Thursday, February 14, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Senate orders sack of pension director, Maina

Inspection: Dismiss foreign agents, Reps tell Customs P.4

…draws battle line with executive

he Senate yesterday ordered the immediate sack of the Acting Director, Customs, Immigration and Prison

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

Mark

Vol. 3 N0. 557

Pension Office, CIPPO, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina. He is also prohibited from all acts relating to public CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Okonjo-Iweala

Thursday, February 14, 2013

FG uncovers 45,000 A ghost workers

N150

ROTIMI FADEYI AND TORDUE SALEM

...saves N100bn from wage bill House directs NNPC to pay N6.259trn to govt coffers Pope makes postresignation appearance, asks for prayers

REPS RECEIVE SUPER EAGLES

bout 45,000 ghost workers have been uncovered in the Federal Government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. The discovery, according to the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, followed the commencement of the Integrated Personnel Payment System, IPPS, in 215 MDAs. The minister spoke along with his Information CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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S’West PDP holds reconciliation meeting today

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Insecurity: IG redeploys 33 commissioners

Hearing begins in Sylva’s suit to remove Dickson P.11

L-R: Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi; member, House of representatives, Hon. Abimbola Daramola; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Ismaila Kawu and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, during a special plenary session in honour of the victorious Super Eagles by the Reps in Abuja, yesterday.

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Sylva

CAN laments renewed Boko Haram violence in Kano Nigeria sends additional 724 troops, equipment to Mali P.6

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

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Insecurity: IG redeploys 33 commissioners AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND OMEIZA AJAYI

orried by the continued rise in terrorism and other violent crimes in some parts of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the immediate redeployment of 33 commissioners of police to various commands and formations. Abubakar noted that the deployment was part of the ongoing efforts to reposition the police for greater efficiency. He said his action covered some newly-promoted officers expected to inject fresh ideas into the system and other senior officers who have swapped strategic command positions. Among those affected are 16 command commissioners of police and others who are to take charge of some police formations and training institutions. Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement made available to National Mir-

ror in Abuja yesterday said the IG charged the newly deployed officers to adopt proactive and aggressive crime-fighting strategies. They are also advised “to continually initiate policies and programmes that would strengthen the essential values of policing and best practices in law enforcement which include: transparency, accountability, respect for fundamental human rights of citizens and the promotion of strong professional ethics in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for the Force.” The statement added that the IG also tasked the officers to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity and improve on efforts at tackling violent crimes and corruption in all ramifications. The affected police commissioners are: Sabo Ringim now in charge of Kebbi; Musa Daura (Kano Command), Moses SabaNdagi (Ebonyi Command), Johnson Ogunsakin (Kwara Command), T. E. Ibitibituwa (Enugu Com-

mand), Hillary Opara (Kogi Command), Jubril O. Adeniji (Taraba Command), Mohammed A. Indabawa (Oyo Command) and Mohammed Katsina (Imo Command). Others are: Usman Tili Abubakar (Abia Command), Olufemi D. Ogunbayode (FCT Command), Dorathy A. Gimba (Osun Command), Foluso A. Adebanjo (Edo Command), Mbu Joseph Mbu (Rivers

Command), A.K. Shodipo (Cross River Command) and Patrick Dey Dokumor now in charge of Ondo Command. Those who will be heading some police formations and institutions are: James O. Caulcrick, Police Detective College, Enugu; Steven Audu, Admin ‘F’ Dept. FHQ; Wilfred Obute, Commandant, Police College, Kaduna; Felix Uyanna, Commandant, Police

College, Oji; A. J Abakasanga, Info-Tech/Admin.; Ambrose Aisabor, Admin ‘A’ Dept. FHQ; Chinweke Asadu, CP Legal; Adebayo Ajileye, CP Airport; Adams Audu, CP, CTU; John Opadokun, CP, PMF; Sherifat Dusu Olajoku, CP Port Authority; Salihu Garba, CP Provost; Mohammed J. Gana, CP SARS; Benjamin U. Onwuka, Deputy Commandant, Police Staff College, PSC, Jos; Markus K.

Ministers at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

FG uncovers 45,000 ghost workers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

counterpart, Mr. Labaran Maku, at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja yesterday. Ngama said that the adoption of the IPPS had saved the country about N100bn. “We have registered over 153,000 Federal Government workers. But compared to the total number of staff that used to get salaries in these MDAs, we have seen a gap of 45,000 people missing. So, we have already declared that they are ghost workers,” he said. Ngama added that further staff audit would still be conducted in 320 MDAs that were yet to be captured in the bio-data verification exercise. “We have about 320 MDAs that we have not covered and when we cover this, we may actually discover more and reduce the total payroll cost to the country.” He said that the Federal Government was fasttracking the exercise to make appreciable progress

by the end of the year. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered an inventory of Nigeria’s assets abroad with a view to ensuring their proper valuation and protection in the interest of the nation. Already, the President has set up an inter-ministerial committee to go round the world and ensure that the assets are protected as huge sums of money were spent to acquire them. Members of the committee include the representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Housing, Land and Urban Development, while other agencies of government on the committee include the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, as well as the Special Adviser to the President on Performance Evaluation and Monitoring, Prof. Sylvester Monye. Maku, while briefing State House correspondents, explained that

members of the committee would move round the world and take inventory of Nigeria’s assets. He stressed that the assets are mostly that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Nigerian Navy and other agencies. Maku explained that the inter-ministerial committee, which would soon be constituted would be expected to take inventory of assets abroad in order to add value, verify and report to the President on the state of the property and what could be done with them. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, while speaking on the activities of his ministry said that the leadership role played by Nigeria during the crises in Cote d’Ivoire and Mali had brought tremendous respect to the country at international fora. He said the bi-national commissions between Nigeria and other countries like the United States of America and Germany had also brought a lot of invest-

ment into the country. The minister also noted that the protection of Nigerians abroad had formed the cornerstone of the ministry’s policy since he assumed office. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to remit to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, over N6trn of accumulated but unremitted revenue in three years. The lawmakers have also directed the corporation to make their books available to the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, for a thorough audit of its records on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from 2009 to 2012. The oil corporation made N2trn in 2009 as its IGR, N2.1trn in 2010, N1.9trn in N2011 and as at July 2012, it generated N259bn. However, contrary to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, the corporation remitted nothing to the CRF. NNPC Group Managing

Director, Andrew Yakubu, who appeared before the House committee yesterday, said the reason for the nonremittance was because the organisation had been operating at a loss. He said that the corporation was operating on its own account but forced by circumstances to operate in a challenging business environment. “For instance, we have to buy crude at commercial rates but have to sell at regulated prices. As such, it is difficult to generate profit and that is why we have difficulties in remitting to the CRF. “Also, the cost of generating IGR is more because we spend more to produce the products from where we generate the profits as we incur additional cost to produce those products. “Also, we lost nothing less than N600m per week to vandalism, and that is also beyond our control,” the NNPC said. Besides, he regretted that the issue of subsidy was contributing to the inability of the corporation

Danladi, Admin ‘E’ Dept. FHQ; Ahmed Ibrahim, CP Training, FHQ; and Isaac Eke, Admin ‘B’ Dept. FHQ. In August last year, the IG had named eight new commissioners of police and redeployed 10 others, saying his action was aimed at improving the performance of the force. Before then in April 2012, he had ordered the repostings of 38 deputy comCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

PHOTO: NAN

to meet its CRF obligations. Yakubu, who noted that as the supplier of last resort, the position of the corporation became dicey as it was left as the only supplier of petrol while the fuel subsidy crisis lasted last year. The legislators, however, said it was unacceptable for the NNPC to claim that it had been operating at a loss despite being protected by the government. The Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin, noted that NNPC breached the Fiscal Responsibility Act when it failed to remit government’s part of its IGR to the CRF. He said: “Operating at a loss is not an issue, you generated some money and the law is clear on what belongs to you and to the other, but you chose to ignore it and refused to remit to the Federal government its dues.” The committee gave the NNPC up till 25th of this month to report back after the AGF would have been through with the audit of its accounts.

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PAGE

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Good Health

VALENTINE BLUES

See what happens to your body when you fall in love! ... some chemical changes are going on

TOBORE OVUORIE

his is not for those who do d not believe in the four-letter etter word, w love. It’s not for those who ar are re not sharing with other millions ons of lovers all over the world today, oday, the joy of valentine. It’s not for those who are yet to meet their eir ‘prince charming’ or ‘queen’ n’ either. Only those who have found nd love will understand the feelelings. They are the ones who ho are experiencing some ‘funny nny feelings’ during this valentine ine period. Don’t worry if at that hat moment you met that attracactive person, you suddenly began egan to feel ‘sick’ with your stomach mach churning, your legs going weak eak (iff you’re a woman) and a dozen en other oth her reactions suddenly began to take place p within your body. Experts say y yourr body is only adjusting itself to the new excitee ment you’re just facing. For, when a man loves a woman, wom man, a great deal of changes- chemical mical changc es- are bound to occur within in the body; setting the lovers literarily ‘on on fire’. fire e’. Said Dr. Joe Herbert, a neuro-endoneuro--endocrinologist at the Cambridge dge UniverUn niversity, United Kingdom of the e numerous num merous changes that take place during ng that tha at moment when you find someone e attractive attra active to you: “Your adrenal glands pump p adrenalin adre enalin into your bloodstream, you breathe reathe e more deeply to oxygenerate more blood,, your heart speeds up to pump more re blood, bloo od, the vessels in your muscles dillate ate to allow more blood through thereby by increasinc creasing muscle efficiency, your complexion lexion

are conpales a s blood is directed away from the body surface and towards the vital organs, your digestive system slows down allowing the blood to be used in more immediately important areas and so on”. According to the experts, these auwwtomatic bodily responses bodilyresponses

trolled by the autonomic nervous system. It switches them on as soon as the cortex, the part of the brain involved in conscious thought decides an aroused response is necessary. “When the body becomes aroused”, says Dr. Herbert, “everything g goes g up p at once- the heart speeds p

the up, th h gut stops working and when the heart speeds up, the pupils of the eyes dilate e (because it is the same nerve that controls contro o the eye and the heart)”. With this of course, you can easily Wi W tell tel l if someone finds you attractive during those ‘magic moments’. You du u will w notice that his or her pupils are dilated. d Also, apart from the rapid heartbeats and fast breathing, some may b notice that their palms are covered n in i sweat. Experts say this is the body’s way of cooling the system b which has been set ‘on fire’ by the w whirlwinds of activities going on. w But this is not all. Those sweet feelings ing g you get- like you’re in the cloudswhen whe e you meet that special person are actually as a result of some chemical actua a changes chang g going on in your body at that time. According to the experts, that moment Acc c you fall ffa in love, some substances like phenylethamine are produced to make pheny y you feel fe e real high. Experts liken phenylethamine thamiin and such other chemicals to some hard d drugs because they are equally addictive an and n may even have some serious sideeffectss when they are no longer produced. Dr. Michael Liebowitz, an American psychologist told a London newspaper psycho that while stimulants similar to amphetw amine e and cocaine account for lovers’ feelings feelin ng of excitement, feelings of relaxation are a brought on by chemicals related to narcotics such as heroin, opium and narr morphine and to tranquillisers such as morph h librium libriu um and valium. “These chemicals put lovers in a mel“Th h low mood, wiping out anxiety, loneliness m and depression”. d de

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Giving your love life a boost A re you in love? As you savour the sweet mood of Valentine’s Day, here are some tips to help you stay in top shape and give your love life a boost *Keep to one partner, it’s healthy. Just think about it, with just one partner, you stand no risk of contracting veneral diseases and will thus remain in good health all

the time. If however, you must indulge in casual sex, then remember to use the condom. *You’ll not be losing anything by going for a medival check-up before you indulge in sex, especially if you suspect any reason to suspect an infection. Ther’s no need trasnferring such infection to your new found love when such infection could be easily treated (unless

it’s HIV/AIDS. Hepatitis B or herpes). *Wear cotton underpants. Avoid nylon underwaers, pantyhose and very tight pants. This advice is for both men and women. Women should avoid douching as this may irritate the vaginal lining and make them more vulnerable to infections. *Proper hygiene should be a rule which all lovers- and indeed everyone- must keep all the time to stay in good health. Happy Valentine!

Photo News

Thursday, February 14, 2013

L-R: Director, Gloworld Development, Mr. Bisi Koleosho; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and Chairman, Lisabi Festival Committee, Chief Festus Ijaola Sotunde, during the presentation of sponsorship cheque for the 2013 Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, yesterday.

L-R: Project Officer, British Council, Ms. Maria Ikuforiji; Country Director, Mr. David Higgs and Project Manager, Adetomi Soyinka, at the UK Education Exhibition held in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chairman, Sub-Committee on Bauchi Radio Corporation’s 35th Anniversary, Mrs. Sarah Samuel, presenting an invitation card to the State Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Salihu Abdullahi, in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) presenting a souvenir to the first VicePresident of the International Association of Lions Clubs, Barry Palmer, during a visit at the governor’s office in Lagos, yesterday.

National News TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday asked the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to disengage the services of Webb Fontaine, COTECNA SGS and Global Scan. The foreign companies were contracted by the Nigerian Customs Service for destination inspection, but the House, for security and economic reasons, wants the firms to hands-off the functions to local service providers with Nigerian workers. The House took the decision following a report submitted by the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Sabo Muhammed Nakudu. The report was debated for several hours. Nakudu urged the House to “consider the report of the Committee on Customs and Excise on the investigation on the need to prevent continued loss of revenue through ports inspection contracts and approve the recommenda-

Destination inspection: Reps ask Customs to disengage foreign firms

tions therein”. The report stated in part: “That the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) should ensure that its officers trained by the various service providers are attached to the service providers in the interim to acquire more knowledge and not post them out to areas irrelevant to the training already received.” The report recommended that the service providers, including Webb Fontaine, COTECNA SGS and Global Scan, should take steps to harmonise their different risk platforms into a single window for the use of the Nigeria Customs Service”. The document advised that “A central data management system that will aid in harmonisation and integration of all data from relevant agencies for effective monitor-

ing should be immediately established, and that pending the complete takeover of destination inspection services by the Nigeria Customs Service, an implementable transition timetable should be put in place to ensure orderly transition to the Nigeria Customs Service,” warning that “this transition should not extend beyond the end of 2013”. The report added: “The service providers should ensure that there is no skills gap in the Nigeria Custom Service within the transition period. The report recommended in part that there should be harmonisation of training standards by all the service providers; that the Nigerian Customs Service should recruit younger officers with requisite qualification in Physics, Chemistry,

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering and related disciplines for training on the use and maintenance of scanners and other specialized equipment and operation. The House report advised the government to ensure full implementation and enforcement of its trade policies and bilateral agreements as this would greatly enhance government revenue and local economy. It said that all goods coming into the country should be fully scanned for both security and revenue purposes, as against the present practice of scanning based on ASYCUDA random selectivity as most of the installed scanners by the service providers have the capacity to do so, and that within the transition period, more scanners should be provided at all entry

points at all the ports in Nigeria where they are not currently available. Measures should also be put in place to ensure that installed scanners are effectively utilized and properly maintained as the scanners are currently grossly unutilised. The report noted that since some of the nation’s ports, especially those in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and others are in every bad shape, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the executive arm of government should be mandated to develop the ports by dredging and deepening the draughts to accommodate bigger vessels. The report said: “The Foreign Exchange and trade facilitation documents like “FormM,” “FormA,” “FormNXP” and “FormNCX1” should be automated

immediately to enhance transparency, increased revenue generation and fraud-free operations. “It is recommended that within the transition period and thereafter, effort should be made to patronize Nigerian companies who have shown experience and capacity in destination inspection services. This will create more jobs and employment and enhance national economic growth. “The executive arm of government should ensure that all service providers, who defaulted or evaded tax, should be made to pay up within the transition period. “In future, government should, as a matter of policy, enhance patronage of Nigerian companies as they are less likely to default or evade tax and could easily be made to pay whatever is being owed”.

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Senate orders sack of pension director, Maina CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

duty. The Senate in a unanimous decision also resolved that the estranged former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force Team on Pension should be immediately arrested, investigated and prosecuted. This was as the lawmakers also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to appear before the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to explain why he did not act on the warrant issued by the Senate President for the arrest of Maina. The Senate had on December 12, 2012 issued a warrant of arrest on Maina. These resolutions of the Senate were consequent upon the adoption of the motion by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, on the refusal of Maina to appear before the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service, States and Local Governments to testify before the committee. Maina repeatedly refused to appear before the committee to explain his stewardship of the CIPPO administration and management. Adopting these stern measures, the senators said they were irked by the flagrant disrespect shown by Maina to the parliament and his display of arrogance and the larger-than-life attitude and image he showed during the public hearing. Senate President David Mark said the Senate was pushed to the wall before it took the action, saying the lawmakers gave the CIPPO boss a long rope to hang himself and he did so. “The Senate has given him ample time. Maina is just an individual who perhaps said much more than he can manage and he has crucified himself. That is the bottom line of this, he has crucified himself,” Mark said. The Senate President dared anybody coming to the rescue of Maina to do so, stressing that anybody associated with him would not go scot-free. “The executive now has to choose between Maina and the Senate, that is the bottom line. If they chose to go along with Maina, fine, we will react accordingly. There is no running away from that one. It is a test case. “If Maina remains, then the Senate will react appro-

priately and I don’t think we are short of ideas nor are we short of what we want to do. We know the step to take,” he added. Mark noted that nobody was bigger than the nation’s democracy, stressing that the red chamber had been extremely patient with Maina, had been very understanding so that when it reacts, Nigerians would appreciate the steps that the parliament had taken. He reiterated that the action of the Senate was not out of place because they gave him enough time. Mark said: “Let me give you the genesis of why I took so long to allow that matter to be brought to the floor. First, for those of you who have been following Maina, he bought over the entire press and gave the impression that the joint committee asked him for bribe, that is not a secret, the media was awash with it and I said that he should be given a fair chance to come and explain himself and expose anybody here who asked him for anything. “If we hurried over it, it could appear as if it was a cover up and I didn’t want to do that. I called the two committee chairmen and I asked them if they had been reading what Maina had been publishing on the pages of papers and I also directed that they should invite Maina, go for a public hearing and get the media houses to be there and let Maina say in the front of the media houses and before this nation who asked him for bribe and I think that’s fair. That was the basis for asking Maina to appear before the committee. “Now, Maina wrote a petition to me along the same line, even though he was foolish enough, he didn’t sign it, he is a level 13 or level 14 civil servant, I didn’t bother so much about it because it is civil service procedure because that was not the subject matter and the subject matter was serious enough, at least to clear the name of the Senate. I told my chief of staff to call Maina and tell him that he must appear before the committee and clear the matter. “I also forwarded the petition before the committee for their reaction and their reaction was that he mismanaged certain amount of money and was refusing to appear before them. “But Maina wrote another letter to the committee, saying that

he had written a petition to me and that he was awaiting an outcome and again, he didn’t sign it. It was signed by somebody under him; that was to tell you the level to which he put himself. “Whether somebody is behind him or not, is a different subject matter entirely. “I got my chief of staff and he called him and said that he (Maina) must appear before the committee but he also expressed fear that because he wanted to expose the committee, the committee too would be biased, they would harass him and prevent him from talking. “I said find the Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi and the chief whip will join the committee when he appears before them. I gave him ample time to clear himself and to carry his accusation

to a logical conclusion but each time he was to appear before the committee, he went to the press to address a press conference and on every occasion, I pointed it out to the two chairmen and, of course, the committee denied that they never asked Maina for anything. “The point I am trying to make here is that giving him a fair chance, giving him ample time to defend himself is not a wrong thing and it is not a sign of weakness in any way, it is not. I believe that it is fair and that we should follow the legal system but let justice be also seen to be done. That is justice in the true sense of it. “When the committee finally came to me and said that Maina refused to come, I then signed a warrant and sent it to the IG and I think it was

the second day that Maina appeared here, hired people and was addressing them.” He said that the Senate was not being straight-forward with him. In one of the headlines, it was that the Senate was colluding with fraudsters to embezzle pension funds. And I pointed all these out to the two chairmen on every occasion and said every time they called Maina, he must be put on camera, that he must be in the public, that this Senate is not a place where people will be asking anybody for bribe. “When I signed the warrant, Maina of course didn’t show up and then I called the chairman of police affairs and said he should go and warn the Inspector-General of Police that he would be on the firing line if he did nothing about Maina. I think

Scene of an accident where a truck skidded off the road at Ojota Expressway in Lagos, yesterday.

then, they declared Maina wanted but even after declaring him wanted, Maina was still talking. “Yes, he was still talking and said he was in his house and I called the IG this time around and said Maina said he was in his house and he narrated what happened. “He said he sent his men from the Force CID to go to his house and that when they got there, Maina went out through the back door and that they had to lay siege to Maina’s house. “The reason why I am saying all these things is that there are a lot of characters in this country who are just pathological liars and they are professional blackmailers. So having gone through all these procedures, I think what we have done is not wrong.”

