILY Sun of November 23 circulated a few faults right from its front page: “Gov. Wada declares 7-day mourning”—“INEC declares poll inconclusive” Voice of The Nation: there should be another word to replace the second ‘declares’ in the sub-headlines. “Suspected (there was no suspicion in a clear case of banditry!) armed robbers numbering about 20 and dressed in military camouflage last week Thursday (last Thursday or Thursday, last week) held the town under seige (siege)….” “…the execution of DSS operatives who were abducted in Ikorodu few (a few) months ago.” “Final funeral rites: Itsekiri celebrate late (the late) Olu of Warri” THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, of November 21 comes next with blunders from the front to inside and back pages: “The police looks (look) well prepared for any untoward action….”

the school is cannot help them mostly because of limited infrastructures,” she stressed. She however urged the new students to take their studies very seriously and shun all forms of untold behaviors. The guest speaker at the event, who is also an alumnus of the college, Dr. Adunola Okupe also asked the students to be focused on their studies so as to graduate from the school in flying colours.

Cross section of students of Queen’s College, Lagos, during the school’s annual Christmas Carol Service, yesterday

CU to partner University of Sussex Saidat alauSa

s part of its effort to be one of the best universities in the world, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State is set to partner with University of Sussex, UK in order to equip their students in the area of film productions amongst others. This was part of discussions when Professor of American History, Richard Follett and his team visited the school recently. In his address, the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Mr. Oladokun Omojola explained that some students of the institution are planning to travel abroad for their Masters degree in one of the best universities in the world and might consider the university in furthering their education. He also wants the lecturers from the Mass Communication department to exchange knowledge that in return would assist the students. Other lecturers who spoke harps on the need to for the department to get standard equipment that will aid Film production among others. The post graduate students at the meeting were given opportunity to ask questions about and their tuition fee. In his response, Follet advised the students who want to study abroad to attend one of the best universities that will impact their lives.

Business Thursday, December 17, 2015

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Actionaid, Oxfam chart Stakeholders rally to reposition roadmap to transparent public finance computer vil age ICT hub LCCI seeks review of 2016 budget oil AIRLINES’ FLIGHT benchmark, exchange rate

FG, Huawei to train 2000 youths on ICT 32

ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry, LCCI, has called on the government to make critical review of the 2016 budget so as to be on a safer side going by the fiscal and other challenges facing the country now. The Chamber, in a statement signed by its President, Chief, Dr, Mrs Nike Akande yesterday, charged the government to make exchange rate benchmark of N197 per dollar in the 2016 budget, which it described as being too conservative and at variance with prevailing realities, be adjusted to N220 per dollar threshold. It also stated that draft budget benchmark for crude oil at $38 per barrel looks very fragile given the continued and projected boost of supply side of oil in the international oil market and its potential impact on oil price, it therefore, advised that the benchmark be further reduced. The Organised Private Sector, OPS, group further advised that government should devise an innovative strategy to reduce burden of debt service to the economy. According to the Chamber, the N1.3 trillion in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, representing 72 per cent of the proposed capital expenditure in the budget, is provided for domestic debt service in 2016 mainly to service existing commitments. The Chamber charged the government to be steadfast with its emphasis on generating revenue through diversification driven by agriculture, solid mineral and service sectors. It stated that the quick win is for government to focus on policies and regulations that attract private capital and encourage investment, saying efficiency of tax administration is very vital to expand the current non-oil revenue base. It further stated that adequate provision should be made, within the context of the capital provision, for infrastructure towards addressing the huge infrastructure deficit. “One of the effective means of covering the huge infrastructure deficit is Public Private Partner-

ship, PPP, model. To facilitate private capital flow into infrastructure building we employ the government to develop attractive policy frameworks for PPPs. We also urge the fiscal authorities to review and monitor the quality of capital expenditure and ensure that funds are directed to the critical infrastructure needed to drive productivity. “We reiterate our call for the deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector in order to reduce the pressure on government finances and the foreign exchange market.

This will not only create savings for investment in priority sectors but also provide a great opportunity to attract more investment to the petroleum downstream oil sector. “We are happy with the disposition of Executive on the passage of the revised petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The PIB is an important enabler to unlock opportunities in the oil and gas industry as well as transparent operating environment in the sector.” However, the OPS commended the new administration for raising the capital com-

ponent of spending to 30 per cent from 15 per cent in 2015 budget, saying the assumptions made in the 2016 draft budget seemed to reflect the current realities and desired spending priorities for national development. It also noted that the reduction of federal government’s share of fuel subsidy to N63.29 billion compared to almost N1 trillion spent on subsidy in 2015 was a welcome development as it would definitely free up resources to finance other priorities.”

SCHEDULES

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

Dana Air

L-R: Head, Standard Bank Investor Services West Africa, Mr. Segun Sanni; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni and Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, during the launch of Stanbic IBTC Bank Security Lending product held in Lagos, recently.

Port agencies’ audit ‘ll correct past anomalies, says Minister FRANCIS EZEM

inister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has ordered a comprehensive audit of the two major agencies in the Nigerian maritime industry, the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, as part of measures to reposition the industry for efficiency and enable it to increase its revenue generation. The minister had decided to pay a fact finding visit to all the agencies in the industry as well as the port terminals in company of Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to acquaint them of the goings on in the industry with a view to learning from the stakeholders. The Minister, who spoke with

the media shortly after a tour of the seaport terminals, said that there was the need to carryout out a comprehensive audit of the activities of the industry, especially in the last few years with a view to getting things right. According to him, the purpose of the audit is not intended to witch-hunt anybody but rather to find out where mistakes were made in the past and correct them in the overall interest of the Nigerian nation and her people. “Like I have said in other forums before now, we are not probing anything or anybody in order to find fault, punish or witch hunt as many people would say. The aim is however to identify where mistakes were made in the past and ensure that the same mistakes were not repeated in the future, this is the essence of the audit”,

the minister asserted. At the NIMASA Resource Centre, Apapa Lagos, the minister expressed his dissatisfaction over the level of dilapidation of infrastructure and equipment at the centre established in 2007. He therefore ordered the Director General of the agency, Mr. Haruna Jauro, to furnish his office with the details of how the centre has been ran since inception, including financial allocations so that the issues that led to dilapidation of the facility would be identified and addressed to avoid a repeat in the future. Amaechi, who specifically requested to see junior staff of the agency, also ordered the agency to carry out a holistic review of the placement and employment status of

the members of staff to reflect the national character policy, merit and productivity.

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 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Actionaid, Oxfam chart roadmap to transparent public finance Regina OtOkpa

Civil Society Organization, Actionaid in collaboration with OXFAM, has proposed a roadmap to enhance proper management of public funds in the country. The roadmap ‘Strengthening Public Finance in Nigeria’ (STREPFIN), seeks to strengthen government accountability, check government’s excessiveness and help make available the necessary information to allow for critical assessment of government’s decisions. Speaking at the ‘ Validation of the Public Finance Management Roadmap’ in Abuja, the Country Director Actionaid, Ms Ojobo Atuluku, said the roadmap was a model to ensure current public finance management in the country assumes the best practices as witnessed globally. Represented by Actionaid’s Director of Finance, Oluwole Elegbede, she noted that there were leakages in the system which needed to be addressed. She said: “The need to strengthen governance accountability and deliver democratic dividends to citizens through increase transparent and participatory budgetary processes led to the conception

of Strengthening Public Finance in Nigeria (STREPFIN) being implemented by OXFAM in Nigeria and Actionaid Nigeria. “The STREPFIN project is built on a strategy of functional tripartite stakeholders drawn from government representatives, civil society organizations and private sectors. “One of the major activities executed by STREPFIN in its second year is the production of public finance roadmap that would guide the budgeting cycles, and inform property and fiscal discipline in the public finance management from the point of generation by the gateways agencies to the utilization by all MDAs and auditing of public expenditures by the public audit institutions at the three tiers of government. “This will only happen when the public finance roadmap is adopted, disseminated to the general public and accepted to guide the finance management by all the MDAs” “The adoption and implementation of the roadmap as a guide in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies should over time bring about efficient mobilization of public revenue, appropriation of resources, citizens participation in all stages of budgeting processes and transparency in reporting and auditing,” she added. In his

Dubai Int’l Airport’s passenger volume grows to 6.25m in October

lusegun Koiki

Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport rose by 4.4 per cent in October, according to a traffic report issued by operator, Dubai Airport. The number in October rose 6,250,810, compared to 5,989,007 recorded in the corresponding month of last year. Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airport, Paul Griffiths, noted that “traffic continues its steady climb as we approach the end of what will be another record year for both cargo and passenger numbers.” Year to date traffic rose 11.2 per cent to 64,947,687 compared to 58,411,554 recorded during the same period last year. On the other hand, aircraft movements rose to 34,917 during the month under review, up 6.5 per cent from the 32,798 recorded during the same month last in 2014. Year to date aircraft movements were up 16 per cent to 337,316 compared to 290,779 recorded during the corresponding period in 2014 due primarily to the impact of the 80-day runway upgrade pro-

gramme conducted last year. Passengers per aircraft movement in the month came in at 188, while the year to date figure remained a high 202 driven by the Emirates’ fleet of wide-body aircraft. Eastern Europe topped all markets in terms of percentage passenger growth, followed by North America plus 19.4 per cent, as a result of Emirates increasing capacity on several routes and launch of additional daily flights to both New York and Seattle and Africa plus 7.8 per cent. In terms of overall passenger traffic, the Indian subcontinent was the top market during the month plus 87,015, closely followed by Western Europe with plus 80,047. India remained the top country for passenger numbers. U.K., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and U.S.A rounded out the top five. Air freight traffic was up 7.6 per cent for the month with volumes of 215,714 tonnes compared to 200,435 tonnes recorded during the same month last year. Year-to-date cargo traffic rose to 2,068,844 tonnes, representing 3.1 per cent from the 2,006,884 tonnes shipped

during the first ten months of last year.

remarks, the Country Director OXFAM Nigeria, Jan Rogge, maintained that STREPFIN was conceived to bridge the gap between democratic accountability, social contract and social responsibility as a result of lack of transparency and

accountability in the nation’s public financial management system. Represented by the Programme Officer Good Governance Celestine Okwudili, he maintained that the roadmap was a guide to bring discipline and accountability in finance

management. He explained that the roadmap was aimed at achieving an “established functional tripartite stakeholders’ forum of government, CSO and private sector that will shape public finance process in Nigeria.

L-R: CEO of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammed; DG NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii; CEO of ACIOE Associates Ekenem Isichei and, Brand Manager P&G Oral B, Aliza Leferink, at the 2015 National Oral Health Week in Abuja, recently.

Total Nigeria, firm seal lubricant supply agreement

otal Nigeria Plc and SANY Nigeria Company Limited have signed a lubricant supply agreement. Following a global cooperation agreement signed by Total Lubrifiants and SANY Group Company Ltd in July 2014 in China, the two companies became partners for the sales of Total lubricants across SANY Group’s overseas networks. This cooperation is further reinforced in Nigeria with this local partnership. Total Nigeria will be producing high quality lubricants

according to Sany’s equipment specification and sell it through Sany’s distribution network. The lubricants will be cobranded TOTAL SANY. Included in the agreement is a full program of technical training to SANY’s network, marketing support tools and lubricant analysis services for equipment monitoring. SANY’s customers will benefit from this partnership by having access to original equipment manufacturer specified lubricant. Alexis Vovk, Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, was

quite pleased with the partnership as this provides an avenue for OEMs like SANY to have access to genuine Total Lubricants and world class technical and marketing support. He said: “Satisfying our unique customer needs is very important to Total, which is why Total is dedicated to continuous investment in research and innovation. This dedication has lead to the development of over 400 unique Industry applications that are tailor made to suit a wide range of Industrial Lubricant needs.

Sterling Bank bags Corporate Governance, innovative awards

terling Bank Plc has won the Best Innovative Bank and the Best Corporate Governance Bank Awards. The Award was organized by Banker Africa Magazine The awards were in recognition of the bank’s exceptional capacity in the introduction of innovative products and services into the market and its adherence to laws guiding the practice of banking in the country. More than 4,500 votes were cast across the 29 categories in the Banker Africa West Africa Awards by the readers of the magazine and the registered users of the financial news web-

site. Apart from Sterling Bank, other financial institutions in the country swept 10 of 15 regional categories while Ghanaian and Togolese banks took three Awards. The Bank in a statement signed by its Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola, described the Award as a reward for innovation stating the position of the Bank on supporting creative solutions and ideas. He stated: “At Sterling Bank we will continue to look for ways to make banking easy for all Nigerians, by introducing simple but innovative products and ser-

vices to meet their needs. We are also mindful of the need to align with regulations guiding the business and inculcate this in our staff. ”We are therefore delighted by this Award because it shows that people have taken keen interest in what we are doing and also that we are making the right impact”. The Bank assured that it will continue to introduce innovative ways to ensure the empowerment of Nigerians irrespective of their social status and ensure compliance with regulations guiding the practice of banking in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

UK inflation rate rises 0.1% in November U K’s inflation rate turned positive in November for the first time in four months, official figures show. The rate as measured by the Consumer Prices Index rose to 0.1 per cent, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Transport costs, alcohol and tobacco prices were the main contributors to the rise in the rate, the ONS said. However, this was partially offset by a drop in clothing prices, which for the first time fell between October and November. This is usually the time prices rise as shoppers buy Christmas gifts. The ONS said that it logged prices before Black Friday sales discounts took effect. Monthly inflation has been between -0.1 per cent and 0.1 per cent for the past 10 months, with low oil prices and a fiercely competitive environment for supermarkets keeping prices down for consumers. November’s inflation rate compares with a rate of -0.1 per cent a month earlier. Analysts had expected a figure of about zero. Last week, UK interest rates were left unchanged again at

0.5 per cent by the Bank of England’s rate-setters. The nine policymakers on the Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 for no change, with the Bank predicting that inflation will stay below one per cent until the second half of next year. Inflation remains well below the Bank’s two per cent target, and the absence of inflationary pressures has led analysts to push back their estimates of when UK interest rates might rise. “UK inflation remained largely absent in November, and looks set to remain weaker for longer than forecasters have recently been expecting,” said Chris Williamson. chief economist at data firm Markit. “Falling prices for oil and other commodities are helping drive down companies’ costs. “Weak wage pressures and fierce competition in the retail sector are also helping keep a lid on prices. Hence clothing prices showing a record fall between October and November.” Ben Brettell, senior economist at broker Hargreaves Lansdown, said that while core inflation - which strips out volatile components such as food

David Cameron

and energy - had risen slightly, it “remained weak at 1.2 per cent”. “This offers little suggestion that underlying inflationary pressures are building in the UK economy. Furthermore there are signs that wage growth is flattening out - figures due out tomorrow are expected to show pay growth has slowed from 3.0 per cent to 2.5 per cent.” Inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) was 1.1 per cent, up from 0.7 per cent in October. RPI includes housing costs such as mortgage interest payments and council tax, whereas CPI does not.

Janet Yellen: An orthodox economist for unorthodox times

anet Yellen is guiding the Federal Reserve towards its first rate rise in a decade armed with traditional economic models that some economists worry could fail her in a world of massive money printing and near zero rates. The 69-year-old economist argues the time is coming for a rate-lift-off even though inflation has yet to accelerate, trusting decades of studies that suggest a tight labor market eventually creates inflationary pressures. It is a risky wager considering that global inflation is at historic lows and many central banks remain in an easing mode as their economies struggle to get any traction. If she is right, Yellen, who has already presided over the end of the Fed’s bond-buying stimulus pro-

Yellen

gram, will cement her reputation and that of her “dashboard” that relies on long-established relationships between jobs, wages and prices. If she is wrong, the Fed could join the European Central Bank and the central banks of Sweden, Israel and Canada, which have all tried, but failed, to escape the drag of zero rates in the wake of the 2007-09 financial crisis. There are reasons to doubt conventional economic theory. Many economists predicted a spiral of falling prices when the U.S. jobless rate soared during the crisis and then thought inflation would rise when unemployment plunged. Neither happened, though Yellen has maintained this year that the Fed was on course for rate increases, which would be “data dependent,” likely gradual, and with no pre-set path. This shows Yellen “is grounded in traditional modeling but she is well aware that there is uncertainty,” said Randall Kroszner, who served with Yellen as a Fed governor between 2006 and 2009. “It is possible, though unlikely, the traditional models are just all wrong (and) we’re in a whole new world. But she’s not going to fly by the seat of her pants,” Kroszner said. Yellen has made clear that models only serve as guideposts in a complicated decision-making process.

