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Yuletide: FRSC begins aerial traffic surveillance

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

L Lagos Business B District and its D ttransformation

...deploys 36,000 officers nationwide

CHIDI UGWU AND WOLE ADEDEJI Oyeyemi

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s part of efforts to ensure accidentsfree yuletide, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it

Thursday, December 24, 2015

would today flag-off aerial traffic surveillance to patrol major highways across the country.

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Kaduna refinery begins supply of 3.2m litres daily Kachikwu cautions on panic buying

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ope that the queues at fuel stations across the country would ease-off appeared on Wednesday with the commencement of daily production of 3.2 million litres of petrol by the Kaduna

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Zaria clash: Security releases 83 juvenile, women detainees

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LEFT: Travelers for the Christmas and Maulud Nabiyy celebrations at Iyana Ipaja Park, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN. RIGHT: Passengers at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on their way for Christmas holiday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Judge hands off trial of Kanu, pro-Biafra leader ...accused refuses to take plea, seeks to remain in custody

Buhari, Ambode felicitate with Muslims at Eid-el-Maulud

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You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be neutral when Nigeria is at war, minister tells the media P.7

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Kaduna refinery begins supply of 3.2m litres daily CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Refining and Petrochemical Company, KRPC. A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, confirmed that the plant which commenced production over the weekend with an initial PMS yield of about 1.5 million litres has ramped up its daily yield to 3.2 million litres.

“The injection of this volume into the system will significantly impact ongoing special intervention efforts designed to bring relief to motorists across the country,” the Corporation stated. Meanwhile, less than 48 hours after the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, ordered staff of the NNPC to intervene in the monitoring of fuel

distribution and retail system at filling stations across the country, the initiative has started yielding positive results in Abuja and environs. The situation at most filling stations visited in Abuja remains calm and orderly as the staff of the Corporation helped to fast-track the process of dispensing fuel to motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking shortly after visiting some retail outlets within Abuja’s Central Area, the Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment of the NNPC, Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran, said so far, the exercise had recorded some success. “Our staff are putting in all their best to ensure that orderliness is restored in most of the filling stations. They are also there to ensure that nobody creates

hammed agreed that the accused person had the right to object to his trial before his court on the ground that justice is rooted in confidence and rejected the submission of the government lawyer. “I am of the view that the first defendant has the right to object to be tried in any court. I do not see any wrong with the issues raised. “Justice is all about confidence. Would the prosecution not raise similar objection if occasion has presented itself. “Let it be clear that the defendant is not challenging the validity of the charges against him,’’ Justice Mohammed said. The judge therefore ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court so that it could be re-assigned to another judge and for further action. According to him, section

agencies to complement the efforts of NNPC at the filling stations. “At one of the filling stations in Asokoro today, the police came to assist us to clear out some motorists trying to jump the queue. That is most commendable,” he said. Adeniran further urged Nigerians to cooperate with the NNPC and ensure the success of the initiative by being law-abiding and orderly to avoid chaotic situations at the filling stations. “I hope Nigerians can have the spirit of orderliness, the spirit of cohesion and the spirit of responsibility in order to help this process,” he observed. It would be recalled that on Monday while addressing an emergency meeting of senior staff of the corporation at the NNPC Towers, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources ordered the deployment of NNPC staff to filling stations across the country for effective monitoring of the distribution system. Kachikwu assured that there was sufficient petrol for Nigerians and again appealed to motorists to desist from panic purchases and warned that unscrupulous marketers who either hoard or divert products would henceforth be treated as economic saboteurs. In a related development, Chairman of Independence Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Kano State branch, Alhaji Bashir DanMalam, has called for the repositioning of DPR and PPPRA to make them more effective and result-oriented. He made the call in Kano yesterday. He said there was urgent need for the Federal Government to reposition the two organisations in view of their significant roles in the petroleum sector of the economy. “The President must do something urgently if the lingering fuel crisis is to be tackled and resolved once and for all,” he said. According to him, repositioning the two agencies was also necessary to make them more vibrant and work effectively. “Repositioning the

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a situation that will hamper the discharge of products to ordinary Nigerians. So far, they are doing well in this regard,” Dr. Adeniran stated. He explained that the exercise was a hands-on approach designed to ensure that Nigerians do not suffer unnecessarily in the hands of unscrupulous marketers, adding that the situation would be improved upon. He also called on security

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP), Mr Olukunle A. Iyanda; member,Board of Governors, ISGPP, Prof Adigun Agbaje; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Tunji Olaopa, after a consultative meeting on the forthcoming Political Economy Summit titled ‘Getting Government to Work for Development and Democracy in Nigeria: Agenda for Change’ to be chaired by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Judge hands off trial of Kanu, pro-Biafra leader DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

he trial of the leader of one of the Pro-Biafra groups, Nnamdi Kanu, at a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, was stalled following an objection raised against the presiding judge. Kanu was arraigned along with Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi before Justice Ahmed Mohammed on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and money laundering. Kanu had refused to take plea before Justice Mohammed on the ground that he would not get fair trial. The accused had earlier sought the permission of the court to advance his complaint. Upon the granting of the leave to speak by the judge, Kanu raised an issue of lack of confidence in the presiding judge and the court. “I will not have a fair trial

in this very court because information available to me indicates that I will not receive fair trial before this very Judge. “I will not sacrifice the due process of the law founded in the principles of natural justice upon the altar of speedy release from detention. “In other words, I will rather remain in detention than subject myself to a trial that I know will amount to perversion of justice. “Previous court judgments and rulings have been delivered by competent courts of law in Nigeria in my favour which the Department of the State Security Service failed to obey or implement. “On that premise, I am not ready to stand before this court for trial because I am convinced that the outcome will go the way of the previous ones, therefore I have chosen to remain in custody until justice pre-

vails in my matter in the interest of justice,” he said. The lawyer to the Federal Government, Mr. Mohammed Saidu Diri, however asked Justice Mohammed to reject the claim of the Biafra leader on the ground that being an accused, he could not dictate to the court. He said that the accused, if he had any objection to his trail, could only come by way of application, stating his grievances with exhibits in clear terms on special circumstances on why he should not be tried by a particular court. Diri who is the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, cited section 396 (2) of the Administration Criminal Justice Act 2015, adding that under the act, an objection to trial could only be raised by the accused when the plea had been taken and not before as being done by the accused person. He therefore urged the

court to compel the accused, who was already in the dock to take his plea. “It is my submission your Lordship that the rule of this court had laid the procedure by which a defendant may object to his or her trial before any court. “The defendant could do this by filing a proper application before the court. Such application will exhibit special circumstance why he should be tried by a particular court. “Such formal process would give opportunity to the prosecutor to file a proper reply to the objection. Your Lordship, this has not been followed in this case,’’ Diri said. In his response, counsel to Kanu, Mr. Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, informed the court that the accused had the fundamental right to object to the trail and pleaded with the court to grant him his request. In his ruling Justice Mo-

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L-R: Seyi Oni of Artec Practice Ltd; Mr. Lawrence Ogudu, representing Messrs DQS of Germany; Managing Principal of Artec, Taofik Popoola and Samuel Alonge, also of Artec, during the official presentation of ISO 9001:2008 certificates to Artec by Messrs DQS in Abuja, recently

L-R: Etisalat Nigeria Community Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Okafor; Anantigha traditional leader, HRH, Muri Joe Edem; Executive Chairman, Calabar South LGA, Rt. Hon.(Mrs.) Majorie Eyo Asuquo; Specialist, Government Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Abdulwahab Umoru and Supervisor for Health, Calabar South LGA, Dr. Henrietta Henshaw, during the Etisalat-Traffina Community Maternal Health Platforms Programme held at the Council Secretariat, Calabar South, Cross River State.

L-R: Representative of Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu and Mrs Kadijt Usman, at the presentation of certificate of participation during the closing ceremony of two weeks residential Women Empowerment Training Programme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: President, Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr Frank Jacobs; Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi and Chairman, MAN Economic Policy Committee, Engr. Reginald Odiah, during the official handover of report from the Technical Committee on Operationalisation of Micro-Grid for Industrial Initiatives in Nigeria in Abuja. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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Yuletide: FCT banks face high customers turnout

ommercial banks in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, witnessed high turnout of customers transacting various businesses for the Yuletide season. A News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent who visited some of the banks yesterday observed that most of the customers were at the banks mostly to make withdrawals. The banks visited included GTB, First Bank Plc, Diamond bank, United Bank for Africa and Unity bank in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, and Zenith Bank in Dutse, Bwari Area Council. At the banks long queues of customers waiting at the ATM centre to make withdrawals were observed. A customer, Mr Tunde Kehinde, said the long queue was normal even when there was no cel-

ebration around the corner. “I do not blame this bank as it is helping us because in the whole of Dutse there is no other ATM for customers to use. “I am appealing to the bank to install more ATMs because there is always queue at the bank and on occasions like this the queue is usually doubled,” he said. At the First Bank in Area 3, there were long queues of customers both at the banking hall and the ATM. A customer, Mrs Angela Ifeanyi, said she did not expect the long queue. Ifeanyi said she had been waiting for more than 30 minutes and was prepared to wait even more because she needed to withdraw money to travel.

Some officials of the banks said measures were being taken to ensure efficient service to customers An official at the UBA said the bank would provide skeletal services to customers during the yuletide season. “We will ensure that there is money at the ATM during this long break and customers would be able to perform other e-bank transactions. “As you can see right now, all our customers are being attended to and we will attend to all others that will come to the bank today,” he said. Also, long queues were experienced at most ATM centres in the various parts of Badagry area of Lagos State. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent in Badagry

who went round the town observed long queues at various ATM points in banks and other payment centres. Some of the ATM points where long queue were experienced include the branches of First Bank, Diamond Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, Skye Bank and Wema Bank. However, it was observed that the ATM at the Union Bank was not working when NAN visited there. Some bank customers who spoke to NAN revealed that they came to withdraw money ahead of the long public holidays. Mr Bankole Adewunmi, a father of two, who was at the First Bank branch, said he needed money for the upkeep of his family during the festive period.

An official of Diamond Bank branch, who did not want his name mentioned, said ATMs were loaded and they were well prepared for the long break. “The ATM is well loaded and we are well prepared because we know that there will be so many customers who

will be willing to make withdrawals from the machine. “People are withdrawing money at a fast pace because of the fear of the unknown which is normal because of this period. “We will do our best to keep up with the needs of our customers,” he said.

Senate donates N2m to victims of recent bomb blast in Kano

enate, yesterday, donated N2m to victims of the recent bomb attack in Kano, Kano State. Senator Bala Na’Allah, who led a delegation to the state, commiserated with the people and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the Government House in Kano. Na’Allah said the senate was very concerned and pained by the incident. “The Senate asked us to commiserate with Governor Ganduje and Kano peo-

ple,” he said. Ganduje expressed delight with the senators’ visit, and prayed that God would reward them for the love and concern exhibited. The last bomb blast, which occurred in Kano GSM Market, claimed many lives. Those who survived are still receiving treatment. The delegation included Kabiru Gaya, Barau Jibrin, Jeremiah Useni and Larry Tejuosho.

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Yuletide: FRSC begins aerial traffic surveillance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, also said a total of 36,000 officers were deployed nationwide for maintenance of effective safe road culture among motorists during Christmas and New Year celebrations. “During this operation, the Corps will once more rely on the robust partnership with the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) for aerial traffic surveillance. This segment of the operation will be flagged off tomorrow 24 December, 2015 (today) at the Domestic Wing of the Nnandi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. As usual, a total manpower of 36,000 will be in action. This figure includes those at the national headquarters who have been duly mobilised and are already reporting at their various stations. “In addition, the Deputy Corps Marshals and Assistant Corps Marshals have been relocated to marshal operations along the nation’s road corridors, with a Situation Office to operate 24/7 alongside the Call Center” he said. He added that the Corps Social Media had been fully deployed to make information flow much easier, assuring that interaction with the Corps on the various medium would be robust. He warned would-be deviants that the Corps would not tolerate anything short of conformity to road traffic regulations, stressing that ‘it is through this that each person can drive to save a life and make the nation enjoyable and fulfilling for all’. According to the FRSC boss, those with negative mind-set should be ready to interface with the numerous Mobile Courts that would be in place along all corridors, adding that justice would sort them out.

He said that at the end of the 2014/2015 “Ember” months operations, the Corps was able to reduce crashes by about 39% and fatality by 21% at the background of the 2014/2015 operations outcome. Also, speed related crashes which stood at about 45% of all causal factors were reduced by about 25% within the same period. According to Oyeyemi, modest achievements were recorded due to the steadfastness of the well over 30,000 personnel deployed as well as the collaboration with the military and sister law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Nigerians were yesterday urged to use the period of the birth of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed to pray for the survival of the country. Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, in his goodwill message said Nigerian citizens should always walk the “path of humility, self denial and brotherliness, which are the hallmarks of the teachings of both Christianity and Islam.” The governor also advised that this period of festivities be used as a time to show love and affection, especially to the needy and as well be prepared to make sacrifices particularly at this trying times in the economic history of the country to make it (Nigeria) a better place for all. He commended Christian and Muslim leaders in Kwara State for promoting religious harmony in the state, urging them not to relent in their efforts to build a better society. Governor Ahmed assured the people of the state that his administration remained committed to the well being of all and sundry as he delivers the dividends of democracy to them. Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in his mes-

Judge hands off trial of Kanu, pro-Biafra leader CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

396 of the Administration Criminal Justice Act used to deflate the objection did not apply in the circumstance. “It is on this premise that I remit the case file to the office of the Chief Judge for re-assignment,’’ he said.

Kanu had earlier been granted unconditional release by Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, from the custody of the SSS but the order was not obeyed and instead a fresh charge was brought against him by the federal government.

sage, urged Christians and Muslims to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the worship of the Almighty and to emulate the sterling lifestyle of both the son and messenger of God. The governor advised the people of the state to remember the less-privileged in orphanages, homes, hospitals and prisons during the season by extending love to the inmates through visits, gifts and money. As the nation grapples with the fallout of the economic downturn, the governor encouraged the privileged ones to be their brothers’ keepers. He urged residents of the state to embrace modesty in celebration and to be security-conscious during the season, which he said, always witnessed upsurge in criminal activities. Ajimobi commended the

fighting spirit of citizens and workers in the face of biting economic realities, assuring the people that the state government was working hard to turn around the fortunes of the state in the coming year. The governor admonished the citizens, especially the youth, to shun the use of fireworks and explosives, as well as careless handling of combustible materials to guard against destruction of lives and property. He said that the warning became necessary in order not to play into the hands of criminal elements, who had been found to always hide under the guise of celebratory fireworks to rob during the end-of-the-year festivities. Ajimobi urged Christian and Islamic religion faithful to use the occasion of the Maulud and Christmas

to pray for sustained peace, progress, economic revival of the country. While assuring citizens of adequate protection, the governor reminded all and sundry that the full weight of the law would be brought down on troublemakers and outlaws that might attempt to test the resolve of the police and other law enforcement agencies during the yuletide season. Similarly, Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, urged the people of Lagos State to spend the Christmas and New Year with fervent hope and expectation of the imminent change that will alter for good, the fortunes of all. In a statement in Lagos, signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said this year’s festivities should be celebrated

in anticipation of the good things that lay in store for Nigerians as the change movement roars in full steam in the coming year. The party wished Lagosians a fun-filled celebration even in the midst of tight economic conditions from which the country would soon emerge stronger. “We share with Lagosians and indeed all Nigerians, the joy of the festive season. We share with them the greet expectations of a new year that promises to be very exciting in line with the change agenda of the APC government. We celebrate with Lagosians the joys of Christmas and the New Year as Nigeria navigates through a difficult period to a new wave of hope wrought by deep institutional changes that will positively affect the lives of every Nigerian.

L-R: Executive Director /Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo; Special Adviser to the CEO, NEPC, Mr. Taofeek Owoseni and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the presentation of a Nigerian Processed Cashew (food pro), to the Vice President during a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Kaduna refinery begins supply of 3.2m litres daily CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

agencies will make them more effective with a view to alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians as a result of the fuel crisis,” he said. He also called on the Federal Government to check the excesses of DAPMAN and major marketers in its effort to end fuel scarcity in the country. “Government should check the excesses of DAPMAN and major marketers by not paying the subsidy to those who defaulted in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for apologising to Nigerians over the current fuel situation in the country. His words: “This singular act is a clear indication that the President is concerned with the sufferings being experienced by Nigerians as a result of the fuel scarcity.” Also yesterday, residents of Yola, Adamawa State, commended President Buhari for apologising over the lingering fuel scarcity, urging him to do something concrete to address the situation.

A cross section of the residents who spoke to newsmen, observed that by that action the president had shown leadership. “I am impressed by Mr. President’s action; this is a sign of good leadership by taking responsibility,” Malam Musa Abdulrahman, said. However, Abdulrahman urged the president to take concrete measures as Minister of Petroleum to contain the situation. Similarly, Messrs Ladan Musa and Ibrahim Abba also lauded the development and urged other leaders to

emulate the president by taking responsibility. On her part, Mrs Jessica Abraham said: “Mr. President has set good example for other leaders like state governors to emulate by taking responsibility and apologising for things that went during their tenure or are going wrong under them.” Abraham also appealed for quick solution to check the fuel problem which she said had remained a source of concern to Nigerians.

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Buhari, Ambode felicitate with Muslims at Eid-el-Maulud Rotimi Fadeyi

resident Muhammadu Buhari has called on Muslims to use the opportunity of

the Eid-el-Maulud celebration to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet, who lived a life of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity. This was contained in

NCCE expresses joy over FG’s proposal to engage 500, 000 teachers

xecutive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, Prof. Monday Joshua, has expressed joy over the Federal Government’s proposal in the 2016 budget to employ 500,000 teachers. Joshua, who spoke in Abuja yesterday, said such a move would boost basic education in the country. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, who presented the budget at the National Assembly on Tuesday, said 500,000 graduates and NCE holders would be employed to boost teaching at the basic education level. The president presented a N6.08trn budget proposal with education getting an allocation of N369.6bn. Buhari said the deci-

sion, which was aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, would be in partnership with state and local governments. According to Joshua, the proposal if implemented will help the commission in achieving its mandate. “As the head of NCCE, I am very excited with the proposal by the President. “We are responsible for producing teachers for basic education and the plan will help us in achieving our mandate. “We commend the Federal Government for that proposal; it will go a long way in reducing unemployment generally. “It would also address teachers’ deficit in primary schools,” he said.

Yuletide: Airlines make brisk businesses

namdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, yesterday witnessed an upsurge of activities as scores of travellers besieged the airport to travel to different parts of the country for the Yuletide celebrations. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the traffic was more on the departure section of the domestic wing. NAN checks with many airlines revealed that they were fully booked for Wednesday up to Sunday with the exception of Lagos bound flights. An airport official, who spoke incognito said Yola and Owerri bound flights were fully booked up to Sunday. The official added that the heavy traffic commenced yesterday afternoon, adding that all airlines were operating normal flights with no de-

lays or cancellations. Assistant Station Manager, Azman Airlines, Mr. Abdullahi Saroke, said even though the turnout of passengers had improved considerably, the season had witnessed low passenger inflow generally. Saroke said the airline had maintained its safety standards as well as customer service regulations, adding that there was no fare hike. “The movement is above normal today even though it is low compared to what we normally experience at this time of the season,” he said. Some of the passengers said they booked ahead of time. Mrs. Kike Olusola said she was travelling to Ilorin to celebrate the Christmas and New Year with her loved ones, and urged every Nigerian to use the period to pray for the country.

a statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina to felicitate with the Islamic community as they celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Buhari urged the adherents of the Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal life and their re-

lationship with others. The President wished all Nigerians Happy Eidel-Maulud celebrations. Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode in his own message called on Muslims to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, enjoined

Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society. While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Governor Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith

and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity. Governor Ambode also urged Muslim to internalize the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness which the Mohammad preached, saying such will go a long way to engender national development.

L-R: Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Deputy Corps Marshal, Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Chidi Nwachukwu and Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicles Administration, Mr. Charles Theophilus, during a Press Conference on the End of the Year Nationwide Patrol Operations in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FG receives 2015 Haji report

ecretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, yesterday commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for the way it handled the tragic incident during this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, which led to the death of over 2,000

people. The country lost 280 pilgrims during a stampede in Mina, while 43 are still missing. The SGF spoke in Abuja, while receiving the report of the 2015 Hajj from the Commission on behalf of the Federal Government. According to Lawal, the

Federal Government and Nigerians were constantly being briefed on the tragic incident by the Commission. He assured the Commission that the report would receive the prompt attention of the government. Chairman of the Commission, Abdullahi Mo-

IPAC urges Buhari to bring corrupt politicians to book

he Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to bring all corrupt politicians to trial. This call was contained in a statement signed by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ogbuehi Dike, and made available in Abuja yesterday. The statement commended the President’s

war against corruption, urging him to leave no stone unturned in bringing corrupt public officers to book. It commended security agents in the fight against insurgency for the nation to be freed from terror attacks. It called on the Federal Government to embrace dialogue in resolving security challenge posed by various separatist groups.

It called on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair, credible, peaceful and acceptable elections and commended it for success of the 2015 general elections. The statement urged the commission to ensure that elections were concluded as scheduled to avoid political tension and upheaval inherent in inconclusive polls.

hammed, while presenting the report, noted that 2015 Hajj was the most eventful in the history of Hajj operations in the country, with pilgrims witnessing two tragic events; the crane incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on September 11 and the stampede recorded in Mina on September 24. He said apart from the 280 deaths recorded by the country from both events, 43 are considered missing as their status was yet to be ascertained. He said the report contained observations and recommendations that will ensure more successes during future Hajj exercises. A total of 75,081 Nigerian Pilgrims participated in the 2015 Hajj. Both the outbound and inbound flights were concluded well ahead of schedule.

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PSC to investigate cases of misconduct against policemen

olice Service Commission Committee, PSC, on Public Complaint on Police Conduct will investigate five cases of misconduct against some policemen, a statement has said. The statement, issued by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, in Abuja on Wednesday, said the decision was taken at the meeting of the committee in Abuja. The committee is headed by retired Justice Olufunlola Adekeye in Abuja. The statement said the commission would henceforth treat with utmost seriousness cases from the public and policemen on alleged acts of misconduct.

She advised serving police personnel who were victims of police action to bring their complaints to the commission within three months. Adekeye said that the committee would ensure that the police operated within the law and in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding its operations. The statement said that cases slated for investigation included a case of alleged cheating and gross misconduct against an Inspector of Police. It said that the committee had also scheduled for investigation an alleged case of stealing and criminal diversion, conversion of N1.8 million.

Court remands cult suspect over alleged murder

n Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered the remand of two suspected cult members in prison custody for the alleged murder of 35-year-old Joseph Agboola. The Magistrate, Nurudeen Layeni, ordered the remand of the two accused, Suraj Ramon (33) and Ademola Ahmed (24), following an application for their remand by the prosecutor. They are to be remanded for the first 30 days, pending the advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, on the matter. The accused were charged on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, belonging to and managing a secret society and murder. Being a murder case, the pleas of the accused were not taken, as the magistrates’ court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute such matters. Earlier, the prosecutor, Mrs A. Matthew, said that the two suspects and others, now at large, on December 1, at Baju-

laiye Canal Area of Somolu, gunned down the deceased. She also told the court that the duo belonged and managed an unlawful society named ‘Eiye Fraternity’. Matthew said that the offences contravened Sections 41, 42, 221 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Meanwhile, Magistrate Layeni, has adjourned the case till January 25, 2016, pending the DPP’s advice.

L-R: Sapeyi of Garki, Dr. Adamu Nga’kupi; IGP Solomon Arase; DIG Mamman Tsafe and DIG Dan’azumi Doma, during the inauguration of Nigerian Police Cooperative Mall in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PDP’s reaction to 2016 budget uncharitable –APC chieftain EmmanuEl EzEh ENUGU

chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, yesterday said it was most uncharitable and indecent for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to condemn President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2016 budget proposal. In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu, Okechuwku said; “it is uncharitable and indecent to tag a pro-masses budget as a fraud.” It could be recalled that the PDP had through its national Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, described

the budget estimate as a fraud. Okechukwu, however, said he was at a loss, “how a budget that set out with N1.8 billion for capital expenditure targeted on critical infrastructure, can be classified by the PDP as ‘recklessness and deceit’.” He stated that; “Mr President clearly stated how to fund the capital expenditure through loan. With his global high rating, I have no doubt that he will raise the loan. “It is either PDP or their spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, didn’t peruse Mr President’s budget address before dishing out the tantrum. While one acknowledges criticism from the

opposition, the best tradition requires that criticism should be constructive. “One is of the considered view that the PDP has not come to terms the havoc unbridled corruption and squandermania under former President Goodluck Jonatlhan did to the development of our country. “PDP forgot that the billions it squandered via unbridled corruption and awful leakages made it impossible for the party to provide critical infrastructure in the last 16 years to Nigerians. “Transparency and accountability is the key to the implementation of Buhari’s budget of change.

History is a witness to what prudent administration can achieve with little.” On the issue of the possibility of excessive taxation, Okechukwu said, “I don’t have fears that Buhari will engage in excessive taxation. He is a man of the people. As one said earlier the bulk of the budget will be funded by plugging leakages in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “For instance, under Colonel Hammeed Ali (rtd), the Nigeria Customs Service will post more revenue and so is Federal Inland Revenue Service under Mr Fowler. This is the change we are talking about.”

You can’t be neutral when Nigeria is at war, minister tells media

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has solicited the support of the nation’s media for the war against terrorism, saying when Nigeria is at war, they cannot afford to be neutral. ‘’Gentlemen, in this time of war, you cannot afford to be neutral. Yes, you must remain professional at all times, and we are not asking you to do anything less, but you must also act in the national interest always,’’ the minister said during an interactive meeting with newspaper editors in Lagos on Wednesday. ‘’Acting in the national

interest means not playing up the reports of the cowardly Boko Haram attacks on soft targets. Acting in the national interest means not regurgitating the propaganda of Boko Haram and its fellow terrorist group, ISIS. “Acting in the national interest means, extolling the bravery and sacrifice of our gallant troops. Acting in the national interest, means, not viewing the war from a partisan prism. Acting in the national interest means rallying all Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic background, to support the war,’’ he said.

The minister told the editors that the military has largely met the December 31st 2015 deadline to defeat Boko, saying what he saw during his recent trip to the theatre of war in Borno State and the briefings he received from the military top brass convinced him of the successes recorded by the military. ‘’They (military) have so far degraded the capability of Boko Haram that the terrorist, can no longer carry out any spectacular attacks. Remember, gentlemen, that at the height of the war, Boko Haram controlled 20 of the 27 local governments in Borno State.

‘’I can hear you saying to yourself: But the terrorists are still carrying out suicide bombings and killing people. My response to that is that such is the nature of insurgency anywhere. Unlike a war between two armies, an insurgency never ends with an armistice. Even in countries like Colombia where insurgency was supposed to have ended decades ago, attacks still happen,’’ he said. Mohammed warned that as the deadline approaches, Boko Haram and ISIS have launched their propaganda seeking to discredit the Nigerian military to give the impression that they (terrorists) are

still holding sway. The minister said with the military having largely met the deadline, what is missing in the war against terrorism is the ‘civilian aspect’. In perspective, the minister said: ‘’The military has largely met the deadline and are now involved in mop-up and humanitarian operations, the attacks on soft targets will not end with the deadline, but it will taper off gradually, in line with the nature of insurgency worldwide. These attacks do not constitute victory for the insurgents, but represent the death pangs of a fading insurgency.

South West

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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LAGBUS to offer free bus rides on Christmas Day

agos State Government through LAGBUS and its franchises, said it would provide free bus rides to residents on Friday to commemorate this year’s Christmas celebration. This was contained in a press statement signed by LAGBUS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Yemi Adesoye, in Lagos yesterday. According to the statement, the move is aimed at promoting the use of public transportation, as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the fes-

tivities. The statement said the free bus rides would cut across parts of the metropolis, within the operational hours of 6am to 10pm. It said the free bus services would ensure that fewer vehicles were on the roads during the period, appealing to motorists not to drink and drive to prevent avoidable accidents, which usually occur during celebrations. While wishing residents a Merry Christmas, the LAGBUS management commended them for their unflinching patronage.

NACCIMA lists areas for economic diversification

igerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, has listed four areas for the Federal Government to focus on in its diversification agenda. The chamber advised that the diversification should aim at boosting capacities in the manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and the services sectors for sustainable development. Director-General of the Chamber, Mr Emmanuel Cobham, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos, yesterday. “Government should continue to encourage the productive capacities of large-scale industries as well as Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, to manufacture goods competitively. “A g r o - b u s i n e s s e s should be promoted, lo-

cal content strategy must be encouraged, while Information, Communication and Technology, ICT, should be developed to be the major driver of the economy,” he said.

Cobham said government should provide finance, risk-bearing facilities, market information and value-added advisory services to businesses. “They should also evolve economic policies to fast-track development in all the political zones of the country. “They must improve competitiveness of locally produced goods through maintenance of standards for enhanced job creation and economic growth,” he added. He assured that the outcome would deepen export-oriented investments in the country’s non-oil sector and improved revenue generation for the country.

Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Lagos, retired Col. Samuel Akande (left), Decorating Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, at the launch of Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem in Lagos, yesterday.

FG to address short term plans in aviation industry —Amaechi Olusegun KOiKi

inister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has disclosed plans by the Federal Government to address infrastructural challenges in the aviation industry. The minister said equipment like airfield lighting, conveyor belts, cooling systems at all the terminals, and completion of all ongoing projects formed the short term planning of the present government. Amaechi also restated that issue of safety and security at the airports across the country was non-negotiable. The minister stated these yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja,

when he toured facilities in company of Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and heads of other agencies in the sector. He also assured that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would explore all opportunities in the sector, including partnering with private investors to ensure massive growth in the system. He lamented the current 1.4 per cent Gross Domestic Product, GDP, contribution to the economy by the industry, stressing that countries like Singapore, South Korea, Ethiopia and others built their economies through their aviation industry. He insisted that Nigeria should not be an exception and that the current government would ensure that avia-

tion was used as a catalyst to develop the country. On safety and security, the minister urged the agencies, especially Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to beef up surveillance. He also emphasised that government would change the current security apparatus in the industry in order to further improve efficiency. He assured that the ongoing construction of new terminals in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Enugu and Port Harcourt by the government through the $500m Chinese loans would be completed by December 2016. He said: “Safety and security can’t be negotiated by this government. All instruments and facilities that require safety, we must look for funds to put them in right

shape. There would be no sacred cows to move the sector forward especially in the agencies. “I am impressed with what I saw at the Lagos Airport, but we still need to continue to improve on our infrastructure like conveyor belts and others. We need to change the two old conveyor belts at the terminal, which we intend to do within two months. “We also want to quickly finish the ongoing construction of the five new terminals. We have put a date of December 2016 for this. The completion of the new terminal in Lagos would increase the capacity to 30 million passengers annually. The current terminal can accommodate 15 million passengers annually.”

Ambode drums support for military against insurgency

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday advocated the need for acknowledgement of the gallant and bravery of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces both in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and keeping the country united. Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, while launching the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal, also emphasised the need for citizens to appreciate the

gallant fallen heroes through donations for the welfare and upkeep of the families they left behind, especially their widows and children. According to him, such acknowledgement was needed not just in the spirit of showing appreciation for what has been done in the past, but also to assure those that are still in active service that their efforts and sacrifices would not be in vain. The governor said the appreciation was imperative, particularly at this period that the nation was faced

with the challenges of terrorism and insurgency. He said: “As we speak, officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are on the battlefield. “They have continued to demonstrate bravery, courage and valour in order to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation. They do this on our behalf so that we may continue to live in peace and security. “As we flag off this remembrance week celebration with the emblem appeal

launch, I urge you all, especially our corporate organizations to donate generously to this noble cause in recognition of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.” Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji, in her welcome address, announced the activities lined up by the state government to mark the Remembrance Day Celebration. She said the programme of events would start on Friday, January 8, 2016 with a Jumat Service at the Alausa

Secretariat Mosque by 12: 30pm, while a church service would take place on Sunday, January 10, 2016 by 10am at the Chapel of Christ the Light, also in Alausa. She further revealed that the grand finale will take place on January 15, at the Remembrance Arcade in Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos by 9am. On his part, Chairman of Lagos State Branch of Nigerian Legion, Colonel Samuel Akanbi (Rtd) praised Governor Ambode for his efforts at rapidly transforming the

state, and noted with appreciation, the several number of roads so far rehabilitated by the government. He said the touch of Governor Ambode’s administration has been felt in every part of Lagos, adding that such was commendable. He, however, urged the state government to look into their plights and also consider engaging members of the Legion in the security plans of the state, a request which the governor said would be positively looked into.