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Insecurity: IG redeploys 33 commissioners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

missioners of police and 53 assistant commissioners of police. The following month, he also directed the posting of 67 assistant commissioners of police and 70 chief superintendents of police across the nation. Abubakar had at a press conference in Abuja recently said that mass transfer of officers would be a regular exercise, stressing that the action was part of his transformational approach to police administration. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kano branch, has expressed worry over the renewed attacks in the state

by the Boko Haram Islamic sect, saying the situation called for serious concern. CAN Chairman, Bishop Ransom Bello, told our correspondent that the development should be a source of worry to all well-meaning Nigerians and those residing in the commercial city. He said: “I am particularly worried about this development, coming at a time when we were beginning to rejoice that the conflict was abating, especially with the declaration of ceasefire recently by the group. The killing of nine health workers demonstrates the deteriorating

state of the security situation, which shows there is no peace in sight yet.” Bello noted that Christians and Muslims condemned the killing and were unanimous in their position that those who carried out the attack on the health workers were obviously not working for Islam. The cleric, who is the General Overseer of the Calvary Life Church, cautioned the government against deceit by the Boko Haram sect, stressing that “we have seen in this recent pronouncement of ceasefire is more violence, making it difficult to understand the motive and

mission of the sect. “They kill Christians, they kill Muslims, they attacked a royal father, the Emir of Kano, this is not the way to propagate Islam.” He, however, said Christians would continue to fast and pray for God’s intervention in this ungodly situation, adding that “we need an atmosphere of peace that will guarantee total peace and freedom of worship.” Bello also challenged the authorities to go after the killers of the health workers and others whose activities were inimical to peace and stability of the country.

National News

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps receive Eagles in plenary

•Victory, a new beginning in football –Tambuwal TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

T L-R: Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Physical Development, Mr. John Adegbite; founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, during the activities to mark the 2013 World Cancer Day in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari’s presence at centenary dinner, a pleasant surprise –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commended former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, for attending the dinner to flagoff the country’s centenary anniversary at the Presidential Villa. Jonathan disclosed that when he stepped into the venue and saw Buhari, he was impressed, saying that was why he invited the former head of state to join him in lightening the centenary torch. Buhari, who was the presidential candidate of

the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, contested the 2011 election with Jonathan but lost. The former military leader, who had been very critical of Jonathan’s administration, went to the Supreme Court to challenge the result of the poll. He, however, lost the legal battle at the apex court which declared that Jonathan won the election. Speaking yesterday at the special session of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, the President said: “When the celebration was packaged and that day when I got there, I was impressed myself es-

pecially when I saw the former Heads of State, including General Buhari. “He came that day and that was why I said the two of us should light the unity torch and I think it was something nice.” Jonathan recalled that when the Federal Government came up with the idea of celebrating the centenary in a big way, it attracted a lot of negative statements with many people wondering why celebrating during crisis. The President, however, noted that the way the flagoff was packaged showed that Nigerians needed to celebrate.

He said: “Initially, when we came up with the idea of celebrating our centenary, there were so many negative statements in the media. “There were many Nigerians questioning why we have to be celebrating amidst crisis. They claimed that our unity has never brought development. “But finally, when the celebration was packaged and that day when I got there, I was impressed myself.” Jonathan said the flagoff and Super Eagles’ victory at the just-concluded African Cup of Nations showed that God had a purpose for Nigeria.

he Super Eagles yesterday got a standing ovation from members of the House of Representatives. The lawmakers hosted the team at plenary with the lawmakers vacating a whole roll for the players. Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, who presided over the plenary, said the victory achieved by the team at the just concluded African Cup of Nations, heralded a new era in Nigerian football. He said: “This special session holds today to relish, cherish, celebrate and honour you for this uncommon achievement that no doubt marks a new beginning in the annals of Nigerian soccer and the rebirth of our national pride and global image in this round leather game. “This victory is a lesson in self-confidence rather than arrogance, a lesson in self-respect, a lesson in shear doggedness, a lesson in personal sacrifice in the promotion of national interest. “Fellow Nigerians, as we bask in the euphoria of this victory we must quickly remind ourselves

that the task ahead is more daunting. “We seek not merely to be African Champions because that much we have been twice before, but seek to be the greatest. “Our goal therefore must be to overtake whatever achievements in this continental soccer competition attained by other nations.” The motion to admit the Eagles into the chamber was raised by the Chairman of the Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, and seconded by his Deputy, Hon. Ayo Omidiran. Moving the motion, Gaiya urged the Federal Government to give adequate funds to football to sustain the glory the Super Eagles had brought to the country. The Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, said the team would do everything possible to make the country and Nigerians proud. He pledged to put the interest of the country and Nigerians in their hearts in everything they do. Presidential General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, however, said the biggest challenge of football in Nigeria was funding.

Public-private collaboration will mitigate natural disasters –Oduah TOLA AKINMUTIMI, FEMI ADEOSUN AND AMINAH IBRAHIM

he Federal Government has canvassed stronger collaboration of stakeholders in designing and implementing preventive measures that can help the country avert and, if they occur, mitigate the damaging impact of weather-induced

Oduah

•NIMET releases Seasonal Rainfall Prediction tomorrow disasters. The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, proffered the public-private partnership solution at a two-day Technical Conference on Application of Meteorological Information in Weather Disaster Risk Reduction and Socio-Economic Planning in Abuja yesterday. Oduah said there was a growing need for stakeholders to work together in ensuring effective utilisation of meteorological information with a view to translating the ideas generated into safety tools for overall socio-economic benefits. The minister, who re-

called the monumental losses Nigeria suffered from the 2012 flood disaster, pointed out that if adequate attention had been given to weather forecasts and other meteorological information produced by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and people adhered to guidelines on physical planning, the pains associated with the flooding would have been averted. She said: “Since the past five years, NIMET prepares and presents the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, SRP, to the Nigerian public annually. “This two-day conference preceding the formal

release of the 2013 prediction is an innovation intended to further enrich the information in the SRP that will be formally made public on Friday, 15th February 2013. “It would be recalled that last year was unprecedented flood in the an-

nals of the country which affected 27 states of the federation, resulting in loss of over 300 lives and displacement of over two million people from their homes. “The flood also destroyed farmlands, livestock and other means of

livelihood for millions of rural dwellers. Critical infrastructure were also damaged and activities in several factors of the economy were disrupted. “It would appear that 2012 flood took most people unawares despite the warnings issued earlier by NIMET pointing to likelihood of flooding in different parts of the country.

Nigeria deploys more troops in Mali

he Defence Headquarters said it had increased the number of Nigerian troops to the African-led international support mission to Mali. The Director, Defence Information, Muhammed Yerima, said in a statement

that 724 troops, made up of 300 Nigerian Air Force personnel and 424 Army personnel, had been deployed. Also deployed are heavy weapons, ammunition, vehicles and equipment. The Nigerian Air Force assets in the operation include two Alpha jets

and one MI35 which will provide interdiction and close air support to ground troops from their base in Niamey, Niger Republic. Yerima assured Nigerians that the Defence Headquarters would continue to provide information on the operation as event unfolds.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Bakassi: Returnees drag FG to court, demand N30bn damages EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

ome indigenes of Bakassi from Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have dragged the Federal Government before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, over the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroun. The plaintiffs are, Bassey Augustine Efiong, Silas Clement Etim, Efiong Bassey Ekanem and Imaobong Edem

Efiong. They are asking for N30 billion as damages for themselves and on behalf of “Bakassi Returnees of Uruan Local Government Area Extraction.” Listed as defendants are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, the National Assembly, the Cross River and Akwa Ibom State governments as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In a Statement of Claim

filed by their counsel, Mr. Ukeme Ekpenyong, the plaintiffs are seeking the following reliefs: “A declaration that the defendants acted outrageously, recklessly, atrociously and unconscionably in their handling of the Bakassi Peninsula hand over issue. “A declaration that the defendants betrayed the fiduciary relationship between them and the plaintiffs by not acting in the best interest of the plaintiffs vis a vis the

handing over of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon. “A declaration that the plaintiffs were vulnerable as far as the issue of the handing over of the Bakassi Peninsula by the 1st defendant (Federal Republic of Nigeria) is concerned and the defendants took undue advantage of the plaintiffs’ vulnerability thereby recklessly inflicting severe emotional distress on the plaintiffs. “A declaration that the

failure of the 6th defendant (INEC) to register the plaintiffs in the voters’ register has deprived the plaintiffs of their voting rights both in the April 2011 general elections and the July 2012 local government elections. “An order directing the 1st, 4th and 5th defendants (Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cross Rivers State Government and Akwa Ibom State Government respectively) to immediately provide basic amenities like

schools, health centres, potable water, proper accommodation and means of transportation in the plaintiffs’ new settlements. “An order directing the 6th defendant (INEC), to immediately commence the registration of eligible voters in the plaintiffs’ new settlements. “Twenty billion naira (N20 billion) as general damages. Justice Mohammed Abubakar has fixed hearing for March 6.

napped persons. Governor Dickson said the state government had procured 15 patrol boats valued at N339 million for the security agencies to ensure the safety of the waterways. His words: “I like to say this, if you are involved in any act of kidnapping, let me warn you today, don’t come near Bayelsa. We have put measures in place. I have just a short while ago commissioned 15 fast moving patrol boats for use by our security forces to ensure maritime security and safety.” He continued:”If you try that, whether it is sea piracy or kidnapping, we are going to get you. We will make it difficult for you to succeed and whoever you are and wherever you are operating from, we are going to get you. “I am aware that the se-

curity forces have made several arrests and most of the young men and women who were involved in the recent kidnappings that took place are presently under custody. Any of them found guilty of the offence will be dealt with in accordance with the law.” The governor said it was indefensible for young people for whatever reason to engage in kidnapping of old persons in their homes, illegal arms possession, terrorise communities. “It cannot be justified under any circumstance. As a government, we are by this law sending out a strong message of condemnation and that we are prepared and determined to work with our able security agencies as a team together to flush out such criminals from within Bayelsa or wherever they are operating from.”

TORDUE SALEM

gent national importance sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta). The committee is to investigate the entire transaction in “view of the vast deposit of untapped gas resources in the OML and the secret, fraudulent and illegal sale of OML 26 to First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited” and make appropriate recommendations to the

House, within four weeks. In the motion titled; “Illegal and fraudulent sale and transfer of OML 26 and land leases agreements to First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited,” Ogor deposed that OML 26, comprising Ogini, Isoko Deep, Ofa and Ovo oil fields situated in Ozoro Kingdom, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Dickson signs death sentence for kidnappers Reps probe alleged sale of oil bloc EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday signed into law a death sentence for kidnappers under the state’s Kidnapping and Allied Offences Bill 2013. While signing the bill passed by the state House of Assembly, the governor affirmed that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any individual or group of persons caught in the act of kidnapping and other related offences in the state. For some time now, the incidence of kidnapping in the state has been on the increase thereby causing worries to residents and top government functionaries whose relations had been abducted by gunmen. Ransoms are usually paid by families of the kid-

I signed statement under duress, terror suspect tells court EMMANUEL ONANI

suspect alleged to have links with the dreaded Al Qaeda network, yesterday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was allegedly forced to endorse his statement by the State Security Service, SSS.

Police IG, M. Abubakar

Mohammed Suleiman Ashafa, is facing a five-count charge of allegedly receiving funds from Al-Qaeda operatives in Pakistan, ostensibly for the recruitment and training of terrorists for attack on Americans living in Nigeria. At the resumed hearing of the criminal case yesterday, the suspect told the trial judge, Justice Adamu Bello that the statement tendered in evidence against him may not be his after all, since his statement was made in Hausa and not English language. The terror suspect, who spoke through an interpreter, insisted: “I was tortured, humiliated, severely beaten by SSS officers to make me succumb and sign their

own version of the statement. “I wrote my statement in Hausa language while the present document is in English language and I do not know English. “When I refused to sign the statement written in English language, a superior officer brought out a pistol and threatened to shoot me dead if I refuse to sign the document. After the inhuman treatment meted out to me, at that point, I had to sign in protest.” Ashafa made these claims when he was being led in evidence by his counsel, N. C. Nwachukwu. Under cross-examination by the prosecution counsel, Thompson Olatigbe, Ashafa said he has been in the custody of the SSS since 2006, when he was arrested for allegedly belonging to the said terrorist network.

ABUJA

he House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Gas Resources to investigate the alleged illegal sale of an oil bloc, OML 26, to a Nigerian company, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited. The committee got the mandate yesterday after the passing of a motion of ur-

South West

Thursday, February 14, 2013

One killed in Osun bank robbery

ome suspected armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a first generation bank and a police post in Ode-Omu town in Osun State where they carted away N10 million and $6,000. The robbers, who stormed the town at about 5.00p.m, came in three vehicles and moved straight to the police post. They shot sporadically

•Robbers steal N10m, $6,000

into the air before they attacked the policemen on duty. National Mirror learnt that after having succeeded in frightening the policemen, the robbers moved to the bank, which was located beside the police post, and killed one person, as well as injured many others. The development threw

the town into confusion as residents scampered for safety. An eye witness said: “The nine-man gang stormed the bank in three vehicles and on arrival, they attacked the police post with the aim of frightening the policemen on duty before moving into the banking hall.” A police officer, who

preferred anonymity, told National Mirror that one passer-by who he simply identified as Tirimisiyu was hit by the robbers’ stray bullet and died on the spot. Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Osun State, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, quoted the bank’s manager as saying that the armed robbers carted away N10 million and $6,000.

L-R: Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Adedotun; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, during the commissioning of agricultural equipment in Abeokuta, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel marketers reject PPMC’s levy KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

uel crisis may soon hit the South-West as marketers have vowed to reject the contentious introduction of N125, 000 Bulk Purchase Agreements renewal fee by the Pipeline Products Monitoring Company (PPMC). Addressing journalists yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the marketers said that the PPMC would rake in about one N1 billion from the renewal fee. The marketers, who based their calculation on 8,000 members of the association in the country, described the PPMC’s action as unilateral, absurd and provocative. They insisted that unless the PPMC toes the path of honour by abiding by the terms of the agreement between them and the organisation, they would have no option than to seek redress in court. The former Vice-Chairman of the Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the Ibadan Depot, Alhaji Bshiru Yusuf, said the association was out to challenge what he described as the PPMC’s arbitrari-

ness. Brandishing various agreements the marketers entered with the PPMC, Yusuf said there was no clause for payment of fee in the agreement, adding that PPMC could not impose levy on the association. He recalled that IPMAN called for extension of time when the policy was introduced last year because of the problem its members were undergoing. Yusuf identified the problem as inadequacy of petroleum products for IPMAN members to lift and sell at their respective stations at N97 per litre. He said as part of the association’s efforts to ensure justice and fair play, the Ibadan depot of the association set up a committee to look into the issue, consequent upon which a letter was written and sent to the PPMC Managing Director. Yusuf said till date, the letter was not replied. He said: “In fact, information at our disposal indicates that the letter sent to the PPMC Managing Director was opened, read and returned to the depot the way it was sent.”

Lagos sacks 48 workers for Ajimobi hails ICPC’s role in ensuring good governance certificate forgery MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Government has sacked 48 of its work force over certificate forgery and other offences. National Mirror learnt that 35 among them were sacked for certificate forgery and six others were sacked for absence from work without reasonable cause. The affected workers were issued their sacked letters before their names were published in the state gov-

Gov. Fashola

ernment in-house journal, Alausa Alert by the Office of the Head of Service. Those fired are on Grade Level 07 to Grade Level 12. Most of them are senior traffic officers, traffic superintendents, higher traffic superintendent, traffic officers II, higher statistics officer, senior accountant and senior executive officer, among others. Some of the sacked workers were said to have misappropriated public fund, defrauding members of the public and absent from duty without official permission. The workers were made to face the Personnel Management Board (PMB), the disciplinary body of the state government, which recommended their sack. The state Civil Service Commission, however, issued sacked letters to the affected workers following the recommendation of the PMB.

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Nigerians to see the role of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as complimentary and supportive of good governance. He made the call on Tuesday while receiving the Chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, who visited him at the Government House in Ibadan. Commending the ICPC’s performance in investigation, enforcement and prosecution of those involved in corrupt practices, Governor Ajimobi said the agency had greatly assisted in improving system development and system restructuring for effectiveness in governance. He said: “Most people have seen ICPC doing the role, not even of an auditor, but of the police or State Security Service

(SSS). So, we like everybody to know that the role of ICPC is complementary and supportive, and for people who have nothing

to hide or mostly for people who like good governance.” The governor expressed his readiness to work

closely with the commission in its efforts at preventing any form of corrupt practice in his administration.

This Day in African American History

February 14: On this day in 1867— Historically Black College Morehouse College is Founded! Morehouse College is the largest private liberal arts college in the nation for African-American men and is located three miles south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The college was founded as Augusta Institute by a Baptist minister and cabinetmaker, Reverend William Jefferson White in 1867. Originally housed in Springfield Baptist Church (the oldest independent African American church in the United States) in Augusta, the Institute moved to the basement of Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta in 1879 and named Atlanta Baptist Seminary. In 1885, the Georgia Seminary moved to the present location and twelve years later it was renamed Atlanta Baptist College. Upon the death of its founder

in 1913, the college once again changed the name to Morehouse College, in reverence to the corresponding secretary of the Northern Baptist Home Mission Society Henry L. Morehouse. In 1957, Morehouse received full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Stakeholders in oil communities demand direct access to funds HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

Pupils of Police Children School, Obalende 1, Lagos, on parade during the maiden edition of Essay and Spelling Competitions of the Nigeria Police schools in the South-West, yesterday.

Police brutality: Corps members to protest neglect in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ational Youth Corps members in Ekiti State are set to disrupt the passing out parade of the 2012 Batch ‘A’ members over the neglect by the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, and the police of one of them, Mr. Anthony Onuagbara, who lost one of his eyes due to police torture last year. Onuagbara, a 21-yearold graduate of Anambra State University, who will be rounding off his service year today, was beaten by some policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, on August 12 last year at his residence in

the Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti and, in the process, lost his right eye. Some angry corps members, who visited the Press Centre, Ado Ekiti yesterday, told journalists that they were forced to embark on the protest billed for today by the worsening health condition of Onuagbara and the lukewarm attitude of the NYSC to his plight. The corps members, who did not want their names mentioned, expressed shock that NYSC had not shown any concern about the plight of the corps member since he was brutalised by the police which led to the loss of one of his eyes last year. The corps members ac-

cused the NYSC of colluding with the police to cover up the case, “hence their indifference. They also said there was no plan for compensation for the lifetime disability inflicted on the young graduate who came to Ekiti State hale and hearty. “How can a corps member who came to serve his father-land with every part of his body intact go back home as a disabled person and they expect us not to say anything about the issue?” The corps members expressed fear that nothing would be done about the case again since Onuagbara would pass out today, adding that their reason for mobilising for the protest

was to draw the attention of the public to the inhuman treatment against the corps member, who obviously was from a very poor background. While the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi Olu, said the matter was being investigated with a view to getting to the roots of the matter, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Tunde Baba-Ahmed, could not be reached for comment on phone yesterday. But a male voice who picked the coordinator’s call said that the NYSC directorgeneral had written to the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, on the matter.