Interviews with the Fed chief’s former colleagues paint a picture of Yellen as a pragmatic economist who is ready to adjust course when necessary, but one who relies on data and economic theory rather than guesswork or hunches. (Yellen’s dashboard. See the graphic here: here) That could mean sometimes missing signals that are either too new or too hard to measure for traditional models and yet possibly relevant for policy. Fed transcripts show that at a Fed policy meeting in September 1996, Yellen, then a Fed board member, said she was “quite willing” to support an increase in rates because her analysis suggested inflation was poised to rise. However, Alan Greenspan, the Fed’s chairman at the time, convinced policymakers to hold fire at that meeting arguing that he saw changes in the economy that were holding back prices and it later turned out that inflation indeed stayed low. “It was intuition more than anything else,” said Alice Rivlin, fellow board member at the time, referring to Greenspan’s hunch that U.S. productivity was rising. A wrong call on inflation now could stunt job growth and possibly keep rates stuck near zero or even force the Fed to reverse course and cut rates.

France fines 20 delivery firms 672m euro (£488m) for price fixing

rance’s competition authority, the Autorite de la Concurrence, has fined 20 package delivery firms 672 million euro (£488m) for colluding to artificially raise prices annually. The UK’s Royal Mail was among those fined for its part in the cartel. It will pay a reduced fine of 55.2 million euro, down from 67.6 million euro, because it agreed not to contest the fine. The price rises, which happened between 2004-10, were agreed during “secret meetings”, the watchdog said. The Royal Mail’s French division, General Logistics Systems (GLS), accounts for about 17 per cent of Royal Mail’s revenues. “Royal Mail recognises the absolute need to comply with European and national competition law and the necessity to prevent infringements,” the firm said in a statement. “It has implemented an enhanced compliance programme in GLS France in order to strengthen the culture of competition law compliance.” The companies fined include the French divisions of FedEx Express, TNT and DHL Express. TLF, the delivery union, was also among those fined. The authority said that the

price rises especially damaged small businesses. An additional fine of 1.4 million euro was issued to 15 of the companies, for agreeing on a system designed to pass on higher diesel prices to customers. It outlined one case, in which some of the companies had planned an annual five per cent price increase, but after secret meetings with other delivery companies, decided to raise prices by seven per cent instead. “Meetings were organised regularly before and after new pricing rounds, which enabled the companies to homogenise their price demands and secure their commercial negotiations,” the competition watchdog said. “The discussions were kept secret and there was no official record taken.”

Moya Greene

SMFG agrees to buy GE’s Japan leasing business for $4.8bn

umitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (SMFG) (8316.T) agreed to buy General Electric’s (GE.N) Japanese leasing business for $4.8 billion, the two companies said on Tuesday. The deal is part of GE’s plan to sell off the about $200 billion worth of assets of its finance arm, GE Capital, as the U.S. conglomerate moves away from finance to focus on manufacturing industrial equipment. Earlier this month, the company said it expected its GE Capital exit

GE CEO Jeff

plan to be largely complete by end2016. Under the deal, SMFG will acquire GE’s commercial lending and leasing business in Japan, including capital finance, fleet service and vendor finance, whose total assets are worth 510 billion yen ($4.2 billion), SMFG said. The deal is expected to close in April 2016, the two companies said. In June, SMFG agreed to buy GE’s European private equity financing business for about $2.2 billion. SMFG, Japan’s third-largest lender by assets, has been aggressively expanding beyond traditional banking in Japan to offset tepid lending demand and falling interest margins. In 2012, a consortium led by SMFG bought the aircraft-leasing business of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) for $7.3 billion. It has also spent a total of $1.5 billion over the past two years to buy 40 percent of Indonesian lender PT Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Nasional Tbk (BTPN) (BTPN.JK).

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015

Equities as at December 16, 2015

Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041

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

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

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 25 11 36

Current Price 27.00 32.50

Quantity Traded 309,851 54,327 364,178

Value Traded 8,383,618.50 1,796,038.00 10,179,656.50

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 49,400 49,400

Value Traded 66,446.00 66,446.00

413,578

10,246,102.50

Current Price 0.68 0.92 1.45 21.50

Quantity Traded 233,820 617 3,620,682 522,501 4,377,620

Value Traded 158,997.60 542.96 5,223,126.30 11,168,658.27 16,551,325.13

4,377,620

16,551,325.13

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015

CONGLOMERATES Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP Daily Summary UACN

No. of Deals 7 1 55 (Equities) 66 129

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

129 Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 39.70

Quantity Traded 10,465 Page 10,465

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 69,707 69,707

Value Traded 412,719.72 412,719.72

80,172

841,684.72

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION PLC. Daily Summary as ofBREW. 16/12/2015 GUINNESS NIG PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Food Products Infrastructure/Heavy Construction DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041

Value Traded 428,965.00 11 of 428,965.00

No. of Deals 3 63 9 148 223

Current Price 3.69 123.00 15.50 121.02

Quantity Traded 11,000 329,628 264,114 2,928,607 3,533,349

Value Traded 39,010.00 40,449,558.84 4,094,170.00 366,975,520.45 411,558,259.29

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 181.52

Quantity Traded 57,010 57,010

Value Traded 10,352,659.40 10,352,659.40

Symbol Symbol DANGSUGAR JBERGER FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR

No. of Deals No. of Deals 25 3 54 3 24

Current Price Current Price 6.18 39.70 22.02 1.66

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 475,220 10,465 305,051 10,465 1,037,763

Value Traded Value Traded 2,942,246.42 428,965.00 6,564,390.17 428,965.00 1,594,453.18

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 69,707 Page 69,707

Value Traded 2 412,719.72 of 11 412,719.72

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

80,172

841,684.72

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 3 63 9 148 223

Current Price 3.69 123.00 15.50 121.02

Quantity Traded 11,000 329,628 264,114 2,928,607 3,533,349

Value Traded 39,010.00 40,449,558.84 4,094,170.00 366,975,520.45 411,558,259.29

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 181.52

Quantity Traded 57,010 57,010

Value Traded 10,352,659.40 10,352,659.40

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR Symbol NASCON NNFM TIGERBRANDS UTC

No. of Deals 25 54 24 No. of Deals 13 10 114 1 241

Current Price 6.18 22.02 1.66 Current Price 6.81 8.55 1.14 0.50

Quantity Traded 475,220 305,051 1,037,763 Quantity Traded 85,300 Page 2,400

Value Traded 2,942,246.42 6,564,390.17 1,594,453.18 Value Traded 593,355.50 11 2 of 20,352.00

23,151,098 270 25,057,102

26,464,292.02 135.00 38,179,224.29

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 33 39 72

Current Price 19.00 800.00

Quantity Traded 249,851 372,110 621,961

Value Traded 4,830,487.05 297,690,074.85 302,520,561.90

Household Durables

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 3 5 8

Current Price 4.70 0.72

Quantity Traded 17,821 10,853 28,674

Value Traded 80,272.71 7,488.57 87,761.28

Symbol

No. of Deals 42 43 85

Current Price 29.29 44.05

Quantity Traded 499,981 129,137 629,118

Value Traded 14,151,592.30 5,405,019.46 19,556,611.76

29,927,214

782,255,077.92

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Food Products NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

VITAFOAM PLC. Daily Summary as ofNIG 16/12/2015

VONO14:32:41.041 PRODUCTS PLC. Printed 16/12/2015 Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL FINANCIAL SERVICESREINSURANCE PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Other Financial Institutions

AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Activity on Board EQTY OtherSummary Financial Institutions Totals HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily PZ Summary (Equities) UNILEVER

642 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK

Current Price 4.54 2.30 15.85 1.36 19.58 1.32 1.90 3.57 5.99 0.64 0.90

Quantity Traded 23,071,343 11,596,939 1,504,444 Page 682,489

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 97 25 65 27 241 36 7 162 37 14 10 (Equities) 721

10,208,465 482,849 55,090,705 11,418,858 485,711 344,972 249,719 115,136,494

200,581,027.75 629,654.42 100,269,071.07 41,050,258.09 2,825,108.48 212,682.92 217,032.34 503,163,581.44

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE

No. of Deals 76 8

Current Price 0.91 1.03

Quantity Traded 1,089,634 2,905,730

Value Traded 989,158.26 2,936,249.97

No. of Deals 5 3 6 3 1 1 1 104

Current Price 0.71 2.76 0.66 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

No. of Deals 3 6 9

Current Price 5.15 1.00

Quantity Traded 206,492 8,450 92,950 1,091,595 12,140 70,913 763 5,478,667 Page Quantity Traded 3,114 420,000 423,114

Value Traded 146,933.92 22,385.00 61,465.00 545,801.50 6,070.00 35,456.50 381.50 4,743,901.65 11 4 of Value Traded 15,258.60 396,748.00 412,006.60

No. of Deals 34 11 127 (Equities) 29 66 267

Current Price 2.38 4.06 1.73 15.40 1.27

Quantity Traded 264,207 624,448 16,349,495 1,077,282 2,192,013 20,507,445

Value Traded 631,970.62 2,535,778.88 28,158,124.09 16,639,977.70 2,806,984.27 50,772,835.56

Symbol LAWUNION MANSARD NEM NIGERINS UNIC UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB Daily Summary STANBIC UCAP

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials

1,101 No. of Deals 1 10 8 6 2 27

Current Price 0.50 2.56 35.00 1.00 0.89

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 10 8 6 2 27

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals

Current Price

141,545,720 Quantity Traded 2,000 124,900 Page 15,967

Value Traded 106,310,242.85 26,334,494.84 23,796,452.64 3 937,556.04 of 11

559,092,325.25 Value Traded 1,000.00 316,047.00 11 5 584,483.90 of

36,658 7,500 187,025

35,094.10 6,375.00 943,000.00

187,025

943,000.00

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

200

100.00

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Sector

HEALTHCARE Totals

Company name

ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals ICT Totals Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC IPWA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials

No Of Deals Symbol OMATEK

Quotation(N) No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP Daily Summary CCNN IPWA PORTPAINT WAPCO

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC SERVICES Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Hotels/Lodging TotalsExchange © Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 Specialty Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC

Transport-Related Services

Support and Logistics Support and Logistics Totals

Value Traded 11 6 of 39,430,799.40

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.56

Quantity Traded 98,500 98,500

Value Traded 153,660.00 153,660.00

1,623,078

39,584,459.40

Quantity Traded 139 139

Value Traded 1,024.43 1,024.43

139

1,024.43

Symbol ALUMACO

No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 26,000 26,000

Value Traded 13,000.00 13,000.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 90 90

Current Price 5.21

Quantity Traded 1,927,540 1,927,540

Value Traded 10,038,409.75 10,038,409.75

Symbol CONOIL

No. of Deals 6

Current Price 26.04

Quantity Traded 1,905

Value Traded 47,129.70

Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 8 52 10 7 83

Current Price 1.63 242.00 132.41 145.00

Quantity Traded Page 220,337 110,376 7,032 4,826 344,476

Value Traded 11 7 of 356,832.66 25,704,477.96 885,831.82 718,410.09 27,712,682.23

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 47 47

Current Price 203.00

Quantity Traded 84,323 84,323

Value Traded 17,605,668.30 17,605,668.30

2,382,339

55,369,760.28

OANDO Daily Summary (Equities)

223

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 4.20

Quantity Traded 60,000 60,000

Value Traded 253,523.00 253,523.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,850 5,850

Value Traded 2,925.00 2,925.00

Symbol CAPHOTEL

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 4.07

Quantity Traded 2,000

Value Traded 8,140.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 6 1 8

Current Price 3.13 6.42

Quantity Traded 133,000 12,859 147,859Page

Value Traded 422,010.00 78,439.90 8 508,589.90 of 11

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 3 7 1 11

Current Price 0.55 0.81 5.73

Quantity Traded 10,700 194,920 5,800 211,420

Value Traded 5,885.00 157,885.20 31,610.00 195,380.20

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 4 21 25

Current Price 1.90 3.45

Quantity Traded 35,885 685,971 721,856

Value Traded 70,149.20 2,405,810.33 2,475,959.53

No. of Deals

Current Price 2.47

Quantity Traded 2,500 181,686,770 2,500

5,900.00 1,468,327,237.26

1,149,685

3,442,377.63

181,686,770

1,468,327,237.26

CILEASING Daily Summary (Equities)

AIRSERVICE Daily Summary (Equities) NAHCO

Symbol

CAVERTON Daily Summary (Equities) 2,3192 2 Daily Summary (Equities) 54

2,319

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

Symbol

206 206

14.00

No. of Deals

Current Price

FBNH 197 Current Price 4.69 Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities)

Page Quantity Traded 6,260,430 6,260,430

11 9Value Traded of 88,025,932.59 88,025,932.59

Quantity Traded 5,906,405 Quantity Traded 5,906,405 6,260,430

Value Traded 27,724,616.30 Value Traded 27,724,616.30 88,025,932.59

6,260,430 12,166,835

88,025,932.59 115,750,548.89

No. of Deals 197 No. of 2,319 Deals 197 (Equities) 59 59 403

Current Price 4.69 Current Price 156.10

Quantity Traded 5,906,405 181,686,770 Quantity Traded 5,906,405 2,657,444 2,657,444 12,166,835 2,657,444

424,812,159.07

Current Price Current156.10 Price

Quantity Traded 2,657,444 Quantity Traded 14,824,279 2,657,444 6,260,430

424,812,159.07 Value Traded 540,562,707.96

59 Symbol DANGCEM Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 59 No. of Deals 462 59 206

Banking Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

14.00

206 59 Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals 197 462 197

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 Building Materials Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals

5,900.00

14.00

ZENITHBANK

Symbol FBNH Symbol Daily Summary DANGCEM

Value Traded

197 206 206 403

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM

Financial Institutions Published byOther The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FBN HOLDINGS PLC PREMIUM Board Totals Other Financial Institutions Totals

Current Price 7.75

Banking Totals

INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL GOODS GOODS Totals Building SERVICES Materials FINANCIAL DANGOTE Banking PREMIUM BoardCEMENT Totals PLC Building Totals BANK PLC ZENITHMaterials INTERNATIONAL

100.00

Quantity Traded Page 1,524,578

Activity Summary on Board FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals EQTY Other Financial Institutions INDUSTRIAL GOODS FBN HOLDINGS EQTY Board Totals PLC Building Materials Other Financial Institutions Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials FINANCIAL SERVICESTotals Totals

200

Current Price

EQTY Board Totals

Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES FBN HOLDINGS PLC Banking Other Financial Institutions ZENITH INTERNATIONAL Totals BANK PLC

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

No. of Deals 76

Activity Summary SERVICES Totals on Board EQTY Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Banking Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM Activity Summary

Quantity Traded 200 200

Symbol

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC EQTY CAVERTON Board Totals

Current Price 0.50

Value Traded 26,768,113.88 2,129,310.68 569,413.70 624,559.81 500.00 81,840.00 9,257,061.33

Specialty Totals

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Transport-Related Services Totals

943,000.00

Value of Shares(N)

Quantity Traded 1,085,345 215,045 15,137 83,524 1,000 24,000 100,527

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

187,025

Quantity Traded

Current Price 24.79 9.70 37.60 7.40 0.50 3.58 91.34

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 16/12/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Value Traded 1,000.00 316,047.00 584,483.90 35,094.10 6,375.00 943,000.00

No. of Deals 19 11 3 (Equities) 8 1 1 33

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Metals ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals

Quantity Traded 2,000 124,900 15,967 36,658 7,500 187,025

Building Materials Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Current Price 0.50 2.56 35.00 1.00 0.89

Value Traded 27,724,616.30 1,468,327,237.26 Value Traded 27,724,616.30 424,812,159.07 424,812,159.07 115,750,548.89

Value Traded 424,812,159.07 88,025,932.59 88,025,932.59 424,812,159.07

6,260,430 2,657,444 Current Price 4.69

Quantity Traded Page 5,906,405 14,824,279 5,906,405

403

12,166,835

115,750,548.89

Page Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 59 59

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 16/12/2015 INDUSTRIAL Totals Printed 16/12/2015 14:32:41.041 Equity Activity Totals

PREMIUM Board Totals

Current Price 156.10

Value Traded 10 of 11 27,724,616.30 27,724,616.30

540,562,707.96

Quantity Traded 2,657,444 2,657,444

Value Traded 424,812,159.07 424,812,159.07

2,657,444

424,812,159.07

2,781

196,511,049

2,008,889,945.22

462

14,824,279

540,562,707.96

196,511,049

2,008,889,945.22

Daily Summary (ETP) Equity Activity Totals Exchange Traded Fund

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Name VETIVA HALAL INDUSTRIAL ETF LOTUS EQUITY ETF Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA BANKING ETFTotals VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF