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Lagos Business District and its transformation

ike any other things in life, change is the only thing that is constant in life, as the saying goes. The same can be said of the transformation of the Lagos Business District comprising of the Broad Street, Balogun, Marina, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ebote Ero, Bread Fruit, Idumota among others which have witnessed massive transformation in the past over 65 years of its existence. This was attested to by some of those who have seen it all, or witnessed part of its transformation. Speaking to a resident on how far the Lagos Business District has changed, Mrs. Folashade Carew, was full of fun as she reminiscence of what it was in the fifties and what it is now. Carew, who told BSD that she had all her education career and got married on the Lagos Island, was full of life at 60s when Broad Street Diary visited her in her home as she took our reporter down memory lane. She told Broad Street Diary that security on Lagos Island, especially on Cole Street where she was born and grew up and Oke Olowogbowo Street where she lived after her marriage was very tight in those days. ‘’Yes, when I and my age mates

road Street on Lagos Island used to be centre of attraction for business owners given its unique locations and nearness to the Apapa sea port. Hence, major commercial and corporate organisations, sited their headquarters or have their presence in the area. However, this attraction seems to be fading, owing to factors which Broad Street Diary, BSD, highlighted in this report. The intention of every building developer or owners of commercial structures is to have value for their money and returns on investment in form of rents or leasing of such properties. However, it becomes a bad business having committed so much capital to put up such structures, only for the structures to lie idle yielding nothing in terms of returns and worst still depreciating in value over times due to lack of occupants. Unfortunately, some of these abandoned structures are being taken over by hoodlums who use it to perpetuate nefarious and underhand dealings such as rape, kidnapping and smoking of hard drugs. However, such structures can be found on the Lagos Business District, such as Broad Street, Marina, Eko- Idumota to mention but a few. The question then is why are the buildings on the hitherto attractive locations no longer fascinating to business owners? Mr Afolabi Adedeji a property consultant in trying to dissect

Crowd welcoming the now late President Kwuame Nkrumah of Ghana during his visit to Lagos before Nigeria’s independence were growing up, we can easily sign out strange faces around and whenever there is incident of stealing or robbery, it was easier to bring out the culprits, she told BSD. Carew said the influx of people from different places and different cultures were responsible for turning the once peaceful atmosphere prevalent in Lagos Island

to what it is today, where people steal, commits atrocities and still get away with it; ‘’it was not like that in the past.’’ She added that education on the Lagos Island was in proper shape when she was growing up as people outside Lagos Island bring their children here. Some of the best schools around then according to her, was

Olowogbowo Primary School followed by Ansarudeen, St Joseph, Almaddiyah schools among others. ‘’Education at the time was very good on the Island. If you see anyone that grew up then, you can hear them speak good English, not like now that many of the indigenes who are young are not ready to go to school, she disclosed.

On the different market on the Island, Carew said; Oke -Arin was the most popular market as traders do business four times a week in the market. “Oke-Arin was the most popular market then, as a trader, I was able to send my children to private school and live comfortably.” But now, she said things have changed the prices for shop rent is on the high side and turnover from sales is very low. “That was why I left the shop I was using and now do my trading at home,’’ Carew said Recount with smiles on her face, she said that as a child she was able to play with her age mates at the different recreation centres around. “But it is sad that those recreation centres, have now turned to commercial areas and children growing up now on the Island don’t have such opportunity anymore. Carew called on the government especially the Lagos Island Local Government to do something by looking into the area of recreational facilities. Carew,said children needs recreation centres where they can play, have fun and develop their talents especially during festive period. –Saidat Alausa

Concern mounts over unoccupied buildings on Lagos Island this question stated that many factors were responsible for this. His words: “There are some factors responsible for these trends and one of such is the economic meltdown of the late 80s down to the present time. The economic downturn has whittled down people’s purchasing prowess, leading to their inability to afford the high cost of rent in these areas.” “Another important reason for this is the pattern of structures on the Island which do not conform to contemporary demands. Adedeji said developers in these areas years back, did not take cognisance of some amenities such as hospitals, schools, residential plans among others, which hitherto supposed to add value to such structures. He added that most of the structures do not have parking spaces and that as a result of growing population; some of the spaces meant for parking have been used up in the erection of structures such as shops and warehouses to generate incomes for their owners even though, such additional structures are not in the original master plan in such locations”. Adedeji, added that developers and business owners in Lagos State have found other areas more suitable to site their businesses other than Lagos Island. “There is a change in the taste

of business owners and developers in Lagos State for more affordable, spacious and serene environment to situate businesses. Such areas in the mainland like Ikeja, Gbagada, Ilupeju to mention but a few, have taken the shine off Lagos Island in terms of preference, as they are more well planned, serene and affordable for average business owners, hence, the influx of people into new areas. He also added that the relocation of the Federal capital from Lagos to Abuja is another major contributor, as most businesses and headquarters of major commercial and government organisations formerly situated on the Island have moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja. Key government ministries like the army headquarters, Federal Radio Corporation, National Hospitals, Federal Secretariat among others, formerly on the Island have been relocated to Abuja since the creation of the new federal capital Major construction companies also have their headquarters relocated to Abuja. All these contributed to the arrays of empty structures seen on Lagos Island.” Adedeji, however, gave some clues as to what could be done to reverse this trend. In his words: “Experts in building constructions such as Structural En-

gineers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors and the likes, should always be consulted before construction takes place. These consultants will give professional advice regarding structures befitting of such acres. They can also make a projection of what the environment will look like in future. ‘’With experts’ advice in building constructions on your side, you will understand the capacity of the land you are building on in order to put up the right structures in place. For examples, there are some new structures with helipad and underground car park facilities which would-be occupants are looking for, that are obviously lacking in some of the structures on the Island”. He however, posited that some of these structures on the Island could be redesigned to conform to contemporary demands. “If you visit a place like the Banana Island and it’s environs in Ikoyi, you will discover that there is a new way of thinking in the design of some of these old structures to meet up with modern tastes and demands. Nevertheless, there is no justification for having structures that are otherwise supposed to be yielding some level of income to the owners lying fallow. It is an economic aberration as such structures could still be

used for certain social and economic purposes if they are properly managed. He added that the old Federal Secretariat Ikoyi, is a typical example of this kind of abandoned structures. You can imagine the depreciation these buildings have suffered over the years due to neglect. This building could be converted to a residential building, schools or other purposes rather than allowing it to rot away,’’ he lamented.’’ Another important point to consider on the issue is the affordability of rents in these areas. The rents are not within the reach of an average Lagos residence, even if he wants to look the other way round. Adedeji, added that a situation where a small room apartment not up to a shop now goes for a year rent as high as N500, 000 is outrageous. He concluded that government should make frantic efforts not only to ensure that structural master plan and layouts are adhered to by builders in order to reflect the features of ideal structures and should also ensure that rents fees are controlled by regulatory government agencies in order to protect the interest of would- be occupants from Shylock property owners.

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Why we’re building new schools —Aregbesola Boladale BamigBola OSOGBO

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has explained why his administration embarked on building state-of-the-art schools in the state. The governor said apart from providing structures to impart knowledge and build strong characters in Osun State children, the structures remain priceless legacies his administration was determined to leave behind. The governor, while commissioning the completed N130 million Olufi Government Middle School in Gbongan, stated that his government sees schools as investment that would impact on the future of the state and society. He disclosed that his belief in building a better society was guiding the state’s policies and aspirations on education, noting that the present administration in the state has revolutionalised education. He held that the new Olufi Government Middle School has risen from ashes into a 1,450-capacity school with 29 classrooms that could accommodate 50 pu-

South West

Thursday, December 24, 2015

pils each. ‎According to the governor, his administration, in arriving at the school concept, considered international best practices, hence the construction of public schools of world standard in different communities of the state. Aregbesola also stated that government is aware that a beautiful, wellequipped and attractive learning environment would bring out the best in teachers and learners. He added that an evidence of the belief is that badly behaved pupils from the run-down schools have changed and are now wellbehaved after being transferred to the new model schools. Commenting earlier, the deputy governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, who also doubles as the Commissioner for Education had said the new school building is for all pupils in Osun State regardless of their birth place. She held that the state government would not stop work until it has achieved its goal of having public schools where students would be at par with students of other world-class schools.

IBEDC promises efficient power supply at yuletide Boladale BamigBola OSOGBO

anagement of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, yesterday reassured customers of its commitment to ensure efficient power supply during the Christmas holidays and thereafter. The company whose franchise area cuts across Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Kwara states and parts of Ekiti, Kogi and Niger states, also pledged to remain open for business throughout the holiday for payments, complaints and enquiries. Deputy Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. John Ayodele, who gave the as-

surance in a Christmas and New Year message, educated customers on basic safety precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive period. Ayodele said, “The festive season comes with lots activities that are prone to hazards or mishaps. To avoid accidents involving electricity, we urge our customers to switch off all electrical appliances, unplug them from the mains when not in use and when leaving home. “Outdoor and open air cooking should not be done close to or under any power (low and high tension) line; and always ensure fire is completely put out after cooking.

“Avoid overloading of electrical sockets; indiscriminate changing of electrical cutouts once there is power outage, as this leads to loose contacts and ultimately can lead to fire outbreak. “Do not transact any business or perform any form of activity under power lines. Respect the right of way for all power (low and high tension) lines. Do not leave young children and wards without adequate adult supervision around electrical appliances during this festive season and always. “Do not drive vehicles or operate any machinery under the influence of alcohol this season and always. Do not place inflammable materials such as cooking gas

cylinders, kerosene, petrol and diesel etc. inside your homes; find an appropriate location outside your apartment to keep such items to avoid fire accident especially during this harmattan season.” He equally advised people to drink responsibly in order to avert accidents such as pole hitting and transformer damages which are generally costly to replace. The company also sought the cooperation of customers in protecting equipments and installations from vandals and energy thieves, calling for generous support of its customers in the area of bill payments and whistle blowing on other related acts.

Fuel tankers catch fire in Ondo ojo oyewamide AKURE

o fewer than 10 persons escaped death yesterday in Akure, Ondo State capital, when two petroleum tankers caught fire at a filling station. The incident, which occurred at Akure/Ondo road, started around 1:30pm while the drivers were dropping fuel in the dump, taking workers unawares. Drivers of the two trucks and their assistants as well as workers at the filing station were among those who escaped the inferno. One of the workers confirmed that the tankers burst into flame while fuel was being discharged into the fuel dump. He said he did not know what caused the fire, adding that they had to run away from the filling station when the flame became uncontrollable. Men of the 323 Artillery Brigade cordoned off the area to prevent breakdown

of law and order while fire service personnel tried to put off the fire at the time our correspondent visited the scene. Fire service personnel were trying to put off the fire while sympathisers helped them fetch water in the neighbourhood as at the time of filing the report.

ojo oyewamide AKURE

acked workers of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest over their dismissal by the Federal Government. The protesters are among over 2,000 workers recently disengaged from staff schools run by 30 universities owned by the Federal Government. They carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Buhari, this is not the change we voted for”, “Save our jobs”, “Daramola, don’t privatise FUTA Staff

L-R: Chairman of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Professor Oluwole Atoyebi; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Aragberi of Iragberi, Oba Folorunso Agboade Makanju, and others, during the inauguration of a nine-man Governing Board of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, yesterday.

Ex-FUTA workers protest sack Primary School”, “Teachers are not second-class citizens” and “Stop maltreating us in FUTA Staff Primary School”. SSANU Chairman, FUTA branch, Benedict Chukwudi, said about 45 members of the union received dismissal letters. He faulted the Federal Government for going ahead with the sack of the university workers despite the fact that a case challenging the action was still pending in court. Chukwudi berated management of FUTA, saying it was the only institution

among those affected that has issued sack letters to its workers, adding that the management had also gone ahead to advertise the vacant positions in national dailies. He said, “The plan to disengage some SSANU members in 30 federal universities started during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, but the government failed to achieve its aim before it expired. “This same circular was also issued again on October 9 this year by the deputy director of the Ministry of

Education, Mr. E.O. Fayemi, directing government to stop salaries of the affected staff. “Despite the fact that the matter is in court, the present government has decided to go ahead with the sack. The sacked workers are staff of FUTA because the primary school where they work is just an organ that cannot employ workers. “However, the national body of SSANU has given only today to the government to reverse the circular or we embark on a national strike tomorrow (today). I don’t know why the government has decided to bounce

on the university staff school workers because the navy, police and other staff schools are still being paid by the government.”

Daramola, VC FUTA, Akure

South East

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Ugwuanyi presents N85bn budget for 2016 EmmAnuEl EzEh ENUGU

nugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday presented the state’s 2016 budget of N85,179,449,000 to the House of Assembly. The governor, who was accompanied to the House by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia

Ezeilo, as well as other top government functionaries, said the 2016 appropriation “is lower than the 2015 budget of N96,735,300,000 by N11,555,851,000, which represents a decrease of 12 per cent.” He stated that the decrease was necessitated by the realities of the times with respect to revenue in-

Umahi flags off N1.2bn water project, rural electrification AliunA Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor David Umahi yesterday flagged off the construction of Ivo Water Project estimated at over N1.2bn. Umahi, who made this known at the ceremony in Amagu Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, said the project, which was conceived when he was a deputy governor, is Federal Government-assisted. He commended Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for his contributions towards the realisation of the project in the area. “We requested for assistance from the Federal Government for this Ivo water project. It was supposed to be for Ishiagu alone, but we decided to expand it to reach Akaeze community and also our model rice mill in Oso Edda.” The governor said 70 per cent of the money needed to complete the project is ready, stressing that the counterpart funding from the Federal Government is also available with the state government. Umahi, who used the occasion to thank the people of Ivo Local Government Area for their support during the last governorship election, assured them of the provision of roads and electricity. Earlier in his address on the occasion, Commissioner for Water Resources, Chief Francis Orji, stated that the project, which has a 12-month completion period, was awarded to Chap Construction Limited at a cost of N1,203,824,347.44. Orji thanked Governor Umahi for his huge investments in the water sector and assured of the commitment of his ministry “to ensure that the project is start-

ed, executed and completed in a professional manner.” In another development, Governor Umahi commissioned the Uburu rural electrification and Uburu street light projects. Performing the ceremony at Umunaga Agu-Ugwu and the Old Market Square, Amata Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Umahi said: “When we came on board, we sat down to say look it is better to start our rural electrification community by community. If we come to one community, we finish everything about rural electrification of that community.” He told Uburu people to hold the Commissioner for Power, Chief Emmanuel Uguru, responsible if there is any part of Uburu without electricity. He equally announced with regrets, attempts by some people to vandalise electricity cables, and directed that the suspects be prosecuted.

Chris njoku OWERRI

igeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone C, Owerri, yesterday intercepted a Mercedes truck loaded with 1,300 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, concealed in polymers vinyl chloride, PVC, sheets and ceramic bath tubs with duty paid value, DPV, of N12,400,000 on Benin-Ore Expressway. Customs Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Dimka Victor David, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the seized goods. He revealed that 31 seizures, which included 21 vehicles, have been recorded this month with a DPV of N118,190,217,

flow from federal allocation. The governor disclosed that it was tagged ‘Budget of Stability and Consolidation,’ “because it is intended to help us find our way through the current economic difficulties the nation is passing through while ensuring the seamless continuity and consolidation of the progressive policies and programmes of government that we promised our people.” Details of the budget showed that N43,735,931,000, representing 51 per cent, is

for recurrent expenditure as against N41,795,319,789 budgeted in 2015. Capital expenditure received N41,443,518,000 which represents 49 per cent, as against the N54,939,980,211 budgeted for the 2015 fiscal year. He disclosed that government expects a recurrent revenue of N63,097,415,000 as against the N85,338,129,700 forecast of 2015. According to him, government intends to realise this amount through ag-

gressive internally-generated revenue drive which is estimated to yield N18, 882,415,000, representing 29.93 per cent of total recurrent revenue and a projected share from federal revenue estimated at N44,215,000,000 which accounts for 70.07 per cent of the total projected recurrent revenue. Works and infrastructure received the largest chunk of the budget - N20.442 billion - representing 49.3 per cent of the entire capital budget as against the N21.625 billion allocated to

the ministry in the 2015 budget, while the agriculture sub-sector received an allocation of N1.317 billion. The education sector received N 4.089 billion. In his remark, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edwin Ubosi, who received the budget, assured the governor of its speedy passage. He said: “We want to assure the governor that this bill before us will not take long before it is passed; before the second week of February, it will be passed.”

Leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB),Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Customs impounds N12.4m worth of poultry products

with 23 arrests made and 22 cases pending in different courts in the zone. Dimka, who decried the incalculable harm inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of unabated smuggling of prohibited products into the country, warned those still engrossed in the act to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame when arrested. “We will continue to make this zone very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this,” he warned.

According to him, one suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of the imported frozen poultry products, adding that the suspect is now undergoing interrogation before prosecution in the court. He stressed that the NCS is trying to ensure that it does not give any chance to smugglers. The destruction of the seized poultry products was carried out immediately in the premises of the Customs House in Benin, which was witnessed by the Nigeria police, Nigeria Security and Civil

Defense Corp, Department of State Security, NAFDAC and the press. Dimka expressed delight at the desirable and cordial synergy between the NCS and other sister agencies like the Nigeria police, State Security Service, SSS, Nigerian Army, National Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in the fight against smuggling, and expressed optimism that it grows from strength to strength. The area controller affirmed that the determination of NCS

to reposition itself for greater challenges is unstoppable, adding that the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has repeatedly warned smugglers operating in the country to change business or face the wrath of the law. Dimka made it clear that all suspects arrested in connection with smuggling activities but are on bail, are still not free until the determination of their cases in court; and that those found to have contravened the law would be jailed.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Politics

Army, Shiite clash: Matters arising The Saturday, December 12 bloody clash between the Army and Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as the Shiite Group in Zaria, Kaduna State has generated a lot of controversy with accusations and counter accusations from both sides. Even with the intervention of the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the issue is yet to be resolved. ROTIMI FADEYI, GEORGE OPARA, UBONG UKPONG AND DOOSUUR IWAMBE examine the issues involved in the clash and implication to national security.

he recent clash between the Army and members of the Shiite group in Zaria, Kaduna State no doubt stirred serious issues bordering on national security considering the present insurgency of the Boko Haram Sect that the Federal Government is still battling to bring to an end. The confrontation of the Shiite group with the army was rather an unfortunate incident that cannot be wished away as mere skirmishes because of the security implication of such incident. Although there may be no established relationship between the members of the Boko Haram and the Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub El-Zakzaky Shiite Islamic sect, both groups share certain identities. The two Islamic groups campaign for full scale Sharia implementation across the country and appear not to endorse any government in power. At the inception of the Boko Haram sect, the group seems not to have any foreign affiliation but for the Shiite group, it has a potent Iranian support. Though the Boko Haram sect disliked western education and the Shiite has had cause to destroy their academic qualifications in the past, but somehow the Shitte group backpedaled because they boasted that many of their members are prominent people in the military, police and other paramilitary services. Like Boko Haram, members of the Shiite group are well drilled in guerrilla warfare, bomb manufacturing and combat which allow adherents to move around with comfort woman, otherwise called provisional marriage. Shiite group has, nevertheless, had before now violent confrontations with security operatives. They had for instance, early this year forced the then governor of Kaduna state, Ramalan Yero and his entourage in a convoy who was enroute to Gyallesu for condolence in Tudun Wada, Zaria, an area believed to be under the control of the Shiite to make a detour The group had forced Yero to disembark from his comfort vehicle to trek a long distance to his destination. The Shiite group also had a clash with the soldiers last year. There are, however, uneasy calm that the Shiite clash with the army may degenerate into radicalizing the sectarian group and consequently breed another arm of the Boko Haram. This is because the Boko Haram sect were not into tragic activities until Mohammed Yusuf who was their was killed among other members during and after its encounter with the Police in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state in

Buratai

El-Rufai

With the recent bloody clash betWeen the army and the

shiite group,

the government need to thoroughly investigate the matter With a vieW to resolving all the issues surrounding the tragic incident that claimed

shiite members so that it doesn’t become another boko haram insurgency lives of some of the

June 2009. With the recent bloody clash between the army and the Shiite group, the government need to thoroughly investigate the matter with a view to resolving all the issues surrounding the tragic incident that claimed lives of some of the Shiite members so that it doesn’t become another Boko Haram insurgency.

The cause of Army/ Shitte clash On Saturday December 12, the Nigerian Army issued a statement on the attempt by Shitte Islamic Sect to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai in Zaria, Kaduna state on that fateful afternoon. The Army said through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, that hundreds of the Sect members took over and barricaded the Zaria road and opened fire on the convoy of Buratai as well as advanced towards him with dangerous weapons at the instance of

their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky. Usman said that Buratai was on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and to attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, when he encountered the unfortunate scene. “The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. “They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. “The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized”, Usman said. Usman stated that it took the troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff to save him from that untimely death. “On hearing explosion and firing they were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens. “This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct. “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself. “We wish to implore all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage. “The Chief of Army Staff escaped unhurt and continued with his duties”, he stated. Given the foregoings, it is clear that the Army may not have undermined the Shitte group in the first place, or went out in search of them to engage them in military confrontation, as there may have been nothing that orchestrated such confrontation. However, one believes that the blocking of public roads by the Islamists group to prevent innocent citizens and military convoy from enjoying access gave rise to this confrontation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 From the army’s position, Shitte group was aware of the army’s function and announcements but decided to dare the military by sustaining its incessant blockade of that road. The two parties have continued to disagree over the events that provoked the clashes on Saturday, which also led to the dead of many members of the sect. While the Army continues to insist that the Shiites attempted to kill Chief of Army Staff, the Shiites have denied the claim, saying that soldiers killed sect members with impunity. The Shiites’ media contact, Ibrahim Usman, had dismissed the Army’s claims, asserting that soldiers carried out an unprovoked and deadly attack on sect members. “At noon [Saturday], armed soldiers were seen in the precincts of Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, Zaria, where members of the Islamic Movement were to carry out the hoisting of flag to usher in the new month of Maulud, the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam. [A] similar occasion was previously carried out on the same spot with free traffic flow under the supervision of the Movement’s traffic warders,” said the sect’s spokesman. He said when some male sect members met the soldiers to ascertain their mission, the troops “took position and opened fire indiscriminately [and] killed many.” “Based on the foregoing, we believe that the military had pre-planned this and had acted according to their mischievous script. They came with their cameramen, videotaping the whole incidence while it lasted,” said the sect. He stated, “Why was it that there were no casualty on the side of the military, if it were to be an assassination attempt by Kuka Sheka? What happened was never a clash, but a continuation of act[s] of terrorism by the Nigerian military on the Movement, as was the case in the past. “We are not surprised by this action, as there were reports spread by the same military the night before that the Shi’ites were to avenge their dead by hired thugs on Friday in Gabari, a village in Zaria. “The same military also spread rumor[s] that the Shi’ites had killed soldiers, all in [an] attempt to justify [yesterday’s] dastardly act.” Shitte’s spokesman stated that sect members could not have planned an attack against soldiers when the “2014 massacre of 34 members of the Islamic Movement, including three of Sheikh Zakzaky’s children by the military, the attempt on Sheikh Zakzaky’s convoy by the same military are still on our minds. He warned that no government could flourish with a trigger-happy military and security operatives “trained by CIA and Mossad.” He urged the Muhammadu Buhari administration to identify and punish the perpetrators of the attack, or risk the perception that “the government is condoning violence and terrorism on innocent citizens. When leaders of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs met with the COAS on Thursday December 17, over the incidence, Buratai told them that the problem could have been avoided if the Shiite leadership and members had heeded earlier warning to allow free movements.

Accusations and counter accusations by Army, Shiite Group The Army while explaining why they opened fire on the Shiite members said the Shiite members on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim El- Zakzaky attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff. In a statement issued by Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, the Army said that the attack took place while Buratai was on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria. “The sect, numbering hundreds, carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. “The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized. “The troops responsible for the safety and security of

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Army, Shiite clash: Husainiyyah base to change the flag on the dome of the building to herald the beginning of the month of Rabiul / Auwal- the birth month of Prophet Muhammad when the incident happened. “Any excuse given by the military as reason for besieging Hussainiyyah and firing for hours, leading to the death of yet to be specified number of people, is considered a lie of the decade,” the movement added. The Shiite group also raised allegations that the Army buried bodies of hundreds of victims of the clash who are mostly members of the group while its leader Zakzaky suffered four bullet wounds after a raid was carried out on his residence.. Shiite spokesman, Ibrahim Musa accused soldiers of taking the bodies from the mortuary of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and buried them in mass graves

Petition by the Army to National Human Rights Commission

El-Zakzaky

the Chief of Army Staff on hearing explosion and firing were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens. This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.” Usman made it clear that such kind of behaviour would not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself. But while denying the claim of the Army, a statement signed by Isak K and posted on the website of the movement, the Shiite group said that the claim that Buratai “narrowly escaped assassination as a result of attack from Muslim brothers and Sisters of the Islamic Movement was not true. The statement claimed that members of the movement were unarmed and had gathered for a ceremony at their

The Nigerian Army on December 14, 2015 wrote a letter to the National Human Rights Commissions, NHRC against the Shiite group complaining the attack on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, In a letter titled, ‘Letter of complaint against the Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff ’, and with reference number NA/COAS/G1/52 and signed by Col. F.U Mijinyawa on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, the army said that it killed seven members of Shiite sect in Zaria, Kaduna State and wounded 10 other members of the group while repelling an attack by the group against the convoy of the Army Chief. The army said the shooting by the soldiers accompanying Buratai’s convoy was” in line with Rules of Engagement” and aimed at saving the life of the COAS from the “heavily armed” members of the Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zazaky-led Shiite sect. The petition alleged that over 500 members of the sect rushed out to barricade the road while the COAS was on his way from Dutse where he had paid homage to Emir of Zazzau before proceeding to attend the Passing Our Parade of the 73 Regular Recruit Intake. The occurrence report with reference number HQ NACMP/G1/300167 detailed how the Shiite group “heavily barricaded” the road, allegedly preventing the convoy of

No group has the right to disrupt social A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ahamba in this interview with DOOSUUR IWAMBE said in as much as the law permits the existence of group, no group has the authority to disrupt social order. Excerpts: What is your position on the existence of groups/associations in the country? Any group can be in existence so long as the intention of the activities is not criminal and no group has the authority to disrupt social order whether lawful or unlawful group; no group is allowed to disrupt social order. If that happens, the agencies involved have every right to stand up against it. What is your view on the clash between the Army and members of the Shiite group? If it is true that a group of some individuals no matter what they call themselves stood in the way of our military with the Chief of Army Staff present and refused its convoy movement, I would have been ashamed of them if they didn’t get across, that is my position. Are you saying that the Army acted rightly by attacking the Shiite members? I said that if the allegation is correct, it is good that they created a passage for the Chief of Army Staff because no group of people can stand up

against Nigeria and possibly stop its movement; such act is an insult to the whole nation, so for me they have the right to take any step to have their right of way. What is your reaction to the call by the Amnesty International for probe into the matter? I have said this before, the Amnesty International, their matters concerning Nigeria are not fair at all. They always make their statement without finding out facts and they condemned one side only at all times. I don’t know which country the person speaking comes from but I want to tell you that no army in the world will tolerate the obstruction of its lawful movement within the territory of that nation. And anybody doing it is participating in the act of “ bravado” and that is very dangerous. So Amnesty International should not see themselves as people who are there to indict anything without finding out the facts, they are not being fair to Nigeria in every ramifications. They even condemned Nigerian Army against Boko Haram without condemning Boko Haram.

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Matters arising

the COAS to pass through for a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau. The report stated that members of the sect were “heavily armed with dangerous weapons, ranging from long swords, knives, daggers, sticks, iron rods to catapult” around the Polo/Golf Court on Sokoto Road where they mounted the barricade in Zaria. It added that the group defied the soldiers’ warning shots and had allegedly started hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops while also planning to launch a “petrol bomb” attack against the COAS’ convoy. The report stated, “However, troops were wary of the group being armed with guns. Some members of the COAS entourage disembarked to approach the armed group to talk with them to remove the barricade to allow free passage. “All entreaties fell on deaf ears as they insisted that they had to contact their leader, El-Zakzaky before the COAS would be allowed passage. “However, as this was going on, unknown, to the convoy, some of the members of the group had positioned themselves at strategic locations around the vicinity. A few of the group members had started crawling in the overgrown grasses by the roadside towards the COAS vehicle with the intent to attack the vehicle with petrol bomb. “Subsequently, they suddenly resorted to firing gunshots from the direction of the mosque and hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops. Despite the troops firing warning shots, the El-Zakzaky’s group continued attempting to forge towards the troops. “The troops immediately responded in line with Rules of Engagement as the life of the VIP COAS was seriously threatened. “Troops had to shoot their way through up to the Zaria Post Office area by PZ to provide a safe corridor for the COAS and the convoy to pass through before the arrival of the reinforcement from Depot NA. “The COAS then proceeded to the Emir’s palace for the courtesy visit before moving to Depot NA to review the 73 RRI Passing Out Parade. “Sequel to the above, about seven of the members of the group were shot dead and the COAS directed that the 10 wounded be evacuated to the Depot NA Medical Centre for treatment while all exhibit items such as swords, knives,

order –Ahamba

He said BuHari Had refused to speak on tHe matter, despite tHe fact tHat more

1,000 of its memBers were killed in Zaria, wHile over 300 were wounded and tHan

several otHers detained cell phones are recovered from the scene.” The report stated that the exhibit items were handed over to the Nigeria Police. “Furthermore, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police Provost Admin Coy was directed to investigate along with the Nigeria Police,” the occurrence report stated. It added that a detailed report would be forwarded to the commission when the investigation was concluded. The Executive Secretary of the commission Prof. Bem Angwe while responding to the petition assured the Army that the NHRC would conduct detailed independent investigation into the incident.

Shiite leader accuses Buhari of keeping silent on the clash Following the deadly clash and with no reaction from the Presidency, Acting national leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, Sheik Yakubu Yahaya accused President Muhammadu Buhari of being silent over the killing of several of its members. Yahaya, who spoke in Katsina State also called for the immediate release of the movement’s head, Sheik Ibrahim El Zakzaky, along with the bodies of its members killed and those detained by the military. He said Buhari had refused to speak on the matter, despite the fact that more than 1,000 of its members were killed in Zaria, while over 300 were wounded and several others detained. According to him, the silence of the President was tacit approval of the military action and wondered why such should be so, being that members of the group were carrying out a religious activity and were not disturbing the peace. Yahaya said the action taken by the military on members of the group in Zaria was a deliberate attempt to destroy the movement and its members. He wondered why the military should “open fire on our members just because there was an alleged blockage of a major road”, adding, “there was no time we blocked that road during our religious activities. The Shiite leader also dismissed claim by military authorities that members of the group had attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. He alleged plans by the military to attack members of the movement in some parts of the country, adding that there were reports of military surveillance on their members as well as shooting of a procession by its members in Kaduna State.

Northern Governors warn against creating another Boko Haram

Ahamba

Politics

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Worried about the clash, the 19 Northern Governors met in Kaduna last week to review the situation and at the end of the meeting warned that the crisis was not in best interest of the nation. The governors who met under the aegis of the Northern States’ Governors Forum called on the federal government to exercise caution in its handling of the crisis that the clash had generated They warned that a repeat of such situation must not be allowed to happen while recalling that a similar incidence gave rise to the Boko Haram insurgency.

Chairman of the Forum and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima who disclosed the position of the Forum said that, “we don’t want the same mistake that happened over the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself.” The issue has to do with an Islamic group that has membership across the 19 States in the North and beyond. We want to look on how to ensure that the incident does not provide room for anyone or group to perpetuate violence in any of the 19 northern states. “We already have the serious problems of Boko Haram to contend with. We are not in any way comparing the Islamic Movement with Boko Haram, no. But we don’t want the same mistake that happened over the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself. “When Boko Haram went wild in July 2009 with clashes between them and the police in Bauchi on 25th and 26th in Maiduguri, most Nigerians saw the issues as the problems of Bauchi and Borno. When they continued to attack Borno and Yobe, it became the affairs of Borno and Yobe States. All of a sudden, there was suicide attack in Abuja in 2012 and then everything went out of control and we are where we are today. “So, like I said, we do not make any comparison between the murderously violent Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic Movement but we are here to analyze and ensure that we take measures that will close any avenue which some people may want to seize to create violence in the immediate or long run.”

Implications on national security The military had identified that the Shittes have over the years made themselves very powerful and their actions have often offended the law. It has acknowledged the fact that the Sect has trained security people fully armed with dangerous weapons of mass destruction. This has already positioned the Sect as a militant group, as it has the capacity to engage security operatives in a combat, as well as hold unarmed innocent public to ransom. The fact also that the Shittes could assert authority over other citizens by forcing them to surrender their freedom and rights under the law, to free movement, associate, hold and discharge information, live and do businesses wherever they choose to, has given them an edge over other citizens, serving as a threat to their lives and survival. If all these or things similar to these happen, it is therefore a clear threat to national security and the security agencies and the armed forces are capable of defending the defenceless citizens in such situation. The protection of their lives, property and guarantee of peaceful co-existence therefore could not certainly be negotiated. What the Shittes are seen to have been doing over the years, appears like using the toga of religion to occupy certain aspects of the country without getting security clearance and afterwards, seek negotiation with security agencies. When a group has been allowed to become as powerful as this, that security agencies must negotiate with it in carrying out lawful functions, then our collective security is endangered. Often, this is so because the security agents themselves compromise, playing to the gallery because they either belong to the religion or the Sects, so national interests come last. Where the commanders or operatives are not loyalists of that religion or Sects, they are afraid to take action because of the consequences it would bring upon them by their superiors, who are loyalists. The Shittes have continued in this their practice of holding the public ransom blocking public roads indiscriminately with impunity according to army’s position, and no one has stooped them. For General Buratai and President Muhammadu Buhari, who are also Muslim faithful, these acts cannot continue, in this era of change and that is why the Shittes and like groups must be addressed head on as it is being done now.