Ikuforiji’s aide: Court chides EFCC over splitting of charges WALE IGBINTADE

Lagos High Court judge, Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson, yesterday reprimanded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for splitting charges involving the Personal Assistant to Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Oyebode Atoyebi and a former manager with the Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Olayinka Sanni. The two defendants, (Atoyebi and Sanni) were charged for alleged conspiracy and stealing of N32.5

million levelled against them by the EFCC. At the resumed hearing of their bail application yesterday, Justice CandideJohnson observed that the 2nd defendant, Atoyebi had been granted bail in a sister suit filed before Justice Deborah Oluwayemi of the Lagos High Court while the 1st defendant, Sanni was remanded in EFCC custody. The court said it would be more convenient and a matter of common sense if the suits were filed before a judge, adding that splitting of cases involving same parties could lead to confusion. Justice Candide-Johnson then ordered counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo,

to attach the certified true copy of the ruling of Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, which granted Atoyebi bail to the counter affidavit filed by the commission. The EFCC had in suit No: LCD\177\2012 alleged that Olayinka Sanni and Oyebode Atoyebi, on or about June 29, 2011 at the Lagos Judicial Division with intent to defraud, conspired to steal N32.5 million property of Resourcery BDC Limited. They were also alleged to have fraudulently converted to their personal use, N32.5 million property of Resourcery BDC Limited. EFCC had told the court that the duo committed the

offences on June 29, 2011, with intent to defraud and steal the above sum belonging Resourcery BDC Limited, adding that the defendants stole the amount by fraudulently converting the money belonging to Resourcery BDC Limited, to their own use. EFCC said the offence was contrary to Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003. The commission had earlier charged the accused and the company with conspiracy, intent to defraud, forgery and stealing of N672.4 million belonging to Murhi International.

takeholders in the oil producing areas of Ondo State have called on the Federal Government to remit directly the statutory oil mineral derivation fund to the people in the coastal areas and not to the state government or intervention agencies. The communities cited excessive backwardness in their areas despite the fiscal provision made available for the area by the Federal Government as their reason for such demand. Rising from a meeting held in Akure yesterday by the representatives of oil communities in the two coastal councils of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas under the auspices of the state branch of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities of Nigeria, OGPCN, the representatives from Ondo State appealed to the Federal Government to follow the provision of the constitution to the letter. The group said the 1999 Constitution, which established the fund, specifically said that the money should be set aside and made available for the benefit and development of the oil-bearing

communities. The representatives of the communities, however, frowned at the way the fund has been channeled through state agencies. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by state OGPCN Chairman, Chief Adewale Omojuwa and the Secretary, Dr. Soji Omowole, the communities “resolved that the 13 percent derivation fund as established under Section 162 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), should be released to oil and gas-producing communities accordingly. “The stakeholders urged the President, the National Assembly and the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, to give effect to the spirit and letters of the constitution by ensuring direct remittance of the 13 percent oil mineral derivation fund to the oil and gas producing communities.” The representatives of the coastal communities also “enjoined the National Assembly to speedily pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which is before it,” adding that the new law will correct many anomalies inherent in the nation’s petroleum industry.

Farmers want attention paid to Ofada rice FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

fada rice farmers in Ogun State yesterday appealed to the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to pay more attention to the production of local rice to make government’s efforts at fighting poverty meaningful. Chairman of Rice Farmers Association in the state, Bode Adenekan, made the appeal yesterday during the commissioning of newly acquired farm implements and equipment held at the Arcade Ground; Abeokuta. Adenekan, who lamented that the state has neglected farming, also decried government’s actions towards the production of Ofada in the state. He said some of the neighbouring states are overtaking Ogun State that used to be the highest producer of the staple food in the past, stressing that even a state like Lagos has approached Ogun for the

seeds. “Ogun State is known for the production of Ofada rice, but due to the neglect, Lagos State is now coming to buy seeds from us, are you going to let Ofada rice production die,” he queried. In his address at the commissioning of the equipment, Governor Amosun said there can be no meaningful progress in poverty reduction until governments in all the states of the federation properly address problems of food shortage. “Provision of sufficient food at affordable cost is crucial to the survival and well being of people in any society. Similarly, any effort directed at tackling poverty will fail, if food shortage is not properly addressed.” The newly acquired farm implements included four CAT bulldozers;30 MF 275 tractors; 33 Baldan Disc Ploughs; 15 Baldan Disc Harrows; two Baldan Rotary Slashers and two Baldan 4-row-planters.

South-East

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ngige begins N20m borehole project CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

epresentative of Anambra Central District in the Senate, Dr. Chris Ngige, has commissioned the construction of a N20 million solar-powered borehole for Amansea community. Ngige, who was elected on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria,

ACN, said the borehole would supply water to every nook and cranny of Amansea, where several unidentified bodies were discovered floating on the community river, Ezu. Speaking at the flagoff of the project located at Amaowelle village, Amansea on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the gesture was aimed at ame-

liorating the pains the people were experiencing as a result of pollution of Ezu River, their only source water, with the bodies. Ngige assured the people that on completion, they would have access to potable water. He said: “We will give you a clean drinking water, we are putting solar panels, this will be a so-

lar-panelled drinking water, we will give you about six points where you will be getting water.” The senator disclosed that the contractor handling the project being executed under the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, had promised to complete it in the next 10 days, when water would start to flow. Ngige, who urged the

community to give him their support and embrace his new party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, also promised to donate a transformer to boost power supply in Amansea town. The lawmaker said his gesture to Amansea derived from the fact that the community, which is part of his constituency, required assistance at

this time of crisis. Ngige also shed light on his call for the community to embrace APC. He said: “We have formed the APC. ACN now has gone into APC. We will bring anything to your door steps and when we launch APC in Anambra State, we will come and launch it here in Amansea and Awka North.”

Tears as police pay dead officers’ entitlements CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ives and relatives of dead policemen wept profusely yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as they were paid the entitlements of officers who died in active service. The event, which took place at the state police command headquarters, was presided over by the Commissioner of Police and acting Assistant Inspector General, AIG, Zone 9, Baba Adisa Bolanta. The newly promoted AIG disclosed that the exercise was decentralised by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to enable the beneficiaries to collect the cheques at the zone instead of travelling to Abuja from their various destinations. Bolanta disclosed that the exercise, which covered the four states under the zone, was a noble gesture from the IGP. He added that the police authorities were committed to the welfare of officers and men of the force, including those who died in active service or sustained injuries while carrying out their legitimate duties. Presenting the cheques, Bolanta advised the beneficiaries, especially the widows, to judiciously use the

Abubakar

money to take care of those left behind by the deceased, while urging those who sustained injuries to use the money to pay their medical bills. The AIG also advised them not to expose the cheques to fraudsters but to open individual accounts in the bank with the cheques. He said: “I want to advise you not give the cheque to any intermediary to avoid being duped but walk to any bank and open an account with it.” Receiving the cheque, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Gloria Nwagwu, whose husband, Kingsley Nwagwu, was killed by armed robbers in November 2011, thanked the police authorities for the gesture. She thanked the IGP for allowing them to collect the cheques at the zone instead of travelling to Abuja. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mercy Elisha Udoh, wept while disclosing to journalists how her husband, Elisha Udoh, was killed by kidnappers in Enugu State in November 2011.

L-R: Austin Jay Jay Okocha; Daniel Amokachi; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Sylvanus Okpala, at the reception in honour of the Super Eagles in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Three kidnapping suspects held in Enugu DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

olice in Enugu State have apprehended three suspected kidnappers identified as Idenyi Charles, Nnamdi Eze Jude and Emeka Ugwuoke. A police source said the suspects were arrested yes-

terday based on a distress call when they stormed the residence of one Ejike Ekwunife at Ogwurugwu Road, Nsukka. The source added that some concerned members of the public had, on sighting the suspected kidnappers, made distress call to the police. “When we arrived at the

place, we apprehended the suspects and in the process recovered one berretta and a locally made pistol as well as a Mercedes Benz car from them,” the source said. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Daura, who confirmed the incident, said investigations had commenced on the

matter. Applauding the gallantry of the police officers who made the arrest, Daura said: “The suspects are helping the police in the investigations.” The commissioner also commended members of the public who gave timely and prompt information to the police.

Why govt reopened Onitsha hotel –Commissioner NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he three phases of Arthur Garden Hotels Limited, Nkpor, near Onitsha, shut for allegedly harbouring criminals, was reopened because the management had met all conditions set by the Anambra State Government. The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, who said this yesterday in a telephone interview with journalists, said government decided to

reopen the hotels after the management met all the required conditions. Uzodike noted that government regretted the inconveniences the closure of the hotels might have caused the management, staff and customers. Government had on August 5 last year ordered the closure of the hotels on the grounds that they were harbouring kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals. Consequently, the proprietor of the hotels, Prince Christopher Arthur Udo,

and one of his brothers-inlaw, Prince Godwin Onwukwe, were arrested in Enugu on August 9, four days after the simultaneous closure of the Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the hotels and detained at the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, headquarters, Awkuzu. Onwukwe was released a few days later, while Udo was taken before an Ogidi Chief Magistrates’ Court and remanded in the prison custody. However, on September 14, 2012 an Idemili High Court sitting at Ogidi,

Anambra State, presided over by Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, set him free because the prosecution could not adduce any evidence to show that his hotels were harbouring criminals. Reopening the hotels at the weekend, the management said it estimated the hospitality facilities had lost an estimated revenue of N1 billion to the closure. Speaking with journalists on behalf of the management, the Security Consultant to the hotels, Prince Austin Udo, said all the mobile air conditioners, televi-

sion sets, cooking utensils, drinks and food stuff valued at over N10 million were looted from the hotels during the closure. He, however, commended Governor Peter Obi for reopening the hotels. Udo urged the government to give the hotels financial and logistic support to enable them bounce back. He also appealed to the government and law-enforcement agencies to bring the false informants who lied against the hotels to book before they set the entire state on fire.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Hearing begins in Sylva’s suit to remove Dickson EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ormer Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to court to reclaim his mandate as candidate in the February 2012 governorship

poll in the state. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday at the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Sylva argued that there was no basis to conduct fresh primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, since he had won the January 2011 gubernatorial primaries.

Hundreds of supporters of Sylva and those of Governor Seriake Dickson thronged the court. The former governor argued that he was excluded from participating in the gubernatorial primaries won by Dickson. Sylva prayed the court to order INEC to reinstate him as the valid candi-

date of the PDP in the last governorship poll which returned Dickson as the governor. The trial judge, Justice Charles Archibong, granted applications from counsel to the PDP and Dickson to be joined in the matter. The case was adjourned to March 18 for

hearing. Archibong granted the applications by Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) to represent Dickson and Mr. Somina John-Bull to represent the PDP, as interested parties in the suit. Mr. Clement Oha appeared for INEC, while Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) appeared for the plaintiff, Sylva. Shortly after the sitting, Clarke, Sylva’s lead counsel, said they were seeking accelerated hearing, adding that the applications by other parties to join the suit were in order. He said: “We were expecting the governor and the party, PDP, to come in to be joined in the suit. So, we were not taken by surprise, the more the

merrier and I believe it is better they are joined. So the court had ordered they should be joined.” Oyetibo, counsel to the governor, said the decision of the judge to honour their applications to be joined in the suit would give Dickson the opportunity to also be heard. He said: “It is an action by the former governor asking that he be returned to office but he did not join the sitting governor as well as PDP. And the court has granted the application that the governor be joined. “At least, you cannot take away a governor from office without allowing him to participate in the proceedings.”

Budget behind delay in payment of ex-militants’ stipends –Kuku L-R: Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru; Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Marie Ebikake; General Ibrahim Haruna (rtd) and Governor Seriake Dickson, at the commissioning of 15 fast patrol boats in Yenagoa, yesterday.

Strike: Police arrest 12 RSUST lecturers PRECIOUS WERNER AHIAKWO PORT HARCOURT

olice yesterday arrested 12 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, chapter. It was learnt that the lecturers, who have been on strike in the last seven months, gathered in the Engineering Room of the university for a meeting before they were arrested. A witness told our correspondent that the lecturers

were beaten and manhandled by policemen before they were taken away. The management has refused to speak on the development. But the Chairman, RSUST chapter of ASUU, Felix Igwe, confirmed the arrest in a statement. He said the lecturers were taken away by the policemen, who headed towards the Mile 3 police station in Port Harcourt. Meanwhile, RSUST has accused ASUU of blackmailing the university. The university’s spokesman, Mr. Desmond Nwosu,

told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in an interview in Port Harcourt yesterday that ASUU was calling for a sanction to be imposed on the university. The National Executive Council of ASUU at a recent meeting in Osun State had called on the National Universities Commission, NUC, to sanction the university. A communiqué issued after the meeting stated that the management of the university disregarded the rights of ASUU members to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in the

university. The communiqué also described RSUST as a university where mediocrity thrived and as such lacked the ability to produce quality graduates. Nwosu said that the university chapter of ASUU had refused to follow dueprocess in notifying the university management before holding its meetings. He said that other unions in the university had always notified the university management prior to their meetings and as such enjoyed peaceful deliberations.

Lesser Hajj: A’Ibom sponsors 250 Muslims, gives others N10m loan

kwa Ibom Government said it had sponsored 250 Muslims to perform lesser hajj in Mecca and gave N10 million soft loan to others. Governor Godswill Akpabio, who disclosed this at the opening of a threeday Nigeria Inter-religious Council, NIREC, meeting at Ibom Hall, Uyo, said the gesture, which is on a yearly basis, was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment in building bridges across religious divides in

the state. Akpabio said the government had issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to Muslims and donated N17 million for the acquisition of land for the building of a mosque in the state capital. The governor also disclosed that his administration had introduced free but compulsory education for Akwa Ibom indigenes and other Nigerians resident in the state irrespective of religion.

Akpabio explained that the aim of meeting was to discuss the security situation of the country and how to promote peaceful co-existence and understanding among the two major religions. He said: “With this meeting, Nigeria can be united in spite of our religious differences. Let us light the torch of religious tolerance for peace to strive in our country. “Just as the meeting deals on love, peace and harmony,

we must stand together just as our forefathers stood and striven together. “Nigeria then had no space for tribalism, greed and hatred, so we must let go all that has wrongly eaten so deep into us and love one another by preaching peace.” The governor then called on victims of Boko Haram and other sectarian crises who have lost their loved ones and property to forgive the perpetrators of the crimes for peace to reign in the country.

ormer Niger Delta militants have been enjoined to be patient over the delay in payment of their January stipends and allowances. The Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, who made the appeal, said the Amnesty Office was aware of the tension the delay had generated within the ranks of the former militants and promised that their stipends would soon be paid. The chairman, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Media and Communications, Amnesty Office, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said efforts were ongoing to get funds to settle the outstanding stipends while the grey areas in the 2013 budget were being sorted out by the Presidency and the National Assembly. Kuku, who is also Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, added that funds meant for the amnesty programme were intact and was not diverted as being insinuated in some quarters. He said: “It is wicked for some persons to say that funds for the amnesty programme had been diverted to other purposes when the reason for the delay is clear to all Nigerians.

“Some persons, who always try to make cheap political capital out of the amnesty programme, are again whipping up negative sentiments against it because of the delayed release of funds occasioned by the 2013 budget impasse. “The grey areas are being sorted out and I assure all former agitators in the Niger Delta that the money for their stipends and allowances are intact. No one can tamper with it, including me.” Kuku noted that the National Assembly, like the Presidency, had greatly supported the programme, adding that it would be improper to blame the legislature for the delay in payment of the stipends. He said: “During our last budget defence in November 2012, the National Assembly again commended the Amnesty Office for judiciously utilising appropriated funds. “The Senate even offered to partner the Amnesty Office alongside other development partners to ensure the former agitators are truly reintegrated into society. “The same National Assembly cannot now be seen to be frustrating a programme that it believes is dear to the whole country and its economic survival.”

North

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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Rights coalition blames clerics for polio scourge AZA MSUE KADUNA

orthern Civil Society Coalition has blamed the spread of polio and other communicable diseases in the north on the opposition by

Islamic clerics and other religious leaders in the region. Speaking with journalists yesterday in Kaduna, leader of the coalition, Mallam Shehu Sani, said they pledged to join the campaign against polio

epidemic in the north. Sani, who is also the President of Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, CRCN, pointed out that polio immunisation is in the best health interest of the region, saying that attacks against immunisation

programmes officers were unimaginable and uncivilized. His words: “Those Islamic clerics that are opposed to the immunisation exercise against polio are not doing so out of scientific reasons or religious reasons, but for political motives. “The immunisation

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako; Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Kabir Danbaba and Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, during the governor’s visit to the emir in Gusau, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

10 burnt to death in Kano auto crash AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND OYEWALE IBRAHIM

t least 10 people were burnt to death yesterday in an auto crash in Kano State. Among the victims was a 12-month-old baby, who died with the mother in the crash, which occurred in Takai town on the Kano-Kwari Road. The victims, eyewitness

said, were occupants of a Volkswagen Golf car that collided with a heavy duty vehicle, near the Takai Bridge in Takai Local Government Area of Kano State. A resident of the community, who witnessed the accident, said the Golf car was overtaking another vehicle at a sharp bend when it had a head-on collision with a trailer coming from the opposite direction, resulting in

N22.3m scam: EFCC arraigns commissioner today OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will today arraign a Kano State Civil Service Commissioner, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Gaya, for fraud. The suspect will be made to stand trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja on a fourcount charge of forgery. According to a statement by the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren,

in Abuja yesterday, the 61-year-old suspect was arrested in Kano on Monday. He is alleged to have forged three land title documents which he sold as genuine to prospective buyers for N22.3 million. The crime, the statement added, was committed while he was an administrative officer with the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, in Abuja, until his retirement and subsequent appointment as civil service commissioner in Kano State.

the death of the passengers on board as the car went up in flames. National Mirror also learnt that the fire from the car spread to other vehicles within the vicinity, burning them and the occupants beyond recognition. The only survivor of the inferno, it was learnt was the driver of the trailer, who suffered serious burns and is currently on admission in Takai

General Hospital. Confirming the incident to journalists in Kano, the Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Kano State Command, Malam Kabiru Nadabo, said 10 people died in the accident. Nadabo blamed the accident on “dangerous overtaking by the Golf car,” adding that the impact triggered the fire that consumed the occupants. He revealed that the charred remains of the passengers have been buried at

programmes by government is a positive step to contain, checkmate and exterminate harmful diseases that have paralysed and ravaged the lives of young people in northern Nigeria. We cannot continue to live in the past at a time when the world is moving ahead.” He noted that the resistance of the clerics to immunisation and other programmes of vaccination have contributed to the increase in the number of destitute and physically-challenged people in the area. Sani, however, averred that the recent attack on medical workers in some parts of the north was a direct product of fanatical preaching and teachings. “Our religious clerics are standing against science; they are also standing against logic and reasons with their misinformed gospel, while calling on the people to resist this campaign of mis-information and to avail themselves of projects and programmes aimed at improving their health and that of their children.”

Takai cemetery, with the cooperation of the local council officials. In a related development, at least four persons were killed while 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an auto crash along the LokojaOkene Expressway in Kogi State. The accident, which occurred at about 12.00 noon yesterday at the Crusher village, an outskirt of Lokoja, involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number XA 880 RRU with 15 passengers on board.

Fulani herdsmen get permanent site in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

s part of efforts at ensuring peace and put an end to the frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Otukpo, Benue SouthWest senatorial district, stakeholders in the area have decided to allocate a permanent settlement to the herdsmen to prevent further crisis between them and their host communities. At a meeting attended by village and district heads as well as the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government yesterday, Dr Innocent Onuh, the stakeholders agreed to prevent further crisis. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Onuh said the herdsmen, like any other citizen of this country have the right to live wherever they chose to live but cautioned them to live peacefully with their host communities without destroying their crops. He tasked the community leaders to take proper account of Fulanis in their communities, urging them to meet frequently to enable them discuss issues affecting them and as well share useful information capable of engendering peaceful coexistence. Some of the traditional rulers at the occasion like Chiefs John Eimonye, Adah Ogbole and Simon Onuh, who spoke on behalf of their communities lauded the foresight of the local government chairman and promised to do their best to ensure peaceful coexistence between the Fulani herdsmen and their host communities.

Gombe to establish state polytechnic Aliyu submits nominees DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

he Gombe State government has set up a committee that will see to the establishment of a state polytechnic to be sited in Bajoga, the headquarters of Funakaye Local Government Area. The institution, which is expected to commence activities before June this year, is based on the recommendations of a special committee set up in September 2012 for the establishment of a state polytechnic in the state.