ETFVETIVA Board GRIFFIN Totals 30 ETF

VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Traded Fund Totals ETPExchange Activity Totals

2,781 Symbol LOTUSHAL15 Daily Summary VETBANK VETGOODS VETGRIF30 Symbol VETINDETF LOTUSHAL15 VETBANK VETGOODS VETGRIF30 VETINDETF

(ETP)

No. of Deals 1 1 1 1 No. of Deals 1 5 1 1

5 1 1 5

Current Price 9.15 2.66 7.04 Current 12.25 Price 20.17 9.15 2.66 7.04 12.25 20.17

Page Quantity Traded 5 5 5 5 Quantity Traded 5 25 5 5

10 of 11 Value Traded 45.75 13.30 35.20 61.25 Value Traded 100.85 45.75 256.35 13.30 35.20

25 5

256.35 61.25

5 25

100.85 256.35 256.35

ETF Board Totals

256.35

ETP Activity Totals

256.35

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders rally to reposition computer village ICT hub In the last 20 years, the popular Computer Village, where ICT products were just displayed at the roadsides has turned into a business hub becoming an attraction for the international ICT Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, and other investors. However stakeholders are worried that the market needed to become a hub for technology innovation, writes Isaiah Erhiawarien.

n Information Communications Technology,ICT, one heritage that has put Nigeria in the global map of ICT is the Computer Village, known by several names such as Otigba or Ikeja computer market. But investigation revealed that what began as pockets by shops run by traders selling computer accessories is today now a business hub that is icon of global attention. The market began to blossom in 2002 after GSM services were introduced to Nigeria, and thereafter became a household name among Telecommunication users, especially small businesses and end users extending to Chine, Korea, Europe and America. Although the early traders in the market never expected that business will boom so much that global brands like HP, DELL, TOSHIBA, PACKARD BELL, FUJITSU, SIEMENS, NOKIA, SONY ERICSSON, MOTOROLA and SAGEM will berth there. This development has now created concern for the traders who are agitating that they no longer want to been seen as traders of computer and mobile phone accessories but innovators of technology in the African business hub. Speaking at the first Computer Village Expo, organised by Technology Times, stakeholders in the market mostly traders said that there is the need for the Computer Village to reinvent itself. Taking the lead in panel discussion, President of Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association, PAPDAN, Mr. Godfrey Nwosu expressed the passion of the key players in market agitating for a market that must innovate to leverage the online space and remain relevant in the present era. According to him, the Otigba market is no longer a market where goods are sold but a place where hopes and entrepreneurs are built noting that most traders there like him, found themselves there because of the search for a means of living. He noted that the Computer Village has eventually transformed from a market for computer accessories and its allied product to a huge provider for an improved GDP for government adding that since ICT forecast to be the leading contributor to the Nigeria GDP then there is the need to reinvent the market. He said that statistics show that over 20 million phones are sold in the Computer Village, monthly saying that the present lo-

cation of the market was a residential area until late 1999 or early 2000 when Internet technology became a household name in corporate Nigeria. He recalled that the spring board for the present Otigba market began from Otigba Street when savvy businessmen commence trading in IT equipment and devices adding that Computer Village had become a household name among telecommunication users, especially small businesses and end users. The PAPDAN President said the present foreign exchange impasse also has negative impact on the market comprising of mainly start-ups businesses. Managing Director of Mojoy Computers, Mrs. Adenike Shittu disclosed that the market has developed to the level where it can become a hub for the development of apps that will drive the nation’s economy, noting that the market can boast of graduate who has the be ability to develop such apps that have economy value. She pleaded that the Computer Village should not be allowed to remain as a market for selling ICT related goods stressing that it can become the silicon valley of Nigeria. However, Shittu observed that the Computer Village has actually nose dive from what it used in terms of patronage from neighbouring West African countries stressing that if the absence of the former patronage will not be allowed the market to die, then the ICT savvy brains that form the market must be encouraged to be creative. According to her, before now Computer Village was a toast of other West African markets, but the evolution of online retailers has led to decline of patronage on the customers, couple with neglect by local authorities.

Computer Village, Ikeja Lagos She therefore called on e-commerce retailers to perceive Computer Village operators as credible partners in the computer and electronics distribution chain, hence they are ready to rebrand for better business operations. Principal Partner, Pacific Network Solutions Limited, Mr. Ojikutu Adeniyi, , said that solutions to Computer Village revolve around operators in the market creating values to lure customers. Adeniyi noted that instead of seeking help from either the government or other market segments, operators at the market must embrace technology, close ranks among themselves and engage technical partners to update to improve their skill sets in line with technological advancements. Similarly, President, Online Publishers Association of Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Proshare Limited, Mr. Femi Awoyemi, observed that several business dynamics are currently impacting the market as it is losing grounds to other African

OperatOrs at the market must embrace technOlOgy, clOse ranks amOng themselves and engage technical partners tO update tO imprOve their skill sets in line with technOlOgical advancements

markets. According to him, to retain the relevance of the market which the National Bureau of Statistics said contributes two per cent of the national GDP saying that government ought to make deliberate policies to protect local investors and OEMs. While highlighting the need for businesses in the popular to have an online presence, Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, Mrs. Edith Udeagu, urged the traders to embrace .ng domain name as a process of rebranding and projecting themselves on the internet. She said NiRA and certified registrars were ready to help the traders obtain their internet identity through .ng domain name registration and showcase their local contents as value creation capable of attracting foreign partners to the market. On her part, President and Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, CAFON, Mr. Sola Salako, said market players deepen their customer relations noting that it will restore customers’ confidence and trust in the market. “Quality products and service delivery are still nascent in Nigeria, not just in the computer village. So, buyers expect to have durable products, cost effective and after sales service that will create value for money spent,” he said. Chief Executive Officer of Technology Times, Mr. Shina Badaru, said that the market was never planned to be what saying

that expo was design to refocus the market and strength it’s relevant as a major contributor to employment generation and wealth creation haven.

Info Tech

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jovago seeks govt intervention on e-Commerce infrastructure StorieS by iSaiah erhiawarien

he Federal Government has been called upon to speedily intervene in the provision of e-Commerce infrastructure in order to fast-track the growth of e-Commerce in Nigeria. Managing Director of Jovago, a hotel booking website, Kushal Dutta, in an interview with National Mirror identified e-Commerce infrastructure as one of the key challenging that is affecting the online hotel booking business in the country noting that presenting there are few payment options available for transactions. He noted that despite the challenges in doing business in Nigeria, the opportunities outweigh the challenges inherent in the business environment saying that government needs to invest in eCommerce infrastructure so that the business will survive in the country. According to him, internet access is a major issue in e-Commerce business as a result the access to internet does not only need to easily accessible to all Nigerians but the cost of accessing the internet need to go down adding that even the cost of the device also needs to go down. He said further that government should double efforts to

address the trust element in online business transaction noting anyone that wants to do business transaction must need to feel secure about the transaction. While calling on government to also create more payment gateways that will fast track e-Commerce, Dutta noted that since the arrival of its company in Nigeria in 2013 it has been able to increase its staff from four to 150 young Nigerians. He explained that import duties needs to reduce so that most of the devices that are expensive can easily produced in Nigeria saying that over 70 per cent of internet subscribers access the internet through their mobile devices. Dutta said that Jovago currently has over 8000 hotels in Nigeria on its portal on which bookings can be made from any part of the world saying that Nigeria is its largest market in Africa. He disclosed that the choice of Nigeria for Jovago investment was base on the fact that the country has strong business potentials besides being the business hub for West Africa adding it is better than South Africa. He however observed that hotel online booking business is still growing in Africa unlike in the developed economy where 50 per cent reservations are done online whereas Africa is just about five per cent.

Firm launches online gift shop

Nigerian IT company has introduced an online gift shop from where gifts can shipped to friends and family members during the yuletide. The online gift shop, which was developed as app by Asos Technologies Limited, is known as “MyGiftArena” and meant to address the gift voucher complexities in the online market. Product Manager, Asos Technologies Limited, Tolulope Osibote said during the launch of the product in Lagos that the product was designed to provide hassle free options of giving out gifts. According to her, MyGiftArena vouchers will proffer incredible solutions to whatever gifting challenges loved ones may have, especially during the Yuletide season. “There’s no need to guess what loved ones want: with MyGiftArena vouchers, they can choose whatever their heart desires from our enormous selection of vendors. Our gift voucher gives your family and friends the opportunity to get what they want. Our numerous vendors ensure

that regardless of age, interest, hobbies or desire there is always something to buy”, she said. She said that the platform offers both opened and closed looped gift vouchers as the target markets are both consumers and vendors saying that the opened looped vouchers can be used at any of Asos vendor stores, while the closed looped vouchers are restricted for use at a particular vendor store. She said that MyGiftArena vouchers have a simple process flow with robust technology and security in line that meets international best practices. She explained that while these categories of vouchers can be purchased from the website; www. mygiftarena.com, they can be delivered through three means: SMS, Email and MyGiftArena delivery team. “These vouchers are spent at our vendor store both online and offline. Customer enjoys the freedom of buying whatever value of vouchers between N1, 000 to N500, 000 as they are not restricted to a particular voucher amount.”

He said that further that Africa has more growth potentials for hotel online booking when compared with the Western world noting that in Nigeria alone it does 50 per cent booking on the average. Dutta said that Jovoga is com-

mitted to the welfare of the people in the environment where it does business saying that it recent made donations to the victims of the Makoko fire accident in Ebute Metta, Lagos. He said that Jovago recently

won the best use of technology award at the Nigerian Mobile Economy Summit, NIMES 2015, saying that the it for its contribution to the promotion of excellent achievements in the hotel online booking business.

L-R: Regional Operations Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dokun Oye; Representative, Emirate Holidays, Olanireti Babalola; Winner, Lagos - Dubai Trip, Mr. Nnamdi Oji; Corporate Communications/CSR Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeke Opara and Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Mokhles, during the presentation of prizes to the winners of Airtel Red Hot Richarge and Win Promo Season 3 in Lagos. PHOTO: Ademola Akinlabi

FG, Huawei to train 2000 youths on ICT

he Federal Government and the Chinese government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will result to empowering 200 youths in the country with ICT skills. The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Vice President of Huawei West Africa Richard Cao both signed the MOU will begin next and is expected to provide a total of 2,000 young Nigerians with ICT trainee positions at Huawei. The MOU signing, which was witnessed by senior executives from the Chinese IT Tech Company and top government officials is an indication of to Huawei’s seeds commitment to the Future programme to boost ICT amongst Nigeria’s youth. Osinbajo at the ceremony to mark the official signing of the agreement, said that the Nigerian government regards the MoU as highly important because ICT is one of the most expedient ways for people to secure decent jobs. “In the change agenda, how to grow the economy is important, and we want to create ICT hubs and support existing ones. We thank Huawei for this initiative of advancing technology in Nigeria, apart from the job creation itself,” Nigeria’s Vice President said. He said Nigeria has a strategic relationship with China and he

urged the Chinese firm and other companies to look beyond just selling their products in Nigeria and consider establishing factories and manufacturing plants in the country. “Chinese investors should encourage not just the selling, but also the manufacturing of products in Nigeria,” VP said.

Cao, the Vice President of Huawei West Africa, said Huawei wants to partner with the Nigerian government saying, “Huawei hopes to become a strategic partner to the Nigerian government in the future ICT planning and development, and would continue to expand its contributions and training programmes in Nigeria.”

Glo reloads Free Tomorrow with double benefits

lobacom has doubled the benefits that accrue to its subscribers on one of its promo, Free Tomorrow plan. They will now get double the value of airtime they use on Glo network in a day for calls, internet browsing and text messages. The company said that the Free Double Tomorrow promo calculates all the value of airtime a subscriber used in a day for internet services, phone calls and SMS, doubles the value and credits the subscriber’s phone by 12 midnight with the value. The company in a press statement said that the realised free credit can be used for phone call or sending of text messages to any network and browse the internet within the next 24 hours. Globacom first launched the plan on October 13, 2015, giving back to subscribers whatever amount of money they used on phone calls, text messages and

internet browsing in a day by crediting the subscribers back with the same amount the following day. The company said it decided to double the reward package for its subscribers in appreciation of their loyalty saying that if a subscriber on its network uses N500 credit in a day on phones calls, text messages and data, it will give N1,000 credit back to the subscriber the very next day from 12 midnight to 12 midnight to call any network, make five international call, send text messages and browse the internet. Globacom’s Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Gladys Talabi said that Globacom subscribers wishing to enjoy the benefits offered by the promo to dial *300# to subscribe at zero cost adding that subscribers on other networks are free to enjoy the benefits of Free Double Tomorrow.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Brands & Marketing

Aligning brands with consumer needs for survival, profitability

As adverse economic situation have compelled some companies to realign with market realities, experts have advised brands to explore innovation and consumer needs to stay afloat in the years ahead. DAVID AUDU reports

t is an uncertain future for brands as the year gradually roles up and expert have painted gloomy future for businesses. This is not unconnected with the dwindling oil revenue, the decreasing purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker, as most states are failing in their responsibilities to pay their workers most of whom are bread winners for their families. The uncertainty is more heightened by the recent pronouncement by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, that the year 2016 may be rough for the economy. Emefiele, speaking after the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN in Abuja recently had said the Nigerian economy may be plunge into recession in 2016. He had based his assessment on the facts that liquidity withdrawals following the implementation of the treasury single account, elongation of the tenure of state governments’ loans as well as loans to the oil and gas sectors could aggravate liquidity conditions in banks and impair their financial intermediation role, thus affecting economic growth, unless some actions were immediately taken to ease liquidity conditions in the markets. Beside the warning coming from the man who should know better the health of the Nigerian economy, international research agencies have at various times analyzed the Nigerian economy and concluded that unless brands position themselves to absorb the shocks business in the coming year will be tough. Global audit and advisory firm, Price Waterhouse Cooper, PWC, in its 2015 and 2016 economic forecast for Nigeria noted that if oil prices deteriorate further, then they expect that a further 10 per cent devaluation of the Naira may happen in late 2015 and first quarter of 2016. Already, the current oil price is the lowest in years, and very uncertain that it will pick up soon. A 2016 to 2020 Nigeria’s economic outlook forecast published in June this year also painted not

ANALYSTS DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE A READYMADE ANSWER AS ALL PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON ‘IF’ too sheering news for the country, stating that unemployment will rise by two per cent in the first quarter of 2016, while consumer price index will rise from 179 in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 183 in the first quarter of 2016. What this implies is that while many people will be unemployed, consumer prices will also go up thereby denying a great number of people the much needed purchasing power to keep companies afloat. What does this all portend for brands and marketing, which depends on stable political environment, liquidity of the local currency and workers earning their wages as at when due. Analysts do not seem to have a readymade answer as all projections are based on ‘if’. In Nigeria, as it is in all other developing economies, the fast moving consumer goods, FCMG,

the breweries and beverages as well as the food and drinks may still hold the ace over others. Experts believe no matter the economic fortunes, consumers still patronize more of fcmg than luxury good, but were quick to point out that a lot of promotions, innovation and aggressive marketing have to be done, and at the end the smartest will always survive. At a forum recently on how brands can make their impact felt in depressed economy, chief marketing officer of a major telecommunications company had advised that for those thinking that the world economy will return to booming period should better have a rethink. He said, after the global recession, which some countries are yet to recover, and coupled with glut in the oil market, companies that wish to remain afloat must wear their strategic and

innovation cap in all marketing and customer engagement levels. Speaking to National Mirror on brand outlook and survival strategies for 2016, a prominent public relations practitioner and Principal Consultant, NECCI Consulting, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, said in the face of dwindling oil revenue that has made government to cut down on spending and its spiral effect on citizens spending power, brands need to look inward to study the environment and align with the demands of consumers. This she said entails brands should look at their prices, noting that the average consumer is a middle class citizen and therefore the need to come up with prices that are pocket friendly. She also advised brands to produce functional product, while infusing them with local contents to attract the average Nigerian consumers. She also did not rule the fierce competition through various sales promotions to attract the attention of consumers in the year ahead, saying that the struggle to remain in the market is a survival of the strongest in terms of deploying all the market tricks in their sales drive. Also speaking on what to expect from brands in the face of current economic crisis, the Executive Director, USP Brand Management, a brand and marketing firm, Mr. Ajose Kunle, said no doubt many firms are going through serious economic travail as many of them have resorted to cutting down on their expenses. “Those who will rule the market in the coming year are brands that think smarter in spending where they will get mileage, and I think any serious brand should give it a thought. Again, brands need to change or devise new strategy to bring in more customers as the more customers the more sales and more money for the company. He also agrees with Ali-Balogun on the need for product innovations that will align with customers need and expectations if they are to survive in the coming years.