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Job creation remains FG’s top priority –Ipaye Ayo EsAn

he Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Rahman Ade Ipaye, has said job creation remains a top priority of the Buhari Administration. This according to him has informed the setting up of a job creation coordinating hub within the Office of the Vice President. The Job Creation Hub, JCHub according to him, is to synergize the efforts of Government to facilitate the creation of sustainable jobs for the millions of unemployed Nigerians as a demonstration of the Gov-

...as presidency engages industry ernment’s commitment to solving this problem. Ipaye said this penultimate Wednesday at a high-level meeting between public and private stakeholders on the development of a “Strategic Framework for Job Creation and Youth Employment in Nigeria.” He also emphasized the importance of industry to partner with Government to outline a realistic Job Creation Implementation Plan that can take deal concisely with the urgency of the unemployment situation. The roundtable which was hosted at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso

Villa, Abuja, was to validate and gather input from both the public and private sector participants on the job creation strategic framework that is currently been finalized by the Job Creation Unit of the Presidency working with global development experts – the Dalberg Global Development Advisors in collaboration with the UK Department for International Development (Dfid) and Ford Foundation. It was also to map out ways the public, private and social sectors can play a key role in working together to drive job creation

in Nigeria. In attendance at the meeting from the public sector were the Directors General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, the National Directorate of Employment, NDE and the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. The State Governments of Kaduna and Lagos were in attendance so also were representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Ministry of Labour and Employment and the

Ministry of Communication Technology, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, National Youth Service Corp, NYSC amongst others. National President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Etisalat Nigeria, Union Bank, Andela, Jobberman.Com, Nestle PLC, Stanbic IBTC, Shell Nigeria and, RLG were some of those who represented the private sector at the forum. Other Development Partners present included the Swiss Embassy, the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Speaking after the event, the Special Assistant, Innovation & Entrepreneurship to the Vice President, Ife Adebayo, said the programme was a huge success. He said the JCU is committed to synergising the efforts of all stakeholders in the job creation space as part of efforts to fulfil promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce unemployment. He said the job creation framework would not be another planning document but an implementation road map to get Nigerians into work.

Govt tasked on improved transport system RobERt AwokusE

agos State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola has charged government at all levels to accord more attention to transportation by improving the sector. The commissioner made the statement at the Transport Professionals’ Dinner and Award Night of the CILT held in Lagos. Mobereola said logistics and transport are catalyst for development and have been the drivers for improved Logistics Performance Index, LPI, adding that they are factors with which the efficiency of a nation’s international trade is measured. He said Lagos Ministry of Transport is looking at stepping up the service delivery level at all roads, waterways, narrow and standard railways in addition to other options like cable car mode. In his address, Chairman Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, CILT, Chief Adebayo Sa-

rumi reiterated that operations relating to logistics and transport are fundamental to economic development of any state and country hence the need to focus on it. Sarumi stressed that the world must pay serious attention to logistics and transport as livelihood of people largely depends on it following its contributions to their welfare and well-being to which the transport system served. According to him “one way to stimulate growth in our economy, which will translate into increased welfare, would be to simply improve on our logistics and transport systems. These are known to have facilitated the growth and spread of globalization and can therefore be right to have the same advantages with globalization.” He however maintained that the institute is poised to monitor operators, license professional rating and ascribe competence level, and ensure good service delivery at affordable costs to citizenry.

L-R: Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Speaker Enugu State House Of Assembly, Mr Edward Ubosi and the Deputy Speaker, Mr Donatus Uzoagbado, after the presentation of Enugu State 2016 Budget in Enugu, yesterday.

Wada files petition at Tribunal wAlE IbRAhIm LOKOJA

ogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada has filed a petition challenging the return of Alhaji Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress, APC as winner of the November 21, and December 5, state

governorship election. The Secretary of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Mr Akanji Akinlabi who told newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, stated that the petition was filed at about 7:15 pm on Tuesday. He explained that the petition signed by Chief Chris Uche (SAN)

leading two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria among other lawyers, had the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the APC as respondents. Akinlabi pointed out that it was not in his place to disclose the grounds of the petition and reliefs be-

ing sought by the petitioners the public. Captain Wada was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 21, governorship election declared inconclusive by INEC and later concluded on December 5, after a supplementary election in 91 polling units across the state.

Inconclusive elections, reflection of polls’ competitiveness –Yakubu obIoRA Ifoh ABUJA

hairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said the spate of inconclusive elections so far under his tenure is a reflection of the competitiveness of the

polls stressing that elections are getting better. He also added that the use of card readers and smart cards for elections have come to stay in spite of the regrettable glitches experienced during its use. He further stressed that the process of declaration of winners of election as contained in the party’s

guidelines will never be compromised. The Kogi and Bayelsa State governorship elections conducted by Yakubu were declared inconclusive at the first ballot. Yakubu stated this while making his opening remark at the 11th public lecture of The Electoral Institute, TEI titled “between

refuge and rights: internally displaced persons (IDPs) and inclusive electoral process in Nigeria”. The INEC chairman while speaking on the inconclusiveness of the last two elections on first ballot said “the truth is that our elections are getting better, they are also becoming competitive. By

the same token, Citizens are now more confident that the votes really count. INEC will continue to ensure that the credibility of our elections remain sacrosanct. Acts of thuggery, ballot box snatching, willful violation of guidelines and deliberate acts void the card reader will always attract sanctions.”

Yakubu, underscored that in one of the states were governorship election was recently conducted, precisely in 2012, the margin between the winner and the runner up was 417,000 votes. “But today, the margin is 33,000 votes, which indicates that the election is getting better, more competitive.”

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

The lessons of Christmas for Nigerians CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

omorrow is Christmas Day, a day that unites the whole world in celebration. December 25 of every year is conventionally set apart by Christians to commemorate the Nativity, that is, the birth of Jesus Christ, the acknowledged Messiah of the world in Christian theology. Even though Bible scholars and theologians disagree on the actual day Christ was born and neither was there a consensus on whether the date could be precisely put at about 2015 years ago, this does not detract from the significance of the wondrous birth. Christ’s sojourn in this earthly realm remains epochal, being the widely acknowledged single most important event in ManGod relationship. An event as this justifiably calls for reflective commemoration. The story of Nativity is the best story ever told; it signifies the full manifestation of God’s infinite mercy and unconditional love for mortal man. Shortly after the humanity fell in the Garden of Eden, man came under the ineluctable fate of eternal damnation.

But with the birth of Jesus Christ, God manifested his sublime love by commissioning a divine mission that would ultimately redeem mankind from this ordained peril. Christ’s life, from Annunciation to Resurrection, constitutes a divine plot for the vicarious atonement that ultimately fetches man salvation through the divine grace. But today, the lessons of the essence of Christ’s sojourn, which he himself amplified through his teachings, seem to have been thrown overboard in many churches as people are firmly ensconced in worldliness and materialism. Yet the King of kings lived exemplary life, making every single second count purposefully towards the accomplishment of his earthly mission. He was a paragon of spiritual excellence. There was a remarkable synch in the teachings of Jesus and his lifestyle. His message was rendered in simple language accessible to all intended hearers and even when he spoke in parables to convey graphic imageries and metaphors, he would often render their full meaning so that no one was lost The central themes of his homiletics, rendered with compelling exegetical precision, were often the virtues of love, forbearance, humility, goodness and godliness. Conversely many preachers today lack these basic virtues, some of them would make even the peacock green with envy with their imperious utterances gushing out from fountains of pride they call their minds. The top members of the political class in Nigeria are fond of spraying out goodwill messages on occasions such as Christmas

THE STORY OF NATIVITY IS THE BEST STORY EVER TOLD

and New Year Day, but it is trite that if a sizeable number of these political actors would allow the fear of God and the love of Christ to guide them, much of the anti-people policies would not be conceived let alone being implemented; the culture of massive looting of public treasury would not be entrenched and these leaders would not be too engrossed in political chicanery to the neglect of the masses, who are denied just the basic thing of life. How good would it be if we all strive to allow the essence of Christ’s mission to percolate our spirits and reflect in our lives! This would foster greater mutual understanding, harmonious coexistence, peace and progress, which are vital missing ethics among us. Furthermore, as sublime as the significance of the birth of Christ is, the commemoration of this historical event every December 25 has been so intertwined into human culture that its real essence has been overshadowed by unbridled worldliness. Many people engage in foolish, vainglorious etc activities that have nothing to do with the pristine spirit of Christmas. Yet, they claim to be remembering (and honouring!) the greatest teacher

of mankind through such reprehensible behaviours. The number of people that uses the time for spiritual re-awakening and meditative reunion with their maker is minimal compared to those who see it as an annual hedonism for reckless bingeing, lewd indulgences and prurient socialising. Many youngsters and adolescents believe Christmas gives them the opportunity to give unrestrained catharsis to their youthful exuberance, expressed among other eccentricities, through mass and ubiquitous deployment of celebratory fireworks and bangers, which often constitute the nuisance of noise pollution! Many adults would go to the extent of incurring debts in order to share in the mass ecstasy of the celebration only to succumb to the regrets and depression of impecuniosities afterwards, when the euphoria of festivity wears off. Unscrupulous elements engage in all forms of criminalities to get proceeds for use in celebrating Christmas! Church attendance on Christmas Day, to others, is nothing but an occasion to show off their wealth through flamboyant clothes and expensive ornamentation. In the light of these numerous annual human foibles and vices in the name of Christmas, it would be appropriate to say many people are still missing the points of Jesus Christ’s commission. Merry Xmas! Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

NAFDAC: Promoting robust scientific education MARTINS F.O. IKHILAE

he world is embracing innovations, innovations rooted on knowledge and critical thinking. On this score, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC], by dint of good leadership, is not lagging behind in this global drive. It has not only continued to buy into the latest inventions in the business to safeguard the public health of Nigerians, it is also playing a star role in imparting knowledge to young Nigerians pursuing related professional and academic programmes in the nation’s various universities and polytechnics by putting at their disposal its state-of-the-art laboratories for their compulsory Supervised Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) as well as internships. The agency has seven hi-tech laboratories strategically spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Within these seven major facilities are established laboratories for different purposes. There is a cosmetic laboratory for testing baby powder, toilet soap, creams etc; food registration laboratory with Fume Chamber for analysing fumes from organic solvents; Food Compliance laboratory with Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC); Medical Devices Laboratory for testing condoms, syringes, hand gloves, diapers etc; Farm Control laboratory; Instrument laboratory; Pharmaci-Chemical laboratory for analysing herbal products; among others. The biggest of the major laboratories is in Agulu, Anambra State, which was commissioned on October 15, 2010. The spacious facility has 10 different laboratories. All the laboratories have well trained

NAFDAC’S INPUTS INTO NIGERIA’S SOCIOECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL ADVANCEMENT CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED personnel to make them work efficiently. Five of the numerous laboratories have international accreditation, mainly from the USA. They include the Mycotoxin and Pesticide Residues laboratories located at Oshodi in Lagos; and the Central Drug Control Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos. The other two are Food Compliance Laboratory with Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Laboratory (HPLC) located within Oshodi used for analyzing vitamins. The accreditation project have helped launch the laboratories into the league of internationally recognized and respected laboratories, a development that would give global acceptance to NAFDAC regulated, tested and certified products. For example, the Mycotoxin and Pesticide Residues laboratories in Oshodi obtained the ISO 17025 accreditation from American Association of Laboratory Accreditation in November 2013; so, all NAFDAC’s products analyzed for export purposes by the laboratories would carry a special ISO logo, thus making the commodities accepted all over the world. More importantly, the January 2015 certification of the Yaba, Lagos Central Drug Control Laboratory by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) for quality

monitoring of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, equips it with the capacity to test both locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products. This way, Nigeria has been re-established as an original super producers and distributors of pharmaceutical products. Nigeria has NAFDAC DG, Dr. Paul Orhii, to thank for his foresight and innovativeness. Under his watch, NAFDAC spearheaded global efforts in the use of technologies to fight counterfeiting. For this purpose, the agency introduced and deployed TRUSCAN, Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) and Radio Frequency Identification etc, in the fight against counterfeit drugs in the country. Now, the agency is in the forefront of imparting relevant knowledge to our teeming students in laboratory science, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, and even biological and micro biological sciences that will drive the various processes that will make Nigeria the hub of food and drug production and distribution in Africa. Interestingly, the authorities of the participating higher institutions have attested to the laudatory contributions of NAFDAC. The remarkable improvement of the students in their understanding of practical laboratory analyses, something typical of science-oriented disciplines where commitment, interest, suitable research environment as well as modernized facilities count, are said to be too visible to discountenance. NAFDAC‘s Deputy Director and Head Agulu facility, Mr. Charles Nwachukwu, applauding the agency’s new role when he recently played host to a team of media executives, said it was consistent with the sus-

tainability policy of Dr. Orhii, who he said had shown remarkable zeal in not only improving on the legacies of his predecessor, but also building on them to assure the agency’s continuing relevance. He also praised his boss for creating a virtual workforce environment, where policies and facilities put in place work for the collective good of the country, and by so doing create a better, healthier and stronger nation. There is no doubt that the training and education the students have received will make them more ready to face the challenges of future working life and make them more confident in themselves. There is no doubt the nation would be better for it. I dare say NAFDAC’s inputs into Nigeria’s socio-economic and industrial advancement cannot be underestimated. Science, they say, is the bedrock of modern society. For NAFDAC to be living up to expectations in training the present and future manpower in the area of food and drug administration and control, Nigeria’s continuing economic diversification and growth is assured. More importantly, in its new role, NAFDAC is saving for the nation its hard earned foreign currencies that could have gone into overseas training for our youthful students. Ikhilae, a Lagos-based public affairs analyst, wrote via martinsikhilae@ymail.com and could be reached on 08023405821 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 24, 2015

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

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

Harmattan, Yuletide seasons and need for caution

armattan season, a period that usually sets in between the months of November and March in most parts of the country, and which coincides with the celebration of Yuletide (December 24 to January 6), is again with us. It has been accompanied by its exceptional cold, dusty and dry weather. Because of the problem of poor visibility on the air, highways and waterways engendered by its haze, as well as the doom harmattan spells on the social and economic lives of many if carelessly managed, safety regulators and emergency management agencies, about this time of the year, offer generous pieces of advice on the need for the public to strictly comply with approved weather and safety standards and conditions. For, not uncommon during the period are domestic fire outbreaks, bush fires, road accidents, air and boat mishaps, for example, all of which may lead to enormous losses in human lives, property and other valuables. About five years back, Mr. Muhammad Sani-Sidi, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), speaking at a workshop the agency organised for stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states on the dangers of harmattan, stated: “Fire outbreak remains a major disaster in the country which swiftly causes incalculable

losses directly and indirectly… Apart from the lives, monies, wares, structure and other valuables consumed by the fire, there are social and psychological issues those affected continue to suffer for quite a long time thereafter. Most disturbingly, market fires create and heighten unemployment, thus sabotaging government’s poverty alleviation programmes and schemes. As we all know, the incidence of fire and its intensity of damage and losses are more during harmattan season…” Of concern, nonetheless, is the fact that despite repeated warnings, reminders and public enlightenment on the need to be safety conscious during harmattan period, the nation has scarcely been spared avoidable negligence/ carelessness on the parts of individuals and institutions that leave catastrophic consequences in their aftermath. Common, for instance, is the hoarding/storing of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), a highly inflammable product in residential apartments, especially in times of scarcity as is presently the case, for such purposes as powering vehicles and generators, or for money-making by ‘black marketers’ of fuel. Many unscrupulous cigarette smokers drop the stumps anywhere and anyhow. A lot of vehicle operators, believing they are saving time also leave their engines on while re-fueling; while

December 24, 1979 The first European Ariane rocket was launched. Ariane is a series of European civilian expendable launch vehicles for space launch use. The name comes from the French spelling of the mythological character, Ariadne. France first proposed the Ariane project and it was officially agreed upon at the end of 1973 after delicate discussions between France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

FOR A HITCH-FREE YULETIDE… WE IMPLORE ALL CITIZENS TO RESPECT THE LAW AND STAY AWAY FROM RECKLESS CONDUCTS THAT CAN TRIGGER FIRE DISASTERS,

INCLUDING THE ABUSE OF FIREWORKS some people do not keep such items as lanterns, cigarette lighters, etc., at a safe distance before operating their power generators. Many families do not bother about putting off their electrical appliances before retiring to bed, too. All these are veritable invitations to avoidable fire outbreaks. At a recent joint media briefing addressed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo; his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, (represented by Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP), Waidi Ayilara; among others, it was revealed that a cigarette stump dropped carelessly by a yetto-be-caught smoker ignited the fallen fuel tanker that spilled its contents in Ojuelegba not too long

ON THIS DAY

December 24, 1994 Air France Flight 8969 was hijacked on the ground for three days. Three passengers were killed, as were all the four terrorists (hijackers). It was hijacked by the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) at Algiers, which killed the three passengers. GIA’s intention was to blow up the plane over the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. When the aircraft reached Marseille, the GIGN of the French National Gendarmerie stormed the plane and killed the hijackers.

ago. The tanker laden with 33,000 litres of PMS, which exploded after spilling its contents on the road at about 2 am one ill-fated Saturday, razed over five cars and many buildings standing on the path of a nearby canal the spilled fuel dripped into. It was equally disclosed, in addition, that the state fire service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other stakeholders effectively responded to over 42 emergency calls in the first week of this month. Of this number, 15 distress calls were responded to in just one day, while a total of over 1, 667 were responded to from January 1 this year to early this month. Over N98.28 billion of properties were salvaged, while about N16.38 billion worth of properties were lost to various fire incidents, it was stated. The report is scary and promises to be even more outrageous when similar information from all parts of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are summed up. For a hitch-free Yuletide, therefore, we implore all citizens to respect the law and stay away from reckless conducts that can trigger fire disasters, including the abuse of fireworks, especially ‘banger’, by children. It is the bounden duty of parents and guardians to caution their children and wards at time like this against the use of fireworks.

December 24, 2008 Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan rebel group, began series of attacks on Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), massacring more than 400 people. The LRA, also known as the Lord’s Resistance Movement, is a militant group/cult operating in northern Uganda, South Sudan, DRC and the Central African Republic. It has been accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, child-sex slavery, etc.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

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Education Today

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

My plans for WAEC —HNO TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he West African Examinations Council, cil, WAEC, is a household name not only in Nigeria but in other four member countries, namely: Ghana, Sierra Leone, one, Gambia and Sen-

egal. The council since inception in 1952 has been en conducting terminal examinations for the senior secondary school students udents in these Englishspeaking West African countries and awards certificates that are of equal status with other examining authorities internationally. In Nigeria, there’s hardly any family that will not have a holder of the WAEC certificate. This is because Nigeria always presents ts about 75 per cent of the total candidates who sit for the exam in the sub-region on yearly basis and its certificates largely shape future directions for holders. Based on this among other considerations, the council is always careful about who becomes the he head of office as such officer must be able to share re in the vision of the council which are to assist in n the development and sustenance of sound education that will give hope to Nigerian youths. “And I won’t deviate from this mandate,” the new Head of National Office, Mr. Olutise Adenipekun said in Lagos last week while fielding questions from journalists shortly after he announced the results of candidates who sat for this year’s Nov/December edition of the council exam. He assumed office two weeks ago following the retirement of Mr. Charles Eguridu, who had served the council for more than two decades. Adenipekun, a native of Ere-Ijesha in Osun State told journalists at the forum that since management was continuous; his administration would continue with the good work of his predecessor and build on it so as to deliver according to the mandate of the council. While the council’s vision is to be a worldclass examination body that is adding value to the educational goals of its stakeholders, its mission is to provide qualitative and reliable educational assessment, encourage academic and moral excellence as well as promote sustainable human resource develAdenipekun opment and international co-operation. “My administration will therefore deploy the use of Information and Communication Technology in certain components of the council, especially the objective tests now to be written and marked electronically instead of the conventional paper and pencil format. And we will pursue these and the candidates’ e-registration project which we started in 2005 as well as our ‘CredenceOne’ (a mobile biometric identification and verification system, built on the Android Operating System) with all vogour and resources,” he promised. Olanipekun believes that these measures will not only address the use of ‘machineries’ by candidates in the council’s exams but will also prevent malpractice during the exercise.

Another area on which he wants to b beam his searchlight, according to him, is the training programmes for teachers which he said would be intensified to connect and wh testing and assessing of students as part of prepexpose them to new techniques in te aration for their terminal exams. that the council would work more closely with The HNO on this explained th ministries of education to incorporate the measure both the federal and state minis as part of their policies. assist the country greatly in addressing the perHe said this would also ass sistent mass failure of candidates candida in the council’s and other related exams in the recent times. the issue of mass failure in both May/June and While noting that though th council’s exams was beyond the council, he admitNov/December of the cou council could still lend a supportive hand to relevant ted that the counc stakeholders to address the issue. stakeholder “Even giving useful advice alone to schools which “E prepare and present candidates to us can go a pr llong way in tackling the problem,” he noted. Part of the advice according to him is for schools to start preparing their students for the council’s exams right from when they are in primary schools. This is because, according to him, students tend to grow and develop with knowledge gained at every stage of life. “That is why it is very important to test and assess students and rate their performance even at primary school level and not until they are in the senior secondary school or the time of sitting for WASCCE,” he reasoned, adding that “the major task lies with the school, teachers and the students themselves.” Adenipekun, who also believes that every parent should be able to invest enough times, money and other resources to their children’s education, pointed out that the quality of attention and support giving to a child from home in their education would have a lot of impact on their ability to cross hurdles in future including getting good grades in WASSC exams. In this regard, he restated his administration’s determination to intensify partnersship effort with ministries of education at federal and state levels with a view to training and era retraining their teachers on world best practices ret of testing and assessing students. He however assured that his administration would sustain the core values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, accountability, transparency, innovativeness and team work spirit which the council is known for over the years. Adenipekun, 55, obtained Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where he also obtained his master’s degree in International Relations in 1983 and 1987 respectively. He also has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Lagos State University, Ojo. Adenipekun joined the services of WAEC in 1989 as an Assistant Registrar II and rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Registrar in 2011 before his new appointment. ‘‘

‘Govt should reposition science, technical education’ 20

Nigeria universities capable of becoming world class —JAMB Registrar 21

NUC to educate universities on recruitment of principal oﬃcers 20

Education Today

Federal University Kashere obtains 100% NUC accreditation wIllIams aTTah GOMBE

he National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited all the 22 degree programmes of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State established by the immediate past administration. A release made available to our correspondent by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Information and Protocol of the Institution, Ahmed Alkali, said the accreditation was one of the landmark achievements recorded since establishment barely four years ago. He said in the release that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Kabir Farouk attributed the development to hardwork, commitment and dedication of the entire staff and management in their relentless pursuit of excellence. The courses according to him span across sciences, humanities, education and management. The vice-chancellor however congratulated the graduating students for what he called their determination, persistence and focus and wished them well in their future engagements.

Olashore students lift less privileged

lashore International School, IlokoIjesha, Osun State, has expanded its leadership offering as the institution continues to raise its profile and build the brand around leadership and strong value system. The school commenced a leadership programme last session with a view of changing students’ perception while growing to be a leader. The students go through a specially designed leadership curriculum that looks at leadership concepts with a focus on ways to apply the attributes. The social responsibility initiatives are led by students, community oriented, sustainability, focused, and stewardship to the funds received. This year, they came up with a brilliant idea of helping the less privileged in their host community. According to the school’s Leadership and Social Responsibility Coordinator, and the Head of Languages, Mrs. Emezue, “The Leadership project this time centers on raising funds for the less-privileged home in Ilesa and Iloko-ijesha. The students actually went there last session to have an assessment of the place and they found out that the home lacked so many basic things such as mattresses, beds, food and clothes. So the students took it upon themselves to be raising funds mostly from their parents using the visiting days to bake cakes which they sell to them apart from staging movies shows to rake in some money from the audience. “The school has a rich tradition of developing leaders and believes strongly in the value of service to others and society,” she stressed. The Chairman of Board of Directors, Prince Abimbola Olashore in his remark said the future of Africa development hinged on how well the younger generations are prepared for the tasks.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Tunbosun ogundare

o further support the nation’s economy, science and technological education must be repositioned with adequate funding, well equipped laboratories and workshops that will allow engineering graduates to design and fabricate functional equipment for local food processing. This was the submission of a Professor of Food Science and Technology, Mr. Tayo Nathaniel Fagbemi while delivering the 73rd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, recently. He spoke on “Food processing: Guaranteeing food, nutrition and health security.” Professor Fagbemi called on the government to establish a Centre for Development of Nigerian Foods (CNDF) which will develop processing of underutilised crops into pilot plants from where Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can take over. He also urged the government to ensure constant supply of electricity to facilitate profitability of the venture. Fagbemi also called on tertiary institutions like FUTA

Govt should reposition science, technical education —Don

Fagbemi to partner with government in the fabrication of prototype food processing machinery to study and solve problems through adequate research. The lecturer said the poor state of applied science and technology had led to the nose-diving of the scientific efforts of the

NUC to educate universities on recruitment of principal officers regIna oTokpa

he National Universities Commission (NUC) has disclosed that modalities were being put in place to educate universities on the minimum requirement in appointing principal officers. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Julius Okojie, made the disclosure during a luncheon with the Education Correspondents Association (ECA), in Abuja, on Monday. According to him, a workshop would soon be organised in conjunction with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)

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to ensure that the appointment of inexperienced individuals as Vice-Chancellors of tertiary institutions, comes to a halt. Okojie explained that, the workshop would not only address issues relating to appointment of principal officers within the university community, but also, award of degrees especially honorary degrees, examination administration, and also issues relating to matriculation and convocation. “We intend to have a workshop for all universities and I have discussed with the Executive Secretary TETFund, we need a workshop because a lot of things are happening, not just convocation alone, even matric-

early sixties and seventies which allowed local talents to make meaningful and original contribution to technological growth. He added that the “Asian” tigers that looked at Nigeria with envy in the sixties have left her behind and made substantial improvements to the design and fabrication of their traditional food processing equipment. Professor Fagbemi stated that food processing was germane to food security. According to him, food processing apart from making food available all year round can also help to eliminate toxic chemical constitution in food and pathogenic microorganisms. In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebiyi Daramola commended the lecturer, saying he really demonstrated his intellectual prowess in his field through the lecture. He asked him not to relent in his contribution to his chosen filed in addition to providing leadership skills to his students and younger academics.

ulation and the appointment of vice chancellors. “There are minimum academic standards; you must pass through a process. We think we need to address that area of the university system as to what you require to appoint principal officers not just award of degrees. “Examination administration is also a very aspect of the university system, to award degrees, you must have somebody come from another university whether within the country or outside the country to look at the quality of work you are doing, look at students’ projects,” the ES added. Okojie further clarified that so far, there had not been an award of degree in any university with-

out due process “We have what is called university traditions. As far as I am concerned, there is no report before me that somebody has awarded honorary degree without permission from senate of that institution and the council. “Ordinarily a chancellor of a university cannot award degrees until he earns the degree of that university so, if it is his first convocation ceremony, that university may have the right to award honorary degree, doctorate to that chancellor if it is a new institution.” The NUC boss further stressed that there was no illegal university operating within the country. He added that the nation’s university system was “very tight and also very jealous” of allowing just anyone establish centers of learning without following due process.

Nasarawa University deserves more faculties —Alumni Igbawase ukumba LAFIA

give back to the school, he said fast rate but also the students to tion. While also calling on mem- such gesture would not only graduate with right knowledge bers of the alumni to be ready to help the school to grow at a and skills.

lumni Association of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has called on the state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, to build additional faculties for their alma mater, especially for disciplines like medicine and engineering. The President of the association, Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu made the appeal in Keffi during the 10th anniversary of his set and foundation laying ceremony for the alumni national secretariat complex. He said the building of more faculties was doable once the government is ready to commit Members of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Edo State Branch, protesting non-payment resources towards that direc- of their six months salary at the entrance of Edo Government House in Benin-City, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

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Education Today

Thursday, December 24, 2015

EKITI trains Maths teachers on new teaching technique AbioduN Nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State Government has provided special training on Modern Methodology of Teaching to 216 Mathematics teachers in public secondary schools. Education Commissioner Mr. Jide Egunjobi said it was part of effort to guarantee efficient and effective service delivery. Egunjobi, who spoke at the training workshop, reiterated the determination of the present administration in the state to ensure proper training and retraining of teachers. The commissioner stressed the resolve of government to ensure that teachers, particularly those handling core subjects, were suitably trained and equipped towards achieving the desired results. Noting the importance of Mathematics in the set of courses offered in primary and secondary schools globally, Egunjobi assured that the state government would continue to accord Mathematics alongside other core subjects, their deserved priority. He said that the workshop was organized at no cost to the state government, emphasizing that the programme would refresh the knowledge of the benefiting teachers. He charged teachers in the State to take advantage of opportunities provided by the State Government to refresh their knowledge and energize themselves for the challenges involved in effectively impacting knowledge on their students. Advising teachers to reciprocate government gesture by making the best use of the opportunities provided to improve their teaching skills and potentials as well as live up to their responsibilities, Egunjobi stressed that emphasis must remain on the focus to raise the standard of education and return the state to its place of pride.

Nigeria universities capable of becoming world class —JAMB Registrar sAidAT AlAusA

egistrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. ‘Dibu Ojerinde has said Nigerian universities were capable of ranking at par with some of the world class universities in the US and Europe. He said this while delivering the convocation and tenth anniversary lecture of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. The first thing according to him is to address the extent Nigerian universities are making progress like those in the developed world while the second thing Ojerinde about the nature and quality of contri- global status which they abandoned or butions private universities are able to forced to abandon by a confluence of dismake to the nation’s educational develop- abling and disempowering circumstances. ment. Using Cornell University in New York “Both issues have from time to time from where he earned his Doctorate Degenerated considerable conversation in gree in 1978 as a model, the lecturer depicts the public sphere especially the one per- a world class university as one possessing, taining to creating a compass that will among others several features. guide our universities unto the world These include reputational capital stage. Interestingly, and as many will based on cutting edge research, building recall, Nigerian universities were born learning environments, where the best unto the world stage as showpieces of academics want to be, international presthe colonial and early post-colonial mind- ence, attracting the best undergraduates, set.” appropriate financial and human resourcOjerinde believes that Nigerian uni- es as well as effective use of international versities should resume the journey to networks and alliances.

Ojerinde also mentioned that Nigerian universities should aspire to be a place of excellence in terms of research, talent, resources, teaching efficiency, governance, pay structure and security. According to him, it is by so doing that they can both attract and sustain academics of outstanding ability and reputation. In terms of policy, he advised that the country should adopt a two pronged approach of creating and nurturing universities which have the best potential for playing on the world stage, while simultaneously elevating the quality of academic work in the country. “Such a policy will necessarily include turning around the living condition of staff and students in our universities.” Interestingly too, Ojerinde argues, that within a short time, the private universities have added value to the nation’s educational topography, by maintaining stable academic calendar, increasing female enrolment, thus enhancing gender balance, as well as restoring the badly eroded dignity and welfare of student life. He especially commended Lead City University for ‘promoting and encouraging scholarship and community service’ and creating a climate for national and international understanding and interaction.

Director/ Principal, Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Lami Amodu (3rd right) with top management staff and guests cutting the Christmas anniversary cake during the school carol service, last week.

Ogun budgets N132m to renovate schools in 2016 TuNbosuN oguNdAre

he Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will in year 2016 renovate 22 schools in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. The Commissioner for the ministry, Mrs. Modupe Mujota stated this while defending the ministry’s 2016 budget before the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, last week. She disclosed that a sum of N2 million had been earmarked for each of the schools to meet their immediate need, noting that the measure became necessary because of the importance government attached to the education sector. On admission to model schools, the commissioner in a press release by the ministry’s press officer, Mr. Kayode Oduyebo said between seven and 10 of them would be inaugurated soon in readiness for academic activities due to commence next February, promising that government would not renege on its obligations towards meeting the needs of all public educational institutions in the state. On late issuance of primary school leaving certificates, she promised prompt issuance of the document forthwith immediately as students complete their studies.

Women group builds complex at FUTO Chris Njoku OWERRI

he Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, Prof. Chigozie Asiabaka has commended the women group in the university for completion of a ultra-modern building and family garden. The two projects built by the group under the aegis of Federal University of Technology, Owerri Women Association, FUTOWA, were started three years ago. The vice-chancellor gave the commendation during the inauguration of the projects.