Receiving the report in the executive chambers of the Government House in Gombe, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo said the establishment of the polytechnic is in line with the administration’s priority on education and the need to increase the technical manpower needs of the state, among others. He called on the people of Funakaye and especially Gombe North senatorial district to make adequate use of the opportunity in getting the benefits offered by the establishment of the institution.

for screening as commissioners

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has submitted nine names for screening to the state House of Assembly for appointment as commissioners, thereby putting to rest the speculation about cabinet reshuffle. He also asked the house for approval for him to appoint six additional special advisers

under the provision of Section 196 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. In a briefing shortly after the sitting of the house, the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon. Bello Ahmed, representing Agwara Constituency, told journalists that the cabinet reshuffle is taken to inject ‘new energy’ in a move to consolidate on the developmental strides of the present administration.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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Politics

Dickson: Securing Bayelsa’s future

Controversies trail Kalu’s return to PDP 14

S’West PDP holds reconciliation meeting in Abuja today AYODELE OJO AND FEMI OYEWESO

isturbed by its misfortunes in the South-West, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is holding a strategic meeting with stalwarts of the party in the six Yoruba states in Abuja today, February 14. The meeting, according to National Mirror’s findings, is being spearheaded by the party’s Board of

Trustees (BoT), members in the South-West. It was reliably learnt that the meeting, among other things, will try to resolve the differences among its members and find an end to the crises rocking all the state chapters of the PDP in South-West. Also, the meeting will strategise on how to reclaim the political control of the South-West in the grip of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ahead of the 2015 elections.

One of the arrowheads of the meeting told National Mirror that the recent political development, particularly the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a wake-up call for the PDP and that has also necessitated the meeting. The source also noted that the two governorship elections coming up in Ekiti and Osun states in 2014 are important for the PDP to win. Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP and a BoT member, Olabode

George, confirmed the scheduled meeting. “We can’t afford to allow the crisis in the party to continue. We are the conscience of the PDP and we must put things in proper state. So, we are meeting with all prominent members of the party in SouthWest on Thursday. “The essence is to resolve the differences among our party members. There is need for us to put party and collective interest above personal interest. We believe at

the end of the day, PDP will reclaim the lost glory in the South-West. We mean well for Nigerians,” George told National Mirror last night. Meanwhile, the Dipo Odujinrin-led state Executive Committee of the PDP in Ogun State yesterday inaugurated a nine-member governing council for its “Ombrello (umbrella) Youths Club of Nigeria. The umbrella club which was inaugurated at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, is said to be one of the tools through which the state chapter of the party would reach out to youths between the age bracket of 15 and 40 years. The essence is to fully develop potential in them through adequate training and orientation to achieve positive changes in their productivity and lifestyle. Stressing that the umbrella youth club was not meant to undermine the

functions of the state government, Odujinrin noted that the state chapter of the party was only using it to add to the array of groups that had partnered government like churches, mosques and other nongovernmental organisations in guiding the youths to productive lifestyle. All the factional leaders in the crisis-ridden Ogun PDP would be part of the meeting of the South-West in Abuja today as part of efforts to reconcile the aggrieved members of the party. National Mirror reliably gathered that among those expected at the meeting are Jubril Martins Kuye, former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel; the expelled party financier, Buruji Kashamu; former Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Sharafadeen Ishola among other leaders in the Ogun PDP.

Kwara promotes 12, 000 teachers to boost productivity

K Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) and Chairman, National Working Committee of National Summit Group, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, during a courtesy visit on the governor by the committee in Asaba, yesterday.

CACOL advocates speedy prosecution of corrupt politicians SINA FADARE

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has called on the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde to review all pending corruption cases since 2006 and intensify effort at prosecuting the accused. Chairman of the group, Debo Adeniran made this known yesterday in a press statement, saying that it is expedient to put in the dock, all former public holders who were once visitor to the antigraft agency. He lamented that since the exit of the former

EFCC boss, Nuhu Ribadu, none of the former governors who had been previously arraigned have been convicted. He regretted that poor handling of EFCC cases by lawyers engaged by the commission is a major factor contributing to its setbacks. His words: “Unending demands for adjournments and amendments of corruption charges by lawyers engaged by EFCC have contributed to the setbacks experienced in prosecuting its cases and suspicions that many of the lawyers hired by EFCC for prosecution of cases may be conniving with the defence teams for elongation of cases, especially those involving highly

placed persons for their mutual benefit.” The group therefore challenge “President Goodluck Jonathan to show serious commitment, zeal and determination in the war against corruption by fully supporting EFCC

morally, financially and technically to prosecute accused former governors and other indicted public officials, including serving ministers in his cabinet who have been trailed by various allegations of corruptions.”

OBIORA IFOH

gress for Progressive Change, CPC, at the meeting called for caution, as they noted that the symbol of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA should not be reflected in the logo of APC against the background of denials from the national executive of the party that APGA was not a party to the merger deal. The merger committees agreed to convey to

wara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, of has approved the promotion of 12, 000 teachers in the state to boost productivity in the education sector. A breakdown of the figure showed that 10,046 primary school teachers and 2,105 secondary school teachers benefitted from the promotion exercise. This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant

Merger committees disagree on APC logo

ABUJA

he meeting of the merger committees of the parties that announced the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ended in a deadlock yesterday in Abuja. Chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP and the Con-

the national leadership of the ACN, ANPP and CPC, the need to hold a special conventions of the respective parties involved in the merger deal for ratification of individual political parties decision to dissolve into APC. The merger committees also constituted three committees: Constitution, Manifesto and Strategy Committees.

to the Governor on Media and Communication, Muideen Akorede, in Ilorin yesterday. According to him, the promotion will go a long way to enhance teachers’ economic welfare with enhanced pay. Ahmed pledged the state government’s commitment to the enhancement of the civil servants’ conditions of service in line with performance contracting. He urged the newlypromoted teachers to reciprocate the gesture by redoubling their efforts to provide qualitative education to their students. In their reaction to the development, the Kwara State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Farouq Akanbi and Assistant General Secretary, Wale Oyeniyi described Ahmed’s gesture as a humane posture, as it will boost the morale of the teachers.

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

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Controversies trail Kalu’s return to PDP

he defection of former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Peoples Progressives Alliance (PPA) and his recent return to the PDP, has, unlike other defections, generated controversies of great magnitude not only in his home state, but across the country. When the former governor made a gallant exit in 2006 from the PDP to form the PPA – the platform on which he contested the 2007 presidential election, Kalu alleged that the PDP lacked internal democracy, among other reasons. But that move was not a quiet political movement. At that time, he said he was on a rescue mission; his presidential campaign activities raised contentious issues and brought the fuss and glamour of a virile opposition poised to wrest power from the PDP-led Federal Government. Though, the ambition ended as stillborn, it was not without gubernatorial successes in Abia and Imo states out of the five states in the South-East. In 2011, Kalu reportedly made veiled attempts to return to PDP, but he was resisted by detractors. Besides, the then national political permutations tended to have foreclosed an Igbo presidency. Undeterred, Kalu took a shot at the National Assembly polls to represent Abia North Senatorial District under PPA. His candidature served as revival elixir to his party and posed critical threats to the PDP in the state. He adopted a campaign strategy of active silence that kept PDP chieftains worried and thinking. Kalu was declared a common political enemy of the state. Thus, the political clime heated up and drove the PDP into a frenzy campaign activity everywhere even at odd hours. Eventually, the PDP candidate for the Abia North, Uche Chukwumerije, arguably made a pyrrhic victory with allegations of undue favour from state powers, military intimidation, rigging and manipulations. Paradoxically, Kalu’s contemporary political detractors, opposition and foes were substantially his political allies, cronies and beneficiaries. Most of them were members of the PPA and PDP returnees. It was reasoned that if truly he has returned to the PDP, he would surely cause some changes that would probably jeopardise their individual and group interests ahead of the 2015 general polls. Insider sources also disclosed that the much-touted phobia about the former governor anchors partly on inferiority complex and uneasy conscience by some politicians. Comparatively, Kalu cannot be utterly dismissed as the worst party man in Abia, nay Nigeria. And to make real their fears, they have organised protests umpteenth times in Abuja against welcoming their estranged political godfather and master back to the PDP. Ostensibly, his detractors are maliciously orchestrating and exaggerating Kalu’s presidential ambition; imputing on him the capacity to cause chaos and hidden agenda to sabotage President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 unproclaimed presidential ambition as tendencies and danger signals why he should not be re-admitted into the PDP family. Abia State chapter of the PDP was sure to have tightened its structural loose ends against Kalu’s reenrolment into the party from his ward as stipulated by the party constitution. But in a masterstroke, the former governor, despite the seeming obstacles, penetrated his ward and was registered on January 16, 2013 by the executive of PDP at Igbere ward A, his country home in Bende Local Government Area. His registration card bears number 9787945. This development sent state leaders of the party, stalwarts and chieftains into panic actions. The gambit was their claim in a press briefing that Chika Emeri, the PDP chairman at Igbere ward A and his executive had resigned from the party effective January 10 before they registered Kalu and thus, in effect, the registration was dismissed as fake. Furthermore, the state chairman of the PDP in Abia State, Emma Nwaka, said: “We believe in freedom of association, but we also believe that freedom of asso-

It is no longer news that former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, despite hurdles placed on his way, has returned to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he jettisoned in 2006 to form the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). GEORGE OPARA writes on the travails of the former governor, as well as the controversies his return to the PDP has generated.

Kalu

Orji

T HE PDP

WAS SURE TO

HAVE TIGHTENED ITS STRUCTURAL LOOSE ENDS AGAINST

KALU’S

RE -

ENROLMENT INTO THE PARTY FROM HIS WARD AS STIPULATED BY THE PARTY CONSTITUTION .

BUT IN A MASTERSTROKE , THE FORMER GOVERNOR , DESPITE THE SEEMING OBSTACLES ciation does not mean imposition. Abia PDP has not registered Kalu contrary to claims in some quarters.” But the ward chairman refuted the allegation of his purported resignation and averred that he did not resign and never had such contemplation. He spoke out from his hideout where, he alleged that the state primed some soldiers to trail, arrest, detain and torture him and other members of his executive, ostensibly with trumped up allegations for registering Kalu as a member of the PDP. As the controversy of validity and invalidity of Kalu’s registration rages, he thundered: “I have taken the card of PDP and, there is no going back. I have fulfilled the constitutional requirements of the party. I am out to speak the truth. And the truth will be in all the streets of Abia and Nigeria. Those public officers telling lies in this state, their days are numbered. Abia has been living on falsehood. And everybody will account for the source of his wealth.” Kalu even digressed to accuse some Abia elder statesmen of corruption, as he said they queue up to take hush money from the state’s monthly allocation from the federation account and, in turn support the governor, Theodore Orji in running a sleazy administration. Pundits believe that partisan politics per se is not the root of the problem between Kalu and his opponents in Abia. They are of the opinion that rather,

mutual suspicion and distrust experienced in their past political adventures was the actual root cause. Many of the political bigwigs in the state know themselves and their individual capabilities. There are fears that Kalu is highly charismatic and a grassroots man endowed with the power to change things – a reality they see with hatred and discrimination. Also, Governor Orji’s bloc does not want to be eclipsed by Kalu. As such all panoply of survival intrigues are employed to attract the attention of President Jonathan, the PDP national chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NEC) by the governor and his loyalists. As it stands now, it is still uncertain if Kalu has started to associate with the present leadership of Abia PDP as the opposing camp is still not disposed to welcoming the former governor to the party. However, each side of the divide is employing restraint and care as none of them wants to be held by the jugular. However, as things stand, political analysts in the state opined that things may no longer be at ease with Abia State PDP, as they are under no illusion that the party may witness massive defection by loyalists of Governor Orji to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), if the issue of Kalu’s return to the PDP is not handled with the desired maturity, especially now that the PDP at the national level is not in the best of situation. However, one fact remains sacrosanct and that is should Orji decide to defect from the PDP, as is widely speculated, political pundits believe that not all his loyalists would join his bandwagon. This is because most of his loyalists had worked with Kalu in the past and are still paying periodic allegiance to the former governor, romancing with him secretly and urging him to come back to take over the control of Abia PDP. Should the threat of defection become real, Kalu would be challenged to mobilise more members to join the PDP train in Abia, however, analysts are of the view that Orji may be digging his own political grave and committing political suicide if he fails to look at the pros and cons of whatever action he wants to take. The months ahead would however prove decisive, not only for the returnee former governor, Kalu, but equally for his estranged godson, Orji. But one thing is sure, Abia PDP may never remain the same in the unfolding battle of wit between godfather and godson.

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Politics

Thursday, February 14, 2013

SOJI AJIBOLA

nfrastructural development is one of the major components of economic growth of developing nation. Leadership at all levels of government places premium on infrastructural development, as it creates the enabling environment to stimulate business and industrial activities which in turn enhances productivity, check undue rise in cost of operation, employment generation and as well poverty reduction. Good governance to the average citizen of a developed or developing nation is all about provision of social amenities at affordable rates, meaningful and long lasting development. And, to achieve this, the leadership must be prepared to tackle the challenges of basic infrastructural needs of the citizenry. Some of these basic amenities include efficient, stable and reliable power supply, safe and potable drinking water, functional public transportation system, effective communication system, functional and affordable healthcare and educational facilities. Irked by the agelong infrastructural decay in the oil rich Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson on assumption of office on February 14, 2012 declared a state of emergency, especially in the education and other critical sectors of the economy. Created in 1996, the issue of security in the state has been of great concern to successive administrations in Bayelsa. The Internally Generated Revenue of the state nosedived on daily basis, as efforts at attracting investors hardly produced the desired results, largely due to insecurity and the chaotic situation of infrastructure in the state among others. Local and foreign investors never saw Bayelsa as a safe and viable investment destination. The state was always in the news for the wrong reasons. It was either rival cult wars, kidnapping of mainly expatriate workers of multinational companies, illegal oil bunkering, financial fraud, and other related vices. In order to tackle this problem and make the state investment friendly, Governor Seriake Dickson, as a former security operative put in place a state security outfit code named: Operation Doo Akpor to checkmate the activities of criminals in and outside the state capital, Yenagoa. This decision is paying off, as nightlife has gradually returned to Yenagoa, the state capital.

Dickson: Securing Bayelsa’s future

Dickson

The heatwarming news is that, investors, local and foreign, are now jostling to invest in the state. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (Rtd) said with the security gadgets and personnel put in place by the Seriake Dickson-led administration, the state is no longer the safe haven for criminals. In the last one year, the operatives of the security outfit, “Operation Doo Akpor”, has arrested over 600 suspects for criminal related offences and handed them over to the appropriate security agency for further interrogation and prosecution in accordance with the law. This, according to political pundits and economic watchers, is a rare feat that should be consolidated upon. Prior to the advent of the present administration, the security officer submitted that there were high incidences of criminal activities in the metropolitan cities of the state. “Our waterways, then were no longer safe as there were reported cases of sea piracy and other related vices. We appreciate the fact that the incidents were not peculiar to Bayelsa State alone but unique in some sense,” Kenebai had said. The impact of a state of insecurity is quite obvious.

Criminals were taking on institutions of government in open confrontations. There were reported cases of kidnapping, assassination and the activities of some purported amnesty agitators. However, with the installation of TETRA Trunk radio, the first of its kind in the West Africa subregion and purchase of over 85 patrol vehicles and 15 patrol boats, the residents of the state can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Also, as part of security measures put in place, the government has built 13 Emergency Response Centres in some designated areas of the state. With adequate security put in place, Governor Dickson has turned the entire state to a massive construction site with ongoing work on 41 roads, 75-block low cost housing Estate, civil servants’ quarters, building of model secondary schools in the three senatorial zones, commencement of work on 500bed hospital, world class referral centre, the three senatorial districts roads, transparency building, 5-Star hotel, Four secretariat annexes, multi door court House, Governor’s Lodges in Yenagoa, Sagbama and Nembe. Conducting newsmen round some of the project sites, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor said: “When we took over, there was nothing to write home about and that is why the governor was angry to develop the state. All the ongoing projects as well as the ones earmarked for construction would be completed within the tenure of the present administration.” Also, the government has invested over N4 billion in rural electrification projects with the award of over 23 contracts. In the area of human capacity building, a total number of 557 scholarships have been awarded in the last one year. Governor Dickson stated that his administration has made huge investments in the education sector because of its commitment to developing the human capacity of the state. According to him, government made an initial provision of N1 billion for the postgraduate scholarship scheme, but it has since overshot that amount in view of the massive demands it got from Bayelsans. “The sums involved are quite staggering, but we believe it is a good investment. Because of our passion for human capacity development, we have since overshot the N1bn marks originally earmarked for the scheme.” Dickson explained. • Ajibola is a Special Assistant Media to Bayelsa State Governor.

Day Tambuwal’s office turned ‘Pitch-side’

IMAM IMAM

any characteristics of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s leadership traits are well-known to Nigerians. For instance, his candour, courage, honesty, down-to-earth approach to issues, and importantly, his maturity in handling sensitive national assignments are legendary among his country men and women. What many don’t know however, is that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is a passionate sports fan who, like many Nigerians, dedicates enough time to assess the progress of his favourite sports teams and clubs. When it comes to soccer, Nigeria’s number one sport, Tambuwal is not left out in his desire to see the national teams perform to their full potential. So it was on Sunday, February 10, 2013, when the nation’s beloved team, the Super Eagles, took on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the final match of this year’s African Cup of Nations. Before Sunday’s encounter, the Super Eagles had mesmerized the entire African continent with their knit formation and short-passes brand of the game. They had taught Africa a big lesson in tactical discipline and team unity. When they squared off against the mighty Ivorians and their star-studded team in the quarter-finals,

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Tambuwal (m) and members of the House jubilating over the Super Eagles’ victory at the African Cup of Nations.

they showed to the whole world that having big-name players do not necessarily win matches. In the semi-final against the Eagles of Mali, the Stephen Keshi-led boys also showed everyone what it takes to neutralise sleek opponents who have made it a habit of beating host nations in major soccer tournaments. By the end of the encounter, the better (Super) Eagles ran out 4-1 winners against their hapless West African neighbours. When the stage was set for the final match, members of the House of Representatives, led by Tambuwal, converged on the Speaker’s office for a get-together viewing of the match. All clad in the national team’s colour of Green and White, the lawmakers, their aides, friends and family members, sat on four rows of chairs. The first row, oc-

cupied by the Speaker and some Principal Officers of the House in attendance, turned out to be the Director’s Box. The other three rows, populated by other members of the House and Speaker’s aides, automatically became the ‘Popular Side.’ From the onset, all those in attendance at the ‘pitch-side’ inside the Speaker’s office came with a single mindset: Nigeria would emerge victorious. As such, all discussions were tailored on waiting for the 90 minutes to be over for the Eagles to pick up the trophy that rightly belonged to them. With the game on, and with the Eagles dominating possession but missing numerous clear-cut scoring chances, tension enveloped the new ‘stadium’. Though the patriotic fervor was as strong as when the game started, the frequency with which

discussions were held reduced, except for occasional gasps of exasperation one or two persons around. However, the mood of the House changed dramatically on the 40th minute when Sunday Mba got what turned out to be the only goal of the match. The shouting that followed the goal reverberated all through the building. All those gathered hugged and congratulated each other. The true expression of joy however came when the Algerian referee blew the final whistle. With every Nigerian inside the Soccer City stadium in Port Elizabeth cheering and waving the national flag, those gathered at the Speaker’s office jumped, jugged and shouted. Some had tears of joy dripped from their eyes. It was a huge relief because after 19 years of waiting, the Eagles have shown their true worth. Speaking with reporters after the match, Tambuwal said: “The victory is all the more sweet because it reaffirmed Nigeria’s superiority over sister African countries not only in football, but in other areas of human endeavour. “Now that we are getting set for the start of the qualifying matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, I want to urge the team not to rest on their oars until they make it to Brazil 2014. I also look forward to the team showing their quality at the world stage.” •Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Centenary celebration: Matters arising EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

igeria came into being in 1914 after the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. In conceptualization, she is a British contraption for the continuous exploitation of the territory’s rich material resources to service the British emerging economy. The birth of Nigeria means different things to different people. Its emergence has brought enormous fundamental changes to sub-Saharan Africa and indeed African. Since the attainment of independence in October 1960, the struggle to build a viable and virile nation has been on. A major civil war was fought; there have been uncountable ethno-religious crises, several political turmoil and numerous economic crises that have shaken the nation to its foundation. The 1914 amalgamation has been seen as a blessing by some and a curse by others. The journey into nationhood has been a long and tedious one underlined by ups and downs. The Goodluck Jonathan administration feels 100 years of existence thresh-

old is worth celebrating. I agree. A century’s journey is not a joke. Almost all our founding fathers are no longer in the scene. For surviving as a nation despite the enormous centrifugal forces pulling it in the opposite directions is enough reason to celebrate. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has defended the push for celebration on the grounds that it would afford us the opportunity to share our dream, freedom, achievements and aspirations. He assures Nigerians that the celebration would not be funded by the Federal Government. I buy into the government’s argument for celebration; it will be one good opportunity to put in place legacy projects that could accelerate the country on the path of renewal. Some of the legacy projects, according to Senator Anyim, include the erection of a new city gate in Abuja; construction of centenary city in Abuja that will attract estimated investment of about $15 billion from the private sector; generation of over 15,000 jobs; establishment of unity square in every state capital, and a medical diagnostic centre in each of the six geo-political zones. Other proposed projects for the celebration also include ICT centers in all the universities that are yet to have one, police crime laboratories, a modern library in a university in each of the zones, among others. On the face value, I dare say the proj-