Chivita TV commercial delights trade partners DAVID AUDU

or individuals’ uninitiated in the art of advertising, a first glimpse at the Chivita juice ball commercial would signify an interpretation of a group of Manchester United players running around in a pitch full of orange juice, but for the industry experts as well as critics, the commercial exemplifies in a simple but elegant manner, the art of creativity. Filled with bright colours, the juice ball commercial is very captivating as the message of the brand was told in a unique storytelling format. From the pure, simulated orange football pitch symbolising

the natural freshness of the products used in production to the energetic display of the Manchester United players epitomising the vitality, goodness, and healthy impact of the product, the fantasy story of the commercial immediately resonates with the intended target audience due to its alluring concept, breathtaking visual, exciting motion movements, and flawless execution. It is therefore with a sense of ecstasy that the esteemed trade partners of Chi Limited, makers of Nigeria’s leading juice brands, have congratulated the company for such an innovative concept in the advertisement of Chivita . According to the trade partners-

consisting of registered wholesalers, retailers, and distributors, they have witnessed massive increase in sales of the Chivita and other Chi Limited products. With the rise in sales, the trade partners attributed to the successful ideation, execution, and deployment of the juice ball commercial by the company alongside its partnership with the English Premier League team Manchester United. Consumers however have been swayed by the roles played in the ad by some of their favourite players in the club. Speaking on the commercial, Mr. Johnson Amedu, who operates Choice Stores in Lagos noted that “the JuiceBall commercial cur-

rently running on multiple communication platforms has further endeared many of my customers to the brand. The brand affinity that the JuiceBall campaign has created is immeasurable as my sales figures now shows more consumers bonding with the brand” For Nkechi Nnaji, a retailer of Chivita in Aba market” the JuiceBall commercial has drawn considerable interest to the product. I now receive more demand for Chivita fruit juice particularly during the weekends as football lovers prefer to refresh with the product during football matches. No doubt, the advert has created the needed publicity to drive this increased demand”

According to Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya, “Being committed to an ideal is a virtue that we understand perfectly well. Consumers deserve the best in fruit juice and Chivita gives the best at all times. We are excited about the feedback from our trade partners and we will ensure absolute commitment to excellence by delivering only the best to our consumers” The Nigerian consumer market is growing on all fronts, and brands who understand this are thinking outside the box to create strategies to drive a deepened consumer affinity that would guarantee market share, profitability, and brand loyalty.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 17, 2015

NIMN set to strengthen regional operations DAVID AUDU

he council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), has stated that one of its focus in the next few years would be to strengthen its regional operations by further enhancing the status of its chapters. This, according to the Council, represents a way of deepening its membership drive outside Lagos, its traditional catchment area. Disclosing this at the institute’s Annual Marketing Conference and AGM, held recently in Enugu, the institute’s president, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye, stated that the institute’s decision to hold some of its key activities such as the Conference, in other regions of the country, outside Lagos, was in tune with that vision of further enhancing the status of those regions and bonding them with people in those regions. He expressed delight that members from the nation’s academia are increasingly showing interests in the institute’s activities, as evident in the turn-out at the Conference, noting

that such participation from that sector would go a long way in bolstering the public confidence in the quality of training being churned out by the institute. ‘I’m highly delighted that we are witnessing increasing interests from the nation’s tertiary institutions, as evident in the attendance that we are having here today. These are people, who, hitherto, would not have anything to do with the institute or its activities because the marketing institute was bedevilled with crisis in those days. ‘Today we can see that we are getting more and more members from the nation’s tertiary institutions. And we are happy that some of them would even play a key role in the next council of the institute,’ he stated. Meanwhile, the Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, has been elected as the First Vice President of the institute. By this victory, Agenmonmen who was elected unopposed, by a voice vote, takes over from Mr. Rotimi Olaniyan , the former occupant of the

office, who had served his statutory two-year term in that office. A Professor of Marketing and the Chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the institute, Prof. Justie Nnabuko also replaced Dr. Rotimi Oladele as the second Vice President.. Unfolding his plans before the elections, the Nigerian Breweries chieftain stated that one of his priorities, would be to market the institute and its activities, through the institute’s Council to the Corporate Nigeria. Expressing his delight at the achievements of the present Council, Agenmonmen stressed the need to get more corporate organisations to be involved in the activities of the institute. ‘For instance, I see no reason why corporate organisations can not pick up the bill of this event that we are having in Enugu. They were doing it before and I have that strong belief that it can be done again,’ he stated. He also planned to facilitate the process of setting up an Elders’ Council, whose role would be advisory, as a way of ensuring lasting peace within the institute.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos beverage firm among global water congress finalists DAVID AUDU

agos-based firm, Giant Beverages Limited, was named amongst the top three finalists at the 2015 Global Bottled Water Congress and Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal. The awards formed the highlight of the 12th Global Bottled Water Congress which was organized by Zenith International, a world leading food and drinks consultancy in conjunction with media partners BeverageDaily. com, Beverfood and the International Bottled Water Association. This feat is coming on the heels of the recent unveiling and introduction of Valmont, a super-premium water brand, unique in both content and packaging by Giant Beverages into the Nigerian market. The awards attracted over 100 entries from 22 countries in 11 categories, demonstrating creativity, innovation, marketing, community initiative and environmental best practice. Valmont participated in the “Best New Brand” category where it was named top three finalist with global brands like “Hope

in a Bottle” bottled by Friends of Hope Inc; and Glacéau Smartwater bottled by Coca-Cola Enterprises. Speaking on the feat, Marketing Manager of the company, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi said: “Nigerians will agree with me that it is it is indeed an honour to have a new product from Nigeria compete at the highest global level and come out tops. We believe it is testimony to the attention to detail, quality and packaging of our product. We will not rest on our oars as we strive to ensure that Valmont and our other products make the needed impact in the Nigerian market.” She pointed out that Zenith international is a commercial and technical consultancy with 20 years market intelligence and conference services that have helped shape the worldwide food and drinks industry. “For our brand to have made a strong showing with more established global brands shows that we started on a strong footing. I can assure Nigerians that Giant Beverages, as a responsible corporate citizen, will contribute its quota towards the production of quality products.”

Firm partners hair care industry DAVID AUDU

V L-R: Assistant Brand Manager, Cussons Baby, Tobi Adetunji, Head of Category & Channel Marketing, Jimi Taiwo, Category Manager, Mildred Bagshaw, One of the judges, Jude Abaga (MI), Brand Manager Family Care, Oluwaseun Ayeni, another judge, Waje Iruobe and Category Manager, Family Care, Faith Okoli during the visit of Cussons Baby Moments Grow and Shine judges to the PZ Cussons headquaters in Lagos recently.

Cussons Baby launches toddler talent contest DAVID AUDU

fter successfully completing two editions of Cussons Baby Moments, a flagship platform of Cussons Baby brand, the brand has launched yet another novel project that would give toddlers between aged two to five years the opportunity to exhibit their talents in sing, dancing and poetry. The first ever toddler talent contest in Nigeria tagged ‘Cussons Baby Toddler Grow and Shine”, will have sensational and contemporary music stars in Jude Abaga popularly known as MI, Waje Iruobe and Chidinma as judges of the toddlers. According to the Category Manager, Family Care- Mrs. Mildred Bagshaw, the initiative is as a result of a direct response from the consumers-basically parents, who have said through their feedbacks that the brand should move a notch higher by introducing a talent contest for the toddlers.

“The motivation for the brand came from the consumers. They are the ones that we are here for and this is a direct response to the feedbacks that we have got from the two editions of the Cussons Baby Moments, where some parents wanted us to take it a notch higher and include children that were older than the target audience, which we are looking for in the photo competition.” According to her the new initiative is tied to the brand communication platform of Cussons Baby Moments, which is celebrating, exciting and happy moments with children. An elated MI who spoke on behalf of other judges said that the team is passionate about the new assignment and will put in everything to ensure that the kids are properly judged. While thanking Cussons Baby for conceptualizing the project, MI said “they have done a fantastic job of conceptualizing and putting the event together. It makes it for me and my team to fit because we have

been part of this as musicians.” According to him, “We are going to use that experience to sit down and look for something exceptional, somebody that is very talented. That would not be so difficult but managing the parents’ emotion could pose a bit of challenge.” He added “eventually everybody will be happy, there is surely going to be a winner, the children and parents will all enjoy it.” To participate, Brand Manager, Oluwaseun Ayeni said “All the parents need to do is to purchase the Cussons Baby promo gift pack and enrol their toddlers at any of the registration points. There are two auditions and the first is happening on Friday and the next one is next week Thursday and then we will have a finale where the overall winner will emerge” she said. “The winner of the competition will be presented with N1million educational grant while several consolations prizes would be given out”.

inci Hair Clinic has launched a partnership programme targeted at beauty and hair care experts such as salons, barbers, spas and other professionals working in the industry. Communications Director, Vinci Hair Clinic Nigeria, Mrs Tosin Otubanjo, said the partnership is a payment scheme whereby Vinci Hair Clinic will pay a commission to beauty and hair care experts who refer any of their clients to the Clinic. “If the client subsequently takes up a procedure and treatment, the Vinci partner will receive a payment from Vinci Hair Clinic’. She said the company developed this programme to introduce a new stream of income generation for hair care professionals across Nigeria.

“This is a good opportunity for them to associate with the first hair restoration clinic in Nigeria and inform their clients with hair loss issues about Vinci Hair Clinic and the hair restoration solutions we offer”. Mona Peters, representing celebrity hairdresser, Sari Signatures, welcomed the Vinci partnership programme and spoke on the need for the hair care industry to be properly regulated and the processes to be put in place for the maintenance of good hair. Vinci Hair Clinic is introducing this scheme to create a meaningful synergy between the hair care industry and the hair care restorer which will benefit their Nigerian clientele. Vinci Hair Clinic, a leading specialist hair restoration company has 29 clinics in 13 countries covering six continents.

Djembe launches free mobile Apps DAVID AUDU

jembe Communications, has launch of its mobile application, ‘Djembe Insights’, designed to provide free mobile access to unique perspectives on the African market including research reports, thought leadership articles, key trends and data, and event listings. Commenting on the launch, Managing Director, Djembe Communications, Mitchell Prather, said, “the increased access to mobile devices and information has led to some innovative thinking on Africa, so we are excited to be the first African communications consultancy to introduce a mobile app focused on the continent. “The app demonstrates our com-

mitment towards furthering informed discourse on Africa and will provide unique insights and analysis in a user friendly way and offer a networking platform for users from a variety of backgrounds who share our passion,” he said. He said, the app will afford users to view the Job Creation in Sub-Saharan Africa, including entrepreneurs, governments, innovation reports commissioned by Djembe in associations with Forbes Insights, in addition to future research and analysis. Speaking further on the project, Prather said the application will be a gateway to Djembe Connect, a private social network with over 500 likeminded influencers, opinion leaders and experts that share a passion for Africa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Young & Next Generation

Thrills, frills at Lagos Children Christmas Party StorieS by LeoNArD oKACHie

or children of all the public primary schools represented at the Lagos Children Christmas Party, every day should be Christmas. Held at Opebi Primary School, Allen Avenue in Lagos, the annual funfair lived to its billing as children could not hide their excitement. Managing Director of Firstline Group, organisers of the programme, Adetola Okanlawon, stated that the festiva is committed to touching lives of the underprivileged, saying, Firstline chose children of the public primary schools because they are usually the ones born without a silver spoon. He said, “We chose children of public schools because they are mostly the ones, not born with the silver spoon. Therefore, the party is a pro-poor, pro-children initiative. We envision positive memories among the children in the midst of not-too-impressive happenings in the society and we tilted to the path of fun because children like fun.” Okanlown emphasised that the feast is not a publicity stunt as the company has done so many things for the underprivileged unnoticed including the monthly initiative called, FeedTheFutureToday, which particularly identifies with thesechildren every month to feed their minds with lessons of values needed for the future and positive mindset whilst also celebrating the birthday of the children of the month. “Lagos Children Christmas Party is not a child of circumstance neither is it for some form of recognition. The festival is one of our own humble ways of giving back,” he noted. Chief Operator Officer, Firstline, Akeem Ayanlowo said the Lagos Children Christmas Party, has the objective of inculcating in Nigerians the spirit of giving and helping the poor to come alive, especially during the Yuletide. “We have many partners who have achieved this success with us together and we appreciate them in no small measure. We encourage individuals and organisations to always come out and stand for the less privileged, ” he appealed. The party is an annual children’s party meant to create emotional connectedness between Firstline and the Nigerian child who is not so privileged. Every year, the festival gets the children together and distributes free food, gift items, and goodie bags. Other fun frills are competitions and games. Apartner of Frontline CSR initiatives Olubunmi Ogun, said if well meaning Nigerians should take giving seriously, politicians will not come, campaigning with what should actually be part of our everyday life. Another partner of the initiative, Adeyemi Egbeoluwa stated that it is targeted at creating positive thinking, attitude and giving culture among Nigerians, saying, it is a veritable way “to feed the common child in the street who has got little or nothing to eat.” This year’s party hosted 5000 children from different public primary schools. Schools represented include: Opebi, Agidingbi, Shogunle and St. Peters Primary Schools Lagos. The children enjoyed themselves as they went home with lots of gift items and foods

Children having fun at a Lagos Christmas party.

from the organisers. Many children-friendly entertainers like Mickey Mouse and Barney were present as a teenager saxophonist, Boluwatife Olulade excited the children with beautiful tunes. Partners of the Lagos Children Christmas Party include Integrated Systems and Devic-

es Limited, Bakers World, Total Nigeria, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Daystar, Haansbro, Rite Foods, Swagelok Nigeria, Konga, Fitting Finishing Limited, Communication and Marketing Research Group, PEP Stores, among other well meaning Nigerians.

Intel stresses technology empowerment for girl child

orld’s leading silicon innovator, Intel once again furthered the need to bridge the gender gap in technology by hosting female beneficiaries of its She Will Connect (SWC) programme, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Victoria Island in Lagos. Speaking at the occasion, Group Manager, Corporate Affairs, Intel, Babatunde Akinola observed that access to technology has opened up a world of many opportunities for women and the girl child, and it is transforming their roles across the world. Akinola explained that, breaking the stereotypes on appropriate career paths for girls was critical to women’s economic empowerment and employment, noting

that, “We started “She Will Connect” with a mission to empower 5 million girls in the next five years. This is the first year running and we are excited that the initiative is already yielding fruits among the beneficiaries present today.” He reiterated Intel’s commitment to constantly push for gender equality in the world of technology as well as equip young girls and women with digital literacy skills. One of the beneficiaries, Opeyemi Anifowose, a Fashion designer expressed her gratitude to Intel for the initiative, stating that her participation at one of the training sessions had impacted greatly on her creativity. The 26-year-old student of the Universi-

Programme Manager, The Women’s Technology Empowerment Center, Modupeolowa Darabidan; Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Nigeria, Babatunde Akinola; Intel She Will Connect Ambassador for Nigeria, Titilope Sonuga; Programme Officer, Women in Technology in Nigeria, Olamide Ogungbemi; Co-ordinator, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBOF), Osasumwwen Paul-Azino, at the Intel She Will Connect end of year outing in Lagos, recently.

ty of Ibadan, who is also undergoing training in Fashion designing at the Lagos State Skills and Acquisition Centre, Lagos Island branch said that, “I participated in the training in May and since then, I have been applying what I learnt to my work. I now go online to research on latest trends in Fashion designing and learn how to make them by myself. I am happy I participated.” Prior to the cinema hangout, the Intel She Will Connect Team also made a stop at the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBOF) Girl’s Home to train the girls on the use of computer and internet, using the Intel Easy steps curriculum. Addressing the girls, Intel Nigeria’s “She Will Connect” ambassador, Titilope Sonuga encouraged the girls to believe in their potentials. Sonuga added that, “You can be whoever you want to be and your sex should not impede your career path. This is why we want more women to embrace technology, because technology is a liberator.” While commending Intel for the initiative, Co-ordinator of the PBO Foundation, Osasu Paul-Azino remarked that, She Will Connect empowers the girl child with a voice through technology. Azino said that, “She Will Connect ties into our objective which is to rescue, empower and protect the rights of woman and the girl child. It is important that we give a voice to them, and She Will Connect is doing so with technology empowerment.” The Intel “She Will Connect” program aims to reduce the gender gap all over the world through collaborations that would bring about an innovative combination of digital literacy training, online peer network and gender relevant content.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

British High Commission tasks youths on Africa’s devt. Leonard okachie

eputy British High Commissioner in Lagos, Ray Kyles has charged young Africans to contribute positively towards the growth and development of the African continent, saying “it is for Africans to develop Africa.” Kyles, stated this recently during a reception in honour of the winners of this year’s The Future Awards Africa, by the British High Commission in Lagos. While congratulating the awardees from different countries in Africa, he said the award is necessary because it gives good focus to individuals and people doing something about the development of their country. Also, while commending the organisers of the award (The Future Project) Kyle emphasised: “It is not only about young people; what you think automatically is right people, who have invaluable ideas;

who want to change things and those who want to take their country forward. All the time, we have heard about politicians and not about the people making policies, driving government and business. “What this award really does is that it celebrates excellence; it celebrates those who stand out in terms of what they are achieving and it gives them an incentive to go further. It gives others an incentive to follow them and be like them and be as successful as they are. “So, for us in the British High Commission, we are one among the number of sponsors who absolutely recognize the importance of such awards; the importance of recognizing what young people are doing in this country. And as we forge ahead today, it is for Africans to develop Africa.” Some of the celebrities at the reception included multi-talented singer and producer, Dare Art-Alade; South Africa’s leading OAP, Bonang Matheba, award-winning artiste, Timi Dakolo and others.