Asiabaka, who expressed joy at the commitment of the executive for initiating the impressive project, stated that the FUTOWA had continued to initiate laudable projects and programmes that are of immense benefits to the university community and larger society since its formation 33 years ago. He recalled that the group had previously carried out such projects as Child Development Centre (CDC), sensitisation programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention, environmental degradation, sexual perversion, indecent dressing, examination malpractice and many other forms of social ills in the university.

“These programmes according to him have in no small measure contributed to our noble quest for excellence in this university,” the VC stressed. He noted that in addition to providing an environment where students, staff and their families and visitors can relax, interact and promote friendliness and brotherliness, the FUTOWA complex and family garden also stands as a monument that celebrates and promotes the ideals of womanhood. He claimed that the association’s executive prudently invested the funds realised

in the fundraising as conceived and envisaged and he thanked them for their insight, selflessness and commitment in sharing the vision of the university administration and for remaining willing partners in the development of the institution. In her address of welcome, the President of the association, Professor Ihuoma Asiabaka explained that FUTOWA was formed primarily to serve as a medium for social, cultural and economic development of the members and the university community.

Education Today

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Why FCMB donated centre to Pan-Atlantic University —Balogun

he Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, has explained that the decision of the bank to donate a multi-purpose Students’ Centre to Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, is part of its strategies to invest in the future, especially that of the youth. He added that the gesture was also in line with the commitment of the bank to effectively support initiatives that would enhance the standard of education in the country as well as the well-being of the society. The FCMB Students’ Centre, located within the permanent campus of the university along Lekki-Epe expressway in Lagos, is a facility devoted to students’ recreation and socialisation. Apart from providing facilities for informal learning, which forms integral part of the university life, the building is equipped with other amenities. It features two main areas - a cafeteria on the ground floor and a mini-mall on the first floor. In the mini-mall are-a supermarket, a boutique, an agency banking service, a mobile phone shop, a unisex hair salon, a laundry shop as well as a coffee shop. Speaking at the hand-over ceremony of the centre to the school management recently, Balogun said, “We felt the need to provide the students with a conducive environment that would facilitate learning, while at the same time serve as an avenue to socialise near their hostels through basic facilities for relaxation, shopping, retail and banking services.’ In his comment, the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Professor Juan Manuel Elegido, stated that the building represents one of the milestones of the school in its quest to form competent and committed professionals to help build a better society in Nigeria and Africa at large. ”his building is very important to the university as it gives the students the opportunity to interact properly, since the students learn as much from one another as well as their teachers. We commend FCMB for providing the school with a befitting Students Centre and identifying with our vision,” he stressed.

Cross section of students at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ibafo, Ogun State, on Monday. PHOTO: DEMOLA AKINLABI

Priscilla Dennis MINNA

ational Teachers Institute (NTI) has called on state governments to complement efforts of the Federal Government in the training and retraining of teachers so as to improve the standard of education in the country. The Director General of the institute, Dr Aminu Ladan Sharehu stated this in Minna during the capacity building workshop for teachers nationwide under the 2014 Millennium Devel-

State govts should intensify training of teachers —NTI

opment Goals (MDGs) Batch B conducted this year. According to him, within the last three years, NTI has trained over 700 teachers in the country, while expressing hope to increase its target annually if funds are made available. Speaking on the workshop, the director general explained that the training would be an intensive and in-

house one for a week in which participants would be tested in order to bring positive change to their profession. He urged the state governments to key into the programme to complement federal government efforts by replicating the same programme in their various states. Ladan also hinged the delay in holding the workshop,

which ought to have held in six geo-political zones last year to lack of funds. Speaking, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso assured that the state would collaborate with the institute in the area of training and retraining of teachers to enhance their professionalism.

Babcock University emerges best in bar exam

Librarians seek improved post-retirement welfare

Tunbosun ogunDare

he School of Law and Security Studies, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State has been adjudged by the Council of Legal Education as the best School of Law in Nigeria in the current academic session. The rating was based on the cumulative performance of its products in the Bar Final Examinations of the Nigerian Law School beating other 41 faculties of law nationwide. The university recorded 95.8 per cent of students who passed the exam and with the least number of failures. Details of the results according to the university’s spokesman, Mr. Suliman Joshua in a press release indicate that the university produced one out of eight First Class recorded in the Bar Examination. She is Miss Bukoye Temitayo Olayinka. Out of the 369 Second Class Upper, Babcock had 18; of the 1,054 Second Class Lower, Babcock recorded 12. The University also recorded 15 of the 1841 Pass; and only two of the 1,162 failures. Musa Mary Omoyeme, a visually impaired student of the university, was among the 15 with a pass in the Bar Examination. Speaking on the development, Dean and Provost of the School of Law and Security Studies, Prof. Isaac Agbede attributed the performance to hardwork and commitment on the part of students as inculcated in them by the school. According to him, anybody coming to Babcock to study law and other courses is given admission on merit. The members of staff are also committed and dedicated while the environment in academic and hostel areas is also very friendly. He recalled that the university ranked eighth position in 2013 and represented Nigerian Law School at the International Negotiation Competition at Chapman University, Orange County California, USA in the same year as well as winning various laurels in the field.

saiDaT alausa olytechnic Librarians have appealed for better post-tenure treatment before retirement saying the absence of specific status or portfolio attached to them on stepping down from the office deny them correct recognition. The Chairman, Committee of Monotechnic and Polytechnic Librarians in Nigeria (COMPLIN), Alhaji Nurudeen Alokun said this at the 50th regular meeting of the committee held at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, recently. He disclosed that the best a former Polytechnic librarian gets after his tenure is to be referred to as a librarian. Alokun said, “We demand a change and hope that the new scheme of service will address the issue and give the former office holders appropriate status and the recognition they deserve.” The Librarian from Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, called on Yabatech to introduce Library and Information Service at National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels to further enhance the standard of education in the country. He charged other polytechnics rectors in the country to emulate their Yabatech counterpart, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo who is reputed for having earned a good report for commitment to improving the standard of the College library, and “for the visible infrastructural development across the entire institution. “We have on record that Dr. Ladipo is not just interested in building up the

entire campus but she is deeply committed to managing human and material resources.” Earlier, the YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ladipo charged the polytechnic librarians to continue to be innovative as principal officers of their respective institutions so that they could entrench global best practices in their operations for the good of the polytechnic sector. She enjoined them to keep in focus the mandate of polytechnic education, work hand-in-hand with other principal officers to develop enabling climate that would promote and support reading and

research culture in the sector. The rector noted, “of great importance at this stage of our national development is the need for technical and vocational institutions to be able to produce manpower with the right knowledge and skills to drive the vision of the industries. “They must be able to make positive impact in the developmental process of the nation rather than coming out to becoming a burden to the nation. “The onus is on us to brave the odds and reshape the technical and vocational education landscape.”

Group tasks Kogi on teachers’ welfare Wale ibrahim LOKOJA

orried by the plight of Basic Education Teachers in Kogi State, a non Governmental Organisation, Teens Education Development Initiatives (TEDIN) has urged the incoming administration in the state to ensure it improve teachers’ welfare. This was contained in a communiqué signed by the Executive Officer of the group who is also a Chairperson of Kogi State based non organization, Network KOGONET, Mrs. Abimbola Abogun at one- day summit on teachers welfare in change mantra agenda and way forward held in Lokoja, Kogi State capital. The group advised the state government that teachers’ welfare should be taken with utmost seriousness in the state It also pointed out that teaching job must be regarded as profession and not for Tom, Dick and Harry who consider it as a last resort, stressing that qualified teachers should henceforth be employed. The communique advised the state government to collate the data of all the primary and junior secondary schools in the state, noting that there should be routine check on them. Earlier, the participants had identified problems confronting the teachers in the basic education sector and the role of the state Universal Basic Education (SUBEB). It was resolved that the communique be presented to the state’s House of Assembly for necessary action.

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Education Today

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Tales of extortions in Nigerian tertiary schools T he intervention of the Federal Government in the impasse between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the administration of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike(MOUAU) is a welcomed development. The extensive media coverage of the stalemate has provided a unique insight into some of the intrigues that are bedevilling many tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Though, so many inappropriate acts were alluded to in the ensuing public debate, a lot more may still be encumbering the tertiary institutions in the country. But the allegation of illegal collection/extortion of money from students by the administration seems to have attracted the greatest resentment from many ordinary Nigerian because of their perceived vulnerability. Students are at the receiving end of some of the most horrific frauds in the tertiary educational institutions in the country. Compulsory payment for accommodation is one of the most heartless of the illegal collections when they know full well that less than half of the students can actually be accommodated. After committing N60,000 for a bed space on campus, the students have to source for another N60,000 to N120,000 to secure off-campus accommodation popularly known as “selfcontained”. Meanwhile the university administration pretends that it is perfectly okay to hold onto students’ money for another year while the parents and guardians go a borrowing from loan shacks to meet their obligations to their children and wards. This problem is very widespread among Nigerian universities but it is only the beginning of the official extortion which continues until the students collect their certificates after graduation. Though science students pay bench fees for laboratory exercises, these are often diverted to other uses and never made available to the laboratories which remain just bare benches,

or dotted with dilapidated equipment and expired reagents. Many who try to organize practical classes charge the students additional fees to hire equipment or purchase reagents for each practical class organized. The full impact of this diversion of fees is felt during the final year undergraduate research project when students are forces to source for virtually every reagent and equipment used at additional personal costs. The situation of the post graduate students is even more pathetic. The fees paid by students into the coffers of the graduate school are not remitted to the departments where the students are domiciled. They are left to source for funds running into hundreds of thousands of Naira to execute their research projects. The non availability of equipment in the laboratories and difficulty in sourcing for funds from private sources often prolong the duration of the programme with up to two years. What are the fees by the post graduate students really used for? The extortionary trend continues with undergraduate students been forced to pay between N8,000 and N10,000 and Post graduate students as much as N50,000 for project defence in some federal and state universities. These charges are in addition to the examination fees paid along with other fees at the beginning of the session. It must be stated here that it is

Octogenarian celebrates school at 50

L-R: Deputy Registrar, West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Mrs.Frances Onukwu; Head of National Office, Mr. Olutise Adenipekun and Director of Finance, Mrs. Bola Ojeleye during the announcement of the Nov/ December exam’s results in Lagos, last week.

• Says ‘It’s Lord doing’ RobeRt awokuSe

PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

EKSU to become paperless university soon —VC Saidat alauSa

he Vice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele has reiterated his commitment to transform the institution to an e-friendly environment. This according to him, will see almost all activities on campus ranging from management communication, Senate and council meetings, Students admission process, examinations and records to follow the global trend of electronic documentation and recordings. Prof. Bandele reiterated this while receiving a team of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, (FUNAAB) which has a distinguished webometric ranking among Nigeria and African Universities. He was of the belief of the EKSU Vice-Chancellor that (FUNAAB) could share its experience with his institution.

the responsibility of the university to pay external examiners fees for both undergraduate and post-graduate students. In addition to these “official fees” which are paid into special university accounts, individual project supervisors and heads of departments often take advantage of the official extortionary tendency to impose “personal fees”. There are reports of a Head of Department in a polytechnic who imposed a project submission fee of N20, 000 for each of the 300 candidates in her department. The catalogue of malpractices cannot be exhausted! The climax of these official extortionary tendencies is the imposition of a certificate collection fees, up to N23, 500, by some university administrations, with tacit approval of the Governing Council! While virtually everyone in the academic circle is aware of these misdemeanours of institutional administrators, no individual or organisation wants to be seen as criticizing them. The leading associations including ASUU and the Students Union are often at the same table with the administration, literarily sharing in the proceeds from the hapless students. Many academics with “character” and “conscience” as well as the traumatized parents and guardians, were delighted by the “rift” between the Vice Chancellor and the Academic Staff Union of Universities of MOUAU that has exposed the misdemeanours on both sides of the divide. It is our hope that the ministerial committee instituted by the President to investigate the veracity or otherwise of the allegations and actions that have threatened to paralyse the smooth running of MOUAU will come up with a comprehensive and credible report within the time frame specified. More so, it will be helpful if the investigations could provide information on the prevalence of these fraudulent practices in other federal institutions.

Prof. Bandele said he was aware of the weakness of the EKSU ICT Directorate and the need to galvanize its functions and increase the capacity of staff for optimum performance which informed his decision to declare a state of emergency in the ICT Directorate.

Prof. Bandele said a well deployed university portal would take care of wastages, fraud and financial mismanagement as well as boost management capacity and make enrollment, payment of fees, registration and other functions easy for Students.

Lagos students tasked on good virtues tunboSun ogundaRe

cleric, Rev. Kolawole Verrals of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos has charged students to give Jesus Christ the opportunity to reign in their lives. He gave the charge in Lagos in his sermon, titled: “Christ Reigns” on the occasion of 2015 Festival of Christmas Carols

& Nine Lessons organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja. He stressed that the reason for the season is to allow Jesus Christ to take ownership of their lives in order to defeat every power of darkness adding that by so doing every bad situation will be turned around for good and the grace of God will take them to great destinies.

Rev. Verrals urged everyone to make God the main agenda of their lives as this is a virtue that must be practiced by good and righteous Christians stressing that an exalted place is assured if people obey God’s commandments. Said he, “Since there is no government without agenda, it is important therefore that everybody make God the main agenda of their lives.

n octogenarian and President, Home Science Association Nursery and Primary School, Ikoyi, Mrs. Folasade Bakare last week celebrated the school 50th anniversary. The school like a mustard seed at inception is now grow and become big with various branches spread across Lagos State with secondary school arm. The President appreciated God for not just sustaining the growth of the school in excellence but sparing her life at 88 to witness the occasion. She said the school among, other things was noted for academic excellence and values following its past students’ outstanding performances in many places they occupy in both public and private organisations. Bakare stressed that the school sustenance of academic excellence hinges on the constant In-service training of its teachers and exposure it gives to its students. The president further acknowledged the old students association for their support and also expressed gratitude to the parents specifically for their support in standing against the government when it wanted to claim the school land. In her lecture, Head, Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Prof Florence Ajike Osanyin emphasised the need to put in place good policy on education that will meet the needs of the society and the child and ensure implementation of such policy. In a remark, representative of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dele Opaba commended the president for her contribution to the development of education in the state. Highlight of the ceremony was presentation of awards to long-served staffers who have been employees of the school for over 45years.

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Education Today

Thursday, December 24, 2015

APHEA accredits Liverpool online master’s programme in public health

PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

EKSU to become paperless university soon —VC Saidat alauSa

Lagos students tasked on good virtues tunboSun ogundare

he University of Liverpool, United Kingdom online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) programme has been accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA), a globally recognised accrediting body for masters-level public health programmes. APHEA is a partnership between five leading European public health associations to promote quality education for public health professionals worldwide, and accreditation means the online MPH programme meets international quality standards. According to the Director of MPH Programmes at the university, Francine Watkins, the accreditation provides online MPH graduates of the university with the opportunity to gain a degree that employers will recognise as independently assessed and one that provides the essential competencies required by public health professionals worldwide. “The accreditation process involved a rigorous assessment of the online MPH across seven criteria, and the assessment was based in part on feedback from current students and teaching staff. “APHEA accreditation is important for our students. It means they can gain a degree that is internationally recognised and with globally transferable skills,” he explained. “Our online MPH programme is essential for professionals working in health services, government agencies and NGOs. We currently have students from over 100 countries studying at postgraduate level.” The University of Liverpool’s online MPH students and graduates include professionals in developed and developing countries around the world working at the front line of public health delivery in areas including healthcare management, health improvement, prevention and health protection. Designed for working professionals, online learning enables students to enjoy an engaging, global and highly collaborative learning experience.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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

EU partners FUNAAB

SaidaT alauSa

he Deputy Head, European Union in Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Richard Young, has stated that the European Union is set to collaborate with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in three important areas, namely: Tuning, Horizon 2020 and the Erasmus plus programmes. Mr. Young, who is also an EU Minister, disclosed this during a meeting he had with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole. According to him, the three programmes exist in terms of collaboration, and one of them is the Tuning programme, which has developed into a process, an approach to re-designing, develop, implement, evaluate and enhance quality first, second and third cycle degree programmes. He said Tuning focuses not on educational systems but on structures with emphasis on the subject area level, that is the content of studies, adding that educational systems were primarily responsibilities of governments while contents of educational programmes are that of higher educational institutions and their academic staff. He added that the name, Tuning, was chosen so as to reflect the idea that universities do not have uniform degree programmes. He lauded the Vice-Chancellor for being active in running the Tuning programme, which had recorded huge success. Meanwhile, Mr. Young stated that the Horizon 2020 programme was designed to promote academic research collaboration with Europe and other countries. According to him, once the collaboration framework was put in place, it would enable them do part of their courses in Europe by making it possible for students to participate in Joint Master’s Degree programme while staff would benefit from capacity building programmes.

IORMS inaugurates members

nstitute of Operational Research and Management Science of Nigeria (IORMS) has recently at the University of Lagos, Akoka, sworn-in new members. Welcoming guests to the ceremony, the Acting President and Chairman of council, Prof. Funso Akingbade, highlighted the history of the institute and the founding members prior to 1983 till date. “The Institute of Operational Research and Management Science of Nigeria as the regulatory body for Operational Research and Management Science practice in Nigeria is committed to the highest possible standards of professional conduct and competency among its members.” He said, “Our vision is to achieve a high level of awareness for the use of Operational Research and Management Science (ORMS) in Nigeria, and a high level of its applications in the Country, while our Purpose is to improve the effectiveness of Operational processes, decision-making and management by individuals and organisations in Nigeria. The professor also said that their mission is to lead in the development, dissemination and implementation of knowledge, basic and applied research and technologies in Operational Research, the management Sciences, and related methods of improving operational processes, decision- making, and management. The event witnessed a lecture delivered by Emeritus Prof. Laide Abass, titled; Operational research and management science and its practice. The highlight of the event was the swear-in ceremony of the executives which include, Dr. Bolajoko Dixon – Ogechi of the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos; Dr. Asaolu, Head, Systems Engineering, UNILAG; Dr Adewoye Olabode, Dept of Mathematics, Yaba College of Technology Lagos; among others. The official commissioning of the institute witnessed the induction of new members by the Acting President.

New executives, Institute of Operational Research and Management Science of Nigeria (IORMS) during their swearing in, recently at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

TemiTope Yakubu FEDPOLY, ADO EKITI

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reaffirmed its unflinching loyalty and support to the ongoing anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari. It also dissociated self from a publication credited to its president, Tijani Usman Shehu condemning honorary doctorate degree conferred on President Buhari by the Kaduna State University during her last convocation, recently. According to NANS, the publication was the product of mischief makers who impersonated the association’s President for their selfish gains.

‘Yomi aYeleSo

300L, BUS ADMIN, AAU

he Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun has advised Student Union leaders to make the welfare of their fellow students top priority in the course of their administration. He gave the advise during the inauguration of the newly elected student Union Government executives for the 2015/2016 academic session. Prof. Ajibefun who congratulated the newly inau-

NANS reaffirms support for Buhari’s anti-graft crusade

Speaking with Campus News in a telephone interview, the president of the association who is also a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said he was shocked seeing the purported publication claimed to have emanated from him and one Oluwaseun Oke through a press release. “I don’t know anything about the press release and I don’t also know any one bearing Oluwaseun Oke among our officers let alone claiming to have signed on behalf of the association,” he added. Tijani however called for thorough investigation of the said publication and

bring the perpetrators to justice. On the anti-corruption war of President Buhari, Tijani said the recent conference organised by the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC) which was attended by over 400 Nigerian students had shown that NANS is fully in support of the federal government anti- corruption crusade. “ NANS as an association will do its best in ensuring Buhari-led administration achieves its vision for the education sector which is our immediate constituency to move it to the next level,” he said.

Let welfare be your priority, VC advises student leaders gurated executives for their success at the poll, described their election as historical because the election was conducted via the newly introduced electronic voting system. He thanked the leadership of the students affairs division for coming out with the great innovative in tandem with the vision of the university of building a 21st century university. He said the success of the e-voting election manifested

that the institution will continue to uphold excellence. The VC assured the new executives of management total supports, while also urging them to be constructive and embrace dialogue in making their grievances known. He urged them to be of good character, responsible, and be accountable.. Also speaking, the Dean of Students Affairs,(DSA), Dr. Bolanle Ogungbamila advised the

new executives to verify and confirm information from appropriate quarters before reacting and passing such information across to the entire students so as to avoid a misinformation. He urged the entire students to support the new executives in the course of their administration. Giving his inaugural speech, the elected President Odunyemi Adegbola, assured the management of his administration to pursue a completely new dynamic orientation in its student Union activities.

Cross section of Student Union executives, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State during their inauguration, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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

FEDPOLY Bida students to check results online —Deputy Rector AbdullAhi hAbibu AdeizA HND2 MASSCOM, FEDPOLY, BIDA

he Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Mr. oghenejirwe Augustine has disclosed that the institution is working hard towards ensuring that students’ results are released before the beginning of every semester. He said this during an interview with him in his office; he explained that the school academic board is making plans on how to make compilation of results faster so that students would be able to check their result online even during the break to stop students from deceiving their parents and spending money unnecessarily. “We are aware that students are deceiving their parents by collecting money from them after they have been withdrawn. We are planning to release result before the semester begins in order for parents to know if their children are still in the system or not. That way, students will not be able to deceive their parents anymore because it will be sent to

their parents too.” Mr. Oghenejirwe further explained that, this will also help students, stressing that there have been several reports on how students pay school fees, accommodation fee and spend money for assignment without knowing that they have been withdrawn. Also, the director of exams and records, Mr. Danlami Dauda commended the school academic board and also comment on the plans of the board. “The academic board which is the board responsible for issues that have to do with exams, thought it wise to release result on time after considering the problems faced by students whenever result comes out late.” In affirmation to that, a senior staff of T Mr. olayemi David olalekan added that, the major measures that were taken, that made the release of results available on time was that hard copies of results were transferred into a disc (soft copy). And that plans are being made to improve on the achievement by linking it up.

…as school renovates hostels management for renovating

AdesinA elizAbeth

Undergraduates take hygiene campaign to Edo community ezekiel efeobhokhAn 500L PHARMACY, UNIBEN

niversity students under the aegis of the Milky Way Youth Movement recently organised a medical outreach at Okhun village on the outskirt of Benin City, Edo State. The event had in attendance the village chiefs and other elderly persons in the village. Addressing the audience with the help of an interpreter, a final year Chemistry student, Acha Harrison pleaded with the villagers to embrace hygienic habits as this was the only way Nigeria could win the battle against diseases caused by insects and flies. He gave them step-by-step orientation on how to keep their environment clean and avoiding stagnant water. The Milky Way Youth Movement is an international organization that is poised at engaging young minds in fulfilling the social development goals and the medical sensitisation was a step into fulfilling goal six of the Millennium Developmental Goals. Speaking with one of the

some of the hostels and pleaded that the school should do n a bid to reduce the prob- more for students comfort. lem of accommodation in Federal Polytechnic Bida, RichARd enAke And ezekiel the Management has renoefeobhokhAn vated three hostels for the 300L, INT’NAL STUD&DIPL & 500L, PHAR, UNIBEN comfort of the students in the xecutive Director, Africa Netschool. work for Environment and The Dean of Students Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Affairs, Alhaji Baba Shehu made this known recently in Reverend David Ugolor has charged Nigerian students to fight against corhis office. He stated that the manage- ruption which has eaten deep into the ment is ready to partner with country’s system. He said this at a programme organprivate investors to build hosised, recently, by the secretary of the tels in the school. Baba Shehu further ex- Student Union Government (SUG), plained that the management University of Benin, Emmanuel does not increase accommo- Ndueche, held at the university audidation fees. Therefore, no stu- torium. The programme tagged ‘FEDx dent should pay more than UNIBEN’ has as its theme “Breaking stipulated amount. The dean advised those from the Norm”. The cleric said that everywhere in who are in habit of selling accommodation to other stu- the world, the onus is now on the students to desist from such act dents to engage the politicians towards as management seriously ensuring the proper implementation of the budget and advocate for their frown at this. Reacting to the develop- rights, but it is sadly not so in our clime. He said the students had the potenment in the school some of the students applauded the tial to cause positive changes in the

HND2 MASSCOMM FEDPOLY, BIDA

Cross section of university students, under the aegis of the Milky Way Youth Movement during their outreach recently.

residents, Maria Aghahowa, who expressed great joy on the arrival of the ambassadors for the outreach, stated that their presence was timely as the village had never seen any health professional coming to attend to their health related problems. However, the Village Head, who couldn’t tell his name due to language barrier, spoke through an interpreter that, his village, Okhun, did not have a clinic or a functioning health centre. He said they still rely on native medicine and that most of their emergency cases usually end up been transferred to University of Benin Teaching Hospital UBTH which is very far

from the village. He appreciated the Ambassadors for coming and pleaded with them to consider the village whenever they want to have such programme in future. Commenting on the event, one of the volunteers who carried out free eye checks on the villagers, Enobakhare Raymond a final year Optometry student of UNIBEN stated that he felt fulfilled to have volunteered to be part of this outreach but he however decried the poor state of the villager’s eyes. “Almost every person I examined had a need for a proper eye treatment. I just hope they all take the referral to a teaching hospital where they

can be managed properly,” he stated. Addressing the ambassadors, the Edo state coordinator of Milky Way Youth Movement, 500 level Pharmacy student UNIBEN, Ezekiel Efeobhokhan express appreciation for their turn out and gave reasons why OKhun village was chosen to carry out the project. He also praised the volunteers who helped interpreting to the villagers as language would have been a major hindrance to the project. Services rendered include; Free eye check, Blood pressure check, BMI and general medical counseling

UNIBEN students urged to fight corruption

polity given the adequate knowledge needed. He added that the pivotal role of the students and youth in making positive change possible is the reason why his NGO has decided to align with the students to tackle corruption in the country. While giving the welcome address,

Speaking on the steps to ensure you are significant, Pastor Benson Akhigbe, Founder, Living Your Dreams Initiative harped on the need to write down their value system and walk with it. He said that it was the value system that determines the reason they do the things they do in life. Also speaking at the event, a much respected musical icon, a professor Sir Victor and a sculptor, Sir Victor Uwaifo Uwaifo (right) with shared from his wealth of experience with the students. He spoke on the the SUG Sec. Gen, “concept of vocation”. Emmanuel “You can explore all the talents in Ndueche you and still be a success so long as it at the programme. makes life worth living and fulfilling. The worst plan is better than no plan at all,” said Sir Uwaifo. Winners of the William Obong Memorial Essay competition organised by the office of the Secretary General of the Student Union Government were given their prizes at the event. The first prize got a branded laptop.

the convener, Emmanuel said the aim of the event is to unveil the eyes of the students of the university to break from the normal routine of going to school, graduating with good grades, getting a good job and marry. “We need to start using our Godgiven talents to effect positive change in our environment.”

Thursday, December 24, 2015

AILY 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….” “I predicted that Nigeria was going to play in the Nations (Nations’) Cup finals in spite of the fact that we are (were) made to believe that the team was in a rebuilding process.” “He released series (a series) of hit songs and graced stages with top performers.” “We commissioned (inaugurated) their pavilion….” Finally, from THISDAY Back Page Pendulum headline: “Why journalists must love themselves (one another)” “The challenge that this poses is for the states to strive to become stronger, develop their economic potentials (potential or potentialities) and generate sufficient internal revenue to meet their obligations.” “These states and the ones to be created will, therefore, need to get their acts (act) together and build their economies to justify and sustain their existence.” “Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party (Inter-Party) Affairs….” “Office of the Governor: Appeal to my colleagues (colleagues of mine)”

Fixed entry: Godsend, not ‘sent’’

Wrong: “On the employ”; Right: In the employ (Acknowledgement: Kola Danisa, 07068074257/08028233277, who also wrote: The dailies on July 16 bore headlines stating that Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State had been ‘impeached’ instead of ‘removed’. Former President Bill Clinton of the U.S. was impeached (guilty) in 1998 but not removed over the Monica Lewinsky sex affair. ‘Removal’ is the proper word or action resulting from impeachment. Wrong: “Good in a subject”; Right: Good at a subject (Thanks to Tayo Aluko, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, 08148803562, and others, for this reminder). “APC alerts supporters in Osun over (to) ‘Omo Ilu’ form” Yet another full-page advertorial by Oyo State Government endorsed by Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, Executive Governor: “You have also not wavered in ensuring good governance and a society that is free for everybody to attain their potentials (sic)….” Correction already harvested! “Imo, Bethel Amadi and Pan African (Pan-Africa) Parliament” “He said people have (had) forgotten….” Last but not least on full-page advertorials. This one is from Ogun State and certified by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, Governor, Ogun State: “Every facet of our national life has an unmistakable Kongi imprints (imprint).” “These two incidents which occurred within a week, (sic) mirrors the society.” Needless delaying the trip, you can readily see the discord. I have not finished with my friends from Uyo. “With these turn of events, some people are tempted to go for wealth at all means.” This way: With this turn of events…. Furthermore, I would prefer ‘at all costs’ or ‘by all means’. “The activities of these robbers is also taking its toll on traders.” For goodness’ sake, how can ‘activities’ take ‘is’ and ‘its’? The basic rules of any language are emphatic on subject-verb

agreement and concord between antecedents and subsequent pronouns. “Above all, the military and other law enforcement (sic) agencies should de-emphasize their role in the economy and politics and concentrate on their traditional duties—the protection of the citizens of this country against internal and external crimes.” This is lexical deception! I know that lawenforcement agencies in this country do not protect us against criminals; not against crimes. It is the perpetration of a crime that gives a headache—not the crime itself. ‘Internal and external crimes’ sounds odd. “UNIBEN Alumni meets (meet)” This kind of error borders on carelessness.

FEEDBACK

Please note that in both American and British English, “debut”, like “author, critique, host, impact, hemorrhage, loan, party, pressure and gum (down),” has been promoted/made a verb-–verbalized! The most amusing oddity of the English language is the word, Money, it is classified as uncountable! But in Constitution, Accountancy, Banking and Finance, “money” has the plural “moneys” (not “monies”, which is the plural of “money”). “Date back to” and “date from” are now inflected in the past and in the past participle. “Common sense” should always be written two separate words when used as a noun (NOT one Word), e.g. use your common sense; and as a hyphenated compound rather than as one word when used adjectivally, e.g. common–sense precautions; common–sense English. Note also that, as a grammatical rule, “whole” is used with a singular noun while “all” is used with plural nouns, e.g. the whole country; all the people. Bayo Oguntunase : Adorobaba1952@yahoo.com

FUNAAB VC tasks group on rustlers’ activities Saidat alauSa

he Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has charged the Society for Grassland Research and Development in Nigeria (SOGREDEN), to play a vital role in resolving the rustling activities that are causing disaffection among traditional herdsmen and indigenous crop farmers in the country. He made the call during the maiden biennial conference of the Society, tagged “Towards a Sustainable Utilisation of Forage and Grassland Resources for Improved Livestock Production in Nigeria”. The Vice-Chancellor urged members of the Society to come up with modalities that would make government policies adequate to resolve the re-occurring clashes between herdsmen and indigenous crop farmers that led to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties. Prof. Oyewole, who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), therefore, appealed to federal and state gov-

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ernments, as well as members of the Society to support cutting edge research in a bid to putting an end to the problem. He also declared that SOGREDEN had a great role to play in the provision and management of forage resources for the large population of livestock in Nigeria. Professor Oyewole stated that FUNAAB has 10 Colleges and 42 Departments offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, noting that FUNAAB was the only university to have a full-fledged and accredited Department of Pasture and Range

Management, under the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM). The President of SOGREDEN, Professor Olufemi Onifade, revealed that the society was incorporated in November 2010, following the stakeholders’ meeting held in FUNAAB in 2008. Professor Onifade, who was the immediate past Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS) of the university, reiterated the need for the training of technical officers, as most staff with relevant training in Pasture

and Range Management in government ministries, had retired. Professor Onifade decried the status of the natural grassland resources, which was rapidly declining due to man’s intervention and the adverse effects of climate change, adding that the society needed to plan ahead for the production of pasture seeds and establish new fields. He noted that the era in which farmers purchased animals without adequate provision of feed, most especially for the dry season, was long gone.

L-R: Administrator, Grace High Schools, Lagos, Mrs Iyiola Edun; Principal, Mr. Ronald Cilliers and Quantity Surveyor, Dapo Adebayo during the school’s maiden edition of Parents’ Recognition Day, recently.