FOR SURVIVING AS A NATION DESPITE THE ENORMOUS CENTRIFUGAL FORCES PULLING IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS IS ENOUGH REASON TO CELEBRATE ects are worth all the trouble. But knowing this government, I doubt the commitment to them. This is a real litmus test for the administration. In reality there might be sufficient reasons for Nigerians to have a sense of euphoria as we attain our 100 years of existence as a united country. There is thus nothing absolutely wrong in marking an epochal event like this, but it must be in utmost sobriety. In doing this let us remember our independence heroes and heroines, people that sacrificed their lives to make the dream of a united country come true; we must remember the victims of injustice and inequity in the struggle to stay as a nation. And more importantly, we should reflect on our missed opportunities to be the torch bearers for the black race globally; we have to reflect on the enormous resources that have been frittered away by the mindless and unpatriotic Nigerians with state power and

their collaborators, and we must reflect on how we have sunk to this stinking level of being the object of scorn and ridicule to the rest of the world. What about the grinding ethno-religious hatred currently consuming our nation? Do you know that world leaders, including US president, Barak Obama and Bill Gate recently focused attention on our dear Nigeria’s economic woes? Bill Gate was particularly worried that there is a miserable gap between the resources available to us and the economic progress recorded. As we mark our centenary of existence, these are some of the core issues that should engage our leaders. Nigeria faces the threat of disintegration; more than ever before, it is becoming a real threat. The Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mukhtar recently identified “plurality of ethnic and religious groups” as the major cause of insecurity and restiveness in the country. She made this observation at a recent two day Peace and Security Summit organized by the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja. The ship of the nation is sailing menacingly; many of our nationals are very cynical on what our goals and aspiration are. We need to assemble together and take unequivocal decision on what to do with this union. This appears the only way forward. Prof .Ndubuisi, an attorney at Law, is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG

Thrills and musings of Super Eagles’ victory

uper Eagles of Nigeria are the new King of Africa football. South Africa 2013’s African Cup of Nations victory is Nigeria’s third since the inception of the championship. There are just no words to describe the feelings of Nigerians on last Sunday victory as our people were figuratively transported to the world beyond. The presidential reception organised for the heroes last Tuesday was an unforgettable climax of unstinted celebration. There is just something about football that elevates it beyond the realm of ordinary sporting event. Who has ever seen a whole nation thrown into mourning for losing, say, table tennis, baseball, relay race, sprinting event or boxing match? No! All the other are “normal” sporting events, unlike football. I am a soccer fan; football is a beautiful game, the world greatest sporting event. Let me say, however that though I was happy like other Nigerians over this victory, there is something I don’t like about soccer: its inordinate capacity to numb people’s senses and transport them into illusory world of fantasy and hallucination. It has never ceased to baffle me the impact the game has on people all over the world. Why should a mere game have this power over humanity? What is the real and intrinsic value of a soccer glory? Is it that it can inspire further soccer glory? Will that not be a cyclical search for meaning? At a deeper level of introspection, why exactly should ability to roll about a round leather object and get it landed in your opponents’ net be equated with national pride, happiness and sense of fulfillment? But that

THE SOOTHING BALM OF FOOTBALL HAS BEEN RUBBED OVER

OUR ACHING BODY; WE HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED

INTO MASS ECSTASY, A COLLECTIVE DELIRIUM is the way things are. Countries have reportedly gone to war over football disputes. Honduras and ElSalvador in 1969 is a reference. People do all sort of things, weird absurd all in the name of football. Countries beg nationals of other countries with mouth-watering monetary offers just to play for them, while soccer stars have been turned into gods all over the world. Soccer is multibillion money spinner, but the wealth it creates is aristocratic, being the exclusive preserve of the players, managers and their promoters. In graphic portrayal of the weirdness of football, we have read many stories of Nigerian youths maiming and even killing one another over disputes that arose in the aftermath of matches involving their adopted European clubs. During Nigerian/ Cote D’Ivoire match, a 40-year-old engineer with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Moshood Owolabi, died in Abeokuta. He reportedly slumped and died the moment the Ivoirians equalized! The same sad story repeated itself during

the Nigeria/Burkina Faso final match when a retired banker, Felix Bassey, 65, who was reportedly hypertensive, died during the peak of the match when the battle was fiercest. Those are the reported cases! Some countries, especially in Africa, KETEFE even engage in juju and invocation of supernatural forces (whatever that means) to win. What about the numerous cases of people being stampeded to death at stadia? Last kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only) Sunday, some Nigerians borrowed money to celebrate Super Eagles’ victory; and despite Therefore, let us revel in the victory, and the fact that the following day was a working pushed into the subconscious the fact that one, many people held self-imposed bacchaafter 53 years of independence we have nalian night vigil. proved incapable of generating enough elecBut happily, we don’t always have to tricity to power our ailing industries. Let us switch to critical thinking mode that will forget that we have one of the highest unactuate us to start questioning the rationale employment rates in the world; that there is behind everything. We can still afford to nothing in the horizon to offer hope of sociosavour the victory and momentarily forget economic renaissance, ameliorate the mass our problems. The soothing balm of football poverty and reduce the peoples’ sufferings. has been rubbed over our aching body; we The masses spirit will be buoyed by have been launched into mass ecstasy, a colthe nebulous collective achievements as lective delirium. Our souls resonate with evinced in soccer glories of our teams, let acquired feeling of self-importance, a redethe leaders continue to appropriate to themfined self-confidence. Our sense of nationalselves all the authentic good things of life, ism has been re-awakened, we are Champiafter all, there will always be occasional socons of Africa! cer glory to continually pacify us. Up Super It is for these delirious effects that politiEagles, Up Nigeria!!! cians like to promote football; they understand its power over us, its capacity to calm Send your views by mail or sms to our nerves against the broadside of our PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ harsh realities. If they engage in activities nationalmirroronline.netmirrorlagos@ that would otherwise ignite crises, so far as yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS Nigeria is engaged in international soccer only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. competition and the nation keeps winning, Pseudonyms may be used but must be people would be pacified, at least, until the clearly marked as such. euphoria wears off.

KAYODE

Editorial

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Lagos fast food regulation drive

uick service restaurants (QSRs) or fast food outlets come in different forms. The most known ones are those that offer both take-away services and meals served and eaten on premises. This category is a creation of the demand of modern and fast moving world, which has subjected people in cities, urban and semi urban centres to enormous pressure and stress of living. Yet, others that fit this description, and the ones that have long been with us, include the roadside eateries that dot all our major highways and the pastries and beans-ball (akara) frying joints across the country that cater for the people on the move or those without the compunction to do any cooking. While they are largely seen as a way out of the hustling and bustling of our modern world, there have been growing worries over the health implications of this pop culture. This is the context in which to situate the disclosure by the chairman of Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, Hon. Suuru Avoseh that a new law to check fast food business in the state would soon be enacted. According to him, most of the fast food prepared by various restaurants are ”junks ” that are harmful to human health, saying it has become imperative for Lagos State to take adequate steps to protect Lagosians who

patronize them. Coming also under the critical evaluation of the Lagos lawmakers are caffeinated energy drinks on sale across the country, which he hinted would likely be banned. The Lagos House is taking a cue from the recent position of the House of Representatives that several brands of energy drinks such as Red Bull, Power Horse, Vault, Red Alert, Burn etc, contain high levels of ingredients and stimulants that pose dangerous health risks such as kidney damages, seizures, as well as stroke, to the consumers. We commend the move by Lagos lawmakers on this critical issue. The fast food business needs effective regulation to protect the health of consumers. Many corporate executives, workers, students, children and adults across the nation, now turn to these fast food outlets for their culinary needs, socializing points and relaxation. Given the considerable number of people that have recourse to them, it has become important that the food served there are not only of high nutritious value, they are also produced under hygienic conditions and equally served in humane environment. But our recent experience showed this is not the case. Between 2009 and 2010, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) sanctioned over 20 fast food outlets across the country, including very

IN MANY CASES, ALGAE GROWTH ON STAGNANT WATER WITHIN

THEIR PREMISES, MALFUNCTIONING

STORAGE FACILITIES, UNHYGIENIC KITCHENS ETC, WERE SOME OF

THE LISTED OFFENCES AGAINST THEM popular brands like Mr. Biggs, Sweet Sensation and Tetrazzini, for various environmental and health safety infractions. Checks by the Establishment Inspection Directorate of the agency on the indicted QSRs exposed the poor environmental conditions under which they operate. In many cases, algae growth on stagnant water within their premises, malfunctioning storage facilities, unhygienic kitchens etc, were some of the listed offences against them. Even coming from the public are complaints about gastrointestinal problems; excessive use of salt and seasoning in food preparation, and strange discoveries of traces of pesticide and harmful residues in some of the food and drinks served

in these places. Also associated with them is over-processing of some of the food, which removes some vital nutrients in them that human body craves for. A situation as this calls for grave concern and therefore, strengthens the case for regulation. A stronger case for regulation flows from various international reports linking growing severity of allergic asthma, eczema and rhinitis among children in the developed world to excessive consumption of fast food. Within this context therefore, the move by the Lagos lawmakers is commendable. We recommend the gesture to all the other 35 state governments in the country, and even the Federal Government. Since this business is growing and has a large market in the country because food is very vital in a healthy and productive population, it is significant that a strict regulation regime is put in place to protect their teeming customers. However, we think the task of regulation enforcement and monitoring will weigh down NAFDAC therefore, we suggest that state Ministries of Environment and Health, and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), should also be involved in this task for optimal result. The strategic enforcement framework of this should be harmonized to minimize likely inter-agencies frictions.

ON THIS DAY February 14, 2012 Police in Mexico have announced the capture of Jaime Herrera in Culiacan and an accomplice. Herrera is thought to be a highranking member of a drug cartel that is one of the main producers of methamphetamine in the country. He is also thought to have close ties to the Sinaloa cartel leader, Joaquin Guzman.

February 14, 1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Iranian spiritual leader, issued a death sentence (fatwa) on British writer, Salman Rushdie, for his authorship of the book Satanic Verses, published in the United Kingdom in 1988.The fatwa placed responsibility on Muslims anywhere to kill Rushdie. In the Islamic world, numerous killings, attempted killings and bombings resulted from anger over the novel.

February 14, 1960 France completed a third nuclear test at Reggan in south-western Algeria, in the Sahara Desert in Africa. This feat has confirmed her as the world’s fourth atomic power after USA, USSR and Britain. There were negative reactions across Africa, and even in Japan and the USSR. Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Ghana led Africa’s outrage at France’s action.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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Education Today Graduates not in JAMB admission book won’t go for NYSC scheme again – Ojerinde

IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

hen Mr. Alasa Breimoh gained admission into the University of Abuja six years ago to study his dream course, electrical engineering, he was on top of the world. All that came to his mind was that he would take his studies very seriously and in five years time, he would have become a graduate, settle down to become a responsible man. But six years down the line, Breimoh is still not only an undergraduate of the university, it is not yet clear when or if he will ever graduate from the school. “I didn’t know that my course was not fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC), otherwise I would have sought admission elsewhere,” he said. For so long, Breimoh just like his mates, has been at home waiting for the school to reopen for academic activities, but his hope was aborted again when the school authority decided last week to start the second semester exam without the inclusion of the engineering students. Frustrated, Breimoh and other students of the university went on rampage and vowed never to allow the school reopen unless all the courses including electrical engineering earned full accreditation status from the NUC. Worried by the incessant protests by students of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Adelabu, last week invited all the aggrieved students to a meeting so as to dialogue and come up with an agreement that will put an end to the crisis, but the students insisted that they would not bargain for any other thing than for their courses to be fully accredited and then sit for the impending second semester exam. Breimoh, while making the students’ position known to the VC and his management team, said: “There is nothing to dialogue about. There is a problem already which has to be resolved before doing any other thing. Many students of this university have overstayed on campus and we are not happy about this development. So, our courses must be accredited before we begin exams as we will no longer keep our fingers crossed while our mates are graduating. As things are presently, we don’t know where we are heading to. We have endured enough and we are not going to take things lightly again. “At the beginning of this crisis, we were told to wait for three months, three months passed, nothing happened and we were told again to wait for another three months making six months altogether and still, nothing happened. Now, there is no specific date given. We are tired of staying at home doing nothing. VC pleading to us to exercise more patience cannot solve the problem. Our parents are also fed up with the situation on ground. All that we want now is for us to know where we are heading to. Even if our protest will earn me, as a leader, a jail term, I won’t mind so far our courses are fully accredited,” he lamented. Another student, who does not want his

UNIABUJA in limbo! • No end to crisis four months after closure • Facilities required for NUC accreditation still not in place • Students unable to graduate after six years

The main gate of the university

SOME STUDENTS OF UNIABUJA DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT A CONVOCATION

CEREMONY LOOKS LIKE, YET, THE INSTITUTION KEEPS ADMITTING MORE STUDENTS name to appear on print, said: “Some Federal Government colleges are better than the University of Abuja in terms of facilities and for that, government should probe the activities of the institution since inception including all the funds that have been appropriated to it. “The problem with the school leadership is that they are not sincere. We are frustrated already. No convocation in the university in the last four years. This is a university in a capital city of the country. Referring to Nigeria as a giant of Africa is a misuse of words. Some students of UNIABUJA don’t even know what a convocation ceremony looks like, yet, the institution keeps on admitting more students. It is now time for Mr. President to implement the panel report on the university submitted to him by doing what he did at the police college.” However, the Vice-Chancellor explained

Adelabu

to the aggrieved students that the university was working towards full accreditation of the three programmes that were suspended by NUC. While disclosing that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria had already approved the Veterinary Medicine and ordered the university to stop running a clinical programme in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the VC noted that the university had completed and equipped basic laboratory on main campus and this was capable of sustaining teaching and learning of the medical profession in the school. He also disclosed that reasonable progress had been made in the process of getting full accreditation of both medical and engineering courses and that NUC had already conducted resource verification exercise for this.

National Mirror recalls that the Federal Government closed down the engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine last April on the grounds that there were deficiencies in the facilities provided for the running of the courses, which needed to be rectified. Since that period till date, no tangible effort has been made in this regard. Investigations revealed that facilities that were supposed to be on ground have not been built and it was in this view that the authorities of the university on November 19, 2012, closed down the institution indefinitely following students’ protest, which consequently put the second semester examinations on hold. Because of the accreditation crisis in the university, the Federal Government was sometime last year constituted a panel of inquiry, which looked into the operation of the university in all ramifications, including budgetary allocation and spending. Consequently, the panel came up with series of systematic breaches of financial regulations and what it called “wasteful spending,” by the leadership of the university and recommended the termination of the appointment of the incumbent VC and his management team. Disappointed by the manner in which the university is being run, the panel also noted that none of the 58 undergraduate programmes of the university had earned a full NUC accreditation status, urging government to look into the issues in the interest of the students and the public.

Education Today

hat Temitope Oguntade, now Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Oluwaseun Samuel could venture into academics is, according to her, strange to many of her friends, especially those who knew her during her undergraduate days. “They were further dazed when they learnt I emerged as the best doctoral student because they knew I was never interested in academics. As a matter of fact, my lifestyle then never suggested I could consider it for once.” As the first child of a female-dominated family of five, Temitope, 31, had always been taken as his father’s heir and the old man too was not discouraged by the fact that he has only a son. He believed with adequate training every child is a success. Temitope started secondary education at Igando Community High School, Lagos and completed the programme in 1998 at Topmost International School, a private school in Igando and since then, “I never dreamt of any other course aside medicine. Even when the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Akure, offered me admission around 1999, I declined it. But when time was no longer on my side, I enrolled in UNILAG for Botany in 2002 and I took the course for granted, enjoying my time in UNILAG. I partied, had fun and could dance very well. And my dream had changed from Medicine to being a banker because that was the career I felt was more lucrative. So, I think that was why I ended up graduating with second class lower division and probably one of the reasons my friends were surprised with the news of my new feat.” But when and how did Temitope begin to develop interest in academics to the extent that she could emerge the best student? In her response, the mother of one, who is now a lecturer at the same department in her alma mater, said her husband, Dr. Olusegun Samuel, was the secret. She also identified his two supervisors, Professors Adedotun Adekunle and Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as good pillars behind her. “But my father laid the foundation through his moral teachings and financial support. Whenever any woman was being celebrated on television, my father would call me to join him and would tell me there was nothing a man could do that a woman could not do. “My husband was already a lecturer before we met and he took me as his sister and gave all the encouragement I needed to survive. He took loans from a cooperative society more than once because of me. Unfortunately, the two of us were PhD students and we could not secure grants but he was always there to help,” Temitope further narrated. However, Temitope might not have met Samuel if not for the interest Prof. Adekunle, who was then the Sub Dean of the Faculty of Science, developed in her. While she was at home waiting for her call-up letter to participate in the National Youth Service Corps, the lecturer offered her opportunity as his personal supporting staff, which she reluctantly took. “He decided to pay me token which was better than sleeping at home. One day, he asked me what my plan after NYSC was and I said banking was my next destination. It was clear he was not satisfied and tried to persuade me to opt for academics. He then began to show me the works of his graduate students and I think from there, I

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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UNILAG CONVOCATION

Our experience not unique, but tortuous –PhD Couple The golden jubilee anniversary and convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka is over, but the memories of some significant developments that characterised the season cannot be hurriedly forgotten. One of these is the graduation of a couple as PhD holders, as the wife beats 47 others to emerge the best doctoral student of her set. MOJEED ALABI, in this report, tells the story of their experience as narrated by the duo.

The couple, Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Samuel

MY HUSBAND WAS ALREADY A LECTURER BEFORE WE MET AND HE TOOK ME AS HIS SISTER AND GAVE ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT

I NEEDED

TO SURVIVE received inspiration,” she said. While serving as a corps member in Niger State, Adekunle again hinted Temitope of the availability of postgraduate forms and was later enrolled for her Master’s degree programme in the same Botany Department. It was during this period that the lecturer in Marine Science began to “whisper into her ears,” which culminated into marriage in May, 2010. As a graduate fellow receiving token from the university, Temitope was later offered full time employment the same year she got married. From 2008, when she commenced her master’s programme, she said it has been hectic getting to this level. “My husband was already a doctoral student, so when I enrolled for the PhD, he told me to be ready for hard work and pledged his support.” But the question on the lips of many is how did the young couple combine their tight academic schedules with the home front, especially the wife? The husband simply responded; “We had good understanding and did not allow intrusion into our affairs. We tried to give our baby the

much attention he needed and whenever we were to travel together for research activities, we would take him along. “Even when the work was consuming

about 95 per cent of my attention, my husband never complained. In fact, the day I gave birth to our son, I was in the lab till 7pm and when I got home, I continued with the marking of my students’ scripts before I noticed that my membrane had ruptured. It was a sign for delivery and I was taken to the hospital. By 6am the following day, I was delivered. And funny enough, just six weeks after, I returned to the laboratory to continue with my work. It was that serious but God gave us the strength to earn the victory,” Temitope said. When asked what qualified her to be ranked best among PhD graduating students, she said it could be simply because the university Senate found her work very good. About other challenges they faced during the programme, the couple emphasised finance. According to Temitope, conducting researches alone took lots of fund and narrated how difficult it was for them to scale through. “If I am to give rough estimate for this PhD programme alone, I would say it is over N2 million. “There was a time one of my supervisors, Prof. Ogundipe, had to pay my tuition fees, while my husband took loans on our behalf to meet up with the demands. There were so many other clogs but God’s help is immeasurable,” she noted. While making her speech on behalf of her colleagues during the convocation ceremony, Temitope enjoined the graduands to make their research works available for relevant agencies, saying the beauty of their tortuous journey to success would be the benefits mankind could derive from their efforts.