‘Microsoft Youth Spark tackles greatest challenges with tech.’

Academy to hold exhibition festival in Lagos

Members of the art academy.

Leonard okachie

he Arts Castle Academy is set to organize the maiden edition of its Exhibition Festival geared towards celebrating creativity among children. The project is aimed at reviving performance arts in communities and preserving Nigerian culture using children as the focal point and building them to become artistic giants. The programme is slated to hold tomorrow at Bamodu Memorial Hall in Bariga area of Lagos with celebrities in the creative industry as guests to encourage the children. According to the Executive Director of Arts Castle Academy, Okoro Kingsley Okkorriia, the festival is an avenue for chil-

Deputy British High Commissoner, Ray Kyles, Co- founder, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), Adebola William; Executive Director, The Future Project, Mfon Ekpo and the winners of TFAA 2015, during a reception held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, recently.

dren to exhibit their creativity and showcase their artistic prowess in dance, spoken word, art work, drama and music before the public. He added that it is also aimed at nurturing a well mannered use of artistic talents to enhance a drastic reduction in illicit drugs, child abuse and other children related societal vices. The vision of the company is tailored towards the fact that every child has something in them but the right kind of activity at the right time of development will make them aspire to be leaders of tomorrow. Arts Castle Academy Exhibition Festival (ACAEF) will also involve a walk to the less privileged home. The project will also serve as avenue to project a positive change into the disadvantaged area of Lagos through arts as exhibited by talented children.

orporate Citizenship Lead, Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan stated that Microsoft Youth Spark Challenge for Change competition would help solve the world’s greatest challenges with technology. It is s a contest that tasks young people from around the world to submit ideas that will address a social issue through technology in their communities. A 17-year-old Saviour Okusenogu, emerged among the 10 winners of the recently concluded Microsoft Youth Spark Challenge for Change competition and would represent the Nigerian youth. Other winners of the competition emerged from Chile, Ecuador, Greece, In-

Okusenogu

Lawmaker urges investment in youths Sekinah L awaL

ouse Committee Chairman on Youth and Social Development in Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu has charged all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to invest in the youths in order for the nation to achieve greatness. Kasunmu, who is representing Ikeja Constituency 02, said that although youth unemployment was a global problem, various government policies in the nation had failed in addressing the problem.

He said this at the annual Family Funfair/Youth Development Day organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos Branch, urging states to take steps to arrest the unemployment situation. “It has become imperative for us as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, that if we must truly have an enduring legacy and build our nation on a solid foundation, we must first build, equip and empower our teeming youth population,” Kasunmu stated. He urged other states to emulate Lagos by creating a ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to address youth

unemployment. While commending women journalists for effectively combining the pressure of the newsroom with the task of being wives and mothers, he advised youths to shun peer pressure and always do what is right. In her welcome address, Chairman of Lagos NAWOJ, Mrs. Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu stressed the need for early grooming of children towards becoming good citizens. She added that, towards building a crime-free and self-reliant future for the youths, the Youth Development programme will be held quarterly by the association.

dia, Nepal, Uruguay and the United States of America. Amusan said, “With our global Youth Spark initiative, we partner with non-profit organizations such as schools, governments and other businesses to make more computer science education courses, training and resources available, so people can learn the computational thinking and problem-solving skills that would be of benefit today and in the future.” According to Microsoft, Okusenogu was selected among the winners with his entry, BISET Initiative (Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology). Commenting on his award, Okusenogu said his dream came true when he was announced as one of the grand prize winners of the Microsoft Youth Spark. He said that, “When I heard the news, I was amazed, very excited, and of course happy. It is a rare privilege for my project to be chosen out of thousands. I feel like I have been handed the power to make change happen. I just feel so blessed.” Through Okusenogu’s BISET Initiative, he would be developing a project to spark an interest in Science and Engineering for kids in developing countries by bringing fun and interactive Science experiments and other projects to Secondary schools with hopes that they would get kids far more excited than the abstract, conceptual ways many kids learn about these.’’ With this win, Okusenogu said he was delighted to know that his initiative would get the exposure it deserves, adding that, “I think of technology as an ingredient to make life easier and better no matter the walk of life. I believe if more Nigerian youths could embrace technology even more, there would be a great sprout in the social development of Nigeria.” The winners with compelling ideas will travel to the Nicaragua to learn about social entrepreneurship and development issues. Microsoft is also furnishing each winner with a sum of $2,500 cash grant, and a Microsoft technology bundle (Surface Pro3, Windows Phone, and Office 365) to help them develop their projects further.

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Media

Thursday, December 17, 2015

199 journalists in prison worldwide in 2015

...54 held hostage Leonard okachie

ournalists worldwide have continued to suffer humiliation and torture while in line of duty, as a new report by Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ has revealed that 199 of them are prison because of their work in 2015. The special report which was published on Tuesday stated that the figure declined moderately compared during the year, compared with 221 the previous year. It also noted that overall, the number of journalists imprisoned around the world declined modestly from record levels recorded in the past three years. CPJ found that a record number of journalists are behind bars in China, and the number of journalists jailed in Turkey and Egypt also rose dramatically in 2015. According to the report, Iran, Vietnam, and Ethiopia were among those countries holding fewer journalists prisoner, but in all three countries a climate of fear for the media persists, with many of those released continuing to face legal charges or harsh restrictions, including forced exile. However, it pointed that nowhere has the climate for the press deteriorated more rapidly than in Egypt, now the second worst jailer of journalists worldwide. “President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi continues to use the pretext of national security to clamp down on dissent. Cairo is holding 23 journalists in jail, compared with 12 a year ago. As recently as 2012, no journalists were in jail for their work in Egypt. Those behind bars include Ismail Alexandrani, a freelancer who focuses on the troubled Sinai Peninsula and who was recently arrested on arrival in Egypt from Germany,” CPJ said. The report also indicated that Conditions for the media have also taken a turn for the worse in Turkey, which doubled the number of journalists in jail over the year to 14. It said the country released dozens of journalists in 2014 after being the world’s worst jailer for two consecutive years, “ but in 2015—amid two general elections, further entanglement in the Syrian civil war, and the end of a fragile ceasefire with fighters of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—fresh arrests make it the fifth worst jailer globally. “Most recently, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül, senior staff members of independent daily Cumhuriyet, were arrested on charges of espionage and aiding an alleged terrorist group after publishing reports that alleged Turkey’s National Intelligence Organiza-

Many journalists in jail worldwide

tion (MIT) had transferred weapons to Syria under cover of humanitarian aid.” China, according to the report, is the world’s worst offender for second year in a row, with 49 journalists in prison. The report further said: “As President Xi Jinping continues his crackdown on corruption and as the country’s economic growth slows and its markets become more volatile, reporting on financial issues has taken on new sensitivity. “Wang Xiaolu, a reporter for the Beijingbased business magazine Caijing, was arrested on August 25 on suspicion of “colluding with others and fabricating and spreading false information about securities and futures trading” after he reported that a regulator was examining ways for securities companies to withdraw funds from the stock market. “He later appeared on state television saying that he regretted writing the story and pleading for leniency, even as it was unclear whether he had been formally charged with a crime. As CPJ has documented, televised confessions are a tactic repeatedly deployed by Chinese authorities for dealing with journalists who cover sensitive stories.” In Iran, CPJ report pointed that antistate charges remain the favoured tool for jailing journalists, where the number of journalists in jail fell in 2015 to 19 from 30 a year earlier, but where the revolving-door policy of allowing some prisoners out on

furlough while others are arrested continues. “On November 2, authorities rounded up at least four journalists, including the prominent columnist Issa Saharkhiz, on anti-state accusations. The Washington Post’s Jason Rezaian, who has been held longer than any U.S. correspondent by any foreign government since CPJ began tracking imprisonments in 1990, is accused of espionage, among other charges. State media has reported that he has been convicted and sentenced, but has not said on which charges or provided any other detail,” it said. The number of prisoners also shrank in Vietnam, but in some cases release from jail comes at a high cost. Ta Phong Tan was freed after serving three years of a 10-year term and was immediately flown to the U.S. In October 2014 Tan’s colleague, Nguyen Van Hai, with whom she co-founded the Free Journalists Club in 2007 and who was also imprisoned for his work, was also forced into exile. The country remains among the most censored in the world. Another of the 10 most censored countries is Ethiopia, which released six bloggers from the Zone 9 collective in 2015, but they report that they face travel restrictions. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s prisoners still include prominent online columnist Eskinder Nega, who is serving an 18-year term on terrorism charges, and Temesghen Desalegn, an opinion writer who has been denied health care in prison, according to people

who have visited. While anti-state accusations are the most commonly used charge for putting journalists in jail, applied in 55 percent of cases, CPJ found the highest proportion of charges in five years, 25 percent, are retaliatory—arbitrary, trumped-up accusations such as drugs or weapons possession, embezzlement, or assault. In a related development, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has published its annual worldwide round-up of journalists held hostage, imprisoned or missing, according to which, 54 professional journalists – including one woman – are currently held hostage worldwide. This is a 35% increase on the last year. It is no surprise that Syria is the country where non-state groups are holding the biggest number of journalists – 26. Islamic State alone is holding 18, mainly in Syria and Iraq. “A fullblown hostage industry has developed in certain conflict zones,” RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “We are very alarmed by the increase in the number of reporters held hostage in 2015. The phenomenon is above all linked to the big surge in abductions of journalists in Yemen, where 33 were kidnapped by Houthi militias and al Qaeda in 2015, against two in 2014. Thirteen are still being held hostage.” In response to the scale and variety of dangers facing journalists, RSF has produced a fully revised and amended version of its Safety Guide for Journalists in partnership with UNESCO.

Media

Thursday, December 17, 2015

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MTV names Olamide Hottest Naija Artiste 2015 StorieS By Leonard okachie

f the question, “Who is Nigeria’s hottest artist of 2015?” had been posed to anyone on the street over the past few weeks, the answer would most likely have been “Olamide”, and with good reason. The panel on the MTV Base TV special #BaseNaijaHottestArtist however, needed two days of intense debate to be absolutely sure before adding the flourish on top of Baddo ‘s wonderful year. 2015 has seen Olamide release several singles that topped the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten for many weeks, in addition to his successful promotion of protégé, Lil Kesh, and the recent surprise release of his fifth studio album, “Eyan Mayweather” which has been topping charts. Newly acclaimed MTV Base hottest artiste, Olamide commented on the announcement, “It’s a great feeling to know that my work has made so much impact on Nigerians and i’m humbled by this announcement. Thank you MTV Base.” On the panel that ranked ten of the hottest artists in Nigeria for the year 2015 were, OAPs Omalicha, Do2dtun and Sade Ladipo. Joining the trio were showbiz entrepreneur Olisa Adibua, entertainment journalist Osagie Alonge, DJ Spinall and VJ Ehiz. Commenting on the reason behind the selection, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International, Alex Okosi stated, “ Nigerian music has evolved from where it was ten years ago and with the aid of the panelists we have chosen, we hope that the Base Naija Hottest Artist 2015’ will spark up the kind of conversations we need among music fans, thought leaders and critics

in order to improve on the type of music we put out there and produce some of the best talents globally and not just Africa alone.” Making a surprise appearance at number 2 on the list was Wizkid who had a big year in 2015 with his single “Ojuelegba” getting remixed by superstar grime artist Skepta and American superstar, Drake. Davido sneaked in at number 3 ahead of Patoranking after a year that saw him tour extensively and release a hit collaboration with Meek Mill. Yesterday’s number 2 and 3, Korede Bello and Yemi Alade dropped to number 5 and 6 on the final list after being displaced by Patoranking who made the list at number 4 after a year that saw him scoop several hit features and a bumper distribution deal with VP Records. Yesterday’s number 9 Harrysong drops off the final list alongside Cynthia Morgan to be replaced by Lil Kesh and Kiss Daniel. Making up the rest of the list are Burna Boy and Phyno at number 8 and 10 respectively. Speaking after the panel session, Olisa Adibua remarked,“It was a very robust discussion and debate because there are probably 15 or 20 Nigerian artistes who had a decent chance of making it onto the list this year, but there were only 10 slots. I’m happy that MTV Base has created this platform not just because it promotes Nigerian music which obviously is a good thing, but also because it fosters a spirit of healthy competition. “ I’m sure that a number of artists who were perhaps a bit unlucky not to make the list this year will work their socks off next year to make it onto the 2016 list, and that is good news for all of us whether we are involved in the music business or we just like good Nigerian music.”

Media Abroad Backlash hits paper over editor’s termination

eteran newspaper reporter who was promoted to editor of Bowling Green’s daily newspaper in 2013 was fired Monday for insubordination. Jan Larson McLaughlin, 53, said she was handed a letter of termination accusing her of insubordination for allowing news staff members at the Sentinel-Tribune to read an editorial about the NRA that she had written, as was her normal practice. Sentinel Publisher and Vice President Karmen Concannon killed the editorial and subsequently declined to discuss the matter with staff members who asked her to reconsider publishing it. Mrs. McLaughlin said the rejected opinion piece called on responsible gun owners to reclaim control of the NRA in the wake of recent mass shootings across the country. “It’s a ridiculous reason to get rid of someone who has been there for 31 years,” Mrs. McLaughlin said. “I truly love the Sentinel-Tribune, and its just very sad to me to see what’s happening to it, that

it’s being chipped away at, particularly in the newsroom.” Mrs. McLaughlin believes she was not fired for writing the editorial but for attempting to discuss the matter with the publisher, who she agrees has the right to reject an editorial. “I knew that particular editorial was dead, but I needed to know how to proceed from there,” she said. “I needed some direction. She refused to talk to me. ... The newsroom standing behind me was just the last straw of me constantly pushing to be a better newspaper, to be who we are supposed to be in the community.” A Sentinel reporter for 29 years, including 23 years as county editor, Mrs. McLaughlin was named editor in May, 2013, following the death of longtime editor David Miller. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “This is who I am.” Ms. Concannon, whose parents Thomas and Kathryn Haswell own the Monday-through-Saturday newspaper, did not return a call seeking comment.

Panelists

Skepta, Stormzy, others for Beat FM Christmas concert

igeria’s hottest radio station, Beat FM has unveiled a shocking line-up of UK Grime music superstars to perform at the Beat FM Christmas Concert this Sunday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Headlining the lineup are Multiple MOBO award winner Skepta and 2014 MOBO Best Grime Artiste winner Stormzy. Joining them on the bill are Grime duo Krept and Konan whose single “Certified” featuring Rick Ross is gaining worldwide airplay. They will be joined by the biggest acts on the Nigerian music scene such as Tuface, Olamide, Adekunle Gold, Falz the Bahd Guy, Davido, Olu Maintain, Phyno, and Vector. Completing the lineup for the night of world class entertainment are

Wande Coal, Yemi Alade, Harrysong, Lil’ Kesh and Kcee. Speaking about the upcoming concert, GM Megalectrics Limited Deji Awokoya remarked, “Apart from the fact that there is a large Nigerian population in the UK, a lot of Nigerians are also actively involved in the UK urban music scene and UK urban music is becoming increasingly more popular here. Earlier this year, Skepta remixed a popular song by Wizkid along with Drake and made the song a global phenomenon, and this is just the latest in a long history of cultural exchange between both countries. Some people may not know this, but Skepta’s family is from Nigeria and his name is Joseph Adenuga, so this concert will be particularly meaningful to him. I know there is a large number of people here in Lagos who are big fans of Skepta, Stormzy, Krept & Konan and Grime music in general. Skepta will certainly enjoy the opportunity to visit his home country and interact with Nigerian Grime music fans. I am looking forward to the 20th of this month.” In a statement released by event organisers Megalectrics Limited, operators of The Beat 99.9 FM and The Beat 97.9 FM Ibadan, it was disclosed that tickets for the show are pegged at N5,000 for regular tickets and N20,000 for VIP, while tables will go for N500,000 and N1m.