APHEA accredits Liverpool online master’s programme in public health

he University of Liverpool, United Kingdom online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) programme has been accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA), a globally recognised accrediting body for masterslevel public health programmes. APHEA is a partnership between five leading European public health associations to promote quality education for public health professionals worldwide, and accreditation means the online MPH programme meets international quality standards. According to the Director of MPH Programmes at the university, Francine Watkins, the accreditation provides online MPH graduates of the university with the opportunity to gain a degree that employers will recognise as independently assessed and one that provides the essential competencies required by public health professionals worldwide. “The accreditation process involved a rigorous assessment of the online MPH across seven criteria, and the assessment was based in part on feedback from current students and teaching staff. “APHEA accreditation is important for our students. It means they can gain a degree that is internationally recognised and with globally transferable skills,” he explained. “Our online MPH programme is essential for professionals working in health services, government agencies and NGOs.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Fixed entry: Godsend, not ‘sent’’

FEEDBACK

FUNAAB VC tasks group on rustlers’ activities sAidAt AlAusA

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Octogenarian celebrates school at 50 • Says ‘It’s Lord doing’

RobeRt Awokuse

Business Thursday, December 24, 2015

Charting ways towards re-defining telecom industry’s future 31

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Courier operators flaw NNPC’s headquarters posts non-representation in N141bn loss in 2015 new bill FG, others share N369.88bn in Nov, AIRLINES’ FLIGHT as oil earnings drop SCHEDULES

CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

tatutory and funds distributed to the three tiers of government from the Federation Account in November stood at N369.88 billion, representing a decrease of dropped by N103.95 billionfrom the N473.83 billion distributed in the preceding month. The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, while briefing journalists late Tuesday shortly after the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee’s, FAAC’s, meeting ‎confirmed the drop in shared funds. She, however, noted that even though the revenues were currently down, non oil revenue was beginning to make up for the shortfalls in oil revenue. The minister said that the N369.88bn distribution for the month comprised three distribution sources namely, statutory revenue N297.45 billion, Value Added Tax N61.18 billion, exchange gain N4.92 billion and refund by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to the Federation Account totalling N6.33 billion. From the statutory revenue of N297.45bn, the minister said the Federal Government after deducting the cost of collection to the Nigerian Customs and the Federal Inland Revenue Service received the sum of N139.5bn; states N70.76bn; and local governments N54.55bn. Similarly, the sum of N25.6bn was allocated to the oil producing states based on the 13 per cent derivation principle. For VAT revenue of N61.18bn, she said the Federal Government after deducting cost of collection got the sum of N8.8bn, states N29.36bn and local governments N20.55bn. She attributed the decline in allocation to reduction in revenue which was caused by shutdown and shut-in of production at various terminals during the period. She said, “The gross statutory revenue of N297.45bn received in the month was lower than the

N400.3bn received in the previous month by N102.86bn. “On-going maintenance and the shutdown and shut-in of production for repairs at different terminals during the month continued to impact crude oil and gas revenue negatively”, Adeosun added. Apart from repairs and maintenance, a communiqué issued

after the meeting indicated there was also a revenue loss of $19.43 million as a result of reduction in federation export even though the average price of crude oil increased from $46.96 in September to $49.58 in October. On the Excess Crude Account, the minister put the balance at $2.58 billion. Apart from repairs and main-

tenance, a communiqué issued after the meeting indicated there was also a revenue loss of $19.43 million as a result of reduction in federation export even though the average price of crude oil increased from $46.96 in September to $49.58 in October. On the Excess Crude Account, the minister put the balance at $2.58 billion.

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: Chief Actuary, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Mr. Anthony Tippa; Managing Director, Mr. Larry Ademeso; Recipient, Best Regional Manager, Mr. Chris Uzor; Executive Director, Mr. Ngozi Nlebemuo and Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Johnson Fatokun, at the Company’s 2015 Agency End-of Year Party in Lagos

E-PPAN cautions shoppers on online frauds IsaIaH ErHIaWarIEn

he E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, E-PAN, has cautioned shoppers and the public to take precautionary measures in safeguarding their financial transactions during this yuletide season. Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Onajite Regha, said that the warning becomes necessary considering the high transaction and purchases being made during this period, saying that most people are carried away by the festivity in the atmosphere and they let their guards loose. According to her, there is usually high level of financially related criminal activities at this time urging the public to be securityconscious in the use of electronic payment channels for transaction, which is still the best option. “Whether you want to send money to someone using your

mobile phone or internet banking platform with your computer or you are shopping physically at a merchant outlet using the Point of Sales terminal; or even withdrawing or paying bills at the ATM at the Automated Teller Machines (ATM), it is important that you keep security utmost on your mind”, she said. Regha disclosed that the responsibility first lies on the user of these e- payment platforms to be careful while making any transaction stressing that following safety tips such as protecting card details at all times, trying not to let your card out of sight when making a transaction is very essential. “On no account should you share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone, ensure you are the only person that knows your PIN. Your bank will never ask you to disclose it; anyone who asks you for your PIN is a fraudster. Keep it secret, keep it safe and protect your PIN”, she noted.

The E-PPAN boss urged shoppers never to use an ATM at any isolated location, especially at night saying that they should report a missing or stolen card or token to the appropriate authorities and your bank so that they can deactivate them from being used by the criminal. She advised those doing online transaction or banking, never to log onto a prompted site for transaction, or through a link stressing that “If you need to do online purchases or online banking transactions, type in the website you want to visit yourself because there are a lot of phishing sites that looks exactly like the site you intend to visit. Look out for the padlock sign on any website or https, the S stands for secured. It is also important that after browsing any website especially the one you have your personal details such as your email you log out appropriately.

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 24, 2015

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NNPC’s headquarters posts N141bn loss in 2015 …as Corporation tops product refining losers’ chart

ChiDi UGwU, abUJa

here are indications that tough times for Nigeria’s troubled oil and gas sector are showing no signs of easing off as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has claimed the top most position among market losers in the 2015 financial year. National Mirror findings from NNPC showed that the Corporation’s corporate headquarters emerged as its biggest loss-making unit with a net loss of N141 billion in 2015, even as a single drop of crude was not refined by any of Nigeria’s existing refineries in the month of October. Also in the month of September, only marginal refining activities were carried out in the country, with the Port Harcourt refinery achieving a negligible capacity utilization of 4.2 percent. On their part, the Kaduna and Warri refineries remained totally shut down for the period. To further underscore the suboptimal

condition of Nigerian refineries, of the 741 million litres of petroleum products consumed by Nigerians in the month of October, about 638.5 litres were imported from other countries through Offshore Processing Agreements (OPAs) and only 102.5 million litres were procured through domestic refining. Among NNPC’s subsidiaries, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) were the biggest losers in October, said Stanley Achonu, an official of NNPC, who could not immediately provide specific details on the loss status of the two companies. He however stressed that the Nigerian Gas company (NGC) and NNPC Retail were the only units within the Corporation that were currently making profit, and that in the upstream, a profit of about N28 billion was recorded between the months of January and October 2015. On the issue of production ratio, Achonu said that the Joint

PWC predicts 5.4% growth in hospitality industry isaiah erhiawarien

espite the announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria of possible recession hitting the economy by 2016, latest report from PriceWaterHouseCoopers forecasts higher cash receipts for the hospitality sector. According to PriceWaterHouseCoopers, the global accounting firm, although the domestic market took a knock in the first half of the year, an increase in hotel bookings is projected to occur at a 6.6 per cent compound annual rate to 2.2 million by 2019. While the wider economy takes a beating, stakeholders are optimistic that with in-frastructure investments in technology taking center stage, the ease of trade will turn the fate of the industry from peripheral to mainstream in the near future. Similarly, the Managing Director of Jovago, an online hotel booking site, Kushal Dutta, said he foresee growth in the hospitality industry despite the present challenges. He described the hospitality industry as a tremendously resilient sector adding that despite a number of regional incidents, the industry has still grown faster than the GDP by about one percent. Dutta disclosed that he is optimistic of the growth of the industry in Nigerias come 2016 say-

ing Jovago is optimistic about its ability to compete on the international stage, adapt and succeed. He added: “There are more investments being made in the deployment of ICT and e-commerce is playing a key support role so although the yields may not be as high it has the capacity to be, but we are still likely to see some improvements in the sector,” said. Although a slowdown in general growth is expected to hit the country, a report released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, showed the accommodation and food services industry outperformed the wider economy raising its contributions to GDP by 5.24 percent in third quarter of 2015, giving investors some reprieve. In spite of the positive outlook, the government emphasises the need for better preparedness for long economic headwinds. Speaking recently, Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that “the overall economic environment remains fragile. The economy further slowed in the second quarter of the year, making it the second consecutive quarterly less-thanexpected performance.” As the new administration promises a revamp of dormant sectors, hopes are high that the nation will begin making tangible progress in line with global objectives.

Venture (JV) contracts were lagging behind the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), which contributed about 41 percent as compared to the 31.27 percent out-

put in commercial oil production from the JVs within the period under review. Available information also show that in the month of September, about $3.12 billion was generated from crude oil production activities, with $900 million coming from

NNPC domestic sales and $300 million from its export receipts. Also, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) raked in $119 million from statutory industry taxation, while the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other smaller key players.

L-R: Former President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; newly inaugurated President of NACC and his wife, Mr./Mrs. Olabintan Famutimi; immediate past President, NACC, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa andManager, SME Enterprise Business, Airtel Nigeria, Gboyega Fadowole-Aje at the NACC Presidential/Board Inauguration and Dinner in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Nigeria partners Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire on food security

Kemi Olaitan, Ibadan

o enhance the current drive to achieve food security in Africa, Nigeria is presently partnering Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire through Sustainable Soil-Water-Nutrient Management under increasing climatic change and variability, a sub-regional project sponsored by West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development. The Executive Director of Institute for Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Prof. James Adediran, made the disclosure at the weekend, in Ibadan, during the Integrated Land and Water Management for Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change (ILWAC) project seminar. The seminar was funded by the Danish Trust Fund through the CORAF/WECARD Competi-

tive Grant Scheme. The agricultural researcher said that a total of 2,500 hectares of farmlands had already been cultivated with maize, pepper, okra, corchorus green amaranthus and 8000 seedlings of telfaria in Nigeria under the scheme between 2013 and December 2015. He listed the inputs distributed to over 3,000 farmers of whom 30 per cent of them are females, to include, 5000 kg of maize foundation seed; 75kg of pepper; 75kg of okra; 75 kg of corchorus; 75kg of amaranthus and 8000 seedlings of telfaria vegetable; 225 bags of 50kg each of organic fertilizer; 300 Cutlasses; 100 Boots; 200 hand gloves; 100 Knapsack sprayers and 64 water pumps. While maintaining that the agenda for food security in Africa under the Sustainable Partnership for Innovation is on track, Adediran disclosed that six check dams out of 11 earmarked for the scheme had been constructed in

Nigeria while four and one are sited in Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso respectively. He explained that two water pans, 48 tube wells and 1 open well have also been constructed at different locations across Nigeria under the scheme as at 2015. He said: “These have contributed to the notable gains and success story in the increased availability of water from check dams/water pans which have made possible the extension of cropping into the dry season after the rains have ceased”. According to him, the IAR&T, which is the lead institution under the scheme, has been working vigorously with other sister institutions in West Africa to build a vibrant research network to address common challenges in meeting the food security issues in the region for enhanced agricultural productivity and national development.

Edward Boamah, said that the Presidency issued the directive, asking all ministers and other top officials to avoid unwarranted foreign trips on the public purse. According to him, inappropriate spending will likely be a top campaign issue as Ghana is preparing to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in 2016, especially with the opposition in the country accusing government officials of inflating con-

tract sums. Boamah also said that the cabinet was also discussing a financial accountability bill which, if passed into law, would impose penalties for public officials who were found to violate it. He clarified: “It is expected to be clear enough to enable the general public to see malfeasance if there is any and hold the agency involved accountable,” he said.

Ghana bans public officials from first class travel

he Ghanaian Government on Tuesday announced the ban on public officials from first class air travel. According to news monitored on Reuters, the government said that the measure was part of renewed efforts to cut wasteful spending as the country began the implementation of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid deal. Disclosing the policy initiative, Communications Minister,

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Global News

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Ford recalls 313,000 cars for lighting failures A F

Boeing fined $12m by US for ‘multiple’ issues

ord Motor Co said on Tuesday it will recall 313,000 older cars for headlight failures linked to 11 crashes, as well as 4,700 vans, pick-ups and mid-sized trucks for assorted issues. The automaker said it is recalling 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles to replace the lighting control module. The module’s solder joints could crack and interrupt power to the headlights – increasing the risk of crash at night. The Ford Crown Victoria was often used as a police vehicle or taxis

before the automaker phased it out in 2011. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a new investigation of more than 500,000 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis cars in August after reviewing more than 3,600 complaints of lighting failures and reports of 15 crashes and one injury. The agency previously investigated the same lighting issue in 2008 without demanding a recall after finding no reports of crashes linked to the issue.

Ford car

NHTSA said some drivers were able to turn the lights back on, while some said lights flickered before turning off completely. The recall covers 296,004 cars in the United States, 14,714 in Canada and 2,096 in Mexico. Dealers will replace the lighting control module. Ford separately issued three other small recalls covering about 4,700 vehicles. It is recalling 177 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks to replace the rear air brake chamber due to a defect that could cause a leak and inadvertent application of the parking brake or diminished braking performance. Ford is also recalling 1,300 2015 Ford Transit dual-rear-wheel vehicles to replace rear axle shafts, which could crack and cause a loss of power or unintended vehicle movement when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. The automaker is calling back 3,200 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew vehicles to replace the front safety belt retractor and pretensioner assembly, which might not restrain an occupant in a crash.

Investment banks in UK paid just $30m tax in 2014

even of the biggest investment banks operating in London paid little or no tax in Britain last year, despite reporting billions of dollars in profits, a Reuters analysis of corporate filings shows. In recent months, the seven investment and corporate banks operating in London reported figures showing they paid a combined $31 million (£21 million) in corporation tax in 2014. Between them the banks generated revenues of $31 billion in the UK, profits of $5.3 billion and employed 33,000 staff. Five of the banks – JP Morgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank AG, Nomura Holding and Morgan Stanley – said their main UK arms paid no corporation tax, as Britain calls corporate income tax. The filings show that the seven

David Cameron

banks, which also include Goldman Sachs and UBS AG, used tax breaks and tax losses generated during the banking crisis to reduce their tax bills. The filings also show that at least some of the banks paid no tax because they reported losses in London, while reporting profits in much smaller affiliates in lower tax jurisdictions. The bank filings are available because of a 2013 change to European Union rules that requires banks to publish country-by-country profit and tax break-downs. The British government says it is leading international efforts to ensure corporations pay their fair share of tax, after public anger at reports in recent years that companies such as Google and Starbucks where shifting profits out of Britain to avoid tax. MPs and tax campaigners said that after receiving so much support during the crisis, it was wrong that banks could operate almost tax free. “The tax receipts from these large financial institutions show what a charade their claim to pay their fair share has become,” said John Mann, MP with the Labour party. “They rely on the taxpayer to underwrite their risk, yet they pay a minimal return back to the exche-

quer.” Spokespeople for the banks all declined to comment although their filings noted that they followed all tax rules and noted that tax payments can be volatile and may reflect profits generated in earlier years. Banking industry groups say that in addition to paying corporation tax, the banks benefit the exchequer by generating significant amounts of income tax. The UK tax authority, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customers (HMRC) and the finance ministry declined to comment on the banks’ payments, citing taxpayer confidentiality. HMRC said it applied the tax rules set by government without discretion. JP Morgan was the most profitable investment and commercial bank in the UK, which has published full data for 2014. Its main UK investment banking arm, J.P. Morgan Securities Plc, had $2.6 billion in profits last year. It paid no tax, the bank said in its country-by-country report (CBCR) – which all major banks operating in the European Union are required to produce by the end of 2015. The bank noted in its filing that it had a 2014 UK tax liability of $524 million but that this was offset by foreign tax credits, overpayments in previous periods and “the benefit of other available tax reliefs”. A spokesman declined to provide additional details.

ircraft maker Boeing is to pay a $12m (£8m) fine for “multiple pending and potential enforcement cases”, the US air regulator has said. The firm failed to meet a deadline to provide fuel tank safety instructions to airlines, among other issues, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Boeing has agreed to pay the fine and take action to improve certification. The agency said it “does not allege that these issues created unsafe conditions”. “It is imperative that everyone complies with our aviation system’s high safety standards,” said

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This agreement is an important step toward ensuring that Boeing fully meets all applicable compliance standards going forward.” The other violations involve Boeing’s delay in addressing incorrectly shaped fasteners used on airliners, as well as production quality control problems. FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: “Boeing has agreed to implement improvements in its design, planning, production and maintenance planning processes, and has already implemented several of these improvements.”

Boaing aircraft

Consumer, business spending support U.S. Q3 growth

he U.S. economy grew at a fairly healthy clip in the third quarter as strong consumer and business spending offset efforts by businesses to reduce an inventory glut, underscoring its resilience despite a raft of headwinds. Gross domestic product grew at a 2.0 per cent annual pace, instead of the 2.1 per cent rate reported last month, the Commerce Department said in its third estimate on Tuesday. While that was a sharp deceleration from the brisk 3.9 per cent pace logged in the April-June period, growth remained around the economy’s long-run potential. The Federal Reserve last week raised its benchmark overnight interest rate by 25 basis points to between 0.25 per cent and 0.50 per cent, the first increase in nearly a decade.

Janet Yellen

The rate hike was a vote of confidence in the economy, which has been buffeted by slower global demand, a strong dollar and spending cuts in the energy sector. U.S. Treasuries extended losses after the data, sending yields to session highs. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. When measured from the income side, the economy grew at a 2.7 per cent pace, not the 3.1 per cent rate reported last month, to account for downward revisions to corporate profits. Businesses accumulated $85.5 billion worth of inventory in the third quarter, instead of the $90.2 billion reported in November. That meant the change in inventories sliced off 0.71 percentage point from third-quarter GDP growth, instead of the 0.59 percentage point the government estimated last month. A record increase in inventories in the first half of the years left warehouses bulging with unsold merchandise and businesses with little appetite to restock. Despite efforts to whittle down the stockpiles of unsold goods, inventories remain relatively high and will probably be a drag on growth in the fourth quarter. Estimates for fourth-quarter growth are currently around a two per cent rate.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, December 24, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Equities as at December 23, 2015

Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO 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 4 9 13

Current Price 27.60 32.50

Quantity Traded 51,103 50,050 101,153

Value Traded 1,405,470.10 1,689,476.40 3,094,946.50

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.40

Quantity Traded 136,900 136,900

Value Traded 191,281.00 191,281.00

238,053

3,286,227.50

Quantity Traded 38,550 500 8,046,913 1,086,051 9,172,014

Value Traded 26,212.50 1,980.00 11,477,464.36 22,237,116.51 33,742,773.37

9,172,014

33,742,773.37

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015

CONGLOMERATES Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. NIG PLC. Published by ROADS The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA Daily Summary TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 1 (Equities) 85 71 160

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products Activity Summary on Board EQTY DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Food Products HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 21 1 22

Current Price 41.68 6.60

Quantity Traded 172,535 800Page 173,335

Value Traded 7,482,519.70 5,544.00 11 1 of 7,488,063.70

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 11,450 11,450

Value Traded 69,285.48 69,285.48

184,785

7,557,349.18

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 12 72 7 110 201

Current Price 3.47 122.50 15.94 115.72

Quantity Traded 174,695 1,942,886 97,700 702,901 2,918,182

Value Traded 585,165.20 238,135,665.79 1,510,020.00 81,578,993.97 321,809,844.96

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 182.00

Quantity Traded 16,758 16,758

Value Traded 3,045,415.85 3,045,415.85

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL

No. of Deals 16 37

Current Price 6.06 20.70

Quantity Traded 306,516 316,161

Value Traded 1,880,938.13 6,524,607.04

Symbol HONYFLOUR NASCON TIGERBRANDS

No. of Deals 6 5 27 91

Current Price 2.06 6.80 1.18

Quantity Traded 66,900 Page 9,518 1,805,961 2,505,056

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 7 27 34

Current Price 18.05 800.00

Quantity Traded 6,879 119,132 126,011

Value Traded 125,338.95 94,826,845.69 94,952,184.64

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 14 14 28

Current Price 4.70 0.69

Quantity Traded 70,452 1,138,065 1,208,517

Value Traded 318,530.40 776,238.87 1,094,769.27

No. of Deals 17 13 30 No. of Deals 395 6 5 27 No. of Deals 91 68

Current Price 26.90 45.50

Quantity Traded 122,673 19,119 141,792 Quantity Traded 6,916,316 66,900 9,518 1,805,961 Quantity Traded 2,505,056 1,680,267

Value Traded 3,302,903.70 845,773.77 4,148,677.47 Value Traded 435,804,162.14 138,300.00 66,876.40 2,142,548.38 Value Traded 10,753,269.95 7,743,594.40

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P ZSummary CUSSONSon NIGERIA Activity Board PLC. EQTY UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Products Totals Personal/Household Food Products CONSUMER GOODS TotalsMILL PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Banking Food Products Totals ACCESS BANK PLC. Food Products--Diversified CADBURY PLC. Published by The NigerianNIGERIA Stock Exchange © NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Personal/Household Products

Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking DIAMOND BANK PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICESHALLMARK CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARKPLC INSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC.PLC N.E.M INSURANCE (NIG) PLC. WAPIC INSURANCECO PLC NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Mortgage Carriers, Insurance Carriers, Brokers Brokers and and Services Services Totals UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. MortgageCarriers, Carriers,Brokers Brokersand and Services Mortgage Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©Services Totals UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Other Financial Institutions Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC Other FinancialAND Institutions CUSTODIAN Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015ALLIED PLC AFRICA PRUDENTIAL FCMB GROUP PLC. REGISTRARS PLC Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. UNITED CAPITAL PLC STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals UNITED CAPITAL PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Totals Other Financial Institutions

FINANCIAL SERVICES Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol PZ UNILEVER Symbol HONYFLOUR NASCON TIGERBRANDS Symbol ACCESS

INTERNATIONAL PLC Published by NEIMETH The Nigerian Stock ExchangePHARMACEUTICALS © PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

No. of Deals 7 27 34

Current Price 18.05 800.00

Quantity Traded 6,879 Page 119,132 126,011

11 3 125,338.95 of 94,826,845.69 94,952,184.64

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 14 14 28

Current Price 4.70 0.69

Quantity Traded 70,452 1,138,065 1,208,517

Value Traded 318,530.40 776,238.87 1,094,769.27

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 17 13 30

Current Price 26.90 45.50

Quantity Traded 122,673 19,119 141,792

Value Traded 3,302,903.70 845,773.77 4,148,677.47

6,916,316

435,804,162.14

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ACCESS Symbol DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK Daily Summary

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals ICT Totals

395

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE Symbol CORNERST HMARKINS Symbol LAWUNION HMARKINS MANSARD LAWUNION NEM MANSARD NIGERINS NEM WAPIC NIGERINS WAPIC Symbol UNHOMES Symbol UNHOMES Symbol AFRIPRUD Symbol CUSTODYINS AFRIPRUD FCMB CUSTODYINS STANBIC FCMB UCAP STANBIC UCAP Daily Summary

Symbol FIDSON Symbol Symbol GLAXOSMITH FIDSON MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Value Traded

No. of Deals 68

Current Price 4.60

Quantity Traded 1,680,267

No. of Deals 21 20 36 316 88 1,021 83 10 18 10 (Equities) 1,691

Current Price 2.43 16.49 1.45 18.86 1.46 1.80 3.50 5.96 0.94 0.89

Quantity Traded 925,863 Page 211,398 1,702,256 18,499,810 2,383,940 9,268,212 3,663,968 164,229 677,123 354,096 39,531,162

11 3 2,250,240.82 of 3,489,618.39 2,426,898.17 350,512,903.80 3,476,845.38 16,683,031.20 12,793,325.35 979,142.84 634,950.62 309,522.56 401,300,073.53

No. of Deals 4 1 No. of Deals 1 2 No. of Deals 1 202 51 20 3 35 403 3 No. of Deals 40 1 No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals1 33 No. of Deals 3 33 33 213 33 45 21 135 45 (Equities) 1,867 135

Current Price 0.91 1.04 Current Price 0.50 0.50 Current Price 0.73 0.50 2.70 0.73 0.68 2.70 0.50 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50 Current Price 4.97 Current Price 4.97 Current Price 2.45 Current Price 4.07 2.45 1.75 4.07 15.00 1.75 1.25 15.00 1.25

Quantity Traded 66,121 4,370 Quantity Traded 50,000 15,526,381 Quantity Traded 2,000 15,526,381 658,950 2,000 672,100 658,950 145,690 672,100 3,126 145,690 17,128,738 3,126 Quantity Traded 17,128,738 1,000 Quantity Traded Page 1,000 1,000 Quantity Traded 1,000 527,826 Quantity Traded 2,240 527,826 3,009,714 2,240 1,766,443 3,009,714 2,181,986 1,766,443 7,488,209 2,181,986 64,149,109 7,488,209

Value Traded 60,170.11 4,544.80 Value Traded 25,000.00 7,763,190.50 Value1,400.00 Traded 7,763,190.50 1,744,315.00 1,400.00 457,038.00 1,744,315.00 72,845.00 457,038.00 1,563.00 72,845.00 10,130,066.41 1,563.00 Value Traded 10,130,066.41 4,730.00 Traded 11 4Value4,730.00 of 4,730.00 Value4,730.00 Traded 1,274,309.32 Value9,296.00 Traded 1,274,309.32 5,334,634.82 9,296.00 26,479,025.80 5,334,634.82 2,759,533.37 26,479,025.80 35,856,799.31 2,759,533.37 447,291,669.25 35,856,799.31

1,867 No. of Deals Current Price 18 2.50 No. No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price 5 35.00 18 2.50 1 1.05 1 0.89 2 2.25 27

64,149,109 Quantity Traded 541,109 Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 800 541,109 Page 100,000 9,600 Page 20,000 671,509

447,291,669.25 Value Traded 1,352,772.50 Value Value Traded Traded 26,875.00 1,352,772.50 11 5 of 105,000.00 8,160.00 5 of 11 45,580.00 1,538,387.50

Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Current Price 2.06 6.80 1.18 Current Price 4.60

Value Traded 138,300.00 of 11 66,876.40 2,142,548.38 10,753,269.95

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Activity Summary on Board HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals EQTY Pharmaceuticals HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals GLAXO CONSUMER NIG. PLC. FIDSONSMITHKLINE HEALTHCARE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

Current Price 0.62 4.16 1.45 20.16

160

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

No. of Deals 5 1 1 2 27

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Symbol GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

671,509

Value Traded 7,743,594.40 Value Traded

1,538,387.50

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.69

Quantity Traded 11,340 11,340

Value Traded 18,257.40 18,257.40

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 3.20

Quantity Traded 8,698,331 8,698,331

Value Traded 27,836,622.51 27,836,622.51

8,709,671

27,854,879.91

Sector

HEALTHCARE Totals

Company name

ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Processing Systems Totals Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC CAP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Building Materials Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Packaging/Containers Totals Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Packaging/Containers Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Activity Summary on Board MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. EQTY Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals OIL AND GAS Exploration and Production Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 AND GAS Totals PrintedOIL 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Quantity Traded 11,340 11,340

Value Traded 18,257.40 18,257.40

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 3.20

Quantity Traded 8,698,331 8,698,331

Value Traded 27,836,622.51 27,836,622.51

8,709,671

27,854,879.91

Quantity Traded 27,902 10,393 46,737 349,105

Value Traded 674,305.80 384,154.50 373,873.95 33,572,552.86

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) ASHAKACEM CAP CCNN WAPCO

7 7 6 28

25.00 37.60 8.31 96.80

Symbol

No. of Deals 48

Current Price

Quantity Traded 434,137 Page

Value Traded 635,004,887.11 of 11

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.71

Quantity Traded 59,000 59,000

Value Traded 100,890.00 100,890.00

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 1 4

Current Price 1.45 50.93

Quantity Traded 100,000 1,500 101,500

Value Traded 146,768.55 72,585.00 219,353.55

594,637

35,325,130.66

Quantity Traded 1,913,000 1,913,000

Value Traded 11,159,761.25 11,159,761.25

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

97 97

5.92

Symbol CONOIL Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL Symbol MRS CUTIX

No. of Deals 4 No. of Deals 6 48 29 16 No. of Deals 21 56 2

Current Price 26.04 Current Price 1.80 286.65 Current143.00 Price 49.66 1.71

Quantity Traded 1,422 Quantity Traded 89,514 434,137 49,906 19,800 Quantity Traded 300 59,000 160,942 59,000

Value Traded 35,180.28 Value Traded 159,725.94 35,004,887.11 13,972,580.64 2,811,221.38 Value Traded 14,154.00 100,890.00 16,992,862.24 100,890.00

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 1 4

Current Price 1.45 50.93

Quantity Traded Page 100,000 1,500 101,500

Value Traded 7 of 11 146,768.55 72,585.00 219,353.55

594,637

35,325,130.66

Symbol OANDO

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA Daily Summary FO MOBIL MRS

No. of Deals 97 97

Current Price 5.92

Quantity Traded 1,913,000 1,913,000

Value Traded 11,159,761.25 11,159,761.25

No. of Deals 4 6 (Equities) 29 16 1 56

Current Price 26.04 1.80 286.65 143.00 49.66

Quantity Traded 1,422 89,514 49,906 19,800 300 160,942

Value Traded 35,180.28 159,725.94 13,972,580.64 2,811,221.38 14,154.00 16,992,862.24

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 203.00

Quantity Traded Page 200

Value Traded 11 7 42,630.00 of 42,630.00

Symbol SEPLAT

SERVICES Printing/Publishing Courier/Freight/Delivery ACADEMY PRESS PLC. RED STAR EXPRESS LEARN AFRICA PLC PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Printing/Publishing TotalsTotals Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 Employment Solutions Transport-Related Services C & I LEASING PLC. Totals © Published byEmployment The NigerianSolutions Stock Exchange Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Hotels/Lodging Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014 IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Printing/Publishing SERVICES ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Transport-Related Services LEARN AFRICA PLCAND LOGISTICS PLC AIRLINE SERVICES UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Printing/Publishing Totals Totals Transport-Related Services SERVICES Transport-Related Services Transport-Related Services SERVICES Totals AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Published by NIGERIAN The Nigerian Stock Exchange © COMPANY PLC AVIATION HANDLING EQTY Board Totals Transport-Related Services Totals Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 SERVICES Totals Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014

2,074,142

28,195,253.49

Current Price 4.25 1.03

Quantity Traded 50,000 47,000 97,000

Value Traded 212,500.00 50,760.00 263,260.00

Symbol CILEASING Symbol SEPLAT Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 No. of Deals 1 Current Price 1 203.00 No. of Deals1 Current Price 6 3.13 154 6

Quantity Traded 6,000 Quantity Traded 6,000 200 Quantity Traded 200 59,000 2,074,142 59,000

Value Traded 3,000.00 Value Traded 3,000.00 42,630.00 Value Traded 42,630.00 184,298.00 28,195,253.49 184,298.00

Symbol Symbol ACADEMY REDSTAREX LEARNAFRCA TRANSEXPR UPL

No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals 1 Current Price 0.55 4.25 21 0.74 2 1.03 1 5.73 43

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 3,167 50,000 95,000 47,000 100 97,000 98,267

Value Traded Value Traded 1,710.18 212,500.00 70,300.00 50,760.00 545.00 263,260.00 72,555.18

Symbol Symbol CILEASING

No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price No. 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded Traded Quantity 6,000 Page 6,000

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 2 3

REDSTAREX Daily Summary (Equities) TRANSEXPR

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

Value Traded 184,298.00 184,298.00

Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 0.55 Quantity Traded 3,167 No. of Deals1 Current Price 0.74 95,000 32 1.92 5,500 5.73 100 151 3.61 54,673 98,267 184 60,173

Value 1,710.18 Traded 70,300.00 11,055.00 545.00 189,690.28 72,555.18 200,745.28

6 6

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions INDUSTRIAL GOODS PLC Banking FBN HOLDINGS ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Building Materials Other Financial Institutions Totals Activity Summary on Board DANGOTE CEMENT PLCPREMIUM Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Other Financial Institutions Building Materials FBN HOLDINGS PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Totals Other Financial Institutions Building Materials Totals PREMIUM Board Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

ZENITHBANK

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

723,858.46

2,741

1,021,319,691.46

Quantity Traded 26,514,469 26,514,469

Value Traded 364,814,606.88 364,814,606.88

13.85

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

Symbol Symbol FBNH DANGCEM

No. of Deals 225 Current Price 4.75 257 Current Price 13.85 No. of Deals 225 32 152.30 257 482 32 No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals 225 4.75 32 Current Price 32 152.30 225 32 514 482 32

3,255

Daily Summary (ETP)

Exchange Traded Fund

ETP Activity Totals ETF TotalsStock Exchange © Published byBoard The Nigerian

320,440

93,030,676

257 257

PREMIUM Board Totals

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA BANKING ETF Name VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF LOTUS EQUITY ETF Daily Summary as HALAL of 23/12/2015 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Printed 23/12/2015 VETIVA 14:32:14.014 INDUSTRIAL ETF VETIVA BANKING ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF ETFVETIVA Board GRIFFIN Totals 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

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

Symbol FBNH ZENITHBANK Symbol DANGCEM

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 Daily Summary (ETP) NEWGOLD VETBANK Symbol VETGOODS LOTUSHAL15 VETGRIF30 NEWGOLD VETINDETF VETBANK VETGOODS VETGRIF30 VETINDETF Daily Summary