Yar’Adua bags posthumous degree JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

anagement of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), Katsina State is to award a posthumous honorary Doctorate of Science degree to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The institution is also to award honorary doctorate degree in Law to Governor Ibrahim Shema, among others. Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Mu’uta Ibrahim, stated this on Tuesday at a press conference where he announced scheduled activities to mark the school’s first convocation ceremony which is scheduled for Saturday. Prof. Ibrahim said the doctorate degree award to late President Yar’Adua was in recognition to his contributions as the

founding father of the institution. He said Yar’Adua founded the school in 2006 by investing capital that accrued to the state following debts forgiven Nigeria by the World Bank, and that the institution was among the best state tertiary institutions in the country. He said the name of the institution, which used to be Katsina State University, was changed to Yar’Adua University in recognition of the late president’s efforts at promoting tertiary education in the state. On the convocation, the VC said a total of 1,935 graduates from 2008 academic session to 2012, would be awarded certificates at the ceremony. He said a novelty match between lecturers and students, a public lecture on constitutional amendment and launching of an academic book, would highlight pre-convocation activities.

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Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Incessant strikes have lowered quality of PhD programmes –VC Prof. Johnson Eze, Vice-Chancellor, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, is a specialist in Plant eco-physiology. He says, in this interview, with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE, that disruption of academic programmes by incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in recent past has greatly affected the quality of graduates, including PhD holders being produced in the country. Excerpts: The report of the NEEDS Assessment Committee on Nigerian public universities submitted to the Federal Government last October revealed that out of the 37, 504 academics in the public universities, only about 43 per cent have doctorate degrees and only seven universities have up to 60 per cent of their teaching staff with PhD qualification. As an academician, what do you think, can be done to produce enough and competent PhD holders in the country? As a master’s degree holder, you start lecturing as an assistant lecturer. By that, it means, you don’t take lectures officially, you only assist senior lecturers. After assistant lecturer, the next grade is lecturer two and NUC is insisting that lecturer two is for PhD holders. If PhD is the minimum qualification for teaching in a university, how many PhD holders do we have in Nigeria, or how many PhD holders are our universities producing yearly? Does the number correspond with the ratio of the first or second degree holders? It is not. The issue is that the number of people who further their education get reduced with the higher certificates. This could be as a result of many factors including the course duration. Let’s take India for example. There, students get their PhD within two to three years. The country, long before now, was not known as a country with high standard of education. But as time went by, the country came on board and become a force to reckon with in many academic fields today. Also, when the country’s current Prime Minister was a Minister of Education, he increased the number of polytechnics in the country, went into computer education and started recruiting specialists in that subject area, especially from US and UK. So, if Nigeria’s universities can also award students PhD within three years and the certificate is as recognised as that of India and other countries, it will be a welcome development. So, making it mandatory for students to spend several years as it is being done by some universities in the country is not all that necessary. There should be a specific duration for PhD degrees and this should be uniform to all universities. But quality must not be compromised. Out of the 150 PhD long essays considered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), only 11 were found suitable for recommendation and these were theses for which PhD degrees had already been awarded. How will you react to this? If we look at the issue from historical point of view, we can say that education standard started falling when our facilities started to diminish and government was not really addressing the issue. In those old days, few people went to universities and the number kept increasing with more many people showing interest in university education. And as a way of providing more access, universities started admitting more students and some above their carrying capacities. Although more universities are also springing up by the day, there are just no corresponding facilities to support the students being admitted in many of our public universities. So, I will say that the fundamental reason for falling standard of education is lack of facilities coupled with the disruption of academic programmes by the incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Whenever ASUU calls off strikes and students get back to class after staying at home for many months or weeks as the case may be, some of the projects’ supervisors may not like to do thorough job again and for that will award what to call ‘let my people go.’ So, to a large extent, I see this as the beginning of low quality of PhD theses we are having in the country. On the part of the students, if the standard of the first

TETFund indentifies awareness on tax policy IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

he Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has indentified increased level of enlightenment among stakeholders in the education, as well as prompt remittance of the two per cent companies’ tax as sure means of sustaining funding in the nation’s tertiary institutions. Chairman, Board of Trustees of the agency, Musa Babayo stated this when he got conferred with the fellowship of A.D Rufa’i College for Legal and Islamic studies, in Bauchi State. He alluded to the fact that challenges exist in the nation’s education sector but that increased level of awareness on tax issues would spur government to tackle emerging challenges in the sector. It would be recalled that the National Assembly, which changed its name from Education Trust Fund (ETF) to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) restricting its intervention focus on public tertiary institutions, recently amended the Act establishing the agency. According to Babayo, Federal Government was pursuing a well articulated action plan on education but that the sector needed to be sustained through regular intervention funding. He said tax earnings by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for year 2012, which totalled N5.007 trillion, showed that there was an effective synergy by government agencies to salvage education in Nigeria.

Accountant General flays private varsity owners demanding govt’s funding Eze

ANY PRIVATE UNIVERSITY THAT WANTS TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS MUST GIVE ITS BEST IN TERMS OF QUALITY TEACHING TO ITS STUDENTS degree graduates is low, that of those for higher degrees will also be low. So, it not only the project supervisors should be held responsible, students also are inclusive. But the granting of licences to more private universities, I will say, is the beginning of hope for university education in the country. Any private university that wants to remain in business must give its best in terms of quality teaching to its students. By that, graduates from private universities who go for higher degrees will definitely turn out to be sound. Since 10 years ago that Novena University has been established, we have not experienced industrial action even for once. That single action is reflecting in our students’ academic performance in and outside the country. For example, in 2011 alone, two of our students won international awards. One of them, Miss Vivian Nwafor, a Biochemistry student won a South Africa award while Miss Tessy Askia, a Computer Science graduate from Novena came out as the best graduating Master’s degree student of Business Information in a UK university. So, graduates from Novena are in almost every sectors contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria and the world at large. Apart from the fact that all our courses and programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional bodies, we also have adequate human and material resources to support our services. Where do you want to see Novena University in the next five years? We want to produce more rounded graduates that will match their colleagues elsewhere around the world. The indication is very strong that Novena University will be making a great deal of progress in producing manpower not only for university, teaching, and for job but for entrepreneurship. We will not also just be producing job seekers but job creators.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he Accountant- General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla has condemned the demand by some owners of private academic institutions requesting government through its agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to fund their schools. He said education should be seen as a social service and not as a profit making venture. Otunla stated this at the third foundation day lecture of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, where he was a guest lecturer. He delivered a lecture on a topic: “The impact of quality education on national development: Where is funding situated” According to him, private institutions of higher learning in Nigeria should rather give government money than to be asking government for money. Otunla, however, advised the government to attract the best brain into the teaching profession by recruiting competent individuals and treat them as professionals. Earlier in his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayodeji Olukoju urged lovers of education and supporters of worthy causes to join the management of the eight-year-old institution in actualising the vision of its founding fathers.

Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Graduates not in JAMB admission book won’t go for NYSC scheme again –Ojerinde The Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde met with some journalists in Lagos recently ahead of the forthcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and spoke on many issues as affecting the board. MOJEED ALABI brings excerpts of the interview. What are the striking breakthroughs recorded by the board in the recent time? I assumed office in 2007 and that was when most of JAMB’s operations were done manually and the results were also being released four months after examinations. Now, we have moved farther from these. We recently had a discussion with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on its invitation seeking to know what to do on how to ensure that only right candidates are moblised for the service. On our part, we have developed a compendium of details and list of various individuals admitted to various institutions, which we call JAMB Admission Year Book. So with this initiative, we now have the details of each of the student we send to various institutions across the nation. Their details in terms of courses of study, sex, age, states of origin, among others, are with the board and this is a great asset to us and several other institutions including employers of labour. Now, NYSC believes that, now is the right time to use this very important document and various institutions have been calling the organisation to get hold of the document to ensure correct mobilisation of their graduating students. The document is now the authentic list for NYSC and this is just part of the efforts to sanitise the system. The latest development is the introduction of the computer-based testing method for the forthcoming exam. We are using the CBT system to conduct part of the examination this year. We have been able to secure a total of about 77 centres across the nation for the method. We are using the centres that are adequately equipped with internet facilities to avoid hitches. They include the University of Agriculture in Benue State, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, Chams Computers office in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, among others. We are doing this to the extent that as soon as candidates step out of the examination halls, they receive the graphic representation of their results and we will only give the real scores when we have compared them with the results of the Paper pencil test (PPT) mode. We have also got what is called DBT which is Dual-Based Testing mode. With this, we will give questions on the screen and allow the candidates to present their answers on paper. And I think this revolution is being endorsed by more and more people on daily basis. Another thing that we have done, which we think will positively affect the lives of our candidates is the introduction of novels as a way of improving the reading culture. It is clear that our people are no longer in the habit of reading. All they do is to watch television, listen to music and engage in all sorts of things that cannot in anyway enrich them academically. Now, our candidates, irrespective of courses to study, will have to read two books, ‘The Successor’ by Jerry Agada and ‘The Potter’s Wheel’ by Chukwuemeka Ike. It is mandatory for them to read and understand these two books because questions will be set from them. And we won’t recommend the same books next year. By this, we believe students are being engaged in meaningful reading exercises that will consequently improve their language competence. Some prospective candidates complained of having difficulty in online registration, how do you react to this? Already we have a total of 1,000,100 candidates reg-

ground. We can’t rule out challenges but we understand perfectly well that practice will only make us perfect. Since the CBT will be the only mode in 2015, why can’t JAMB wait till then instead of organising it for a few candidates? Or don’t you see it as a waste of resources? It cannot amount to a waste because every progress should always be gradual. We cannot just jump into it by 2015. There must have been rehearsals before a stage play is acted. I can tell you that a total of 4,000 candidates have already opted for it. The DBT and PPT will be conducted on the 27th of April while candidates for CBT will sit for theirs for four days beginning from April 25. So not every CBT candidates will write the same day. With time, where we are ultimately going is to say between let us say March 1 and April 1, candidates can pick their preferred dates and write their exams. The test theory we are using now is ‘Item response theory which has three major parameters and these are; local independence and item characteristics. This is the latest modern approach to CBT and in fact, we have beaten several other institutions in the world to it. I know with time other examination bodies will join the train. Some people do argue that candidates in the villages might not be able to use the CBT system but we have asked them why? They said because they were not used to it. And I told myself that as long as they can use the mobile phones, they are fit to use the CBT; after all, they all send text messages. But if they cannot send text messages, it means they are not fit to write our exam. Ojerinde

istered just within a month that we opened our porter to the public. If these centres are having difficulty, how would they have recorded this huge figure? The problem may be from the non accredited cybercafés that find it impossible to access our sites. It is also not impossible that bandwidth of some accredited ones isn’t strong enough to access the web page. Another problem is that most of these cafés usually wait till late in the night when their bandwidth could enable them and they register these candidates behind them and thereby putting in wrong details. We already have cases of females being registered as males and so on. So, if anyone is talking about difficulty, let him or her check these issues I have raised. On CBT mode, JAMB is not the owner of centres to be used and this kind of situation affected the National Open University (NOUN) last session when most of the privately owned centres they adopted developed problems and candidates were stranded. Have you prepared for this? About NOUN, I don’t know how it did its own accreditation of centres but we made sure the adopted centres were duly accredited. If you have been following us within the last few weeks we have continued to run tests for this mode to see if it would work for us and the results have always been perfect. We sent questions to these centres from our office in Abuja and it took only seven minutes to get there including London and about 600 students sat for the test in Abuja. We understand there could be saboteurs both locally and internationally, and we are prepared for them. I won’t disclose how we are doing this but we are on

NOW, OUR CANDIDATES IRRESPECTIVE OF COURSES TO STUDY WILL HAVE TO READ

TWO BOOKS,

‘THE SUCCESSOR’ BY JERRY AGADA AND ‘THE POTTER’S WHEEL’ BY CHUKWUEMEKA IKE

Why can’t CBT candidates be given access to their results immediately after their examinations? We have considered so much before we concluded that their results will only be made available 30 minutes after the examinations and they will be sent to their phones. We don’t want anyone to smash our systems probably as a result of over excitement or anger. It is just graphical representation because we will compare the results with the CBT and DBT modes. There could be last minute error but let me tell you that we have tried very well to avoid failure. Last year, candidates were requested to read two recommended books but eventually no question was set from them. What happened? I don’t want to go into the details why that happened but let me emphatically say that this year the questions are already set and they are 10 from each of the books making 20 questions. So if a candidate is in doubt, I, Dibu Ojerinde, the JAMB registrar now say the questions will be set from the books this year. So please tell them to read adequately. It is obvious JAMB will be using ad hoc staff to monitor this exam, how do you want to ensure the integrity of your questions? Let me first be clear about this; JAMB is not using ad hoc staff. Our questions will only be handled by our staff live and direct. We are sending the CBT questions within seven minutes to the centres straight from Abuja. We tried to send it from cloud but we don’t want anyone to hijack it. These questions are already encrypted even our staff who hold the receivers don’t even know the questions they are holding. The questions will not be decrypted until it reaches the screen of each candidate. There are other several security measures we are taking that I won’t disclose. If anyone hijacks our questions, they are encrypted questions. Sir, since the CBT will not take place the same day, is there no tendency of candidates cramming questions for other candidates scheduled to write the other days? Let me be clear about this you may only have the ideas of the questions you cannot have the same questions because for every question that we have, there are other 999 items because it is a factorial system.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Virginity: Ogun students now for medical test TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

gun State Government has decided to send female students of Ajuwon Senior High school, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government council area of the state, who were made to undergo virginity test by their principal, Mrs. Olufunke Aladeojobi, for proper medical examinations at a state general hospital. This is to know their state of health and counsel them accordingly. Commissioner for Edu-

cation, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela gave this hint in a meeting with the school’s Parent/ Teacher Association (PTA) recently. Appealing to parents and guardians of the affected students to take the incident off their minds and concentrate on the education and welfare of their children, Odubela reemphasised that the government was totally averse to the act and for that, had punished the principal accordingly. He assured that any side effect that could have ema-

nated as a result of the act would be properly taken care of, now that government is to conduct medical examination on them. He urged parents to always monitor the conduct of their wards, particularly the female ones while at home. Also speaking, Chairman of the state’s Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Bukola Onabanjo, enjoined the parents to forgive the principal for her misdemeanors, adding that adequate measures had been put in place to avoid future occurrence. Mrs. Aladeojobi had, last

year, conducted virginity test on 10 female students of her school without seeking the consent of their parents or guardians. She has been suspended by the state government over the issue while Alhaja Sekinat Ogunwole was appointed as the new principal for the school. In another development, the state government has expressed its readiness to partner any organisation with programmes aimed at improving the status of students in the state. The commissioner of the ministry, Odubela

dropped this hint while receiving copies of books on drug abuse donated by a Non-Governmental Organisation, known as Unified Initiative for Drug Free Nigeria in his office. Odubela, who noted that the books would go a long way in exposing students to danger inherent in abuse of drugs called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the donor agency by contributing in a way they could in uplifting the social status of students in both primary and secondary schools in the state, adding that the

task of ensuring free drug society should not be left to government alone. According to him, the present administration had since its inception, provided, free textbooks, renovation of dilapidated structures in all public schools, training and re-training of teachers, approval for coaching after school hours and regular payment of running cost for smooth administration, among others. All these, he explained, were steps taken to ensure sound academic and good moral upbringing of students in public schools.

Lawmaker empowers pupils in Lagos MURITALA AYINLA

lawmaker at the National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial Districts, has provided education empowerment funds for pupils in his constituency, just as he charged parents and guardians to give necessary supports for their wards to boost their performance in schools. Presenting cash empowerment fund to 70 pupils from various schools in Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, LCDA, under the ‘Gbenga Ashafa Educational Enhancement Programme, Ashafa said the cash gift was part of his commitment to development of education, particularly at the primary level irrespective of status, religion or ethnic background. He said: “During the health programme in Agbowa last year’s October, I made a promise to support our children in their education adventure. The result of that simple promise is what we are witnessing by this gesture.

He noted that the gesture was a pilot project as other indigent students in schools across the senatorial district would be reached. While disclosing that education was an integral part of his programmes, Ashafa disclosed that in the last two to three months, his foundation has distributed a total of 10,000 copies of exercise books, mathematical sets and raincoats to students in his senatorial district, as well as giving many scholarship awards. The lawmaker said the beneficiaries of the largesse cut across ethnic and religious inclinations and without party consideration. Some of the beneficiaries of the last gesture included: Ogunbanjo Sherifat, Oneyi Francis, Oduleye Babatunde, Pelumi Magret, Jimoh Qudis, among others. Commending the lawmaker over the gesture, the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu, Oba Asunmo Ganiyu, described the initiative as a rescue mission to the indigent people in the district. He said perhaps the benefiting pupils may have been out of schools and constitute nuisance to the society.

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Nwachukwu Anwuzie; Managing Director, ABC Transport, Mr. Frank Nneji and Head, Epe campus, Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Hakeem Fashina-Bombata, at the handing over of buses donated by ABC Transport to three public institutions of higher learning, in Lagos.

‘Era of automatic promotion is gone in Ekiti schools’ TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

s part of efforts of Kayode Fayemiled administration at ensuring a more effective service delivery in its public service, the Ekiti State Government has conducted promotion examination for 2,129 teaching and non-

teaching staff in the state public secondary schools. Speaking while monitoring the conduct of the examination, the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Prince Bayo Adeniran said there would no more be automatic promotion for teachers and other school workers in the state. While describing the

Imo embarks on effective class control mechanism IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

mo State Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), is set to carry out a staff audit exercise, aimed at reducing the preponderance of inactive teachers in the state. The major aim of the exercise is to checkmate those who have been hindering effective operations and productiv-

ity of the board and the state. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Executive Chairman of IMSUBEB, Dr. Uche Ejiogu, reiterated the need for a qualitative education for the betterment of the people of the state, adding that the Federal Government should improve the condition of schools children by providing adequate infrastructure and

instructional materials necessary for the actualisation of their dreams as the future leaders of the country. Mrs Ejiogu, who promised to eliminate act of redundancy among teachers in the state added that she had started the process by introducing the system of redistribution of teachers for an effective teaching and learning, which she said has

helped in bringing the total number of schools in Imo State to 1,269 schools. The chairman, however, decried a situation where non-indigenes were being offered employment at the expense of state’s indigenes, who are also qualified for the same positions, saying such a practice would continue to increase the rate of unemployment among indigenes of the state.

turn out of the workers for the exam as impressive, he noted that both the teaching and non-teaching staff were orderly and peaceful in their conduct for the period the exercise lasted. Adeniran, who explained that the examination was conducted by the State Teaching Service Commission in collaboration with the state ministry of education, said the invigilators and supervisors included the permanent secretary and other senior officers of the ministry. The chairman reiterated government’s meritbased approach to appointment and promotion of its workers, noting that the gesture was to also encourage workers to read wide, expand their scope and develop their knowledge in order to ensure optimum performance in schools. Stressing government’s

intention to boost academic performance of students in public schools by ensuring they were taught by quality teachers, Adeniran re-emphasised that promotion of school workers would only be based on merit and nothing else. He commended the State’s chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and Association of National Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) for their support towards ensuring the success of the promotion examination. One of the teachers, Mrs. Taiwo Akinola, from Oloketuyi Memorial Grammar School, IgbemoEkiti, described the questions in the examination as standard, adding that the difficulty level was not excessive.

Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IAEA training will improve quality of education in Africa – Ruquyyatu IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Ado Tenebe (2nd left) and some participants at the regional workshop on the development of course materials for universities operating open and distance learning system in Sub-Saharan Africa held in Lagos, recently.