Chinese newspaper threatens Australian planes

hina’s hawkish state-owned newspaper The Global Times has reacted angrily to the Australian military’s recent surveillance flight over a disputed area in the South China Sea. In an inflammatory editorial, The Global Times appeared to warn Australia, its planes could be shot out of the sky if the contentious so-called “freedom of navigation” flights persist. It said Canberra was testing Beijing’s patience. “Perhaps one day a plane will drop [out of the sky] and it could happen to be Australian,” the newspaper said. “This really shouldn’t happen.”

China’s foreign ministry gave a more muted response. Asked about the flight, which was first uncovered by a BBC reporter who intercepted radio communications and later confirmed by the Australian defence department, spokesman Hong Lei said: “there is no problem with navigation and over-flight freedom in the South China Sea.” “We hope other countries, especially those outside the region, will watch their words and actions, rather than bringing up troubles and deliberately complicating the situation in the South China Sea,” he said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

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News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Poverty pushed me into armed robbery –Suspect Patience OgbO

member of a 3-man armed robbery gang whose operations had been a thorn in the lives of residents and motorists around Mile 2 and Apapa areas of Lagos State has blamed his involvement in robbery on poverty. The suspect also attributed the success of their operations to ‘motorcycles’ which helped members of the gang to escape from scenes of robbery operations. The suspect, Ese Ebrorhie was a few days ago arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who foiled an attempt by members of the gang to unleash mayhem on law abiding residents of the state. Two members of the gang escaped with a locally - made double barrel gun and a pistol, while Ese was nabbed by the vigilant policemen, who in his confessional statement to the police, he said that he joined the robbery syndicate to source for livelihood. “I bought a fairly used motorcycle popularly known as okada which developed small problem and there was nobody to help me, so I joined the gang to raise funds to repair the okada “Ese said. The suspect explained how

A labourer at work at Festac Town, Lagos. his gang usually perpetrate their crime, “we operated at dawn around 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and at night from 9:00 p.m. We rob only commercial buses by pretending to be passengers at bus stop around Mile 2 and Apapa” He also continued that “Once inside the bus, the

gang leader simply identified as Zubby, who is holding one of our guns, will hold the bus driver hostage while we began to rob and dispossess every passenger of their belongings. After the operation, we disembarked and mounted our waiting bike moving beside the bus to escape”.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN “I have gone on three operations with them. The first operation, I was given N8, 000. The second one, I was given N15, 000.00. This is my third operation with the gang. Zubby, is the one that collects and sells all the belongings we collect during operations. He is the one who share the booty

Lawmaker harps on community development bOladale bamigbOla, osogbo

eputy speaker House of Representatives, Mr. Yusuff Lasun, has called on well meaning Nigerians not to turn blind eye to developmental efforts happening in their various home towns. He said the reality of the present moment is that all tiers of government in the country are struggling to manage the available resources to provide amenities, even as population grows rapidly. In the light of this, Lasun said imbalance in amenities distribution between rural areas and urban centres could only be corrected, when privileged Nigerians lead efforts to develop rural communities. The federal lawmaker, representing Osogbo/Olorunda/ Irepodun, who was quoted by

his Special Adviser, Mr. Wale Daodu, in a statement issued in Osogbo yesterday, stated this while speaking at the grand finale of this year’s annual Ilobu Day Celebrations, adding that the road leading to the community was in bad state and promised to liase with relevant authorities to

ensure the bridge and Ilobu/ Ifon road was rehabilitated. Supported by some of his colleagues from the National Assembly, few among whom include; Hon. Fijabi Saheed, Abiodun Olasupo and Hon. Segun Ogunwusi, Lasun said the administration of President Buhari was very prudent in

managing Nigeria’s resources, hence the need for people to be considerate in their demands and subsequently donated a sum of N5million in support of various projects embarked upon by the community. In their separate remarks, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru

to everyone”, he added. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Offor confirmed the arrest of the suspect and also confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court while investigation is ongoing. He also advised the public to be wary of this yuletide period.

Olatoye Olaniyan and Chairman, Ilobu Development Union, IDU, Alhaji Lekan Yusuff, called on political office holders, to make best use the opportunity of holding public office present, admonishing them to always work to better living condition of those who voted them into power.

Foundation seeks attention for less-privileged abiOdun nejO, Ado Ekiti

hilanthropist and founder of Sina Awelewa Foundation, Mr Sina Awelewa, has charged well-meaning Nigerians to prioritize the welfare of the less-privileged in society with a view to giving them better lives. Awelewa said at the Foundation’s 2015 Father Christmas Show at Ilawe Ekiti, where he

presented material and cash gifts to some physically challenged persons, that scholarship and welfare programmes would be injected into yearly event. Awelewa, also former Director General of Ekiti State Broadcasting Service (BSES), also promised to assist the physically challenged persons with more wheels chairs in the subsequent editions. No fewer than 1000 children were treated to fun at the event

attended by dignitaries including Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ekiti State, Comrade Laolu Omosilade; Vice Chairman Nigeria Bar Association(NBA) Ikere Branch, Dr Adeniyi Adedoyin; and Chairman RATTAWU BSES, Kupuluyi Atere. The annual event, initiated by Barrister Awelewa in 2001, has assisted a wide rage of individuals groups and religion organization. Speking on the occasion, Dr

Adedoyin praised the initiative of the organizer, but urged him to extend his gestures to other communities in Ekiti. He noted that Nigeria needed genuine philanthropist like Awelewa in the critical moment economic depression, adding that the event would no doubt cushion the effect of economic hardship in many homes. The NUJ chairman enlisted more support for the organizers from the the home front.

South South

Thursday, December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Delta Assembly stops sand dredging on River Ethiope

elta State House of Assembly yesterday passed a resolution to stop the dredging of sand at Amukpe Bridge on River Ethiope in Sapele Local Government Area of the state. The resolution urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to direct the Commissioner for Environment to stop what it called ``hazardous activities of sand dredgers’’ on the river to save lives. It followed a motion moved by Mr. Dennis Omovie, member representing Warri South II Constituency in the House. Omovie said activities of sand dredgers around the bridge poses environmental challenges to communities around the river. He added that the bridges and other infrastructure in the area were being threatened by sand dredging. Omovie said a grave from one community was washed into the river, adding that this contaminated the river and poses serious health challenge to the people. He added that sand dredgers do not have licence to embark on their activities, noting that the

affected communities have urged the assembly to address the situation. Supporting the motion, Mr. Daniel Mayuku, representing Warri South West Constituency, said the sand dredgers were carrying out their activities to the detriment of the people. ``If nothing is done that part of the state will sink,’’ Mayuku said. Mr. Evan Ighure, representing Ethiope East Constituency, said sand dredging in the area was not only dangerous to human lives but also to fishes in the river. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the motion was unanimously adopted. Meanwhile, the Assembly yesterday screened and confirmed the nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the State’s Sport Commission. The screening followed a motion moved by Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Tim Owhefere, and seconded by Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Oboro Preyor. Those screened and confirmed were Mr. Anthony Okowa, chairman, as well as Mr. Eddington Kuejubola, Mr. Ogheneochuko Ambakederemo and Mrs. Chinoye Daphey, as members.

Edo pensioners get gratuities before Xmas

do State government has concluded arrangement to pay the gratuity of 2010 and 2011 pensioners next week, a few days before Christmas. In a government special announcement issued by the Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, she said: “There will be a pensioner verification exercise for officials who retired in 2010 and 2011 but have not been paid their gratuities.” According to the statement, verification of 2010 retirees would hold on Monday, December 21, 2015, at the Staff Training Centre, Okada Avenue, Benin City, while that of 2011 retirees would hold on Tuesday, December 22, at the same venue. “All pensioners are required to come with the original and photocopy of their Pension ID Cards, Yellow Form, letter of first ap-

pointment, letter of retirement and biometric form.” The statement added that “pensioners who are successfully screened will be paid their gratuities the following day,” warning that “there will be no verification by proxy.”

L-R: Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr Ude Chukwu, at the inauguration of Aba-Port Harcourt Mass Transit Train Service in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

FG’ll not politicise railway development, says Amaechi Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

inister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, said yesterday that the Federal Government would not play politics with the development of railway system in the country. This is as he disclosed plans by the apex government to remodel the rail system in order to make it safer and more affordable to Nigerians. Amaechi stated this in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the flag-off of a mass transit train service from Port Harcourt to Aba, Abia State. Amaechi said, “There will be no Peoples Demo-

cratic Party, PDP, or All Progressives Congress, APC, in the development of our railway system. The Federal Government is prepared to work with any governor no matter the party he belongs. As we say, the naira has no colour. “This flag-off of the Port Harcourt to Aba railway system is a landmark event, which marks another milestone by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in the development of railway system in Nigeria. “The NRC has completed the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and the line is ready for commissioning and operation. “The plan of this administration is to revive the railway sub-sector and

achieve a railway system that is modern, safe and affordable, and serve as a vehicle for the delivery of sustainable economic growth, social harmony and political stability.” Amaechi added that the railway system would enhance trade as well as foster unity and harmony between the two states, adding that “the Federal Government, through public-private partnership is planning the remodelling and redevelopment of our railway stations across the country.” In his address, Managing Director of NRC, Adeseyi Sijuwade, said it was the first the corporation was establishing a train mass transit service between Aba and Port Harcourt.

“Movement relating to business transactions within the Ariaria International Market in Aba and other markets, like Oil Mill, Mile 1 and Diobu markets in Port Harcourt are done mostly by road. “In both cities, booming shopping centres and new markets where fabric materials, plastics and motor parts are sold are not fully patronised due to bad roads between Aba and Port Harcourt. “With this new train service, there will be proactive economic growth and virile positive change in the lives of the citizenry in the two benefiting states,” Sijuwade said, adding that it would reduce congestion on the Aba-Port Harcourt express road.

UNESCO trains 114 North-East teachers on safe school initiative

nited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said it had trained 114 teachers in the NorthEast on Safe School Initiative. It said the programme was for the promotion of safety and security of schools in the country. This is contained in a statement by Mr Anthony Eromosele, Head, Public Relations, Examination Ethics Marshal Interna-

tional, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. It stated that the teachers, who were drawn from schools in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba, were trained as safe school ambassadors, first responders and vigilantes. It said that the training was to educate the participants on how to conduct risk audit of their schools and how to prepare for emergency.

The UN body said that a total of 650 safe school kits which contained a safety manual were also distributed to the teachers. According to the statement, UNESCO had in November, 2014, sponsored the training of 345 teachers from Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states, distributing 1,350 safe school kits to them. ``The training of another batch of 114 Safe School Ambassadors and distribution of additional 650

Safe School kits to teachers from the North-East marks the fourth direct intervention by UNESCO. ``The training is aimed at building capacity of education stakeholders on safe schools”. It stated that beneficiaries of the training commended UNESCO, adding that it was educative and timely as the North-East was presently facing security challenges. The statement said the beneficiaries urged

UNESCO to extend the programme to all education stakeholders in insurgency-affected states, including all teachers, principals, members of staff of education ministries, commissions and boards. They also called for the extension of the training to supervisory and regulatory authorities to facilitate implementation of recommended policies and programmes.

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News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Family of 5 die in night inferno in Ogun

...as police battle to unravel cause femi oyeweso, AbeokutA

ragedy has befallen residents of Abule Ake in Idi Aba area of Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State, following the death of all five members of the Oloruku family in a night fire that torched their residence. The deceased, which include the 45-year- old husband, Michael Oloroku, his wife Elizabeth (44) and their three children - Rachael, Victoria and Esther, were charred in the inferno which source the police are still battling to unravel. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Abeokuta, said the command has commenced investigation into the fire incident. Adejobi also explained that the police are yet to get to the root of the immediate cause of the incident. He further stated that the state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, who sympathised with the family, has also warned residents to stop keeping inflammable materials in their houses, particularly during this dry season. His words: “It is true, the incident happened at around 11:30 pm on Sunday and we have commenced investigation into the matter. The Commissioner of Police is particularly not happy about the incident and has commiserated with the affected family.” Our correspondent, how-

ever, gathered that Mr. Oloroku had been having intractable feud with his wife, Elizabeth, a staff of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. It was further gathered that Mr. Oloruku came home that night and sprayed the building with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol and set the building on fire. He was also reportedly caught in the incident before he could escape from the scene. While his family members reportedly died in the inferno, Michael who was later rescued died on his way to hospital. A member of the family, who confided in journalists said there had existed within the family, serious crises which lingered until the wife was forced to pack out of her husband’s house to her own house. Further probing revealed that the woman was the breadwinner of the family and took the decision to opt out having got wind of information that her husband was planning to bring in a new wife. Source further had it that the wife had earlier taken a loan from her cooperative society to pay for their house rent and also secure a cab for her husband. Michael, who was apparently dissatisfied with his wife’s decision to pack out from their home, allegedly stormed the building and set it ablaze.

Expert stresses need to protect Yoruba cultural values

irector of Macsteve Tourism Events, Ibadan, Mr Jide Olatunbosun, yesterday stressed the need for the Yoruba to protect their cultural values in order to preserve their identity. Olatunbosun spoke at the opening of Tarmac Festival which was organised by his agency in collaboration with the Oyo State Arts and Culture Council in Ibadan. He expressed regrets that while many foreigners appreciated Yoruba cultural values, some members of the ethnic group were jettisoning their own culture. “This is evident in the growing spate of Yoruba culture in the Diaspora where many groups respond positively whenever

issues are raised about our rich cultural heritage,” he said. According to him, every society has cultural values which could be used to promote tourism if properly harnessed. General Manager of the Oyo State Arts and Culture Council, Dr Bashiru Olanrewaju, said the festival was organised to celebrate the rich cultural endowments in the state. Olarenwaju said the centre formed a culture and tourism club that often took stakeholders on tour of tourist sites in the state. The theme of the event was “Raising the Scale of Cultural Tourism “, while the highlights included cultural displays and the unveiling of the festival mascot.

Nigerians who escaped from Boko Haram attack and ran to Central African Republic and Cameroon are being registered on their return by NEMA officials at Fufore Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Adamawa, yesterday.

Report rates finance, health, women affairs ministries low on FRI olUfemi AdeosUn, AbujA

entre for Social Justice, CSJ, yesterday unveiled the Fiscal Responsibility Index for Federal Government MDAs scoring the ministries of finance, health and women affairs low. The report, which was put together by CSJ with funding and technical support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, studied how Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of government have complied with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Medium Term

Expenditure Framework, MTEF, national budget and the vision 2020 document. Besides, the index also covered sub indexes on policy based on budget comprehensiveness and transparency; budget credibility; budget implementation, monitoring and evaluation; accounting and external auditing. According to the report, 16 MDAs were studied in the pilot survey with the ministry of environment coming tops with 69.36 per cent. This was followed by ministry of lands and housing (67.62 per cent), works (67.49 per cent), mines and steel (66.86 per cent) and agriculture (66.65 per cent).

The report said while none of the agencies could score up to 70 per cent, they were able to cross the 66 per cent minimum threshold which is the accepted level of fiscal responsibility in MDAs. However, it said about 11 ministries in the study scored below the 66 per cent benchmark. According to the report, the ministry of health, for instance, recorded the least score of 39.08 per cent on the index, while women affairs and finance ministries with 52.14 per cent and 55.59 per cent followed respectively. Acting Chairman, FRC, Victor Muruako, said since it began operation in 2009,

the agency had recovered N367bn as at August this year, being operation surplus by MDAs to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He said the need for fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency had become important in the light of the present administration’s quest for good governance devoid of corruption. Also speaking, Lead Director, CSJ, Eze Onyekpere said the collaboration is the beginning of a process that would flow with the goals of the current administration to entrench transparency, accountability and value for money in the management of the nation’s resources.