Value Traded

No.of ofDeals Deals CurrentPrice Price Quantity Quantity320,440 Traded Value Traded No. Traded Value Traded 32 Current 723,858.46 3 1.92 5,500 11,055.00 Page 8 of 11 15 3.61 54,673 189,690.28 93,030,676 2,741 1,021,319,691.46 18 60,173 200,745.28

Daily Summary (Equities)

Equity Activity Totals

Equity Totals Published byActivity The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

3.13

Daily Summary (Equities) ACADEMY Symbol LEARNAFRCA AIRSERVICE UPL NAHCO

Value Traded Traded Value 3,000.00 of 3,000.0011

Quantity Traded 59,000 59,000

IKEJAHOTEL

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM EQTY Board Totals

FINANCIAL Daily Summary as ofSERVICES 23/12/2015 Banking14:32:14.014 Printed 23/12/2015 ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Activity Summary Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM

200

154

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Employment Solutions OIL AND C & IGAS LEASING PLC. Exploration and Production Employment Solutions Totals SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Hotels/Lodging Exploration and Production Totals IKEJA HOTEL PLC OILHotels/Lodging AND GAS Totals Totals

1,538,387.50

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price 1.69

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Daily Summary as of 23/12/2015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Printed 23/12/2015 14:32:14.014

671,509

Quantity Traded

Value Traded 26,875.00 105,000.00 8,160.00 45,580.00 1,538,387.50

No. of Deals 1 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors INDUSTRIAL GOODS CONOIL PLC Building Materials ETERNA PLC. Building Materials Totals FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Products Electronic and Electrical MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. CUTIX PLC. Petroleum and and Electrical PetroleumProducts ProductsTotals Distributors Totals Electronic

Quantity Traded 800 100,000 9,600 20,000 671,509

Symbol TRIPPLEG

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Current Price 35.00 1.05 0.89 2.25

(ETP)

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 30,168,586 26,514,469 Quantity Traded 30,168,586 164,174 26,514,469 56,683,055 164,174 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 30,168,586 164,174 164,174 30,168,586 164,174 56,847,229 56,683,055 Page 164,174

514

Value Traded Value Traded 142,925,561.35 364,814,606.88 Value Traded 142,925,561.35 25,071,232.41 364,814,606.88 507,740,168.23 25,071,232.41 Value Traded Value Traded 142,925,561.35 25,071,232.41 25,071,232.41 142,925,561.35 25,071,232.41 532,811,400.64 507,740,168.23 11 9 of 25,071,232.41

149,877,905

1,554,131,092.10

56,847,229

532,811,400.64

Page 1,554,131,092.10 9 of 11 149,877,905

3,255 No. of Deals 1 1 1 No. of Deals 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 6 1 6

6 6

Current Price 9.19 2,061.00 2.67 Current Price 6.92 9.19 12.23 2,061.00 20.49 2.67 6.92 12.23 20.49

Quantity Traded 5 51 5 Quantity Traded 5 5 5 51 5 5 76 5 5 76 5 76

Value Traded 45.95 105,111.00 13.35 Value Traded 34.60 45.95 61.15 105,111.00 102.45 13.35 105,368.50 34.60 61.15 105,368.50 102.45 105,368.50

105,368.50

76 Page

11 10 105,368.50 of

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Charting ways towards re-defining telecom industry’s future Lack of continuity in most government policies in the country has been blamed for the major reason why dividends of democracy are not accruing to the people. But then, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, appears to have be an exception to this detestable rule as documents on past and present leaderships of the Commission showed a link between the past in policy thrusts. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

xperts believe that the modest achievements recorded in the nation’s telecommunications industry can be sustained if the policy continuity hallmark of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, is sustained in the years ahead. NCC happens to be one of the agencies of government, where policy continuity has often been prioritized by successive leadership of the Commission to the commendation of industry analysts, who noted that this approach was desirable for the sustainable growth of the capitalintensive industry. An ICT expert, Emmanuel Okitiakpe observed that so far the industry seems to be getting it right at each change of baton at the Commission saying that what has been a challenge in the industry is the electricity power supply in the country. According to him, the agenda set by the new NCC boss was a buildup of previous agenda that was set by past leadership of the NCC naming some of them to include the Right of Way, which the past leaders have often talked about. Okitiakpe, who is also an analyst in the sector said that the current growth rate of the telecom sector can be sustained under the present leadership of the Commission given the agenda set for implementation. According to a available information, the new leadership of the Commission is vigorously focusing on tackling some key issues in the industry by next year. Top on this re-engineering agenda is the near-comatose Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, subsector which has continued to decline in the last five years due to fixed networks neglect which nobody seems interested in fixing despite the huge investment and profitability promises they hold. For instance, the Commission showed that the only surviving CDMA, Visafone, is left with less than two million subscribers whereas for the GSM mobile operators are having good time with MTN having over 60 million subscribers, Glo and

Airtel having over 30 million, Etisalat 20 million subscribers leaving Visafone about 2.5 million subscribers. The management of the regulatory institution is said to be worried about the development and has promised to address the issue. Speaking recently, the EVC Chairman, Professor Danbatta was quoted as saying that “if we can deliberately introduce incentives to any operator to come in and roll out fixed telecoms services we can do it. The Commission is open to negotiations on how this could be done. “We intend to convince the government to key into this important initiative of the Commission. Through this medium I send a message to operators who will be willing to buy into this important idea of availing themselves the opportunity to get the incentives that we intend to put in place in order to revive fixed telephony services”, he added It was reliably gathered that by 2016, the NCC would be harsh on the issue of quality service more than the past leadership has done stressing that technical issues that are not conversant to ordinary Nigerians will be tackle to improve QoS. According to the Commission, nontechnical issues are the ones that Nigerians are more conversant with such as the inability to have Right of Way to access sites and locations for the deployment of infrastructure like fibre networks. The NCC leadership hinted that multiple taxation and vandalism of telecoms

Dambata infrastructure will aggressively addressed. For instance, it was gathered that Danbatta had already set up a task force on Quality of Service, QoS, that will be working with other departments of the Commission. The task force has timeline to report back to the management for the NCC to be able to verify if the measures put in place are yielding the desired result. He pointed out that the most important message that should go out to the public is that something is deliberately being done to improve QoS since the Commission is convinced that if it is looking for remarkable improvement in QoS, then it must roll out broadband services The agenda disclosed that next more operators will punished stressing noting that “We’re not fining operators on flimsy excuses when and if cases of infringement are established; they are fined on cases of infringement consistent with the law. People forget that the regulator conducts this important affair of regulation, consistent

We’re not fining operators on flimsy excuses When and if cases of infringement are established; they are fined on cases of infringement consistent With the laW

with the Act and there are other regulations already gazette.” He explained that it is when the NCC establishes infringement or actions that are incompatible with the Act that we invoke appropriate provisions of the law pertaining to those infringements and their appropriate sanctions. “We don’t want to be doing that but the regulator cannot just stand by and watch as these various infringements are being committed with impunity. No responsible regulator will stand by and watch. Our main responsibility is to the Nigerian consumers, there should be fairness when and if infringements are committed then we look at the laws and apply appropriate sanctions”, he stated. He revealed that come next year, the level of penetration will speak for itself and people will pay taxes alongside these improvements that we’re going to witness in broadband penetration and the proliferation of ICT services all over the major cities in Nigeria and the taxes associated with those services will far outweigh the little money they’re getting by introducing those taxes. Commenting on the agenda, the President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi said that agenda were laudable since they are tailored to the growth of the industry. He however advised that government plays its role by making the environment conducive and address lingering issues of electricity power supply and the development of telecoms infrastructure.

Info Tech

Thursday, December 24, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Courier operators flaw non-representation in new bill StorieS by iSaiah erhiawarien

he Association of Nigeria Courier Operators, ANCO, said the National Assemble has denied it the opportunity of making input into the proposed Postal Commission Bill, which was abandoned midway by the 6th and 7thAssemble. Currently under-going reading, the Bill is expected to provide an independent regulator for courier services in the country with full enabling laws to operate. Speaking at a press conference to express their grievances over exclusion from the reading of the

Bill, the President of ANCO, Siyanbola Oladapo said that equity demand that such a Bill that will inadvertently affect the existence of the courier operators should require their input. According to Oladapo, ANCO members are worried that they are as key stakeholders are not aware of the content of the Bill, stressing, “It is pertinent that courier companies, especially ANCO, as major stakeholders be consulted for input into the Bill as they are better placed to advise on the situation of the industry in Nigeria.” He urged the NASS to take a clue from the workings of similar

Postal Commission that exist in other part of Africa, and examined its operational guidelines noting that it will help place Nigeria courier companies on a vantage pedestal for the expected business synergy with operators in the West Africa sub-region. The courier operators said that

they are looking forward to a Bill that will empower the proposed Postal Service Commission curb inimical activities of local government employees on road transportation in every local government area of the country. Oladapo said further that if the Bill is passed with the expectation

of ANCO, the high mortality rate of registered courier companies will be contained adding that “the postal industry will thus be made to function at optimum an contribute adequately in the generation of employment and increased gross domestic product of the nation.”

Samsung launches Galaxy J7 to tackle low battery problem

ith the just launched Galaxy J’s Adaptive Fast Charging feature, phone users can finally enjoy everything the Galaxy J7 has to offer. Speaking about the features of the product at the unveiling, Director of mobile, Samsung Electronic West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revematas, said that the Galaxy J7 came without the fear of the battery needing a recharge so often. He said that its ultra-power saving mode also enabled users to make the most of their last battery power, helping them stay connected for longer periods noting that in emergency situations, the use of Ultra Power Saving Mode squeezes additional juice from the battery to extend phone use. Revematas said that though there is currently a proliferation of smartphones in the Nigerian market, which can be confusing to the average phone user, the J7, which plays in the mid-range segment of the mobile phone market, also offers impressive spec and features. He disclosed that many big smartphones tend to be highly priced and beyond the reach of majority of people saying that this is where the Galaxy J7 stands out since it gives users a big device at a price that won’t dig a hole in their pockets. According to him, with the introduction of the Galaxy J7 to join the immensely popular, Galaxy J5, Samsung is set to continue its dominance of the mid-range smartphone segment, thus with specifications raising the bar. The device, he said lets users get the most out of their mobile experience with functions and features that take mobility to an entirely new level starting from the brilliant screen, with advanced resolution, contrast, and

color reproduction, viewing text, images and video, user experience has never been better. He said that Samsung’s Galaxy J features has advanced technology on both the front and rear cameras giving users amazing shots with friends and of their surroundings adding that the 13MP rear camera, with greater F-stop variability, allows users to adjust how much light is being taken in. Revematas described the device as very competitive in the market because of its powering content creation, sharing and multitasking capabilities noting that the Galaxy J7 comes with the latest hardware technologies. He added that an Octa core processor paired with 3GB of RAM delivers easy multitasking, lightning-fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance, and minimal application loading time.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya; Founder, Arrow of God Orphanage, Rev. Deborah Ogo; Dir. Corporate Communications and CSR, Emeka Oparah with Director of the orphanage, David Ogo-Tsegah during the visit of Airtel employees/donation to the home at Ajah, Lagos.

Nigerians among top global mobile subscribers in Q3

igeria has been listed as five of the countries in the world that top net global mobile subscriptions in the third quarter of 2015 with a growth rate of over four million. Ericsson in its latest Mobility Report, which made the disclosure, also revealed that mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa will reach one billion by end of 2021, with 690 smartphone subscriptions projecting that LTE

Airtel unveils yuletide package for society’s less-privileged

irtel Nigeria has taken advantage of the yuletide to fete the less privileged in the society through a new Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, programme. The five-day programme Christmas charity campaign tagged ‘5 Days of Love,’ was designed to uplift the less privileged in the communities it operates and give them a reason to celebrate during the yuletide season. According to Airtel, the programme is part of the CSR interventions of Airtel Nigeria under its Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS). During the period, employees of the organisation will embark on series of humanitarian activities including donations of

Items such as foodstuff, bedding materials, sanitary materials, clothing, and toys among other items, to identified orphanages and charity homes across the country. As part of the activities, Airtel employees in the Western part of Nigeria will host children of Daniel Akintunde Model School for Children with Special Needs, Adigbe, Abeokuta in Ogun State, to a Christmas party. The Airtel team also plans to make donations to the school. Airtel employees in Lagos will take the ‘5 Days of Love’ campaign to the Arrow of God Orphanage at Oke-Ira, Ajah, Lagos to express love to the orphans by spending quality time and donating relevant items and supplies to enrich the lives of the children.

subscriptions will grow almost 28 fold by 2021 with WCDMA/HSPA combined with LTE accounting for almost 80 per cent of subscriptions. The report, which was unveiled in Lagos by the new Vice President and Managing Director of Ericsson Nigeria, Johan Jemdahl that took over from Kamar Abass who was seconded to midwife the new NITEL now known as ntel, provides insight into the future of 5G networks, including a forecast of 150 million 5G mobile subscriptions by 2021. The report, a comprehensive update on mobile trends, revealed a significant increase in mobile video consumption, which is driving nearly six times higher traffic volumes per smartphone in North America and Europe (2015 to 2021). According to the report, with 20 new mobile broadband subscriptions activated every second, global increase in mobile subscriptions is another clear driver for data traffic growth. Jemdahl said that as of now, there are the same amounts of mobile subscriptions as there are people on the planet saying that in 2016 we will reach the four billion mark for smartphone subscriptions alone. According to the report, global mobile subscriptions are growing around five per cent yearly noting that India grew the most in terms

of net additions during the quarter with (+13 million), followed by China (+7 million), the US (+6 million), Myanmar (+5 million), and Nigeria (+4 million). The regional report covering Sub-Saharan Africa revealed that while total mobile subscription penetration currently sits at 80 per cent, the region is expected to see 100 per cent mobile penetration by 2021 with over one billion mobile subscriptions. Regional Head of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa, Fredrik Jejdling while commenting on the report said that in Sub-Saharan Africa, the dividends of connecting the unconnected through mobile broadband access and driving new services cannot be overlooked as it allows business and society to fulfil their potential and create a more sustainable future. He explained that increased connectivity improves the prospect of financial inclusion for the 70 per cent unbanked through mobile money services starting to take form across Africa saying that the same is true for transformation in the agriculture, healthcare and even the media industries. He said, “As we approach 100 per cent mobile penetration, focus should be on ensuring that the value of ubiquitous mobile access is harnessed for the common good of all.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Brands & Marketing

Yuletide: Shoppers explore discount offerings benefits in retail outlets

With heavy discounts on products, shoppers troop to retail outlets to make last minutes purchase. DAVID AUDU reports on the trends.

lobal retail sales, including both in-store and internet purchases, is expected to reach $22.492 trillion this year, the holiday purchases seem to help pushing sale up . According to figures from eMarketer, the global retail market has experienced steady growth over that of last years and worldwide retail sales will increase 5.5 per cent to reach $28.300 trillion by 2018. Also, figures from Kantar Worldpanel, published recently show that increased consumer spending during Christmas is helping the grocery market grow at its fastest rate every year. Head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel, Fraser McKevitt, explains that “shoppers chose to buy a little bit more this Christmas compared with last year, a trend which has pushed sales growth up. “Shoppers were the big winners at Christmas with cheaper grocery prices encouraging them to spend more at the tills. Like-for-like prices have fallen by 0.9 per cent due to lower commodity costs and an ongoing price war which has continued as the large retailers’ battle for market share.” As Fraser McKevitt rightly observed, Christmas, a climax of the upbeat and frenzy that characterise the preparation for one of the world’s biggest festivities see thousands of shoppers clamour for the perfect purchase. As usual, prices rise and fall across various segments of retail outlets across the country as shoppers rush to buy and retailers entice to lure buyers. Every year it is expected that large volumes of cash exchanged hands as shoppers take advantage of the various discounts on products to stock their homes, buy clothes for loved ones and families; buy latest electronics gadgets or replace old ones. However, ask an average Nigerian, and he will be quick to tell you that things are hard, the economy is bad, no money, but the reality seems to belie the pretentiousness as the streets of mostly urban areas bustle with shoppers. Where then do they get the money? At the Palms Lekki, where a huge Father Christmas image sits in the bowel of the huge hall, shoppers comprised of families and relation shuffle through the mass of people to shop. The same scene was witnessed at the Ikeja City Mall housing some of the multinational retail outlets. From lekki to Victoria Island all the way to the mainland, the major and popular shops were filled with shop-

Inside a super market

SHOPPERS WERE THE BIG WINNERS AT CHRISTMAS WITH CHEAPER GROCERY PRICES ENCOURAGING THEM TO SPEND MORE AT THE TILLS. LIKE-FOR-LIKE PRICES HAVE FALLEN BY 0.9 PER CENT DUE TO LOWER COMMODITY COSTS AND AN ONGOING PRICE WAR WHICH HAS CONTINUED AS THE LARGE RETAILERS’ BATTLE FOR MARKET SHARE pers. Children apparel shop along Broad street Lagos is ever busy in the last two weeks. A store attendant at PPEP Store confided that ‘people buy come and go to buy for their children as stocks are quickly sold off and replenished. Yes, things may be difficult, but the season, as it comes with holiday, when businesses close for the year, present people with opportunity to buy things. That is the spirit of the period, and it is so in most western countries where Christmas is celebrated What has fueled Nigeria’s Christmas sales boom, according to experts, as is done elsewhere, was the heavy discount on products to lure shoppers, especially, among the major online retailers that announced mouth watering discounts, though major in-stores also offered discounts. Among the major online retailer, Jumia announces up to75 per cent discount across most the products offer for sale in the promo tagged ‘Best brand special’. Konga, one of Nigeria’s leading online retailer, opened its 2015 Christmas shopping season with mouth watering discounts.

Although most of the deepest discounts featured on Black Friday, November 28 and Cyber Monday December 1, with discount as high as between 80 to 90 percent across products. Konga calls the Christmas sale Fall Yakata to signify the huge fall in prices that consumers will get during the period. The Fall Yakata Christmas sale at Konga coincides with Black Friday and Cyber Monday discount sales in the United States. Last year Konga crashed the price of the PS4 during Fall Yakata and promises lots of mouthwatering deals this year. Konga calls it the biggest shopping event and promises consumers up to 95 per cent off products across all categories. A post on its websites explains the spirit of Konga Yakata: Yakata is a Pidgin English adverb meaning things like completely, totally or utterly. So in this case all the prices are falling Yakata on Konga, hence Konga Yakata. The Konga Yakata Sale is the sale of all sales, with colossal price slashes. Plus, there’s free delivery to boot! The sale starts on Black Friday and ends on Cyber Monday, so if

you’re looking to take advantage of these great deals, make some time for the Konga Yakata sale! Fastest fingers first as Fall Yakata will be a limited time deal. DealDay in its holiday offering of up to 75 per cent discount on household items such as room lighting lamps, among other item at rock bottom prices. A visit to the Ikeja shopping mall and similar mall around Lagos show large banners displaying discounts on all categories of products, while young sales girls and boy flick posters and price list at shoppers. A store attendant at the Ikeja shopping mall, Mike Okonkwo told National Mirror that, “while people say there is no money but they are buying a lot of things. You see ‘big big’ men coming to buy things and you begin to wonder if we are in the same country”. The grocery section of the mall was a beehive of activities when this reporter visited. Staffs who wish to remain anonymous confided that they had uphill task attending to people as they came in numbers. The same tempo was observed at the Park and Shop on Lagos Island and a few others visited. However, one cannot ignore the bustle and hustle of the ever ubiquitous informal sector where shopping of the ordinary Nigerians takes place. A shoe retailer on Broad street Lagos, Chinedu Okoye, however lamented poor sales as a result of the devaluation of the naira, saying he bought his goods at the new naira rate to the dollars and as a result he has to sell at a little marked price if he has to make profit. For others like Sanusi Yomi who sells cloths, he was all smiles, as according to him, the season has been a blessing as he has to contend with shoppers demands. Commenting on the seemingly high shoppers demand for product this year, Chief Executive Officer of Noars Ark, an advertising and marketing agency, Mr Lanre Adisa, the high demand for product at this time of the season is a normal and natural thing saying people have strong inclination for shopping during Christmas time even if they have more or little. He said there is a spirit for the season, adding that because it a period to be with the family, the urge to spend to make your family happy is an overriding urge that translate to more spending. He said brands that have positioned themselves for the period stand to reap the harvest.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 24, 2015

KongaPay, MultiChoice partner on pay TV subscription payment DAVID AUDU

igeria’s online mall, Konga. com and one of the nation’s video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, have announced a partnership for the provision of a new platform for making DStv and GOtv subscription payments. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria said his company was delighted that with thepartnership it would further expand the payment and accessibility platforms available to our customers. According to him, the inclusion of Konga in the suite of self-help options available to our customers, can only yield improved customer satisfaction, which is the company’s key

objective. Addressing the media at the event, JR Kanu, Konga’s Associate Director of Payments and Digital Goods said, “This partnership is in line with Konga’s commitment, ‘to leverage internet and mobile technologies to deliver top-quality service delivery and ease of access across a host of relevant industries”. With KongaPay, customers can now pay their DStv and GOtv subscriptions with ease. Unlike other payment channels, the subscriber does not need to pay any processing charges or convenience fees. Payments can be conveniently made from any smartphone, computer, tablet or via the Konga mobile app. Additionally, in line with the season of giving, Konga is offering a 5 per cent discount on all purchases made through Konga for a limited time.

MultiChoice subscribers all over the country can now make their subscription payments using KongaPay, Konga’s online payment solution. The announcement was made at a joint press conference held by the two companies at the Protea Leadway Hotel in Lagos on the 17th of December. KongaPay is an innovative solution that allows customers to perform one-click payments for their transactions, developed by Konga in partnership with leading Nigerian banks. With KongaPay, the inconvenience of entering debit card or bank token details to complete each transaction is eliminated. While maintaining the highest security standards, KongaPay is also built to give instant refunds at the click of a button for goods or services that customers are dissatisfied with.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

New online lifestyle channel, REDTV debuts DAVID AUDU

new online lifestyle channel, REDTV, that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal has been launched has been launched in Lagos. The channel features entertainment, news, design, travel, fashion, music, sports, and comedy among others. At the launch over the weekend, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Africa, Bola Atta, said, “REDTV strives to be first and foremost all about the content; and to this end the channel has partnered and collaborated with leading visionaries, who are as passionate and committed to being part of a platform for the New Africa, one that positions itself confidently on the global stage”. A statement from UBA said, the location for the launch was an acknowledgment of RED TV’s proud association with UBA group, a financial institution that serves customers across 19 countries in Africa and has a presence in London, New York and Paris. UBA is committed to championing the best of Africa across a myriad of sectors as it provides products and services that concurrently draw upon

the bank’s rich heritage and the needs of the 21st Century. The launch attracted guests from the world of finance, business, media and the creative visual arts, there was a serande by a dazzling jazz trio as celebrities, opinion formers and socialites mingled over champagne and canapés. Also in attendance were Dakore Akande, Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Betty Irabor, Bola Balogun, Didi Ocheja-Daley, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Ono Bello and a host of other celebrities. “The breathtaking views from the top floor of the UBA House, coupled with the ambience reflected the aspirational intent of REDTV; a network focused on creating unforgettable moments on the screen as it inspires viewers”. Guests at the launch were treated to sample of REDTV’s flagship programmes. From The Sauce, a sassy topical round up of the happening of the week, to the drama and journey of discovering Africa’s future design star on Interiors By Design, to the global megabrand that is the Top Model Series, in the Oluchi fronted Africa’s Next Top Model and numerous others.

NBC excites with LTV family funfair, Calabar Carnival refreshments DAVID AUDU

N L-R: Director, Corporate Communications/CSR, Airtel, Emeka Oparah; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya and Director, Arrow of God Orphanage, David Ogo-Tsegah during the presentation of gifts to kids of the orphanage at Ajah, Lagos, yesterday.

Auldon Toys positions for pan African exploits DAVID AUDU

ollowing the debut of its first Nigerian theme dolls, Unity Girl dolls, specifically designed to promote girl-child education and tourism, Auldon Limited has introduced a new range of Dolls, with an expanded focus targeted at uniting African. Called Malaika, Unity Girl Africa, is a 14 inch tall Afrocentric doll, dressed in local African attire fashioned out to depict Africa’s rich culture, lifestyle and values which Africa’s girl child is expected to inculcate from infancy, in order to make her that ideal woman of the future. According to the company which trades its toys with the brand name Auldon Toys, the introduction of Malaika Unity Dolls will further spread the social relevance and impact of Unity Girls’ dolls across Africa through its strategic partnership with some major South African chain stores in view of the large spread of countries they operate in within the continent.

Unity Girl dolls which was originally conceived not only as a commercial venture but also a project targeted at impacting lives of people, particularly children within and outside the areas in which it operates sets aside a fraction of its sales proceeds for rundown Primary and Nursery Government school rehabilitation.Having observed its commendable support towards the development of education in Lagos State over the years, the company was early this year, singled out for recognition by the Lagos State Government for its unwavering commitment to the development of schools in the State. Chief Executive Officer of Auldon Toys, Paul Orajiaka, said “When we first conceptualised Unity dolls, our intention at that time was to carefully detach the unrealistic psyche of some very popular brands that impacted no cultural or moral benefit to the Nigerian girl child. More importantly, the dolls are packaged with the intention of influencing a more tolerant society and by extension, continent united in diversity.“Now taking into consid-

eration, the remarkable success we recorded with the Unity Girl Dolls in Nigeria, we decided to replicate that same success with the purpose of ensuring we equip the African girl child with the right values needed to take Africa to the height we all envisage. As future mothers, it must be said that the girl child no doubt plays a key role in shaping the African continent as a whole”. “Our model is based on the idea of harnessing the power of buyers who want to make an impact with their purchases. We have portrayed Unity Girl as far more than a doll, with a brand identity, which represents the social concern bordering around the challenges of the girl child, particularly education and the ware-fare in Nigeria and the world at large. At the moment, it has become a household name among Nigerian parents and now we are working hard to push this further across the entire African continent and that is why we are planning on stocking the shelves of major chain stores across Africa with Malaika Unity Girl.

igerian Bottling Company, NBC, has commenced a series of fun activities to celebrate this festive season, refresh families and excite holiday lovers. Two major activities that NBC is participating in this yuletide are the Lagos Television Family Funfair and Calabar Carnival in Cross River State. Acting Head, Public Affairs and Communication, NBC Limited, Mrs. Sade Morgan in a statement, said, “NBC is providing non-stop refreshment with its well-loved range of Coca-Cola products to family members, friends and other holiday lovers who visit Lagos Television Funfair Ground and the Calabar Carnival. NBC products remain the first and preferred nonalcoholic beverage choice at the Lagos

Television Family Funfair Ground, Calabar Carnival and other holiday spots in Nigeria”. Morgan said, “Lagos Television Family Funfair and Calabar Carnival are month-long programmes in December 2015 that have consistently delivered unprecedented fun and excitement during year end celebrations. NBC is also using this opportunity to provide free sampling of the new 5Alive Pulpy Orange Fruit Drink to 5,000 visitors at the Lagos Television Funfair Ground.” For Calabar Carnival, Morgan said NBC is making available cold drinks refreshment and sampling along carnival routes to participants, while also providing opportunities for fun seekers to win exciting gifts at the Coca-Cola Christmas Village set up at the Carnival.

Etisalat boosts offerings with Ikotun Experience Centre

tisalat Nigeria, has boosted its offerings to subscribers on the network with the launch of another experience centre in Ikotun Egbe, Lagos State. Speaking during the launch recently, Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Lou Odunuga, said the decision to locate the experience centre in Ikotun was made about four years ago in demonstration of Etisalat’s commitment to continuously increase the opportunity for customers to enjoy the teleco’s high quality services at all times. “This new experience centre is an attestation to Etisalat’s commitment to be closer to our customers, to offer them better services by being on ground to attend to them, advise them and give them excellent experience

any time they use any of theEtisalat products and services”, he said. Head of Region, Lagos and South West, Etisalat Nigeria, Eno Umoh said the centre has been well equipped to suit the needs of customers in Ikotun and environs. “With this experience centre, Etisalat customers can make purchases, resolve any network issues and source for any form of telecommunication services. They can also experience quality customer service that we provide all over the country”, she stated. The Elegbe of Egbeland, Oba Ashimiyu Dada, commended Etisalat for its commitment to quality service, and said the experience centre was a boost for entrepreneurship and economic development of the community.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Workshop charges media on success of FOI Act Leonard okachie

edia practitioners have been told that they have multiple roles to play to make the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act the most well implemented piece of Legislation in Nigeria as it has already acquired the reputation of being the most hard fought for legislation in the country’s history. This charge was given by various resource persons at media workshop for journalists on the FOI Act held recently at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan. The workshop organised by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) with support from the MacArthur Foundation, was part of an on-going effort to ensure that the Nigerian society is highly engaged and mobilized around the FOI Act. The two-day programme had over 40 participants comprising media practitioners from the print, broadcast and online media as well as from news agencies and wire services, trained on a variety of issues related to the FOI Act and thereby build their capacity to effectively utilize the Act. In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director, MRA, Mr. Edetaen Ojo said that they have implemented dozens of such workshops for various stakeholder groups, particularly the Media, Civil Society Organizations, and Government Officials, since the FOI Act was passed about four and a half years ago, in May 2011. He stressed that they were determined to continue to explore any and every opportunity to spread the message of the FOI Act in order to achieve their ultimate objective, which is to ensure that Government is accountable to, and works for the people. He stated that the media represents a key and strategic actor in this process, adding that as media practitioners, they have multiple roles to play in ensuring the success of the FOI Act. According to him, these roles include promoting and publicising the Act to sensitize the masses of our people who may not be familiar with the Law or how to use it; monitoring the implementation of the Act and compliance by public institutions and other stakeholders with their various duties and obligations under the Act; and using the Act yourselves to obtain information from public institutions and private entities covered by the Act for your reporting activities. He noted that part of the MRA objectives in organizing the workshop in

Ojo addressing participants at the FOI Act media workshop.

particular, was to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and tools to: promote and publicize the Act; monitor the implementation of the Act; and to use the Act to obtain information of interest or relevance to their work from public institutions as well as private entities covered by the Act. “Most, if not all of you here, know how hard civil society organizations and the media in this country fought to ensure the passage of the FOI Act. It would be a great tragedy if we now have the Law but fail to put it to good use to lift our country to the height which we are all convinced that it can attain,” Ojo said. In his presentation, Ojo who was also a resource person, defined Freedom of Information as the right, which members of the public in any society have to access information held by government officials and institutions. He stated that it is a fundamental human right established under international Law, adding that all citizens of any country and indeed all members of the public are entitled to enjoy this right. Ojo declared that an FOI Law is a major tool for fighting corruption, stressing that journalists, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens can use it to expose corruption and wrongdoing. “It enables community members know what budgetary allocations are made for maintenance or provision of facilities in their communities. This will

also give them a greater sense of belonging and ownership of projects,” he maintained. Taking participants on ‘Submitting Requests for Information &Following Up’, Communications Officer at MRA, Eseoho Ojo disclosed that after writing request (application) for information under the FOI Act, there are a number of options open to one for submitting it to the relevant public institution or private entity to which the Act applies. Those options according to her, include: electronically (by e-mail), courier, post and physical delivery (by hand delivery, either in person or through another person). She advised that the applicant should endeavour to follow-up his or her request for information by tracking the status of the request, adding that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF has directed each public institution to assign a tracking number to each request and give the tracking number to the person making the request. She insisted that a public institution must respond to the application for information, including possibly providing the person with the information or record requested within seven days, even as she noted that there are only two circumstances under which this period may be extended. Ojo continued: “You may follow up before the expiration of the7-day period through phone calls, emails or physical

visits just to remind the responsible official that you are waiting. “After the expiration of the 7-day, you may decide to send a reminder before exercising your right to go to court.” Another speaker, Mr. Suliamon Ridwan, who is the Programme Officer of MRA, revealed the “Guidelines on the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 Revised Edition 2013,” published by the Federal Ministry of Justice. He explained that the ACT applies to all information or records held by, or on behalf of, a public institution are all within the scope of the Act. He maintained that the legislation applies regardless of the age, format, origin or classification of the said information or record in question, adding that it also covers all forms of information or record, irrespective of the format in which they are kept, including, files, letters, databases, loose reports, e-mails, office notebooks, videos, photographs, wallcharts, maps, and so on. Participants were asked to draft actual requests for information to a public institution or private entity to which the FOI Act applies and their draft requests were jointly reviewed and discussed. Highlight of the workshop was the presentation of certificates to all the participants, even as participants commended the organisers for giving them the opportunity to benefit from such a programme.