52 year-old Nigerian wins overseas scholarship IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

52- year-old Nigerian, Hon. Charity Shekari, a board member of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has won a £15,000 scholarship award for a Master’s degree progamme in a United Kingdom university. Shekari, who beat 70 other applicants for the same programme being put together by Global Training Consulting (GTC), was shortlisted among the four

other finalists from different countries before she finally emerged winner. Other finalists for the scholarship are: Mrs. Lena Asantewaa and Mrs. Patience Senaya both from Ghana; Mr. Mesfin Gebremedhin Birru from Ethiopia; and Mr. Ahmed Mushtaq from Pakistan. The GTC’s £15,000 UK work based learning master’s degree scholarship to Nigerians and other countries are particularly in core areas of human capacity building and development.

Shekari who already has a master’s degree in International Administration and Diplomacy commended the unbiased way in which beneficiaries of the scholarship were selected. She promised to put in her very best during the programme and make Nigeria proud. The British capacity building organisation is currently making an inroad in supporting the efforts of President Jonathan Goodluck administration in training and re-training of personnel of the coun-

try’s public sector in order to meet with challenges of the 21st Century. The Associate Director of GTC, Paula Nicholson declared that: “The world is moving at fast pace and developing economies would be left behind if nothing is done now. This is why GTC’s programmes have been designed to meet the immediate and future needs of managerial aspect of Nigeria public sector, especially in driving the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.”

Catholic lauds Obi on educational development CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he National Association of Catholic Diocesan Directors and Secretaries of Education has awarded the distinguished education merit award to the governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi in recognition of his laudable achievements in the education sector. Presenting the award on behalf of the association, the Catholic Bishop of Onitsha, Rt. Rev. Valarie Okeke, during a church service at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha, said he did not expect anybody, who had followed Governor Obi’s development strides in Anambra, especially in the area of education, health care, general infrastructure and restoration of values to be surprised at the award, as

Obi deserves it. Reverend Okeke said Governor Obi who had shown unequal commitment in developing the human person and in building a stable and progressive society, noted with joy

that education standard in Anambra schools had improved considerably since they were returned to their original owners, with government support worth billions of naira. After the service at

which he was honoured, Governor Obi also inspected the Maternity Complex and the School of Nursing, both of which the State government is constructing at the Holy Rosary Hospital Waterside, Onitsha.

L-R: Secretary- General, Oranmiyan Foundation, UK chapter, Mr. Shola Fatinikun; Chairman, Ireland chapter, Dr. Oluwole Alabi; Worldwide President, Prince Felix Awofisayo; Ireland chapter secretary, Dr. Gbenga Salawu; and UK chapter’s Chairman, Mr. Jerry Adetona at the launch of education/Health endowment of Oranmiyan Foundation in Ireland, recently.

n its effort to ensuring standardised education bodies in Africa and towards improving the quality of education in the continent, 10 African countries on Monday gathered in Abuja for the 2013 International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) Scholarship training programme. Declaring the programme open, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I said the training would focus on ‘Item Response Theory’ (IRT) and its application to assessment in education. IRT, the minister said, was fast gaining ground with examination bodies in Africa, noting that with the perceived success of the training, all public examinations bodies with representative at the forum would use the opportunity to further improve on the quality of their examinations through the adoption of the theory. According to her, the training programme is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is looking for every opportunity to improve its education system. So, in ensuring the delivery of quality educa-

tion, it is necessary that instruments to assess students and other delivery methods are developed. Earlier, the Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde said the training was introduced on measurement and evaluation with the aim of supporting examination bodies in Africa. The JAMB boss said IAEA had been organising training courses for staff members of its primary organisations in Africa since 2003 with the aim of providing opportunity for persons employed in the field of assessment to acquire specialised knowledge and skills in measurement and evaluation. The benefits of the training, he said, had propelled the Nigeria’s member organisations of IAEA and AEAA, namely: JAMB, National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), National Examination Council (NECO), Nigerian Examination Resource Development Council (NERDC), National Teachers Institute (NTI) and West African Examination Council (WAEC), including its affiliation members to jointly contribute funds to sponsor this years’ training programme.

Bingham varsity moves to raise N100bn JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

teps are being taken by the Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State to tackle infrastructural and other challenges facing the institution with a view to raising the public performance profile of the university To achieve the objective, the university has set up an endowment fund initiative with a mandate to mobilise and raise the sum of N100 billion for the project. At the inauguration of Haroun Audu as the endowment fund advisor for the university in Jos, President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr. Jeremiah Gado said the move would help the university build upon and expand the bold visionary legacies of the founding fathers.

Gado who is also visitor to the university lamented that the institution had not lived up to its biddings due to paucity of fund, hence the need for the endowment fund. According to him, the biggest challenge faced by Bingham University together with the Bingham University Teaching Hospital is that of inadequate funding. We have resolved to institute a holistic resource mobilisation mechanism that will draw support through donations, projects sponsorship and allied interventionist’s approaches. The yield targeted at N100 billion will therefore constitute an endowment fund for the university to realise the set goals. He, however, promised to do his best to ensure that the objectives for which the fund was set was achieved.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

UI holds students’ union election with Mojeed Alabi mojeedalabi2@yahoo.co.uk or mail@mirroronline.net

Cybermetrics ranks OAU best in Nigeria DHIKRULLAH AKINOLA 400L POL. SCIENCE, OAU

he academic strength of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, has again been confirmed as it has been adjudged best university in Nigeria and 14th in Africa. The ranking is based on the latest rankings as released by the Cybermetrics Lab, owner of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities Initiative regarded as the leading assessor in university rankings worldwide. The Cybermetrics Lab is devoted to the quan-

titative analysis of the internet and web contents, especially those related to the processes of generation and scholarly communication of scientific knowledge. The university’s spokesman, Biodun Olarewaju, in a chat with National Mirror said the university was elated with the feat, adding that OAU would leave no stone unturned in its bid to reclaim her age-long glory. He urged the students and members of the public to continue giving their support to the university so as to move it further step in regional and work rankings.

TASUED registrar honoured by alma mater thorough selection process,

• Cooking in hostels tops agenda

LINUS KINGDOM

he students of the University of Ibadan, (UI) are set to exercise their voting right to express their displeasure at the ways and manner the incumbent leadership of the students’ union handled the recent crisis between the union and the university authority over the latter’s new rule banning cooking in the hostels. The new rule, which has become the main subject of campaign among the candidates for the various elective posts within the central executive council, is already attracting greater attention among the electorate. While candidates are emphasising their aversion for the new law and their resolve to fight it, the students are blaming the incumbent leadership led by Raymond Edosa for ‘selling out’ dur-

Enoch

Gbemisola

Babatunde

ing the struggle. As soon as the ban on the electioneering process was lifted on Monday, February 4, candidates have been engaging in intensive campaigns using various platforms such as religious gatherings, tribal and social organisations to seek for support. Despite all these, the electorate’s resolve is to vote out the incumbent and ensure none of the present executive council members is reelected. Today, the students

claim, only 30 per cent of the university’s total student’s population live on campus while the others live outside the campus. The situation, they claim, make academic life difficult for them and that the new rule has only worsened the situation. One of the three presidential aspirants, Babatunde Badmus, told National Mirror that if voted into the office, he would ensure the reversal of cooking policy to the old order. “My ambition is to serve as the revolutionary midwife in the union by boosting adequate welfare of all students. The policy on the ban on cooking is one that is not obtainable anywhere in Nigerian universities, hence, it is saddening and shocking that ours is the first university to initiate and enforce it. We will fight it if giving the mandate,” Badmus emphasised. Surprisingly this year, a lady has also signified intention to become the union’s president. Gbemisola Oshadua, a 300level Law student said she joined the train to remedy the already bastardised unionism. She noted that

her campaign had commenced in earnest and that she was convinced of winning. “I have started my campaign on and off-campus, but It’s not all about campaigning alone, it’s all about vision and mission if elected,” Oshadua said. The third aspirant, Oluwaseuun Enoch said the communication between the students and the union leaders is the main problem. “We lose struggles because we’ve been docile, hence if elected the president of the students’ union, I will breach the communication gap between the union and the students. I will ensure students are carried along with activities on campus. Information is power and we can’t consolidate a union without proper information dissemination,” he said. Meanwhile, investigations revealed that students are not being carried away by the sweet talks from the candidates. They insist their integrity and records of achievements will determine their chances.

s part of activities marking the 90th Founders Day of the Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, its former students have honoured the Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Mr. Femi Kayode, with a merit award. Mr. Kayode, who was among the four recipients of the Old Boys’ Association at the 2012 merit award dinner, was honoured as a result of his active involvement in the association’s activities. Kayode was the association’s former president and member of editorial and publication committee of the union. According to the organiser of the event, Kayode’s selection for the honour was considered after a very

which they claimed considered the integrity of the awardees and their contributions to the growth and development of the school.

‘Henceforth, LASU certificates to bear photos’

s part of its efforts to sanitise its system and redeem the battered image, authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have resolved not to issue certificates without passport photographs to its graduates being embossed. This was disclosed on Tuesday by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa during a press conference to mark the commencement of the university’s 18th convocation ceremony. He said all hands were on deck to is-

Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Kayode Makinde (left) and the South Africa Consular General in Nigeria, Ambassador Monaisa Samuel, during the latter’s visit to the VC in Ilisan-Remo, recently.

• 11, 362 to graduate sue certificates as soon as students graduate. “This new development of certificate collection on convocation day is what this administration is determined to uphold so that our dear graduands will be able to secure whatever they deserve at the appropriate time, such as employment and admission for further studies. Never again in the history of LASU will the release of certificates be an issue,”

Obafunwa promised. The convocation ceremony, which began yesterday, will be rounded off next Thursday. As part of the institution’s tradition, there will be coconut breaking festival at the Badagry entrance gate of the institution on Monday, February 18, which will be followed by the convocation play slated for 10am same day. As part of the ceremony, a lecture to be delivered

by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, February 19. The theme of the lecture is; “Quality assurance and the challenges of mandate delivery in Nigerian universities.” The award of first degrees and diplomas in all faculties shall be conducted on Monday, February 20, while the award of higher degrees shall hold the following day. According to the VC,

during this year’s convocation ceremony, a total of 21 graduands will bag First Class qualification with the Faculty of Science producing 11. The Faculties of Arts, Management Sciences, Engineering, Law and social Sciences will be producing four, three, one, one and one respectively. The other categories of graduands are classified as follows; Second Class (upper division), 1,106; Second Class (lower division), 5,341 while those with Third Class and Pass

were given as 1,592 and 88 respectively. Obafunwa noted that the administration’s efforts to build a university that can compare with other global academic institutions is already yielding fruits, especially with the introduction of new academic programmes and colleges such as the School of Film, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies; Aerospace Engineering; College of Engineering and Civil Engineering programme. All these he said would soon take off from its Epe campus.

Education Today

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Between masquerades and masqueraders “Continous importation of fuel unacceptable—Tambuwal” The fact: continuous. “Beyond making some contractors happy, there is nothing to be gained by adding a camouflage uniform (no need for ‘uniform’ here) to the Police which need to be repositioned, revamped and restructured for effective and efficient discharge of its (their) responsibilities.” “Masquerades, students’ clash: 14 arraigned in court” Get it right: masqueraders (who wear special costumes and masks over their faces to hide their identities as they masquerade). Got the distinction? ‘Arraigned in court’? I would have reprimanded whoever cast this headline, but one of the readers of this column has advised me not to be doing that. Where else would they have been arraigned, gentlemen of the press? Extra-judicial (kangaroo) trials cannot take ‘arraignment’. “The Chairman of the Committee…said at an interactive session with stakeholders that studies have (had) shown that Nigeria has (had) about 10 million vehicles….” That is the unique nature of reported speech! “PDP accuses ACN of plan to frame-up (frame up) Oni, Oyinlola” “Nigeria losses (loses) over $20b annually (yearly—preferably—for headline purposes) in power, other sectors” “Hot weather: LASG warns against long stay under the sun” City File: stay in the sun. “Benue police arrest 63 over (for) communal clash” “…injustice that each succeeding government had meted out on

ARREST’ TAKES ‘FOR’ EXCLUSIVELY. I DO NOT KNOW HOW THE UBIQUITOUS CLOWNISHNESS OF ‘ARREST OVER’ CAME ABOUT!

(to) the people of Ogoniland.” “The US is gender sensitive, it may just concede for (to) Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to be the next World Bank President.” “New capital market probe panel says no witch-hunting” No witch-hunt. “The issues that gave rise to the Niger Delta uprising which culminated into (in) a full-scale….” “…the federal authorities are seeking partnership with them in it’s (its) transformation agenda….” “Jonathan, PDP governors in hide and seek game over party chair” Get it right: just hide-andseek. (‘Game’ is otiose here—and note the hyphenation). “The Nigeria Police is (sic) about the only one of our security agencies that....” A rewrite: The Nigeria Police Force/Service is about the only one of our security agencies that.... “The hope is that at the end of his tenure, he will leave (would have left) behind a highly motivated police force, one we can (could) all be proud of.” Because of the element of contextual probability, it is wrong to use the declarative tense. “They are not maintained and the age-old tradition of keeping military and law enforcement environments spic and span is no longer adhered to.” Spell-check: spick and span.

“If we are forced, we may demand for total resource control....” I unequivocally demand the removal of ‘for’ from the extract. “We have impacted immensely in (on) the lives of....” “A peep into the credentials... indicate (indicates) that the delegates have a touch (tough) task at hand.” “Late (The late) Comptroller....” “Rest in the bossom (bosom) of the Lord our dear friend” “...we had one of the most successful NEC meeting (meetings) “My grouse with (about) Ajayi Crowther University” “Many a times....” Why not simply ‘many times’—and if you must use the extract—many a time.... “I developed special interest for (in) the physically-challenged people and orphans....” “Cabotage review: Stakeholder advocates for maritime task force” I advocate the elimination of ‘for’ in the interest of all lexical stakeholders. “Maybe as we have often pointed out is a relic of the past.” My dear reader, just vide the meaning of ‘relic’ and, consequently, put a full stop after the word. “The Namadi Sambo’s anger on (at) the power project....” “In the last couple of years,

there has been a maddening rush for Abuja vehicle plate numbers by indigenes of Benue State....” Special report: number-plates “Gunmen kill five vigilante members in Anambra” Either five vigilance members or five vigilantes. “Experts say the adulteration of transport fuel is a thriving business nationwide; (what is the semi colon doing here?) and may result to (in) economic losses....” Wrong: matriach; right: matriarch “The last but not the least is about corruption.” Last but not least…. REMINDER: Corrected entries are in brackets immediately after the error. Of course, the attributions are excluded. Some readers seem confused on this hence the explanation. “It also speaks volume (volumes) about the character of the people that have been put in charge of our affairs….” “The politics and intrigues that attended the bill during its first, second, and third readings at (on) the floor of the National Assembly tends (tend) to suggest….” “CBN to probe banks involvement in pension scam” Why not banks’ involvement? “…in line with the 7th Senate’s avowal of being on an historic mission” Politics: a historic mission. “Suicide: EFCC may intervene as Police assures (assure) of investigation” Who did the police assure? “Kano police arrest man over (for) lady’s murder” Must this blunder keep recurring? ‘Arrest’

takes ‘for’ exclusively. I do not know how the ubiquitous clownishness of ‘arrest over’ came about! “A media and high impact entertainment company with affiliates in 3 continents of the world” Immediate Employment: affiliates on 3 continents “ASUU decries insecurity in (on) campuses” “Egba chief…buried amid controversy” The man was either buried in controversy or amid controversies—depending on circumstantial evidence and/or contextual application. “FG’s commited (committed) to quality low income housing” “Portable (potable) water as solution to building collapse” “Community solicits FG’s support on (for) erosion control” “Lagos Motor Fair: More firms justle (jostle) for space” “Derivation formula (2): North gets lion share of N-Delta oil wealth” Special Report: lion’s share. “The level of infrastructural decay is enormous and will take some time to resuscitate and return the city back to glory.” Delete ‘back’ lest we all get drowned in Kirikiri canal! “How peace can be restored in (to) Plateau…” “Richard Akinjide: It’s too late for Nigeria to breakup” Phrasal verb: break up. Noun: breakup/ break-up. Renown Evangelist…spoke with selected reporters last week on national issues.” This way: Renowned Evangelist….. “This is absurd and regretable.” The misspelling here is equally regrettable!

Students’ body wants improved funding for NIMR TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he League of Democratic Students (LEADS), an umbrella body for all student unions in Africa, Nigeria chapter, has urged the Federal Government, donors and philanthropists in and outside the country to pay attention to medical research and development in the country. The body made this call in Lagos while presenting its ‘Icon of Nation Building of the Year’ award to the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Prof. Innocent Ujah.

The students’ body also honoured NIMR, as an entity, with ‘Corporate Medical Research Mandate Delivery award. While presenting the certificates, the Nigeria’s coordinator of the body, who is also a 500-level Civil Engineering student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Mr. Ochekwu Morgan, said it was only when medical research institutes such as NIMR, were well funded and their activities monitored that they would be able to meet their mandates. Speaking on the award and rationale for choosing

both recipients, Ochekwu said NIMR had over the years, distinguished itself in conducting researches into diseases and problems of health importance in the country. While noting that the numerous workshops and symposia organised by the institute for medical practitioners, students, as well as members of the public on such diseases as HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis, malaria, and so forth, had made significant impact in the overall wellbeing of Nigerians, Ochekwu added that Ujah, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, on his part, had dem-

onstrated his expertise in developing the institute to its present level.

Responding, Ujah said the awards would only spur him and his team

to work harder and move the institute to the next level.

Nigeria’s coordinator, League of Democratic Students, Mr. Ochekwu Morgan (left), presenting the award to the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Prof. Innocent Ujah, recently.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

The AFCON 2013 is behind me. I think more now of how to help my club win the EPL title again - Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure

Exodus of players may aﬀect our title defence –Hoopers’ coach 30

Guinness greets Eagles IKENWA NNABUOGOR

ajor sponsor of the Super Eagles, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has congratulated the team for winning the AFCON 2013 trophy in South Africa. The brewing company which has identified with the Eagles for over a decade, also commended the Eagles for helping Nigeria to become the first nation to win the Africa Cup of Nations in its new format which entered the odd year in South Africa after the last format held in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea last year. Super Eagles edged the Stallions of Burkina Faso 1-0 last Sunday to clinch the AFCON trophy after a 19 years wait by Nigeria which won the trophy at the 1994 finals hosted by Tunisia. “The Super Eagles have proved that with the support of 160 million Nigerian fans, they can certainly achieve height that was unimaginable,” Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seni Adetu, remarked yesterday. “They have demonstrated that they are made of steel and showed significant progress as the tournament went on till the final, facing challenges and surmounting them,” he added. “They have really driven themselves hard towards success and it paid off by making them number one in Africa again.” Guinness recently put Nigeria on the world platform after creating the largest football jersey on which fans across Nigeria and in South Africa signed in support of the Eagles, a development that Adetu believes projected the team towards ultimate success at the competition. Marketing and Innovation Director of the company, Mr. Austin Ufomba, said the Eagles’ success epitomized the support from Guinness and the teeming Nigerian fans. “We provided a once in a life time opportunity for fans to be a part of history by writing their goodwill messages on the jersey,” Ufoma further said.

Members’ of the supporters club drumming away as the Eagles competed for honour in South Africa

Supporters’ Club gets FG’s windfall ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced a donation of N5million to the Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club for the support and encouragement that the club gave the Super Eagles at the AFCON finals which ended with Nigeria’s victory over Burkina Faso on Sunday. Jonathan spoke at a special session of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where the team was praised for helping the Eagles to win the trophy against all odds. The President had on Tuesday at a reception dinner organised in honour of the national announced cash gifts, as well as national honours and plots of land for members of the team and their officials. Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, got N10million , assistant coaches and the players got N5million each while technical assistants got N2million each. At the special session of FEC yesterday, Jonathan charged the Eagles to ensure qualification for the World Cup 2014 to be hosted by Brazil. “I want to thank the Minister of Sports and the of course the NFF which has always been associated with a lot of stories for this

feat. If you had lost, you would have been humiliated,” the president said. “I know that it is challenging to manage a team. We will continue to praise and encourage the boys and charge them to ensure they qualify for the World Cup and get to the final. “We also commend the supporters’ club. This really escaped me yesterday (Tuesday) when we were announcing gifts for the

players. “Government will give the club N5millioin to encourage them. It is not easy supporting a team, be singing and dancing even when it seems the team is not winning. We need to encourage them.” Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said at the FEC meeting that he had asked the gathering to pray for the team’s success when he presented an

address last month, saying he was glad that God granted the prayers. Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, also said at the occasion that the Eagles’ victory had rebranded Nigeria among the comity of nations. “I think the nation no long needs to spend money on external publicity since the match was watched worldwide,” Ashiru reckoned.