Minority kicks, as bill for orderly transfer of power passes second reading Ubong Ukpong, AbujA

bill seeking to create the office of Administrator General for the purpose of superintending over the process of transition of power from one government to another yesterday, passed second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives. The bill however met stiff opposition from minority lawmakers, who are opposed to its passage on the ground that it breached the provision of the constitution. Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who sponsor the bill, indicated that it was necessitated by the

accusations and counteraccusations that trailed the process of transmission of power to the current administration. Gbajabiamila said the controversies that trailed the transition was possible due to lack of a framework that would have spelt out steps to take towards a smooth handover from one government to the next. He further noted that complaints of government and governance being slow would be eliminated as the bill seeks to ensure that a Presidentelect has prior knowledge of the workings of government before taking over. Gbajabiamila said the present arrangement has

shown how costly the process could be on the socio-economic and other aspects of development of the country. Besides, with a framework in place, transition programme would no longer be at the mercy of the incumbent, he noted. “It is about economic and other developments so that governments hit the ground running,” he added. Abubakar Chika (APC, Niger), while supporting the bill, said the last transition programme was enough to put a fretwork in place. However, Minority Leader, Leo Ogor and Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) faulted the bill on con-

stitutional ground. The duo raised issues regarding the period of handover and remuneration of the proposed transition team. Ogor argued further that it would be illegal for someone who has not taken oath of office as president to carry out duties of that office. He however said the bill should get to Committee stage and public hearing for other Nigerians to consider its constitutionality or otherwise before it returns to the floor of the House. The bill was unanimously passed and referred to Justice Committee for further legislative action.

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TETFUND tasks govs on teachers’ welfare REGINA OTOKPA

L-R: General Manager, Agricultural Services Training Centre and Marketing Ltd., Mr Isaac Nun; Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden and Governor Simon Lalong, during inspection of facilities at Milky Way Farm in Bokkos, Plateau State, yesterday.

Kwara saves N700m through Single Account System WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

wara State government has saved over N700 million through the operation of Single Treasury Account System for the state, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said. Speaking on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen

at Ilorin International Airport, Ahmed said the amount was saved by blocking leakages in the system and achieving reduction in the state’s overhead costs. He therefore, gave assurance that the 2016 budget would be people-oriented, taking cognisance of the prevailing economic challenges in the country as well as the peren-

nial slide in earnings from the federation allocation to the state. He added that Environmental and Traffic Offences laws would soon be enacted in the state to promote environmental cleanliness and ensure sanity on Kwara State roads. “We must be proactive to cope with challenges of environmental sanitation and traffic offences, as

Kwara is gradually evolving into a commercial hub with increasing population,” he said. The governor added that existing law on traffic and environmental offences will be upgraded to cope with increasing human and vehicular population, saying that the laws would therefore focus more on ensuring compliance.

Don’t interfere with Benue South re-run, Tiv advised

eputy leader of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Elders Forum in Benue State, Chief Abu Shuluwa, has called on Tiv politicians not to interfere with the forthcoming re-run election between former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Mr Daniel Onjeh. Shuluwa, who spoke with newsmen, noted that the people of Benue South senatorial district have the exclusive right to decide on who represents them and wondered why Tiv politicians now scramble to interfere with the affair of Idoma people. According to him, “PDP will win Benue South not minding that people are jittery about David Mark, particularly my people of Tiv extraction, who have no vote in the zone. My advice to them (the Tiv politicians) is that they should not pokenose into the affairs of that zone; let them leave the zone to de-

accused Mark of hindering their performance to their electorate, if I am elected as a senator for zone A, I will do the exact thing Mark has done for his people, that is why he was elected,” he said. He, however, called on Idoma people not to allow external forces to interfere in their affairs, saying, this is the time to reciprocate the kind gestures of Mark.

n view of the deplorable state of teachers in the country, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has called on governors to improve the conditions of teachers. Executive Secretary of TETFund, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, made the call yesterday during a meeting with chairman of the Governor’s Forum in Abuja. According to him, there was need for deliberate efforts by state governments to ensure adequate provision of infrastructure to enhance the quality and number of teachers produced, especially at the primary level of education. Bogoro restated TETFunds’ commitment towards improving public tertiary institutions in all parameters. He, however, called on governors to do their bit with focus on revitalising basic education, which he stressed, was the bedrock for quality of students churned out for tertiary institutions. He said, “We know there are profound challenges at the basic level from infrastructure to quality of teachers, even numbers. “In the APC manifesto there is a plan to deliberately focus on the teacher because in whatever you want to do, the main person that facilitates knowledge communication, if he is relegated, then it is as good as you have not started.

“We believe that the APC government will reel out details about information to improve the condition of teachers and by so doing, attract others that may not want to go into teaching to come into the profession. “We believe that professionalisation of teaching and incentive to teachers is the very key. The TETFund boss further made known ongoing efforts alongside other regulatory agencies in the education sector, to ensure tertiary institutions embark on productive research to solve issues related to new technology and geological patterns such as climate change In his remarks, the Chairman Governors Forum, Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari, disclosed that Zamfara State University had kick started operations smoothly. While commending the efforts of TETFund towards improving the quality of tertiary institutions across the country, he gave assurance of the governors’ commitment to further developed the education sector. “Our attention is needed in nearly all the infrastructural sectors, but one thing is that we are committed to use the meager resources where it is needed most. “So therefore, on behalf of my colleagues, the area of education infrastructure development, we will collaborate with you so that we can achieve more, so that we can do more,” Yari added.

cide who represents them at the Senate.” The Tiv-born politician enjoined Idoma people to shine their eyes and not mortgage their future to ‘a puppet who will be errand boy to another at the red chamber,’ adding, ‘Senate is a place for matured, strong-hearted, vibrant and experienced persons’. “To me, I believe Mark

still possesses the wealth of experience and had given good representation of himself in the past16 years, which if given the opportunity again, will do more for the growth and development of his senatorial district. “Unfortunately, those we have elected in Zone A and B have not provided good representation to their people, rather they

BPSR unveils guidelines on merger of MDAs

irector-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Dr Joe Abah, says the guideline document for the merger of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is now available in the country. Abah said at the launch of the document, Key Publications on Governance Policy, in Abuja on Wednesday that the guideline would ensure due diligence in the merging and restructuring of MDAs. The document is entitled, “Guiding Principles for Merging and Restructuring Ministries, Depart-

ments and Agencies.” He recalled that the Federal Government recently announced the merger of some ministries such as Power, Works and Housing, adding that BPRS was part of the Presidential Committee effecting the merger. According to him, Nigeria is faced with many serious challenges, the most prominent of which is corruption. “Some of these problems seem intractable and many Nigerians despair as to whether or not we can

ever successfully tackle them. “Nigeria successfully tackled Ebola and its response has been hailed by the international community as an example of best practice. “If we could successfully tackle Ebola, we can similarly tackle corruption, unsteady power supply, insecurity and other major problems we have. “BPSR is of the opinion that we can learn lessons from how we responded to the threat of Ebola to improve our management

of other challenges to our development as a nation,’’ he said. Abah added that the document would also identify the problems, efforts to address them, challenges and solutions. He said parastatals, agencies were important for delivering government policies, considering that they had autonomy, legal backing and resources to deliver services directly to the citizens. According to Abah, the performance of any government was often judged

by the performances of its agencies. He, however, said that many chief executive officers and heads of agencies were appointed with little or no public service delivery experience. “To address this gap, BPSR has published a guide on how to manage and reform agencies and parastatals. “The document provides simple guidance for chief executives of agencies and parastatals on how to run government agencies effectively.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ortom, Lalong pledge to be good ambassadors

L-R: Director, Executive Secretary Office, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mallam Aliyu Na’iya; Executive Secretary, (TETFund), Prof Suleman Bogoro; Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulazez Yari and Speaker, Zamfara House of Assembly, Hon. Sanusi Garba Rigiji, during the governor’s visit to TETFund headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

Kachikwu pledges close ties with NASS CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

inister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has expressed readiness to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure speedy growth and development of the Nigerian oil and gas sector for the benefit of Nigerians and the entire country. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, in a statement said Dr. Kachikwu made the disclosure during an interactive session with members of NASS in Abuja. In a presentation titled, ‘The Roadmap for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector,’ Kachikwu noted that the average national oil production as at July 2015 stood at 2.1 million barrels per day and that the Nige-

rian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, equity production is 99,000 barrels per day. He said the declining Joint Venture reserves were due to inadequate and low investment in the oil assets, stressing that the issue of funding constraints must be addressed with the collaboration of private and international investors. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources stated that the average gas-to-power generation was about 3,000 megawatts and domestic gas supply of one billion standard cubic feet (scf) with the contribution of 600 million standard cubic feet from the NPDC. On the current state of the refineries, Kachikwu stated that from available reports, two of the refineries may be re-streamed before the end of December 2015, adding that efforts were on to engage private investors to build new

refineries within the old ones to enable the refineries share power, pipelines and other resources. He stressed that the new agenda for the oil and gas industry was centered on having the right people and doing the right things at the right time for the right purpose to yield the right results. Kachikwu stated that the petroleum sector under his watch would ensure that the Nigeria Content Policy would transform the oil and gas industry into the economic engine for job creation and national growth. He said he was obliged to cancel the Offshore Processing Agreements, OPAs, crude-for-productsexchange arrangement (popularly known as swap) and other unprofitable product and crude arrangements all in a bid to avoid rent seekers and add value to the Nigerian hydrocarbon resources. On the downstream sec-

tor, the Minister of State advocates the introduction of a private sector model that would reinvigorate the efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products especially in the area of pipeline assets. He added that the menace of pipeline vandalism has led to huge losses of crude and petroleum products, adding that 27, 967 incidents of pipeline vandalism were recorded in the last few years. He noted that unutilised pipelines and poor pipeline integrity also led to high cost of trucking and impact on the roads. Speaking on the current fuel situation, the House Committee chairman on Petroleum Downstream, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, urged the minister and his team to ensure a seamless flow of premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol during the yuletide.

Customs boss warns officers against hard drugs, kick-backs EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

igeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has warned officers and men against taking hard drugs and receiving kick-back by undervaluing goods.

Hameed, who spoke in Bauchi while addressing officers of Zone D and Bauchi State command, said: “If any one of you is into hard drugs and not yet caught, he should stop it or if you are inkling to take it, you had better stop or you will have yourself to blame.” He warned officers against kick-backs and in-

discipline, saying “anyone indicted of indiscipline and corruption would be made to face the full wrath of the law.” The customs’ boss said the era of indiscipline, undeserved promotion and deployment to ‘juicy commands’ are over. “The system cannot continue. We are seen as

corrupt officers because we prefer to collect bribes. But we don’t bother to check goods irrespective of what they carry, just because of our corrupt tendencies. “Henceforth, anybody caught collecting kick-back or involved in any act of indiscipline will be investigated and if found guilty dealt with ruthlessly.”

overnors Samuel Ortom and Simon Lalong of Benue and Plateau states have pledged to be good ambassadors of Christians in the political sphere in northern part of the country. They spoke separately at a reception in honour of Governor Ortom at the Faithway Chapel, Jos, which they jointly attended. The occasion also marked the 25th anniversary of the Christian body. They stated that as representatives of the faith among the 19 northern governors they have the responsibility to shine the light that would illuminate others. The governors acknowledged that they won election by divine intervention and prayed for sustained prayers so that they could deliver on their mandates. Founder and presiding pastor of Faithway Gospel Ministries, Rev. (Dr.) Sam Alaha, expressed appreciation to God for His blessings on the ministry

from inception and for Governor Ortom’s contribution to its progress. He listed the goals of his ministry as soul-winning, discipleship and church planting. Rev. (Dr.) Steven Dangana, who preached on the topic, ‘The Attitude of Gratitude,’ stated that life has categorised people into the ‘grateful’ and the ‘great fools.’ “Those in the group of gratefulness appreciate things that happen around them, taking cognisance of the dynamism of God’s ways, while the second category has little appreciation of the things of God, hence they blame God and everybody around for events around them,” he stated. Rev. Dangana urged Christians to be grateful to God for the gift of life, health, family and good friends, vocation and provision. Governor Ortom also accompanied his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Lalong, to attend harvest and thanksgiving mass at St. Theresa’s Parish, Jos.

NUC accredits all degree programmes of Federal University, Kashere WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

ational Universities Commission, NUC, has accredited all 22 degree programmes of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, established the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. A release signed and made available to newsmen yesterday by Principal Assistant Registrar, Information and Protocol of the institution, Ahmed Alkali, said this was one of the landmark achievements of the school. Alkali, however, quoted the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Kabir Farouk, saying that “all the 22 programmes presented to the NUC by the university during accreditation exercise last September were successful.” The VC attributed the success of the accreditation to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the entire staff and man-

agement in their relentless pursuit of academic excellence. According to the release, the courses accredited are B.Sc (Biology), B.Sc (Chemistry), B.Sc (Mathematics), B.Sc (Geography), B.Sc (Computer Science) and B.Sc (Physics). Others are B.A (English), B.Sc (Economics and Development Studies), B.Sc (Political Science) and B.Sc (Sociology). The programmes with interim accreditation status are B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Sc (Geography), B.Sc (Accounting), B.Sc (Business Administration), B.A (History and Diplomatic Studies) and B.A (Islamic Studies). The rest include B.Sc (Education - Degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Integrated Science and English). While congratulating the graduating students for their determination, persistence and focus, the vice chancellor wished them success in their future endeavours.

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Police warn against unauthorised processions in Sokoto State

would not fold its arms and be complacent. “Some emerging developments in Zaria and other parts of the country, occasioned by the recent fracas between the military and members of the Shi’ite sect,

olice Command in Sokoto State has warned religious groups and other organisations against organising unauthorised processions. Spokesman for the command, Mr El-Mustapha Sani,

gave the warning in Sokoto on Wednesday in reaction to recent developments in some parts of the country. “The command is proactively monitoring these developments, which is a recipe for breach of the peace and it

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rights of others in the process of exercising his or her rights. “‘The command, however, wishes to assure all law-abiding residents of the state that it shall religiously uphold the sanctity of lives. “The command is everready to ensure the protection of all lives and property for 24 hours and the people should continue to be law abiding in discharging their lawful endeavours,’’ Sani said. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that EGBEKUN FUNKE ERE IKNIKUROGHAI is the same person as OKORO FUNKE ERE now wish to be called as OKORO FUNKE ERE. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Bank and General public take note.

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This is to confirm that I, BISI ADEKUNLE ISMAIL is one and the same person as BISIRIYU ADEKUNLE ISMAIL. All documents bearing my names remain valid. General public take note

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS JAMES BAYO ADENIRAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS JAMES PETER OLADAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME CYRIL: Formerly known and addressed as CYRIL THEOPHILUS OBAM now wish to be known and addressed as KINGSLEY EDIM OBA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEYOSOLA: I Formerly known and addressed as CAREW AJOKE ADEYOSOLA, now wish to be known and address as AKALA AJOKE ADEYOSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

ADEBAYO: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO TAYE RASHEED now wish to be known, called and addressed as MUFUTAU TAYE RASHEED. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ONYEKA: I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKA OKEKE EMMANUEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHAMBARLIN ONYEDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OSHIN: I, formerly known and addressed as OSHIN OLA JONES, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSHIN ROLUKE IDRIS OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned to take note.

ALADI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OKPE VICTORIA ALADI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADA ENEFU. All former documents remain valid. General public and to whom it may concerned should please take note.