Media

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Zuma lauds StarTimes over support for media summit DaviD auDu

ay TV company, StarTimes, is set to transform the media and communication sector in Africa as the group joined forces with the state council information office of the People’s Republic of China, PRC, to design a blueprint for media practitioners in China and Africa at the Sino-Africa Media Leadership Summit held recently in Cape Town, South Africa, tagged ‘Opening up the new area of win-win cooperation’. President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma noted that the role of the media cannot be over-emphasised saying the media is an important resource where the public can get information and have opportunities for better development. “For media to report correctly and in a balanced fashion, access and openness is crucial. In this regard, we need also to seek ways that media and government can do to develop meaningful partnerships for the benefit of our people. It is hoped that this media summit can open up a new area of cooperation between Africa and China, for communication of ideas to seek for common development,” he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that the root of friendship between China and Africa lies in the people and communication, adding, “Media is an important tie for boosting the friendship between Africans and Chinese. In recent years, the cooperation between media has got abundant development, and there are more and more visits between the senior media management and articles exchanges, co-interviews, and cooperative filming are now rampant.” He said, to bridge the gap between the two communities, whose cooperation can boost the welfare of over 2 billion people, President Jinping, who was represented by Chinese ambassador to Cape Town, Jiang Jianguo, stated

s technology continues to advance the role of the media, the world leader in silicon innovation, Intel, has announced that its newest family of PC microprocessors, code-named Skylake will shore up the sale of Personal Computers (PCs) by 2016. Speaking at a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, the managing director of Intel Corporation West Africa, Olubunmi Ekundare described Skylake as Intel’s best processor ever. According to him, the new chips, which is dubbed 6th Gen Intel Core Processor is out for everything from tablet computers to high-end gaming PCs. Olubunmi , while speaking at a

Lalong advises against sensational reporting LeonarD okachie

President Zuma

that it is important for the media to deepen the content of cooperation in order to integrate the people into the desired expansion of the communication industry. Reassuring its subscribers of its commitment towards developing Africa, President of StarTimes Group, Pang Xinxing, explained that the company is dedicated to the growth of the continent. He disclosed that the pay TV operator has always been sticking to the mission that every African family could afford digital TV of high quality and step into the digital age. “It is StarTimes that brings the ad-

vanced terrestrial digital TV technology into Africa, with after-sale services and digital TV of high affordability. Before StarTimes’ entrance into Africa, the price of digital TV in Africa had been quite high and not affordable. The initial manufacturing price was 200 dollars, and the cheapest monthly fee was 40 dollars. And now with StarTimes, the initial manufacturing price of PayTV has declined to 20 dollars, and the cheapest monthly fee is less than 3 dollars, truly realizing the mission that have African families boast of digital TV of high affordability and great quality,” he disclosed.

Intel parleys media on Skylake launch LeonarD okachie

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demo session to introduce the new technology explained that Skylake delivers significantly better performance in key areas, including lower power usage and enhanced graphics that are 30 times better than the standard, delivering smooth gaming and video experiences. He said, “These are both critical issues in computer gaming, mobile workstations and other graphicsintensive markets that the new Skylake-based systems will be targeting. “Also Skylake helps to solve some of the most nagging issues consumers have with PCs, securely eliminating older-style passwords and reducing wires with power, USB, and Thunderbolt over tiny USB-C cable.” Ekundare noted that Skylake is

also the most power-salable processor Intel has ever created with SKUs ranging from 4.5W to 45W, meaning that the new chips will benefit solutions ranging from stic PCs to mini PCs to tablet, convertibles, laptops, desktops and all-in-ones. He said, “Skylake is built on Intel’s 14-nanmeter manufacturing process, therefore, the electrical circuits on the chips are 14 billionths of a meter apart and that helps make them much more scalable.” Again, the new Skylake is optimized to work best toether with the Windows 10, providing better overall experiences, removing computing frustrations, and providing more secure computing. The chips can start up a Window 10PC up to four times faster than the current PC owned by most people.

overnor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has urged the media, especially the social media, to embrace developmental journalism and shun sensational reportage that does no one any good. Lalong said sensational reportage only fans embers of violence, “which succeeds in antagonizing our hard earned peace efforts, thereby making all of us victims in the long run. He gave the advice on Tuesday in Jos at his investiture as “Change Pathfinder Governor of the Year 2015’’ bestowed on him by the Plateau Social Media Community. Lalong, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Hitler Dadi said that the media plays a key role that cannot be ignored by any government that means well for the people that voted them into power. The governor assured that his administration would continue to identify with the media in all its activities, even as he described the social media as a veritable and viable platform for multifaceted forms of online media interaction among the citizenry, especially the youths. Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Mark Longyen said that the Lalong-led administration would continue to work with social media to achieve its agenda for the state. He said : “My office facilitated the programme because of the importance that the state government attached to the social media. “We will continue to work in partnership with the media to achieve the vision of the rescue administration in the state.’’ Coordinator, Plateau Social Media Community Mr. Charles Iheme said in his remarks that members of the group would use cyberspace for the good of the state. Iheme said that the community would continue to use the social media to promote peace and security in Plateau and beyond.

Gov Lalong

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Young & Next Generation

500 young entrepreneurs get free take-off grant for SME

Unemployed youths at Imigration recruitment exercise

Joel AJAyi AbujA

ecember 21, 2015 will remain memorable to the over 500 unemployed youths and graduates across the length and breadth of the FCT, who have been receiving free training on tourism and travel as they received N100, 000 each as free takeoff grant for Small Medium Enterprises SMES. A programme initiated by Vikonigeria for youth empowerment, is a roadmap to create five million new

jobs in Nigeria through tourism service delivery value chain. While speaking at cash reward and take-off grant event in Abuja on Monday, the Coordinator Consolidated Alliance and Managing Director

of Vikonigeria Limited Group Mr. Lucky Chidi Kanu, noted that empowerment remains the only means to eradicate poverty in the society. He maintained that in the world today, every one job out of 11 comes from tourism, adding that tourism and travel is the only sector that adds more money to global economy. According to him, today, we have a total of 500 young Nigerians on N100, 000 each to start their business on their own in tourism such as hotel booking, interstate bus booking, check-in, departures, amongst others. He said: “No interest is attached, we are not requesting them to return the money, and we want them to be a boss on their own. “That is why the take-off grant is not in form of cash for them not to spend it anyhow but it’s in the form of grant worth of 100,000 pin code to activate their e-wallet.” He added: “Creating employment is the brain behind this laudable project, which people will be self-employed not relying on government. As at today, oil price is about 26 dollar per barrel and if it continues like this, it means we will have problem, so it’s better we

change tactics, which is why we are diverting to the tourism because for me tourism is about job creation. “So, we want to teach the people how they can be an entrepreneur on their own, we create a website for them for free, do a customized mobile app and they go about trading on the tourism product without paying us any money, all what we are asking government is enabling environment, if they understand what we are doing for the country. “Because our plan is to create one million job per year and we are not asking for money from government all we need is friendly environment that will help us to strive, the youth we trained today we did not receive a dime from gover nment, all we demand from them is facilities where these people can be trained and I can bet it with you, we will train them on what to do to fetch them up to N200, 000 monthly. Meanwhile, one of the ‘trainee trainers’ who trained 127 youths in just three months was rewarded with N500, 000 cash price for the hard work while the first and second runner up smiled home with N250,000 and N100,000 respectively.

Skepta, Stormzy, others thrill at Beat FM Christmas concert leonArd okAchie

he highly anticipated Beat FM Christmas concert which took place on Sunday, 20th of December, at Federal Palace Hotel saw UK Grime artistes Skepta, Stormzy, Krept & Konan thrill their Nigerian fans. The audience was held spell bound with each performance, as they stood on their feet till the wee hours of the morning. The South London rapper, Stormzy, who announced on stage that he was of Ghanaian descent performed a number of hit songs like Not That Deep, Know me from, 0 to 100 and others. After performing a couple of songs, including the chart topping Private Caller on stage, Joseph Adenuga popularly known as Skepta gave a shout out to his parents who came to see him perform. Krept and Konan who are known for their handsome looks got fans screaming and singing along to songs like Freak of the Week, Young and Reckless, etc. Nigerian fans also got a chance to enjoy performances from their favourite artistes, Falz, Phyno, Olamide, Lil kesh, Yemi Alade and a host of others who came on stage to the delight of the Lagos crowd. Olamide and Davido got the crowd back on their feet with an energetic performance of their most recent collaboration ‘The Money’. With DJ Caise and DJ Xclusive on the wheels, Phyno stormed the stage and kept the audience entertained with songs like Man of the Year, Connect etc. While speaking at the event, GM Mega-

lectrics Limited, Deji Awokoya commented, “We’re happy to have fulfilled a lot of people’s Christmas wish as we organized an unbeatable show. It was a once-in-a-lifetime show and definitely one to remember”. The concert was definitely one to remember for music lovers as acts like Wande Coal, Sound Sultan, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Yee C, Falz, Lil Kesh, Iyanya, and more were also on hand to add colour and fun to an amazing night of great music.

Cross section of youths at Beat FM Chriistmas concert in Lagos, last Sunday.

President of Young Christian Workers (YCW), Lagos Region, Mr. Andrew Akins, addressing members at the Annual General Meeting held recently at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Army Barracks, Ikeja.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Fair Life Africa partners Ultima Studios for Schools urged to talent search

encourage children with special needs

StorieS By Leonard okachie

air Life Africa Foundation (FLA) partnered recently with Ultima Limited to host a Talent Search Week for disadvantaged but gifted children in Nigeria, this Christmas. The group is a progressive, humanitarian organization committed to the mission of empowering people through practical social initiatives and programs, According to the organizers of the search which was termed FLA Talent Search, the aim of the competition is to identify children between the ages of 9 and 17 years, who are gifted or talented in arts, crafts, sports and other vocations, but who are unable to develop their skills or compete with their peers, because of an inherent or structural disadvantage. The show which was recorded from the 14th to 20th of December, 2015, at Ultima Studios,Lekki, Lagos is scheduled to air on television stations across Nigeria from April 2015. A 12-year-old dancer Faith Umoren from Akwa-Ibom State was a sure winner from the first time the organisersn saw her during the auditions at SA Event Hall on the 31st of October. During the performance at the Ultima Studios, she took one of the five coveted slots to join our #FLAKids and received five years sponsorship from Fair Life Africa Foundation to develop her skill and pursue her passion. Similarly, 14- year- old Actress, Ibukun

Some of children at the Fair Life Africa Foundation

Ogunyemi, from Osun State was also one of the #TopFive, while 15 year- old- Singer, Victor Egberekemu from Delta State, secured his position among the winners when he closed the show with his passionate version of ‘iyawo mi’ by Timi Dakolo and serenaded Mrs. Ashogbon. Also, 16- year- old footballer, Daniel Ifeanyi from Abia State and 17- year- old fine artist, Ramon Bogunde from Oyo State took the last two slots in the #TopFive. However, a twist to the night happened when the judges decided to bring back 12 -year -old bead maker, Favour Emmanuel Idio from Akwa-Ibom State, after she was

reluctantly eliminated from Friday’s show. Based on her performance in the finale, Ms Abe Soyemi and Mr. Biano Efubi decided to sponsor her as the sixth winner. Also, The Society of Performing Arts Nigeria (SPAN) have decided to sponsor 9 -year- old dancer, Chidinma Okorie from Imo State, who is also very talented, but didn’t make the #TopFive. In addition to this, Newsong Academy has pledged a musical contract with the FLA singer, Victor, and extended training and talent development to the other three contestants in the musical category.

some members of Hear Word! cast, sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria and advocates on women empowerment to announce the take-off of the December 2015 season of the stage play. The stage play which comes in a collection of stories of real life accounts will hit the stage at the Muson Centre with an opening performance on December 24, 2015 and another single show the following day before showing twice on December 26 and 27, 2015. According to Mrs. Fafunwa, Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True speaks to issues

that hold Nigerian women back from reaching their full potential. Her words, “Nigerian women have proven to be valuable contributors to the growth of families, economy, organisations and the society at large. There are however certain cultural and traditional restrictions that hold them back from their full potential. Hear Word! brings to our consciousness the need to broaden our perspectives on these socio-cultural and political issues affecting members of the society especially the womenfolk.” Also speaking, Specialist, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu, said the stage play aligns with the company’s tradition of creating and supporting platforms that enable people to express themselves in whatever fields such as literarature, photographic ,theatre arts, education, music , entertainment, technology, entrepreneurship and sports. “We believe in giving people the platforms to express themselves. We do this through different platforms that accommodate various talent groups be it innovation, music, sports, literature, photography, theatre arts, education, young entrepreneurs and any other way we can contribute to the development of the society,” she said. In her remarks, a social advocate for women empowerment and founder Ruff ’n’Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi called for support for the empowerment of women in the country.

Hear Word! returns to stage A fter a string of successes following an eventful debut season in 2014, popular stage drama Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True returns for another run of scintillating stage performances that promise to add colour to the festive season beside the predominant headline themes of social-cultural change, women empowerment and inclusion. This was disclosed by the producer and director of Hear Word!, Ifeoma Fafunwa during a recent media briefing attended by

L-R: Zara Udofia, Opeyemi, Adeola, Ifeoma Fafunwa and Rita Edwards at Hear Word media briefing, recently in Lagos.

ome educationists have urged proprietors of schools to encourage children with special needs in their schools to always interact with other children during learning and other school activities. They said this would afford such children the opportunities to quickly overcome their physical defects and feel a sense of belonging with their peers. A school proprietress, Mrs. Mabel Babasola, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that exposing children with special needs to other children would help them overcome their defects easily. According to her, they will be able to also learn fast with the help of specialists, who come to check them in schools from time to time. “You find out that such children adapt well with other children, they should be allowed to play with other children,’’ she said. Babasola, who is the proprietress of Maria Breed Schools, Ajah, said that school proprietors should also grant rebate in school fees to parents of children with special needs. With that such parents would be encouraged to bring their children for enrolment in schools, she said. She said her school had been granting such parents rebate on school fees because the parents of these children with special needs would still pay specialists to assist them at home. Also speaking, Mrs Jomion Shogbola, Education Consultant, Straitgate College, Ishara Remo, Ogun, said that her school accommodated children with special needs. Shogbola said that teachers in her school were tutored to understand the challenges of such children. According to her, any child with special needs should not be out of school due to his or her challenges but should be allowed to mingle with other children. She said that she had been inviting specialists to her school to help the children either in speech or sight deficiency and above all to overcome their challenges. “We have resources that can aid them with spelling and reading and a lot of counselling is done to discourage them from feeling inferior,’’ she said. Also, Mrs Monsurat Etti-Thomas, Proprietress, Bolafade Nursery Primary School, Lagos, said that her school had no pupils with special needs at present. She said her school was willing to accept such children.

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Dare akogun

t was jubilation galore as New Life Community in Bayeku Area in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was upgraded and presented with a certificate as a fully fledged Community Development Association, CDA, when men, women, old and young irrespective of religion, creed or race in accord wine and dine together. In his remark during the event, the Chairman of the New Life Community Development Association, Mr. Omolaja Buari, expressed appreciation to the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area for deeming it to recognize them and even upgrade their community to fully fledged Community Development Association, just as he reiterates the preparedness of the residents of the area to further cooperate and support governments both at local and state level. Buari, however, hinted that in as much as the people of the area are ready to partner and cooperate with government, the government too should ensure the residents and people of the area are well taken care of, particularly with adequate provision of social amenities, security, electricity and pipe borne water. Also earlier in his remark, the vice-chairman of the CDA, Mr. Friday Agbabule, equally called on the Water Corporation in the area to provide good and treated water for the residents of the area to forestall water-

News

Thursday, December 24, 2015

New Life Community gets certificate as CDA

People waiting to access medication, during the closing day of Free Medical Outreach by National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) in Mangu Local Council, Jos, recently. borne diseases in the area, adding that the people of the area should utilize the advantage of the proximity of the Corporation to the area to benefit the residents, who nevertheless have been contributing their hard earned resources to develop the area.

Meanwhile, the representative of Igbogbo/Bayeku CDA, Mrs. Morenikeji Sanu explained that development of any community is the responsibility of government but urged the citizens and residents of the community to also strive to contribute their best possible

to compliment the effort of the government as being witnessed, urging them to find a land and later invite the local government to develop it for them because according to her, government cannot do everything for the entire citizens.

Youth group urges Taraba govt to establish ICT centres Justin tyopuusu, JALINGO

political youth group in Taraba, PDP Royal Group yesterday appealed to the Taraba state government to set up Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across the state to engage the youths positively. Coordinator of the group, Mr. Dennis Shima made the appeal at a press conference in Jalingo. Shima noted that the establishment of the centres in secondary and tertiary institutions across the state would prepared the youths to brace up with the challenges of the Information Age and reduce the rate of unemployment in the state. He commended governor Darius Ishaku for keeping to his campaign promises of providing infrastructure, saying the ongoing construction of Jalingo-Kona road and the 6.5km Takum-Katsina-Ala road in the face of dwindling allocation to the state was an indication that

the governor meant well for the state. “We want to appeal to the governor to consider industrialization of the state to move Taraba away from over dependence on federal allocation and create

jobs for the teeming youths of the state. “It is our belief that soon he will consider the provision of social amenities to rural areas of the state. We therefore, call on people of the state to give

peace a chance and support the governor to succeed,” he said. The coordinator thanked the governor for carrying the youths along and pledged their support and loyalty to his administration.

Christmas: Nasarawa governor’s wife donates foodstuff to widows igbawase ukumba LAFIA

ife of Nasarawa state governor, Hajiya Salamatu Al-Makura, yesterday donated N350, 000, worth of foodstuff and household items to widows across the three senatorial zones of the state in the spirit of Christmas. The governor’s wife disclosed this when speaking to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, adding that 100 widows would benefit the gesture from the western and northern senatorial zones of the state, while 150 would be benefiting from the southern zone. She said the gesture will assist the widows to celebrate both Christmas and the New Year festivities with ease and calm, promising to do everything humanly possible to assist the less privileged in the society to improve their standard of living through her pet project “Mother and Child Care Foundation, McCEF. She explained that the gesture will cushion the hardship that the beneficiaries may face during the festivals because of the absent of their husbands, even as she sympathized with them over their plight, hence encouraging them to remain steadfast as God will surely sustain them. The governor’s wife therefore advised the widows to give the education of their children topmost priority despite their current challenges as according to her “I enjoin the widows to ensure proper upbringing of their children so that when they grow up, they would become responsible leaders”. She however appealed to Christians in the state to use the period of Christmas to seek God’s intervention in the socio-economic crisis facing the country even as she urged Nigerians to set aside some time to reflect on the state of the nation and pray for a way out of the prevailing insurgency and economic problems.

Yakoyo/Odozi community commends Ogun governor oDinaka uruakpa

resident/Chairman of Executive Council of Yakoyo/ Odozi Landlords and Residents Association, Prof Augustus Olakunle Macaulay has commended the Executive governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for the on-going expansion and reconstruction of roads in the community as he assured of the people’s unwavering cooperation. Speaking at the installation ceremony of members of the Executive Council of Yakoyo/Odozi Landlords and Residents Association, Macaulay also urged Amosun to listen to the people as well

as carry them along concerning his desires for the community. “Today is a great day in the history of our association and the communities we stand for. We thank God greatly. On behalf of my colleagues, I want to say thank you to all who voted us into our present positions. The people gave us their time to move this association forward and have also contributed to what we are doing here today”, he said. Macaulay commended the foundation chairman of the association; Otunba Olajide Shekoni whom he claimed had contributed immensely to the growth of the association from inception. “Today, the history of this association will not be complete

without the mention of the contribution of its founding chairman, Otunba Olajide Shekoni. I want to thank Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Ogun State governor and his cabinet for the expansion and reconstruction of our roads. While we assure him of our co-operation, we want him to listen to us and carry us along with his desires for our communities because whatever plan he has for us directly affects our social and economic wellbeing, hence, we need to work together”, he claimed. Macaulay assured the landlords and residents of Yakoyo/ Odozi communiy that the newly installed executive would not disappoint them, as they were pre-

pared to work with government at all levels, associations, government agencies, individuals and corporate bodies that have the mandate to make their environment habitable. “During our tenure, we shall make sure that our social and economic situations are more peaceful and stable. I want to appeal today on behalf of the members of the executive council to all the landlords, residents and friends of these two communities; Yakoyo and Odozi for their co-operation to move this association forward because without you, we can achieve but very little. We need your love, understanding and prayer”, he appealed.

Features

Thursday, December 24, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expert appeals to NCC, MTN to Pascal Odibo, Business/Financial analyst, is an international knowledge development expert and an advocate of public-private sector dialogue and had in different fora spoken on the need for sync between these two critical sectors to ensure and engender economic growth and development. Here, he speaks on the sour relationship between MTN and NCC angling that the issue should be amicably resolved

made a case for the Electricity Generating Companies (GenCos) and the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) while also making a case for the consuming public for a fair electricity tariff.

Element of sanity for regulators

L-R; Representative of the Abia State Governor, Honourable BK Uduma; Director, MTN Foundation, Hon. Reginald Okeya and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State Honourable Lady Chinedu Brown at the presentation of items to beneficiaries of MTN Foundation’s Disability Support Programme in Umuahia, Abia State.

Recent fine on multinationals such as Guinness Nigeria Plc and MTN by regulatory bodies I do agree with you in part that it could portend danger in terms of what is referred to as the Global Investors Perception; that is how investors view a country, whether real or perceived, is stimulated by a lot of factors. Such factors include government policies or testimonials from the first movers. The first or second person or company to come to an environment to invest and market their businesses may be able to tell better stories about the environment than the government will. There is a difference between Marketing and Public Relations. Marketing is saying what you think you are while public relations is what people perceive you to be. As it is, as analysts, we are really looking at the present situation to understand if it is becoming a trend; if it is a trend, it is better we nip it in the bud because it will be very counterproductive since you may lose what you are trying to save. If these sanctions are being carried out to back up the dwindling oil revenue in order to manage the budget, companies affected by these fines will be forced to retrench and scale down. So, in that respect it might pose a lot of danger.

On allusion to the argument that the fines are to shore up government revenue Nobody should allude that. Regulators are not revenue or income generating agencies. Whenever you set that kind of tone, you will ‘breed a flop team’ in the agencies. Individuals who work in the agencies will become ‘income set minded’ rather than ‘standard set minded’. Regulators are meant to set standards and ensure that there is no monopoly or opportunity for anyone to get undue advantage while protecting the interest of the

state. If the Nigerian society must be seen as a free market society that encourages investment, these concerns must be dealt with adequately because we cannot afford to send bad signals to investors; posing our regulatory agencies as income generating agencies. Fines are to serve as deterrent and corrective measures for erring organisations. Secondly, the regulators are to ensure that the players in the field are constantly playing for the sake of the economy. The moment the players get off board, the regulator loses the moral right as a regulator because that shows it has not done something right. It is like a football match, the moment a match ends and the players take their leave, the referee goes home. As a fact, regulators sometimes should be able to make a case for the practitioners; understanding the peculiarities and concerns. For instance, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in recent past,

RegulatoRs befoRe now did not caRe about what

happens to the companies.

but, now they need to caRe. if the pResent mantRa is to pRovide

employment, then the options must be exploRed to achieve a Resolution

Sanity for regulators is a given because that is why they are regulators. As regulators, they are expected to ensure a level playing field for the practitioners to work and the consumers to enjoy. I recall the days of NAFDAC under the late Prof. Dora Akunyuli, the same set of people who were hitherto indifferent had their mindsets changed under her. She made it clear that NAFDAC was created to aid the safety of Nigerians and not to generate money. That mind set enabled the NAFDAC team go about their duties professionally, ensuring that standards are met. The agency got a lot of accolades for being the people’s advocate. Implications of fines on the average Nigerian family Unfortunately, this issue cuts across every sector not just the NCC. There is a serious disconnect between government agencies and the operators. To bridge this gap, the Nigeria Economic Summit was set up to create an avenue for interactions and engender an enviable public-private sector partnership. The private sector must understand very well how the public sector works while the public sector should know what drives a typical private sector. Such interactions will help both parties to further appreciate the consequences of whatever action they take. For instance, one of the banks was hit with nearly N2 billion naira fine by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at a time they signed a contract with another corporate body to execute a plan. Immediately the fine was announced, the bank had to cancel the contract because they must simply find a way to pay the fine. By the time the affected company contacted their foreign counterpart, a lot of explanation had to be made. That definitely created a negative perception on how one may not necessarily rely on a signed document, working with a Nigerian company because the contract may be cancelled at anytime. For a company that has done an invoice financing for its project based on an existing contract, the cancellation was a huge call. Hence, investors are now compelled to do serious thinking about the future of their businesses in Nigeria or before making an entry into the country due to a perceived volatile business environment. Regulators before now did not care about what happens to the companies. But, now they need to care. If the present mantra is to provide employment, then the options must be explored to achieve a resolution.

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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Features

resolve crisis to boost economy

Using MTN as an example, to pay the fine, they may have to scale down, retrench, cut their advert budgets, marketing budgets and even some contracts. You may now imagine the spiral effect of these actions on the livelihood of the families that may be affected by MTN’s decisions. Although, not talking as a spokes person for MTN, I believe if MTN met with the NCC on their challenges in disconnecting the affected unregistered lines, which is about 5 million and all they got was a fine, then there is something missing. More so, it is outrageous if before now MTN signed to a law that warrant that they be charged N200, 000.00 for each line not disconnected by the end of the expiration date. I know that sometimes, regulators behave like dictators, compelling the operators to sometimes agree to some stringent conditions. However, on this matter, I believe there should be a rethink so that these fines do not affect future plans and growth of MTN; and the same goes for the other organisations. On the other hand, looking at the scenario of the telecommunication industry before MTN, you may remember that when the bidding for the spectrum was on, the major ‘big boys’ did not show up (confirming my initial clamour for Africans to develop Africa). While not holding fort for the South Africans, I believe they were the ones who took the risk to bid for the spectrum, when others were not sure of the environment. They demonstrated belief in the continent with investments like: Game, Shoprite, MTN and Multichoice. They were the ones building malls in countries across the continent, taking huge risks because the global investors perception for Nigeria and indeed Africa then was very low, not minding our large population. In view of this, if they have erred, the regulators can temper justice with mercy so we can move forward.

with the right of the consumers, the operators should pay the consumers whose rights were infringed; however, in this case, it has nothing to do with the consumers.

On national security and MTN as a scapegoat This is neither here nor there. I believe MTN did not come into this country to destroy it. I reason that the issue on ground is a genuine mistake and must be treated as such especially in the wake of MTN’s apology. If MTN has been belligerent, we would have been talking about something else. From the reports, MTN had explained that with about 62.5 million subscribers, representing about 40%-45% of Nigeria’s population, it may take some more time, for it to disconnect unlike its competitors. This matter got into the court of public opinion because of the amount-N1.4 trillion; somebody signed up on that?

On MTN’s 1% contribution of profit after tax for CSR activities and way forward This issue should be resolved in about a week. They should not let it drag. I believe MTN is willing to pay some amount; so both parties should negotiate and agree on the terms of payment and move on. A workable agreement on the payment will prevent a ‘morale boomerang’, and serve as a deterrent to other operators. Unfortunately, governments in Africa are not strategically managed to see the value of CSR by companies as a contribution to the well being of its populace because they operate in silos. The 1% MTN spends on CSR may not make any sense to NCC because it is believed that MTN is doing all of that to get the buy-in of their subscribers. If a government agency’s job is to get N5 billion into the federation’s account, they do not care about how much you spend on your CSR activities and

that is a very unfortunate situation across Africa. For instance, the Ministry of Labour and Employment saddled with ensuring that youths are engaged and gainfully employed to bring forth labour harmony, should be able to step in and call the attention of the NCC and the Federal government to the possible consequences of the fines on Nigeria’s labour and employment landscape. If they are strategic, these should be the lines of discussion. I understand the Minister of Information stated that he is open to discussions and that is exactly the kind of engagement we want. I also believe the civilians should be allowed to resolve this issue. The discussion should be between MTN and NCC and not MTN and some National Security Agencies, which has somehow escalated the matter. The NCC as an independent regulator should be able to deal with the matter. The government at the highest level should not come into this because ‘ease of legal redress’ is a key area in global investors’ perception. Investors critically examine this concept within the context of the environment or society they plan to invest in before they start up their investments. Who are those involved in resolving business or contractual issues? How easy is it to get issues resolved? What are the structures in place for issues resolution? Unfortunately, when military or security apparatus are brought in to resolve civil issues like what we presently have, it could send a wrong signal to potential and existing investors. While I agree that the security agencies have the responsibility to adequately inform the NCC on the security implications of not disconnecting the unregistered or improperly registered lines, the security agencies should not be in the forefront of engaging and discussing with a civil organisation. That may be seen as dictatorship in a facade. It should not be heard.

MTN as a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and effect of their pulling out I hope they do not pull out, I hope they will find a solution to this. Like I mentioned earlier, NCC is not an income generating agency. Their job is to direct and correct practitioners who challenge the system in which they play. So there is no reason why this issue cannot be resolved. We are not saying MTN should not bear some brunt, but not this high. Let me put this in perspective, I alluded earlier to a bank that was charged and they had to cancel a contract that was soon to be executed. Whenever you place such huge fines on corporate organisations they may never recover from it; that is if they do not become insolvent and the nation loses in so many ways.

On the proposal to make operators pay consumers directly rather than pay huge fines that may not be accounted for We know what happens to the fines paid. Some government officials are waiting in the wings to share the money. It is unfortunate that we have a ‘sharing mentality’ and not a ‘production mentality’. It is a shame that our system has made us ‘constitutional beggars’ always waiting to share money. Every month, government officials share proceeds of money they did not directly impact on or contribute to, just by virtue of being a state or an apparatus of government in Nigeria. This attitude has become a moral hazard because there is no incentive for the government to have a rethink on how they can be more creative and generate revenue since there seems to always be some money to share. Concerning the states generating income for themselves, I am very sceptical talking about internally generated revenue because to some of these states, it means taxing those who are already down. The economy is headed south even though statistics says it is heading north. There is no ingenuity involved in apportioning huge fines on companies in the name of serving as a deterrent. Although the consumer protection agencies have proposed that whenever there is an infraction that deals

L-R; MTN Foundation Director, Hon. Reginald Okeya; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State, Honourable Lady Chinedu Brown; Commissioner for Information, Abia StateMr. Boni Iwoha, and Project Manager, SAAS, Mr. Steve Nwaubani with some beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation’s Disability Support Programme in Umuahia, Abia State.

South South

Thursday, December 24, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Honour EFCC invites, Ijaw elders urge indigenes elo ogwara WARRI

eople of Ijaw extraction currently facing corruption probe in the country have been urged to honour invitations by the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a statement issued by Izon Okosu-Otu, the umbrella body of Ijaw Council of Elders, Delta State chapter, Warri, its chairman, Chief Bare Etolor, noted that in doing so they would

PHED promises stable power supply at yuletide Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

ort Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, has promised customers under the four states of the zone stable power supply during the Christmas period. States under the PHED are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers. Manager, Corporate Communications, PHED, Mr. Jonah Iboma, gave the assurance in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of a debt discount promo embarked on recently by the company to encourage customers settle their outstanding debts accumulated as at December 31, 2014. Iboma said barring any disruption of generation and transmission services, PHED has already made adequate arrangement to ensure its customers celebrate the yuletide with good electricity supply. He said the company has put its technical staff in place to ensure faults that may occur within the festive season are promptly attended. He said: “We have a systematic shift programme in place that will ensure our technical team would always be available to attend to customer issues and promptly and also see that customers get reliable service to enjoy their holiday.” He explained that the resolution of the issues that led to the recent disruption of gas supply to the Trans Amadi gas turbine represent a major step forward in the quest for the delivery of a reliable service to customers. Iboma said residents of Trans Amadi, its environs, Stadium Road in Port Harcourt and other parts of the city are already enjoying impressve service delivery. In Uyo, the Akwa Ibom

State capital, he explained that residents of Ewet Housing Estate, Oron Road, Government House axis, Iwaniba Road, and other parts of the state are already enjoying adequate power supply. Iboma said the company has not left out Cross River State as proper arrangements have been made to ensure that residents and visitors to the state enjoy the season. “In Calabar, our technical crew members are already on ground to ensure that residents and those coming for the popular Calabar carnival are not denied power supply,” he stated. However, Iboma advised customers who would be travelling to switch off their electrical appliances, except security lighting points in order to conserve energy and ensure safety of their property. He also urged the customers to utilise the opportunity offered by the current PHED debt discount promotion to have their accounts reconciled.

be able to prove their innocence of such allegations. It would be recalled that ex-militants’ leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), special adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, chairman of Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku; and former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, are among those invited by the EFCC and Department of Security Services, DSS, over corruption accusations. However, the statement added that the Ijaw nation was also worried about

the growing number of invitations to their sons and daughters, who it said, served the country well in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. “There is no gainsaying that every father must show concern on whatever happens to his child. The Ijaw nation is very worried about the recent invitation of some of our sons and daughters who have served this nation meritoriously. “Their invitation, no doubt, is in furtherance of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Federal Government’s fight against corruption. Our sons and

daughters, we believe, are not the only invitees by these anti-corruption agencies. “It’s on this note that we call on any of our sons and daughters invited to graciously honour such invitation and prove his or her innocence. No one is above the laws of this country. Nobody, no matter how highly-placed, is bigger than the government. The law should be allowed to take its course,” the statement reads in part. It appealed to the antigraft agencies to employ civility and respect fundamental human rights while

Bayelsa Government’s retirees staging a peaceful protest in Yenagoa, yesterday.

dealing with such issues. “This, we believe, will save us from plunging this country into unnecessary ethnic uprising that would heat up the already tense ethnic fears in this country,” it added. Describing them as embarrassing, the factions in the Ijaw National Congress, INC, the elders called on both factions to stay action and cease to act on behalf of the Ijaw people. The elders in the statement called on traditional rulers of Ijaw nation to urgently intervene in the crisis.

PHOTO:NAN

Pensioners protest four months unpaid salaries osahon Julius YENAGOA

s Bayelsa State workers prepare to face a bleak Christmas over unpaid December salary, over 200 aggrieved members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, in the state chapter has embarked on a peaceful protest of non-payment of their pensions and gratuities for four months by Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration. The aggrieved pensioners, who said the state government has refused to pay them for over four months, staged the peaceful protest yesterday morning in

the state capital, carrying placards while matching to Government House. The frail and hungrylooking pensioners began their protest march from St. Peter’s Primary School, Ovom, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Pensioners are dying every day; please pay us our gratuities; Dickson, be good to pensioners; “Talk and do governor; and You have failed us,” among others. They said it was wicked for government to owe them four months, adding that many of them are sick and hungry. Speaking with newsmen, chairman of the union’s caretaker com-

mittee, Mr. Bodi Amarah, said the protest was to call government’s attention to settle their four months’ pension arrears. “We are not protesting for disorder; all we want from the Bayelsa State government is to pay us our four months’ arrears; we have served the state and retired after 35 years. “Most of us do not have any other work for livelihood; our children’s school fees come from that stipend; so, we want the state government to pay us. “Our members are dying every day because the money is not regular; we have been denied our gratuity and harmonisation dues,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Tarigboro Happy-John, who retired as director of Primary Research, Post Primary School Board in 2009, said the protest was necessary, urging the state government to pay them. Said he: “Let government pay us our money; we were paid last in August and what we are crying for now is four months’ arrears; let the benefits of our late colleagues be paid because we have done our 35 years meritorious service. “Our pension is not negotiable and cannot be used for politics; let it been paid to us to enable us feed our families.” Addressing the pension-

ers, Chief of Staff, Bayelsa Government House, Mr. Talford Ongolo, who spoke on behalf of the state governor, Seriake Dickson, said government is ready to address the matter. Said he, “The protest calls for no alarm; we are urging you to maintain in the betterment of the state. “We want you to organise yourselves and let us go on a roundtable discussion because settling issues need be on dialogue.” This protest is also coming as the state prepares for the rescheduled governorship election billed for Southern Ijaw Local Government on January 9, 2016.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Katsina presents N111bn budget for 2016 JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Secretary, Positive Awareness Against Drug Abuse Initiative (PADAI), Malam Abdulkareem Salihu (left), assisted by Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Mamza, to present Christmas clothings to a representative of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Mrs Layatu Haruna, at St. Theresa Catholic Church camp of the IDPs in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Katsina to recover N47bn from Shema JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

atsina State government says it will recover over N47 billion from the former administration of Governor Ibrahim Shema, who led the state from 2007 to 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The current government led by the All Progressives Congress, APC, under Governor Aminu Bello Masari, has set in

motion measures to recover the money. The money was allegedly found missing, diverted or misappropriated by officials of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, in the state. To achieve the objective, the state government said it would set up a commission of inquiry. Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Barr Ahmed Usman Elmurzuk, disclosed this to newsmen at the end of

a second emergency meeting of the state executive council. Elmarzuk said as soon as the state executive council completes deliberations on the report of a whitepaper, the commission of inquiry would be put in place to recover the money. He said the amount was arrived at after findings of various committees set up by the current administration. He said more than N33 billion would be recov-

ered from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and over N991m from the State Universal Basic Education Board. He said more than N6bn is to be recovered from the MDG and SUREP, among other missing amounts in various MDAs. He said some money has been recovered, and that efforts would be made to set up the commission to speed up the recovery effort.

Principal begs for posting of corps members IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

rincipal of AlIman Schools in Nasarawa State, Ustaz Ahmed-Tijani, yesterday begged management of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, to reconsider its earlier stance of not posting corps members to its schools in the state. The principal made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Lafia, the state capital, noting that the appeal became imperative considering the importance of corps members to the education sector as well as the socio-economic development of the country. It would be recalled that a corps member

(name withheld) who served at an Al-Imam school in Lafia, installed internet facilities and painted part of the school buildings as part her community development service and claimed that the whole structure was built by her, a claim that did not go down well with the school’s management thereby resorting to legal action against the corps member. “There was a misunderstanding between the school and a corps member, who served in our school last year and because of what happened, the NYSC vowed not to post corps members to our schools in the state. “Now that the matter has been resolved, we are appealing to the management of NYSC to post

corps members to our schools in the state considering the importance of corps members to the education sector, as well as the socio-economic development of the country,” the principal said. He maintained that the school has a harmonious working relationship with the NYSC authorities since its establishment over 25 years ago, stressing the need for the scheme to have a rethink by posting its members to serve in the institution. The principal re-stated the determination of the school to continue to give its maximum support to the scheme in order to achieve its aims and objectives. Reacting to the appeal, NYSC state coordina-

tor, Mrs. Christy Uba, said the state office of the scheme is still awaiting directives from its national headquarters, Abuja, on the issue.

atsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari has presented a budget proposal of N111.4bn for the 2016 fiscal year. The amount falls short of the 2015 budget by more than N3.5bn, which stood at N115.2bn. The budget is the first the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration is presenting since assuming power in May this year. Governor Masari, who presented the budget on the floor of the House of Assembly yesterday, tagged the estimate ‘Restoration of Hope’ budget. Masari said N38.4bn or 34 per cent of the budget would be spent on recurrent expenditure, while N74.7bn or 66 per cent is to be spent on capital expenditure. He said the agriculture sector would gulp N5.5bn, while the education sector would take N22.7bn. He said the reason is that the state administra-

Yuletide: NSCDC deploys 3,000 against troublemakers in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Alhaji Modu Bunu, yesterday deployed over 3,000 personnel for hitch-free festivities in the state. Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, Bunu, who warned criminal elements to stay off

Kogi civil servants on indefinite strike WALE I BRAHIM LOKOJA

ogi State civil servants paralysed government activities yesterday in the ministries and agencies as workers complied with directives of their labour leaders to proceed on indefinite strike due to non-payment of salary arrears and other legitimate earnings. A labour bulletin is-

tion wants to revive these sectors and restore them to their former glory. He said 11,114 teachers would be recruited next year to teach in primary schools across the state. The governor said additional 11,401 teachers that had retired would be re-absolved to boost teaching and learning in stateowned schools. He however said the dwindling revenue from federal allocation would affect the budget, even as he assured that efforts would be made to improve the living condition of the people under the new budget. On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Aliyu Maduru, said the state would need to look inwards for internally-generated revenue to meet the need of governance and development of infrastructure. Maduru assured the state governor that he and other lawmakers would work to ensure speedy passage of the budget in the coming days and weeks.

sued on December 22 and signed by the state NLC, TUC and PSJNC’s chairman and secretary, Onuh J. Edoka and Faniyi Olakunle; A. D. Ganiyi and Kolawole James; Aaron Y. Akeji and I. Abubakar respectively, directed the workers to embark on strike because of the non-challant attitude of Governor Idris Wada’s government towards workers legitimate earnings.

the state, said 24 hours patrols and surveillance would be observed in the 23 council areas to guarantee adequate protection of lives and properties of residents. The commandant urged the people to avoid crowded areas like parks and other recreational facilities, especially unsecured ones, adding that criminals may want to take advantage of the festivities to unleash terror by detonating explosive devices to record high casualty. Bunu, however, called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against indulging in criminal acts and social vices like fireworks. According to the commandant, “we shall throw our searchlight and maintain raid on all suspected black spots and criminal hideouts during the festivities with a view to arresting suspected offenders and sanction them appropriately.

North

Thursday, December 24, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zaria clash: Security releases 83 juvenile, women detainees …Council urges residents to return home A ZA MSUE KADUNA

K L-R: Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Barnabas Bantex; Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Shagali, during the signing of 2016 Budget into Law in Kaduna, yesterday.

INEC invalidates Certificate of Return of 3 Plateau lawmakers JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ertificates of Return earlier issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to three Plateau State lawmakers, who were declared winners during the April general election, have been declared invalid by the commission, it was learnt yesterday The affected lawmakers include Mwansat Istifanus Caleb, PDP, Pankshin South; Mrs Alice Asaije Dimlong, APC, Pankshin North and Vincent Bulus, PDP, Langtan South. According to a letter to Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Peter Azi, obtained by our correspondent in Jos yesterday, INEC said it decided to invalidate the lawmakers’ certificates of return

based on the judgment of Jos Judicial Division of the Court of Appeal, which nullified their elections on December 5, 2015. It would be recalled that in the case of Langtang South, the Appeal Court nullified the results of the entire state constituency and ruled that the decision of the lower tribunal to the effect that the appellant’s (Vincent Bulus) conviction and sentence for the offence of cheating, contrary to section 324 of the penal code disqualified him from contesting the election under the 1999 Constitution, while in the case of Pankshin North and South, the Appeal Court ruled that a fresh election be conducted in the two constituencies, but only in Nyelleng and Pyabor polling units. INEC’s letter which was signed by the state

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Godwin M.Kwanga, and dated 14th December 2015, stressed that “the effect of these judgments is that the Certificates of Return issued to members representing these constituencies are no longer valid.” The letter further maintained that; “the commission shall conduct and conclude elections in respect of these constituencies within ninety days as ordered by the court” But sources close to the Resident Electoral Commissioner however, informed National Mirror in Jos yesterday that there was more to INEC’s letter to the Speaker. According to the sources, the electoral body was angry with the leadership of the state House of Assembly for allowing the ousted lawmakers to con-

tinue with their legislative functions in violation of the Court of Appeal judgment. “We discovered that they have been performing their legislative functions despite their sack by the Court Appeal which is the highest court in their own case. Some of them even participated in the recent screening and confirmation of commissioner nominees sent to the House by Governor Simon Lalong. “This is wrong, because the law does not recognise interim representation under any guise and that is why INEC have to write the Speaker to take note of genuine members of the House pending when the commission conducts elections to fill the vacant constituencies in line with the provisions of the law,” a source said.

Aisha Buhari inaugurates relief materials panel I NUSA N DAHI MAIDUGURI

ife of the President, Aisha Buhari, yesterday inaugurated a 10-man committee on distribution of relief materials to about 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, taking refuge at 23 camps in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State. Inaugurating the panel at Government House, Maiduguri, Aisha said, “The challenges of overcoming humani-

tarian crises of IDPs could only be addressed by “equitably and judicious” distribution of food and non-food relief materials to victims of Boko Haram settled in various camps.” She said the IDPs in camps comprise mainly of women and their children, the responsibility of distributing these relief materials could best be carried out by the inaugurated women of integrity and trust. The terms of reference of the panel, ac-

cording to her, include taking stock of all donated materials and monitoring their distribution in various camps of Maiduguri, Bama and Biu. She also appealed to wealthy individuals and corporate bodies within and outside the country to donate more relief materials, as the population of IDP camps continue to increase in Dikwa and Bama towns, because of the ongoing insurgency in Abadam and Mobbar councils of Borno State. The wife of Gover-

nor Shettima, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, who heads the panel, acknowledged the commitment and determination of the Federal Government to end Boko Haram insurgency going by the achievements recorded by the military, security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF. Responding, Governor Shettima assured Aisha that all the relief materials will properly and judiciously be distributed to the targeted beneficiaries.

aduna State Police Command yesterday released 83 suspects arrested during the Zaria clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiites sect. In a statement signed by Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, who conveyed the security council message, he said among the released detainees were 34 juveniles and 49 women. The statement further noted that about 191 suspects have also been arraigned for various offences, including obstruction of highways, possession of weapons and attacking security agents. It added that the suspects have been placed on remand pending conclusion of ongoing investigations, which may lead to charges being filed at the State High Court or the Federal High court. According to the statement, adequate security measures would be put in place across the state ahead of Maulud, Christmas and New Year festivities in the state, stressing that citizens were advised to continue to be law-abiding and report to security

agencies, traditional and religious leaders and the government any threat to peace and stability of the state. “ Kaduna State Security Council has deliberated on recent events in the state. Following briefings received from all security agencies operating in the state, the Kaduna State Security Council unanimously resolved as follows; “Residents of Gyellesu in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State that fled their homes following the unfortunate incident on the December 12, 2015, are encouraged to return to their homes, as security agencies have been permanently stationed in the community to provide adequate security for citizens residing in the area. “Citizens, whose properties or belongings were abandoned on the streets, including vehicles, motorcycles and other properties were advised to retrieve their properties upon identification and proof of ownership. “Citizens running lawful businesses in the area were also advised to go about their normal businesses without any hindrance in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

Ishaku presents N68.8bn for Taraba 2016 budget JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

araba State Governor Darius Ishaku yesterday presented N68,810,133,885 as budget estimate for the 2016 fiscal year to Taraba State House of Assembly. A breakdown of the budget showed that the recurrent expenditure took N42.7 billion representing 62.10 per cent, while capital expenditure got N26.08 billion representing 37.90 per cent. The sectoral breakdown of the budget indicated that housing got the highest share of the budget proposal with N4.8 billion. Education and reform of government and governance got over N3 billion each, while roads construction and health came third on the priority list with over N2

billion each. Tagged “Budget of Rescue”, Governor Ishaku said the 2016 budget was prepared bearing in mind the economic realities of the time and with certain financial projections the state was expecting in the 2016 fiscal year. Ishaku informed the house that he had directed that by end of February 2016, a strategic framework for implementation of the Rescue Agenda manifesto be developed to serve as basis for the annual budget of the state from 2015 to 2019. He noted that areas affected by civil unrest in the past years will be given due consideration even as he informed that the strategic framework will be linked with the state cash flow to keep focus on the implementation of the Rescue Agenda.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Burundi crisis: Count Rwanda out of solution–Kagame AfolAbi GAmbAri

With Agency report

wanda will not contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission in neighbouring Burundi, President Paul Kagame said yesterday, as he rejected claims his country was arming refugees as rebels. The 54-member African Union said last Friday that it would send a 5, 000-strong force to halt violence that has sparked fears Burundi is sliding back towards civil war. The continental body has pledged to send troops despite Burundi’s opposiCHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as AYO MATTEW now wish to be known and addressed as BOYINDE MICHEAL OLUMIDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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tion to what it terms an “invasion force”. Burundi’s unrest erupted in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a controversial third term, which he went on to win in July. Relations between Rwanda and neighbouring Burundi are tense at the moment, with the latter accusing the former of backing armed rebels and

political opponents of Nkurunziza. “We have made it clear that even with the proposed contingents to be sent to Burundi, we will not be part of that,” Kagame said. “But we can contribute in a different form,” he added, without giving details. Hundreds of people have been killed in months of street protests in Burundi, which have devolved into frequent armed attacks

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CHANGE OF NAME BAKARE: Formerly known and addressed as BAKARE SHOLA now wish to be known and addressed as AWOTUNDUN ABDUL SHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE HIS MIGHTY HAND EXTENDED INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration under Part C of the Companied & Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Martin Anthony Thyssen ( Founder / President 2. Pastor Lynette Thyssen ( Vice President) 3. Sister Easter Guat Yu koh 4. Sister Ma Lourdes Isiderio 5. Evangelist Zerubabal Ajuonuma 6. Chinwendu Edith 7. Uchenna Onuigbo AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To obey the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to preach the good news of salvation to all men 2. To work with people or nations, corporate and faith-based groups to pursue purposes beneficial to their communities 3. To be a significant influence in promoting spiritual freedom & life transforming experience in Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registration general corporation affairs commission plot 420 Trgris Crescent , Off Aguyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Pastor Martin Anthony Thyseen

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibrahim Kariyat Taiba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Husseni Kariyat .All former documents remain valid, and general public take Note CHANGE OF NAME

with gunfire disrupting the nights and dead bodies appearing on city streets almost every day. “What I find more important is to answer how Burundi can be assisted to find a political solution,” Kagame added. “It’s not primarily a military problem, although we see many things happening there that may require use of some level of intervention to silence the guns.” CHANGE OF NAME

I førmerly MR ADEWUNMI DAMOLA FUNSO wish to be known and address as MR ADEWUNMI SUNDAY ADEDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ABDUL QUADRI SHUKROH OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO SUKUROH OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Kazeem Oladimeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Kazeem Mustapha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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

Formerly known and addressed as WUNRE OSIOMA EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO AMAKA BENEDETH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Nzube Odira Malizu and Nzube Kelvin Malizu belong to one and the same person. All documents bearing these names to remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and addressed as Mrs Oso Oluwatoyin Funmilola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebayo Oluwatoyin Funmilola. All former documements remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

RAMON: I, formerly known and addressed as RAMON OLATUNJI NOJEEM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLOJEDE OLATUNJI NOJEEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I Miss Olufemi Ibidun Sofoluwe am the same person as Miss Sofoluwe Olufemi Ibidun,Henceforth i want to be called and addressed as Mrs Ewebiyi Abiodun Olufemi.All former documents remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Kagame dismissed allegations levelled by Burundian officials and aid groups that Rwanda is recruiting and arming refugees as rebel fighters. “We have told people to carry out investigations and find out who has gone where and how,” the Rwandan strongman further said. “I haven’t even seen the tiniest evidence to that so it becomes a lot of childish CONFIRMATION OF NAME

politicking. “Many of our people have been arrested in Burundi and this was mainly done because of expressing our feelings about what was going on.” Meanwhile, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will host the next round of talks between rival Burundian factions on Monday, Uganda’s Defence Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, said yesterday. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

l, Ige Rhoda Jummy,Ige Jummy is the same and one person as Lucky Rhoda.All former documents remain valid, Authority Of Heritage Bank plc, and general public take note.

I, Adeyanju Modupe is the same person as Aluko Modupe Esther. All former documents remain valid,wema Bank Plc Ise-Ekiti and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ENO-OBONG OKON UDOH, now wish to be known and addressed as UDOH GIFT OKON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as OSUYA CHINYERE ABIGAIL, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAH CHINYERE ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Alimat Adedoja Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajileye Alimat Adebimpe Adedoja. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and and addressed as Miss Adejuwon Adebola Serifat, later Changed to Miss Ogunsuyi Adebola Adejuwon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fabulous-Fabowale Tabitha Adebola. All Former documents remain valid,Fed-poly Ado-Ekiti and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Marcillina Adebola Anise now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Funmilola Mary Odufunmilade. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and and addressed as Miss Akinola Kehinde Caroline,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akeredolu Kehinde Caroline.All Former documents remain valid,Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to comfirm that Adeniran Racheal Olomola Racheal Bosede is the same one person as Modupe Ogunlusi, that Henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Olomola Racheal Bosede.All former documents remain valid,UBA Bank Plc,Access Bank,Eco Bank and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Oso Emmanuel Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Adebayo Emmanuel Temitope .All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

I Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Ojo Funmilola Agnes now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akindele-Martins Funmilola Agnes. All former documements remain valid, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UNEZE: I, formerly known and addressed as CHINASA UNEZE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHINASA MARK. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONOJA: I, formerly known and addressed as ONOJA SUNDAY OGBU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AGBO EDACHE OGOLEKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME NWIDAG FRIDAY is one and same person known and addressed as NWIDAG LEDEE AKPODEE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as OMONUSI OLUBUNMI HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as OMONUSI OLUBUNMI AINA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ISOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as ISOLA FEMI and AKINWUMI FEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAYI FEMI DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BAMIDELE: I, formerly known and addressed as BAMIDELE OLUSEGUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINWUNMI OLUSEGUN GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adedeji Adeyinka Damilola now wish to be known and addressed as Famuyibo Adeyinka Damilola . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as Abdulsalam Rukayat, now wish to be known and addressed as Muhammed Oluwashola Rukayat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oluwakayode Sunday Samuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Olanrewaju Koyode Samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE ACHIKA AMAKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKOYE CHIKA AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as Aderemi Sunday Adegbayib instead of Aderemi Sunday Timothy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OJONIMI: I, formerly known and addressed as OJONIMI FRIDAY OJATTA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMUEL FRIDAY OJONIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Miss Ojo Bose Oluwaseye now mrs Jubril Mariam Abosede. Former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly Angel Maya Yark now wish to be known and addressed as Angel omotayo Baake, All former documents remain valid general public note

I formerly known as Mr Adewusi Adewale Adedeji now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Agbe Adewale Adedeji. All former documents remain valid. Federal medical centre and general public please note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME AKINTOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as AKINTOLA SURAJU AYODEJI, now wush to be known and addressed as AKINTOLA NURUDEEN OLUMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKIBU: I, formerly known and addressed as AKIBU BANISE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. AKIBU JIMOH OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that OMOLAFE BOLA ESTHER is the same person as OJO OLAREMI DANIEL, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as OMOLAFE BOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. Mainstreet Bank, Eco Bank, skye Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Thursday September 4, 2014

Anyansi raises Enyimba CAF Champions League hope 47

Sport

–Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata

Angry Van Gaal storms out

NFF backs Dalung on transfer of young players the career progression of these players, with a view to ensuring they sign contracts that will be in their best interests and the best interest of the nation. “The minister did not talk about NFF selling players, because he knows very well that the NFF is not in the business of selling players. The NFF only issues International Transfer Certificates after due agreement between the concerned Clubs, and the player in question. The bit about NFF selling players was never part of the Honourable Minister’s comments.” Pinnick once more urged the media to endeavour to always put issues in proper perspective, and to support the push of the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our performance so far has been a huge shame and we ourselves have the task of turning things around

Agents are flooding to sign members of the victorious Golden Eaglets

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, for his statement that the NFF should stick to a proper development framework for players of the U-17 and U-23 National Teams before approving International Transfer Certificates for these players. Speaking on Tuesday, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said the minister’s statement and general comments with regards to the monitoring of the players were in tandem with the plans of the federation for the glory boys. “We said it a number of weeks ago that we are developing a framework for monitoring

Thursday, December 24, 2015

NFF for greater involvement of Corporate Nigeria in football by avoiding negative headlines. “I want to reiterate that the NFF does not sell players, and has never been in the business of selling players. The Honourable Minister has given the right charge for the NFF to develop a framework to monitor the type of contracts the players sign, for their own career progression, and to checkmate the selfish plans of football agents. This is very much in line with our own policy as a Football Federation. “We will work assiduously to ensure that the players sign only contracts that will benefit them, their future, their families and the nation.”

nder-pressure Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, answered only three questions before walking out of a news conference yesterday. The 64-year-old Dutchman was unhappy at being asked about his future following speculation that he could be sacked. According to BBC Sport, the media briefing, ahead of Saturday’s game at Stoke, lasted only five minutes before Van Gaal’s departure. The former Netherlands boss said he had only turned up to

Dalung

speak to journalists because of Premier League rules. As he left, he told the reporters: “I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy new year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.” Van Gaal was in an angry mood from the moment he took his seat in the media room at the club’s training ground in Carrington. “Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That’s what I’m wondering,” he responded after being asked about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s earlier claim that speculation about his future had been “disrespectful”. Van Gaal said his family and friends had been adversely affected by the criticism, amid rumours that sacked Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is poised to replace him. “What do you think happens with my wife or my kids?” he snapped. “Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or my friends? What do you think? “So you think that I want to talk with the media now. I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Rivers to overhaul Dolphins, Sharks

M Nigerian taekwondoists in training

Taekwondo crisis: Ashiru awaits NSC decision Mercy Jacob

mbattled President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria (TFN), George Ashiru, who was reportedly impeached on December 12 by members of the board of the federation has insisted that he is waiting for the National Sports Commission (NSC) to know his fate. Ashiru told National Mirror in an interview that he did not want to make any statement on

his impeachment until the NSC reviewed the judgment. “Just like nobody is permitted to make any statement on any case that is in court, I don’t want to respond on anything that has to do with this matter because I am waiting for the NSC decision,” Ashiru said yesterday. “I believe NSC is the best judge so long as this case is concerned and it is on their decision I will stand .The board members alleged so many things against me, but I choose to be silent

until NSC determines whether the decision of the TFN board is right or wrong. They are the parent body of all the federations and whatever they say I will abide by it”. Meanwhile, the former VicePresident of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Margaret Binga, says she has finally taken over as president of the federation following the confirmation of the impeachment of Mr. Ashiru by the board. Binga, a two-time African Champion and reigning World

Taekwondo Federation International Referee said on Tuesday in a press statement that she had taken over as president of the federation, as the board voted on December 12, 2015 for Mr. Ashiru to step down. She explained, “The 10 working-day gap before the statement was issued was to ensure that our parent body – the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee were properly notified of the change, and given time to assess the information submitted”.

Anyansi raises Enyimba CAF Champions League hope Joel aJayi ABUJA

hairman of Enyimba Football Club of Aba, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has expressed optimism that his team has all it takes to win the 2016

CAF Champions League, saying the Aba Elephants have bounced back to winning ways. Enyimba and Warri Wolves will represent Nigeria in the most prestigious continental club competition, while Nasarawa United and Akwa United will fly the flag

Enyimba celebrating with 2015 League trophy

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has restated its commitment to support initiatives geared towards youth, sports and overall national development. Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun, who made the commitment at the final of the COPA

at the lower Confederation Cup competition. Anyansi who have over the years steered Enyimba to several national and continental glories affirmed, “Now that we have started to build up the momentum again, we would go as far as God want us to go. We cannot really say this is what is going to happen, but we will continue to put more efforts “The stake is much higher now. When we won the Champions League in 2003 and 2004, we had almost the best of Nigerian players and most of these players are now playing abroad while many are still playing for the country.” The NFF Executive Commit-

tee Member added, “Right now, we are lacking that debt of quality. I didn’t say Nigeria does not have very good players but we need to build on that quality and work very hard to maintain that quality. If we can do that I don’t see anything stopping us to win more trophies. “Considering the standard of TP Mozambe, the current champions, Esperance of Tunisia and other great clubs, even the team we are going to play in Uganda, they have almost nine of their players in the national team. So, for us to really compete effectively, we need the best of players in Nigeria without that there is no way we can do much.”

ajor changes are on the cards at Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Dolphins and Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Sharks, ahead of the kick-off of the 2015/16 season. Sharks were relegated from the Nigeria top-flight after a disappointing 2014/15 campaign while Dolphins survived by the whiskers after drawing 2-2 with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan on the final day of the season. Sponsor of the clubs, Rivers State Government, made this known through the Sports Commissioner, Mr. Boma Iyaye, yesterday, during a meeting with players, officials and members of the management of the two clubs. “The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, is unhappy with the performances of the two clubs in the just-concluded season. “We are talking about taxpayers’ monies used in the funding of these football clubs and the least we expect is creditable displays from the two sides. “As a result of the underwhelming performances last season, we have taken stock and decided on a total overhaul of the two clubs with a view to putting Rivers State on the national map next season. “Those who performed well will be allowed to stay on and those who did not will be asked to leave. “This is not a witch-hunting exercise and there will be no sentiments when our decisions are reached,” Iyaye told supersport.com after the meeting with members of the two clubs. He added that only the best will be contracted to play for the two clubs next season.

FCMB makes COPA commitment

Lagos 2015 Beach Soccer tournament, said the bank’s interventions in sports were aimed at developing the youth’s mind, body and ability with a view to helping them to contribute to the country’s growth. “The COPA Lagos provides a platform to bring our customers,

Nigerians, soccer fans, families, players and other stakeholders together in an atmosphere of relaxation, excitement and bonding which are very important to healthy living and nation building,” Balogun said. “We believe that our sponsor-

ship of the tournament in the last five years has helped to raise the game’s profile with the attendant large turnout of spectators and other dignitaries,” he added, stressing, “We will remain a strong supporter of initiatives that equip our youths for a bright future.”

Gov. Wike

WORLD RECORD

Most people to pass an egg The most people to pass an egg is 259 and was achieved by °C-ute and their fans (all Japan) at Akasaka Blitz in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, on 22 August 2014.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1271 Thursday, December 24, 2015

Mr. President, is democracy in danger? I am sure President Muhammadu Buhari is a very honourable man. He rode on the wings of ‘a man of honour’ to return to the pinnacle of power last May; so, he has no choice but to maintain the momentum that got him here. But there is a brewing clear and present danger to his democratic credentials. These brewing demons are not only capable of rubbishing his name in the Nigerian democratic annals, they may as well stymie our march to full, independent democracy. The jury is already out, weighing the body language and democratic disposition of this man of destiny. Soon, he would either receive a damning verdict in the eyes of history, or get his name etched in gold, depending on the way he exercises his immense powers in this new dispensation. Buhari, after initially being skepti-

ormer Manchester United striker, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, has proved an instant hit at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, scoring 10 goals in 13 Bundesliga matches to date, as well as finding the target in the UEFA Champions League and DFB Cup. Few would have expected the

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

cal about your democratic pedigree, I have begun to see you in a different positive light. Somehow, somehow, you have been able to debunk whatever antidemocratic cobwebs your past military dictator’s exigencies put in your way. But there are new image shape-shifting cobwebs on the way, and the earlier you detour, the better for your much cherished hallowed place in history. Too often, Mr. President, feelers of anti-democratic intrigues, not necessarily from you as an individual but allegedly from your political camp, are making many Nigerians uncomfortable. Many are worried that only the camp of the opposition is at the receiving end of negative election tribunal verdicts. They are worried about the possibility of a silence-the-oppositionat-all-costs intrigue emanating from your party due to the spate of election annulments affecting only the opposition. Mr. President, these people are asking: Is it not the same Jega, the aboveboard umpire that conducted the elections in APC controlled states? Why are the elections in the states of the opposition being annulled or declared inconclusive where those in APC states remain sacrosanct? Was Jega only right in APC states and wrong in the states won by PDP? Isn’t the spate of only PDP tribunal losses becoming suspicious? Was Jega a chimera with a double face? When his face was turned to the APC, it was benign; but when he turned to PDP or other party, it was malignant?

ISN’T THE SPATE OF ONLY PDP TRIBUNAL LOSSES BECOMING SUSPICIOUS?

What manner of Jekyl and Hyde personality are the tribunals attributing to Jega, the midwife of elections considered widely free and fair throughout Nigeria? Jekyl in APC-won states and Hyde in those won by the opposition! Isn’t this bending towards a dangerous dimension? What happened in Rivers that did not happen in Kano? What transpired in Akwa Ibom that did not occur in Katsina? What is that thing that made the Lagos election above board, while that of Taraba is suspect. Simply put, isn’t there something untoward about the tendency to vilify opposition state elections, while all those of the APC remain untouchable? These hands are getting suspect and sincerity of the system is getting battered in the minds of many people. If these allegations are true, I will advise the ruling party to let a thousand flowers bloom on the fields of our democracy. That is the pride of the American brand of democracy that we all cherish. I also urge Mr President to call his people to order. Can a man, who could tolerate the rebellion of a Saraki and a Dogara in his own party, still find it difficult to accommodate other party’s governors at the council

of state? Even the PDP with all its flaws had vestiges of opposition tolerance. Particularly during the Yar A’dua-Jonathan era, state elections won by the opposition were allowed to stand. Even when tribunals ruled against PDP candidates, opposition winners were allowed to be sworn in. So what is the problem with the new kids on the power rostrum? What are they still afraid of despite a clear majority at all levels? It is easy for the APC to come up with the defence that these dethronements are the handiwork of the judiciary. Granted. But, too often, many Nigerians are coming up with serious insinuations about tribunal judgments doctoring! Cynical or not, when misgivings like these become rife, the party of the moment should watch out. It was the tendency to smugly ignore the power of the people that crumbled the PDP. APC will fare better living above board and avoiding this horrid winner-takes-all tendency. I sincerely want the APC to set a good example and, having been in opposition for almost two decades, it must by now understand the sensibilities of the opposition. Tyrannical tendencies, which APC had so admirably fought to a standstill in the PDP-controlled past, should never be allowed to rare its ugly head again. For God’s sake this shouldn’t be seen in the camp of the ever sacrosanct APC! Or has the euphoria of recent triumph blinded the once circumspect party from true democratic norms? It would be a tragedy of the most monumental proportions should a party of good souls with admirable democratic pedigrees suddenly become so drunk with power that it loses its bearing just seven months into that power. Mr. President, I urge you, as the leader of your party to redirect your people into coming to equity with clean hands. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@ yahoo.com

Sport Extra Chicharito proves instant hit at Leverkusen Mexico international to make such a seamless transition to Germany’s top flight, except perhaps for Jose Luis Real Casillas, current director of youth development and former first team head coach at Chicharito’s boyhood club, Chivas Guadalajara. “I was lucky enough to be here

when Chicharito arrived at the age of nine,” recalled Real Casillas. “Javier’s dad brought him along for a trial and as soon as we saw him play he immediately passed the test. He wasn’t a striker back then though; he was a No 7, he played on the right wing.” Real Casillas, a Guadalajara na-

tive, speaks fondly of his former student: “He wasn’t a player who did a lot of tricks and he didn’t hold on to the ball for a long time. He would receive it and be very direct, very ‘vertical’. That was a really unusual trait because in Mexico wingers usually try to do tricks but Javier didn’t,”

Hermandez

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