AHMED: I, formerly known and addressed as AHMED HAMSAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EWENLA ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NZELI: I, formerly known and addressed as NZELI IFEDILI KENNETH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWOSE KENNETH UBAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, former MISS CHINYERE OKONKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JUSTINA EZUGAGU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARTINS: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EUNICE OLUWASEYI MARTINS, now wishes to be known and addressed as MRS. EUNICE OLUWASEYI OLATOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

AKANBI: I, formerly known and addressed as ABBEY BASHIRU IBRAHIM AKANBI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABIODUN ISMAIL AKANBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKE: Formerly known and addressed as OKE OLAYINKA ADEFARASIN LAWRENCE now wish to be known and addressed as AMOS OLAYINKA LAWRENCE ADEWALE.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

That on some of my documents my name appears as DOHOUNME COMLAN BOUDGA CEDRIC and OTISI OGBUJA OJUM while on my other documents my name appears as OTISI OJUM DOHOUNME CEDRIC. That i am the same person bearing all these names, that any and former documents bearing any of those names is genuine and still remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that I, ANUKAM CHRISTOPHER ONYEWUCHI is one and same person known and addressed as OPARAJI CHRISTOPHER ONYEWUCHI. That on my BVN with first bank account, my name appears as ANUKAM CHRISTOPHER ONYEWUCHI, while on my Union Bank Account, it appears as OPARAJI CHRISTOPHER ONYEWUCHI. All documents bearing these names remain mine and valid. The general public and Authorities concerned take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Nwagwu: I formerly known as Nwagwu Edward Okechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwagwu Valentine Ifeanyichukwu. All former document remain valid, P H C N , E K E D P, N L P C , F I R S T BANK,(marina and broad Street branch) take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BANA: Formerly known and addressed as BANA ALIU now wish to be known and addressed as BOLA RAWANA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

VIVIAN : This is to confirm that VIVIAN NZEKWE and ALARIOBI VIVIAN refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ALARIOBI VIVIAN. . All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKOYE GLORIA CHINYEAKA (NEE OBIANYOR) now wish to be known and addressed as EJIKEME GLORY CHINYEAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as ANI PEACE CHIDIMMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKOYE PEACE CHIDIMMA due to change in marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AHUNWA: I, formerly known and addressed as IKECHI MORDECAI AHUNWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWEKE NICHOLAS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LOSS OF ORIGINAL MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

DANTE: I, formerly known and addressed as RIVER DANTE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADOGO IDEH DENNIS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That I, MRS. DOGO AMINA (NEE ISAH), is the wife of MR. JOHNSON DOGO. That i got married to the said MR. JOHNSON DOGO on the 13th day of March, 1995 at Alhaji Isah Ejiga Compound in Ejule Local Government Area in Kogi State of Nigeria. That the marriage certificate issued in respect of the marriage got lost in transit. All efforts to trace same proved abortive. General public take note.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

Rio Olympics: Siasia vows to win gold

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I have not bothered at all about the UCL matchup with Barcelona because there are still several matches to play before the game

–Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger

Golden Eaglet celebrating their trophy

Again, Ministry proposes Golden Eaglets’ cash reward to Presidency A

much lower proposal of 150,000 Naira per player of the victorious Golden Eaglets has been tabled by the Sports Ministry after a proposal of 750,000 Naira-a-player was rejected by the country’s Presidency as “too much”.

It has already been reported that the federal government has rejected an initial proposal by the Sports Ministry to reward the Eaglets after they won a fifth FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile last month. This week the government of Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari has warned that next year will be rough for the country because of the poor economy and has moved to cut back drastically on government spendings. It would therefore be seen as double standards if the government now

splashes a fortune on the schoolboy stars. “The proposal has been reviewed after the first rejection. We wait for the green light from the presidency on the date for the reception and the reward,” a sports ministry official disclosed.

NFF Congress passes vote of confidence on Pinnick-led board Paul ErEwuba

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Annual General Assembly Congress, yesterday in Abuja, passed vote of confidence on the Amaju-Pinnick led NFF board, with the completion of their meeting. The congress at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja yesterday, held its 71st Annual General Assembly, which usually ends the football year calendar in the country. Among the progress enumer-

… Dalung, Ogba hail national teams’ success ated by the congress during the year, Nigeria recently won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the fifth time, in Chile, while the U-23 National Team won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal. Also, the U-23 team has just qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, just as the Super Eagles B has qualified for next year’s African Nations Championships and the Falconets have qualified for the 2016 U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Super Eagles have progressed into the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup African series, and the NFF has completed a round of elite, overseas capacity–enhancing programs for referees, coaches and administrators. Commending the efforts of the NFF to take Nigeria football to new heights, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung charged the Board to continue to administer football with justice and fairness, and to ensure pay-

ment of outstanding salaries of Coaches being owed, and of any outstanding bonuses and allowances due to any group of the national teams, before the Christmas celebrations. “The crises in Nigeria football have all been erased by the recent successes, and I therefore earnestly urge you all to work in unity and for the good of Nigeria football and the Nigeria nation. “I have been wanting to ask this question for a very long

time: Why do we have crises in Nigeria football? There is no institution or movement that does not experience crises here and again. But crises should never be perpetual. The successes we are experiencing have erased these crises.” Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba lauded the commitment and focus of the Amaju Pinnick administration, while applauding the recent triumphs of the U-17 and U-23 National Teams in major championships.

Sports

Thursday, December 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chelsea board discuss Mourinho’s future J

Mourinho

ose Mourinho’s Chelsea future is in question following discussions about his position between the London club’s Board of Directors. Owner Roman Abramovich led the talks after the champions were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Monday. It was their ninth Premier League defeat in 16 games and left them a point above the relegation places. It is not clear whether Mourinho will be in charge for Saturday’s home game against fellow strugglers. Mourinho, 52, in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, was given Abramovich’s public backing in October, but domestic results have not improved since. The Russian’s instinct has always been to keep backing the man who brought the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge last season and signed a new four-year contract in August. However, Chelsea’s form has collapsed, with the loss at Leicester leaving them 16th in the table with 15 points. Abramovich and the rest of Chelsea’s hierar-

chy are weighing up how long they can afford to wait for improvement. The Blues are 20 points behind leaders Leicester and 14 off the Champions League places, with a crucial last-16 tie against Paris St-Germain to come in that tournament.

Abramovich

Corruption claims: Platini to boycott FIFA Ethics hearing

Blatter

Blatter excited to present 2015 Ballon d’Or

utgoing FIFA boss Sepp Blatter says he is excited to be handing out the 2015 Ballon d’Or trophy in January. Blatter’s 90-day suspension by FIFA ends on January 5 six days before the accolade is awarded in Zurich. The Swiss, who will face the FIFA ethics committee today,

and UEFA chief Michel Platini were banned for an alleged R31million payment made from the world footballing body to Platini. “I am very excited to hand out the trophy this year,” Blatter told Mundo Deportivo. “I hope that after my appearance before the FIFA ethics committee that everything turns out

fine and they can lift my suspension of 90 days, or at least not extend it.” Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Neymar are this year’s finalists for football’s top individual playing prize. FIFA are scheduled to hold presidential elections in February 2016.

uspended FIFA vice-president Michel Platini will boycott an ethics committee hearing into allegations of corruption tomorrow. Lawyers for the Frenchman, who is also President of UEFA, believe the “verdict is already announced”. He is accused of receiving a £1.35m “disloyal payment” from FIFA President Sepp Blatter who is also banned and facing ethics charges over the claim. Both deny wrongdoing and were due to have personal hearings tomorrow. Blatter, 79, has compared the investigation against him to “the Inquisition”, while 60-yearold Platini’s attempt to lift his 90-day provisional ban from football denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 11 December. A verdict could come as early as 21 December, although both men could then submit further appeals. Platini still hopes to be a candidate to replace the outgoing Blatter in the world football governing body’s presidential election on 26 February - but can

only stand if he is cleared. However, he has expressed his “deepest outrage” at what he considers an attempt to prevent his candidacy. In a statement issued on behalf of FIFA’s Ethics judges yesterday, Platini was told his case will be dealt with “independently and in an unbiased manner”. Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales has previously said he believes FIFA’s Ethics investigators have recommended an “excessive” lifetime ban.

Platini

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Rio Olympics: Siasia vows to win gold

ead coach of Nigeria’s Under-23 football team, Samson Siasia insists success at the just-concluded 2015 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is not “an end” as regards his project with the Dream Team VI. Nigeria beat Algeria 2-1 on Saturday in the Under-23 Afcon final to emerge champions in Senegal, booking a ticket to the 2016 Olympics as a result. While admitting that the victory pleased him to no end, Siasia revealed that only suc-

cess at the 2016 Olympics will represent Utopia. “I was coach of Nigeria during the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, when we reached the final, and in 2016 we will aim to do more than reaching the final by winning the (gold) medal,” Siasia said. Siasia and his victorious charges arrived in Nigeria from Senegal to a heroes’ welcome. Nigeria will now represent Africa in the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympics

alongside Algeria and South Africa. In 1996, Nigeria, inspired by Kanu Nwankwo won Olympic gold in the men’s football event. Twelve years later, Nigeria’s under-23, coached by Siasia almost repeated the feat but were beaten by a Lionel Messipowered Argentina side that condemned the West Africans to a 1-0 defeat in the final. Now Siasia says he will not be content with finishing as second best.

Simon Lalong

Plateau Governor’s Cup tees off JaMes abrahaM JOS

amingo Golf Club in Jos came alive yesterday as participants at the 2015 Governor’s Cup competed for various prizes. A total of N5 million will be won by participants under the professional category while several other prizes would be won by the amateur players during the six-day event. “It will be a whole week of fun,” Club Captain, Professor Nuhu Dakum, said yesterday. The Governor’s Cup has not been held for over 20 years

Access Bank Marathon: Udo-Obong predicts successful race Mercy Jacob

lympic gold medalist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has predicted that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is going to be successful, glamorous and well organised. Udo-Obong, whose blistering anchor of the men’s 4x400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics

Games, gave Team Nigeria her first gold medal in the relay, said he was confident the caliber of people on the Organizing Committee will do a good job. “ The Chairman, Deji Tinubu, is highly meticulous and a man who pays special attention to little details. “There is also Yussuf Alli, a man who has been to many local and international championships and organized many local events from the Abuja 2003 All Africa Games, Grand Prix, National trials, Okpekpe Road Races, Aba Marathon and many more.” The Athens 2004 Olympic Games bronze medalist believes that Lagos being the capital of entertainment in Africa should expect musicians, actors and actresses and other classes of entertainment gurus and celebrities to turn up and support the race.

“I won’t be running, but am appealing to Lagosians, especially our celebrities to come out in their thousands to support the race, cheer the runners and make it a day of fun for everybody’’ Udo-Obong posited that Lagos has lost a lot by waiting this long before giving her people a marathon. “This is great for Lagos, very great. The marathon is part of mega cities worldwide and Lagos robbed itself of the immense benefits of marathon by not having one till now. “But I’m glad we have one now and really appreciate the efforts of Lagos State, the athletics family, sponsors and everybody that worked hard to come up with this initiative. I am positive it will be glamorous and well organized.’’ Udo-Obong enthused.

until the Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong, promised a turnaround this year during a familiarisation visit to the club. “I promised the people even before I became governor that we would revive the Governor’s Cup if elected and I am delighted that it has come to pass,” the governor said. “We are prepared to sustain it,” he added, stressing, “We want to use sports to bring people to Plateau State and we are happy that our target to make our tourism potential attractive to the people is already yielding results.”

Lafit fitness challenge begins Saturday IfeanyI eduzor

rrangements has been concluded by one of the leading fitness gyms in the country, Lafit Gym to organise the first part of its end of the year fitness challenge on Saturday, December 19 at the Gbagada General Hospital play ground . The second part of the competition tagged” Gbagada Fitness Challenge” will hold on Saturday December 26th with the third part coming up on 2nd January 2016 while the grand finale will be held on January, 9, 2016. Organiser of the championship, Eric Brown explained that participants will take part in events such as 6km Run, Burpees, Jumping Jacks and Tire Pull amongst others. According to him, those

with the highest number of points will qualify for the next round until the finalists emerges just as he stated that the overall winner will go home with N 50,000 while the first and second runners- up will be N25,000 and N15, 000 richer. He noted that the championship which is open to both male and female athletes including those who are not regular sports men is not about winning but about the competitiveness aimed at improving the fitness level of the participants. “We at Lafit Gym are organizing the championship to promote good health and fitness among people living in our host community and its environs. “The championship is not about winning but about competitiveness which encourages people to improve their fitness and take it to the next level’, he explained.

WORLD RECORD

First timekeeping device First used in Mesopotamia in c. 3500 BC, the time stick – a primitive form of sundial – was the first “clock” ever developed by Man.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1266 Thursday, December 17, 2015

Chibok Girls in focus as ‘Queen Amina’ debuts I n a season when the right of the girl child is in the front burner of national discourse, it is heartwarming to see Nigerians positively contributing their quota. One of such contributors is Okey Ogunjiofor, the producer-actor-director, who in 1992 produced the first major home video in Nigeria, Living in Bondage. After a two-decade long research, Ogunjiofor is bringing the legendary Queen Amina of Zazzau to the world. Not only is this film a tribute to the struggle of the girl child for survival and relevance in Nigeria and Africa at large, it is a huge testimony to the great potential of African women and their ability to break through the male barrier. In a season when women are being turned to chattels of goons in the toga of terrorism and fundamentalism; in a season when girls have

anchester City star midfielder Yaya Touré has warned French giants Paris Saint-Germain to beware of a struggling Chelsea side as PSG are set to face the Blues in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The season of José Mourinho’s men reached a new low on Monday

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

been brazenly kidnapped and enslaved in the gulag of terrorists for endless days, a film glorifying the worth of African womanhood is indeed a welcome idea; and Ogunjiofor must be commended for this timely historical intervention. Bringing Queen Amina to the screen is a near twenty-year journey. I am proud to say that I was part of that journey since 1996, when the idea was mooted in the Lagos offices of one of the defunct news magazine. That the film is seeing the light of day at all is a testimony to the resilience, courage and doggedness of Ogunjiofor, a brilliant film maker who has seen the brightest and darkest sides of the Nollywood juggernaut. When the idea was introduced in 1996, Ogunjiofor was gracious in inviting me to help with the research into the story. A thorough professional, he wanted a film that would be true enough to the Amina legend and also come out as a memorable piece of entertainment, something the women of Nigeria and indeed Africa would be proud of. We discovered that though the Amina story was steeped in myths and legends, much of it was, indeed, truly historical and empirical. Amina truly existed in history and there was the need to delve into her true story. We first scoured through many historical accounts, consulting authorities at the Arewa House, Kaduna and the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja. Then we decided to

WE DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A HUGE ENTHUSIASM IN THE

NORTH ABOUT THE AMINA LEGEND

literally walk through this history by traveling on the trail of the legend. On Ogunjiofor’s bill, we flew and traveled by road to the many towns, villages and cities featured in the Amina history. We first went to the Palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Zaria, which incidentally was named after Amina’s father, Bakwa of Turunku. There, the palace secretary, on the instruction of His Highness, Alhaji Shehu Idris, directed us to historical authorities in the Zazzau Emirate Council, including the legendary Alhaji Dr. Nuhu Bamalli, First Republic Minister, who gave us the official account and confirmed much of our story. He also personally signed a note on the Amina story. He then advised us to contact other relevant authorities in the history of the Zazzau Empire. One of such was the Sarki, Chief of Turunku, a town in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. To our shock, we discovered that Turunku is actually Amina’s ancestral town. Her father Bakwa, who hailed from this town once ruled there as the Emperor of Zazzau. Turunku was indeed a regimental headquarters for

Amina during her many military campaigns. When Zaria, the headquarters of the Zazzau Empire was being built, Turunku was the temporary capital and even the name Zaria, as the film would reveal, has a lot to do with Amina. Nigerians must, indeed, watch this epochal film. Turunku really helped to untie many knot ends in the Amina story. The research journey also took us to Suleja, a key part of the empire ruled by Amina, to hear the account of its Emir. We actually met the Emir, Dr. A wealth Ibrahim, who incidentally was the first civilian Governor of Niger State. His account tallied with those of Zaria and Turunku. The extensive effort to ensure that all historical accounts were considered in the making of this film is a testimony to Ogunjiofor’s professionalism; I am sure this will be a huge plus for the film. In bringing the Amina story on screen, Ogunjiofor has also employed some of the best hands in the industry, and having gone through the script, and been privy to the depth of the cinematography, I can confirm that cinema lovers are in for a truly wonderful story, a huge departure from the boring norm of historical film making. The research, in a way, also helped debunks the notion that some powerful Emirs never wanted the Amina story propagated, because it glorifies a woman lording it over men. We discovered that there was a huge enthusiasm in the North about the Amina legend. The help from Zazzau proved that. The involvement of some of the best of Nollywood stars of northern extraction like Ali Nuhu and many others will definitely bring to glorious light the story of one of Africa’s most illustrious historical figures, Sarauniyyar Amina, the Queen of Zazzau Empire. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@ yahoo.com

Sport Extra Champions League: Touré warns PSG must be wary of ‘wounded’ Chelsea after a 2-1 defeat to Premier League leaders Leicester City at King Power Stadium, with Chelsea now lying only three points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, PSG have almost wrapped up their fourth consecutive crown in the French Ligue 1,

enjoying a 17-point lead over second-placed Angers after 18 games. However, Yaya is adamant that Chelsea will get out of trouble and be able to cause the French heavyweights some problems. “I don’t like to talk too much about my opponents, but it is obvi-

ous that we are not seeing the true face of Chelsea right now,” the Côte d’Ivoire international told francefootball.fr. “They are too much of a shadow of themselves. They have too many problems to be able to show their true colours.

Toure

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