…NFF lauds Jonathan IKENWA N NABUOGOR

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for what the federation calls the president’s excellent gestures towards the Super Eagles for winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa on Sunday. Jonathan showered gifts and awards on the team and its officials at a presidential reception for the heroes at State House, Abuja on Tuesday evening. “The president’s gestures further confirm the fact that he is a true lover of sports

and a firm lover of excellence,” NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said yesterday in Abuja. “On our part as a football federation, we will continue to do our best to bring glory to our nation through adequate preparation of the national teams to achieve victory at international level,” Maigari added. The NFF boss had at the reception on Tuesday described the Eagles’ feat as significant after the country had endured a 19-year wait to hold the trophy since last winning it in 1994. “When we won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, we had a strong and experienced

squad that had campaigned and won bronze medals in the two previous tournaments,” he said. “In 1994, we had a similarly strong and experienced team that had qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time the previous year, and was stand-out favourite for the title,” Maigari also recalled, stressing, “However, the Class of 2013 is much different as the team of young and upcoming players has shocked the world. We are in the process of re-building a team, and of the 23 players that were in the team in South Africa, 17 of them had never played at the Cup of Nations before.”

Sport

Thursday, February 14, 2013

EUROPA LEAGUE

Tit bits...

Ambrose Neil Lennon defended the gamble of his Celtic managerial career after watching shattered Efe Ambrose suffer a Champions League nightmare. The Nigeria centre half rushed home from Johannesburg after winning Sunday’s African Nations final over Burkina Faso, only arriving in Glasgow on Tuesday morning. But after declaring himself ready to play, Ambrose was culpable for two of the goals in a costly 3-0 defeat to ruthless Juventus.

Cech

Cech makes pain admission

Sissoko

Newcastle midfielder, Moussa Sissoko, has confessed he moved to England to emulate his hero Patrick Vieira. Sissoko’s style and physique have been compared to that of Vieira and the midfielder says he watching Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles made him dream of playing in the Premier League. Sissoko admits he idolised Vieira, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, knowing one day he would like to follow in their footsteps.

Santos

Andre Santos is confident he still has a future at Arsenal, despite linking up with Gremio on a year-long loan deal. Santos has returned to his native Brazil after struggling for form this season and seeing Arsene Wenger snap up Spanish fullback Nacho Monreal in January. The 29-year-old still has twoand-a-half-years left to run on his contract at the Emirates, though, and believes a spell back in South America will offer him an opportunity to kick-start his career.

Wilson

Marc Wilson hopes to be in a position to make his return to action with Stoke City during their trip to Fulham on February 23. The Potters defender has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg against Sunderland in October 2012. The 25-year-old has, however, made steady progress in his rehabilitation and is closing on full fitness.

Townsend Andros Townsend intends to use his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers as an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular role at Tottenham Hotspur. The 21-year-old midfielder has been restricted to just 18 appearances in four years at White Hart Lane, with eight loan spells taken in during that time. The problem facing Townsend is that his route to Spurs’ starting XI is currently blocked by the likes of Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Terry eyes Euro recompense Terry

helsea captain, John Terry, is looking to the club salvaging something from a disappointing season by winning the Europa League. The Blues have endured a hugely frustrating 2012/13 campaign, with the Premier League title now beyond them and a group stage exit in the UEFA Champions League suffered in a failed bid to defend their European crown. Chelsea remain in the FA Cup, a competition they have enjoyed considerable success in over recent years, and face Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the Europa League. Terry feels claiming continental success for a second successive season would help to gloss over some of the club’s struggles, but admits that they also need to be wary of taking their eye off the ball in the battle for a top-four finish domestically. “We’re now in the Europa League and there is one message-we have to go and win it. It’s as simple as that,” Terry said yesterday. “We have to make sure that we’re switched on in European weeks because games will be coming on Thursdays and Sundays, which is a different situation for us. “We must make sure that after those European matches we come back and win our league fixtures because, a lot of the time, we are going to be a game behind the teams around us by the time we play.”

helsea h el goalkeeper, Petr Cech, has admitted he experienced discomfort during the club’s win exp over Wigan but he believes he is now over the ove worst of it i and does not want to sit out the clash with Prague today. Sparta Pr was expected to face a spell out of action afCech w ter breaking breaki his little finger in the loss to Newcastle United last la weekend, but was fit enough to line up between the t posts against Wigan. admits his finger did hurt but has made it He adm clear that he fully expects to start Thursday’s Europa game at former club Sparta Prague. League ga “That I would play against Wigan was decided definitely on Friday after the training session,” Cech . said yesterday yeste coped normally but felt quite a lot of pain in it. “I cope The doctors docto left the final decision to me. I had a spesplinter and bandage for this match. They could cial splint deaden the pain because I need to feel the finger not deade while goalkeeping. goa “Naturally, it was painful as it always is if you have something broken. But I could play with it. The important thing is to endure the pain. The 30-year-old admits it was not easy to go into the Wigan match knowing Tottenham had beaten Newcastle 2-1 earlier in the day to temporarily move third, and he was delighted Chelsea managed to respond with a 4-1 victory of their own. Today’s fixtures Zenit

Liverpool

Anzhi

Hannover

BATE

Fenerbahce

Dynamo Kiev

Bordeaux

Sp Prague

Chelsea

Napoli

Plzen

Ajax

S Bucuresti

Leverkusen

Benfica

Levante

Olympiakos

Inter

Cluj

Newcastle

Metalist

Stuttgart

Genk

Atletico

Rubin

Basel

Dnipro

M’gladbach

Lazio

Tottenham

Lyon

A FOLABI GAMBARI

S CAF president, Issa Hayatou

occerex and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see CAF provide Soccerex with its full institutional support for all Soccerex events across Africa for the next two years. The signing, which took place in Johannesburg, was attended by CAF Secretary General Hicham El Armani and Soccerex

A golf action on the Ikoyi Club course, recent

Golf: Cusworth ha AFOLABI GAMBARI

ormer Lady Captain of the Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section), Mrs. Bola Cusworth, has commended First Bank for the sponsorship of Valentine’s Golf Tournament 2013, describing the sponsor as one of the pillars for golf development in the country. Cusworth and other committee members that include Nkechi Obinni and Ronke Iyiola are working towards ensuring a hitch-free tourna-

ment on hole Ik over 20 to conte “Firs praise it has over th Nation terday. “We necessa in plac the eve Sain served year an

Sports firm seeks SAM OLUWALANA PORT HARCOURT

IFA-licensed agent and CEO of Monimichele Sports Facility Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe, has submitted bids for contracts to construct five football pitches for FIFA Goal Projects in Republic of Benin and the Republic of Malawi as it hopes to become the first indigenous company to win bids to construct stadia outside the country. The company was quoted on the FIFA website as one of the earlier bidders for the projects alongside companies from South Africa, Europe and the United States.

Egbe in Port end his constru first ev 1 multi thane r and the 2 star turf pit acterist a natur nificant on a sun “We sports m cy and ment fo best pit today,” Acco

Soccerex, CAF sign p CEO Duncan Revie and the agreement will enable Soccerex to utilise the influence of the confederation and its members as well as all CAF’s events on the continent that include the 2013 Soccerex Seminar in Lagos on July 11 and 12 while providing a platform for CAF to highlight and contribute to key programmes towards the development of African football. “We’re happy to have this

agreement p General Sec Amrani, said emony. “This MoU benefits and allows both improve thei development rican footbal “We had years in Jo fabulous firs

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Thursday, February 14, 2013

CSSF Tourney goes foreign YEMI OLUS

tly.

ils Val Tourney sponsor

n February 26 at the 18koyi Club course where 00 golfers are expected est for honours. st Bank deserves our for the wonderful job done for our activities he years,” Cusworth told al Mirror in Lagos yes-

have ensured that all ary arrangements are e as we look forward to ent,” she added. nt Valentine’s Day is obon February 14 each nd is celebrated in many

countries around the world. The day was first associated with romantic love in the middle ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. “The support of First Bank has taken Valentine’s Day beyond mere exchange of cards to serious course activities,” Cusworth enthused.

foreign projects

e told National Mirror t Harcourt at the weeks company would soon uct in Katsina State the ver IAAF certified class i-coloured full polyurerunning track in Africa e construction of a FIFA non-toxic infilled astro tch that has same chartic and ball behaviour as ral turf pitch with a sigtly reduced temperature nny day. have been involved in management, consultaninfrastructures developor 20 years and have the tch available in the world Egbe said. ording to him, the com-

pact

put in place,” CAF’s cretary, Hicham El d at the signing cer-

U is an exchange of understanding that h organisations to ir visibility and the t specifically of Afll,” he added. a fantastic three hannesburg and a st year in Durban

pany has raised the bar on artificial pitch manufacturing with regular improvement of its model surface which distributes the weight of the athletes evenly and absorbs blatter pressure when playing on its surface. National Mirror gathered that the company boasts the construction of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State reputed as the busiest astro turf in Nigeria, even as it is currently handling installation off all organic coconut fiber and cork infilled pitch of the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi where home club Lobi Stars will play the Champions League this year.

and Lagos,” Soccerex CEO, Duncan Revie, also said. “We have an affinity which is from the heart about Africa and African football and I hope that whatever we have to do, or can do to help, we will.” Soccerex has a long and successful affiliation with African football. The relationship started in 2007 when Soccerex’s flagship event, the Global Convention, was successfully held in Johannesburg and repeated in the three years leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

ounder of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation, Chika Chukwumerije, has disclosed that a number of African countries will feature in the 2nd edition of the foundation’s championship which will hold from October 10 to 13. The Beijing Olympics bronze medalist told National Mirror yesterday that he had not wavered in his dream to put Nigeria on the world map. “This edition will be better because the Olympics engaged me last year,” Chukwumerije said. “Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have already confirmed their participation. I have already told my friends in Niger, Benin Republic and Mali and they are interested so I want to see if we can get six to ten African countries and we also want to attract top talents to the tournament in subsequent editions.” The three-time All-Africa Games medalist stated that the competition would be athletedriven with a view to using it as an avenue to discover talents that will represent Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Games: “We want to use the event to help us discover and develop athletes for Rio 2016. Usually athletes have about five fights to win a gold but in my tournament you need six or seven fights to win. “In the application process they actually sent all their tournament records and each tournament had specific ranking points so in my tournament the worst fighters were meeting the best fighters and the effect of seeding is for the best to get to the top.”

Chukwumerije

The Ikom Stadium under construction

Ikom Stadium due November AFOLABI GAMBARI

he Cross River State Government says the ultra-modern stadium being constructed in Ikom will be completed and commissioned in November this year. Commissioner for Special Projects, Engineer Bassey Ika Oqua, who made this disclosure yesterday to the National Good Governance Team led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information, Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni, during a tour of projects in the state also stated that stadium and another being constructed in Ogoja were valued at N2.2 billion. “Cconstruction of the two stadia is aimed at enhancing Cross River’s comprehensive sports development programme,” Oqua said, adding that the 6, 000-capacity stadium in Ikom will have two tennis courts, two basketball courts and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

According to him, the concept is in line with the state’s “catch them young programme” which focuses on schools and rural areas. “It is not our character to poach athletes for sports competitions and we feel the need to be up and doing at all times,” he further said, stressing, “The stadia at Ikom and Ogoja will serve the central and northern senatorial districts respectively.” Other projects inspected by the team include the Bamenda–Enugu Multi Nations Highway Transportation Programme funded by ADB, World Bank, JICA at Abakiliki/Mbok Junction. The team also inspected the16.2 kilmetre Ikom/Calabar Highway/IyamyongNyamitet, which is one of the 33 roads constructed by State Rural Roads Agency (RUDA), while the state’s Deputy Director Works, Robert Etung, assured that about 800 kilometre of roads in Calabar, Ugep, Ogoja, Ikom and Obudu would be asphalted by the end of Governor Liyel Imoke’s administration in 2015.

School hails Keshi’s AFCON success

he pupils and staff of St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos have congratulated old boy of the school Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, for winning the 2013 edition of the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Grace Omowunmi Jalekun, who issued a release yesterday on behalf of the Parents’ Forum, staff, students and the Mainland Local Government Education Secretary, said Keshi garnered his achievement against all odds, while using local talents at his disposal during the competition. “Keshi has inspired Nigerian youths and the pupils of St. Paul’s School in particular, to believe in their own ability and this has finally put to rest the belief in some quarters that nothing good can come out of Nigeria,” the release said. Stephen Keshi had won the cup first as a player and captain of the Super Eagles 19 years ago before adding up to the feat by winning it as a coach of the same team this year.

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi (l) presenting a trophy to the captain of the winning team, Master Kabiru Olanrewaju, while former Nigeria international Paul Okoku (m) looks on when Keshi visited St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos (his alma mater) recently

Sport

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SLAMMING AND E-mail: folashayo folashayoezekiel@yahoo.com yyooeezzek ekie kiieel@yahoo.com Phone: 08027536696

DUNKING

With SAYO OGUN OGUNDEJI

Dumerc named Women’s Player of the Year

rance’s Celine Dumerc has been named as the FIBA Europe Women’s Player of the Year for 2012. For those that have followed the women’s game over the last 12 months, Dumerc was an obvious choice. The Bourges Basket guard easily won the fan and expert voting polls, seeing off Eva Viteckova of the Czech Republic and Russia’s Becky Hammon. The obvious highlight for Dumerc was her performance at the London Olympics where she led France to a surprise silver medal but despite falling one game short, she had earned respect from opposition teams

and the media present with her displays. Dumerc averaged 14 points in London and hit some clutch shots, most notably against the hosts Great Britain where she forced overtime and then hit a three in the final second of the extra period to give France the win. “In London, Dumerc showed her maturity in assuring her country would be the best finishing of the European teams at the Olympics. Having seen her performances there, it is of little surprise to see the fans and experts agreeing that she deserves this award,” FIBA Europe President Olafur Rafnsson said.

Alex Ujoh of Royal Hoopers (R), bringing the ball up court against a Lagos Islanders’ player during the 2011/2012 League Season.

Exodus of players may affect our title defence –Hoopers’ coach

Dumerc

s teams gear up preparations ahead of the new Dstv sponsored Nigeria Premier Basketball League season set to dunk off later this month, Coach of Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, Ogoh Odaudu, has declared that the exodus of majority of his players to other teams may hamper Hoopers’ chances of retaining the league title. Hoopers, who won the league title for the last two seasons in 2011 and 2012, are not even guaranteed a Final 8 qualification according to the coach who has turned the Port Harcourt based team into a winning side.

Odaudu, who is obviously unhappy over the non-payment of areas both to the players and the coaching staff since last year, added that the unfortunate situation was responsible for players departing the club for other teams. Despite winning one of the two available tickets to represent Nigeria at the last Africa Club Championship in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Hooper failed to turn up for the continental competition because the state government failed to make the funds available to the team. Though the coach remains optimistic about the current situation, he however added that winning the league this com-

ing season would be a tall order for his sea depleted deplete side. “Honestly , we have not started any “Ho serious preparation despite the fact that the new season will dunk off in a matter of days and that is due to the fact that we have many challenges facing us as a team m but bu we are working really hard to get tthe team ready for the league season. “The club has lost about nine established players who have been tthe backbone of this team in the last few years and their departure has reduced our chances of defending the title because it will take some times before we becau are able ab build a good side that can compete at a that same level. “I have lost my entire starting five which means we are building a new team and the best I think we can from scratch s achieve is making it to the Final 8 which achiev in my opinion will be a great achieveat the end of the season. ment a He also called on the appropriate authorities to make the necessary funds thorit available in order to boost the morale of availa entire team ahead of the new camthe en paign. i “We could not take part in the last African Championship because of lack of money while most of us have neither received congratulatory messages from the government nor been paid our due salaries which have run into months and this is not good for the image of the club. “We won the league back-to-back and deserved to be celebrated like the state’s football team, Dolphins FC who were given cars and monetary rewards by the state government for emerging champions of the Nigeria Premier League. “This is a great team with good tradition and players always want to play for the club provided the management is able to provide a conducive environment which is why we are calling on the concerned authorities to make the funds available and give the entire squad the needed assistance. Hoopers emerged champions of the Basketball League,after defeating Kano Pillars 65-52 in the final game of the playoffs played at the Indoors Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos in July 2012.

Colo mulls Congo-Brazzaville option

obel Boungou Colo would consider representing his native Republic of Congo at the 2013 Afrobasket if the country’s Basketball Federation (FECOKET) put adequate preparations in place. “Sure, I would like to,” the Brazzaville-native told FIBA.com when asked about his availability to the national team. But, he could also represent France internationally due to his dual citizenship. He moved to France at the age of ten because of his father’s diplomacy job.

Boungou Colo, as he is known in basketball circles, plays currently for French Pro A side Limoges, and he is doing really well in his third professional season. However, when it comes to talk about Congo-Brazzaville basketball, Serge Ibaka’s name inevitably and comes to mind. Not only because he represented Republic of Congo at the 2006 U18 Afrobasket, and he currently represents Spain internationally, but because he is the most famous sportsperson in the football-crazy country.

Ibaka is not alone, as many more talented Congolese players may represent other nations. Central African Republic international Max Kouguere was born in the capital Brazzaville. Boungou Colo does not understand why basketball remains unnoticed in the country, despite Ibaka’s worldwide success. Republic of Congo has a modest Afrobasket historic, and Boungou Colo says his country has chances to do better at this year’s Afrobasket, which will be staged in Ivory Coast, Nobel Boungou Colo (right) tries to dribble pass an opponent. if basketball is treated positively.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance No country can develop and compete at the global level at this information age without adequate and sound software base

The newly formulated Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2012 would further improve NCAA’s oversights of all the players in the industry to the benefit of all stakeholders DIRECTOR GENERAL, NIGERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY HAROLD DEMUREN

Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Cleopas Angaye

Analysts predict drop in January inflation figure JOHNSON OKANLAWON

inancial analysts have said that the inflation rate for the month of January 2013 should fall to single digit due to general decline in prices across the major components of the food basket and household materials. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is expected to release the inflation figure for the month of January 2013 next week based on the data obtained from the Bureau’s website. According to FSDH Research, the average price of rice decreased by about nine per cent, the price of onions decreased by about 49 per cent, tomatoes fell by about 37 per cent and the price of potatoes (Irish) decreased by about 12 per cent. The firm explained that the price of garri increased by about 26 per cent and palm oil also rose by about 25 per cent, but the prices of tuber dropped marginally in January. “Meanwhile, the drop in the prices of vegetables can be linked to the seasonality effect

of harvest. Our estimate indicates an increase of 0.61 per cent in the Consumer Composite Index to 142.0 points in January, which will produce an inflation rate of 9.1 per cent, 290 basis points lower than 12.0 per cent recorded in the month of December,” the firm said. It added that to record an inflation rate of 10 per cent in January, the CCPI must increase by at least 149 basis points month-on-month, “which in our opinion is

unlikely.”The firm noted. Another research firm, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, said that headline inflation will fall below the magic 10 per cent figure, as the Lagos urban index released on Friday showed a year on year decline of 1.08 per cent to 11.3 per cent down, from 12.4 per cent in December 2012. “The moderation in the urban inflation index was mainly due to the Base year effect. It was in January 2012 that fuel subsidy was slashed by

49 per cent, pushing the price of petrol up to N97 per litre. There was a rash of price increases in that month, many of those prices were to fall later due to consumer resistance and a drop in the disposable and discretionary income of workers,” the firm said. It noted that apart from the Base year effect, prices moderated also because of the increased supply of goods to the urban centres, after the floods that affected twelve states hampered distribution. The firm said, “Farmers had complained of goods being stranded at their points of origin during the massive floods. With the floods over in October most of the stranded goods reached the markets in December and that helped to reduce prices.

he total credit guarantee to farmers under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) declined 19.57 per cent to N3.242 billion in the

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L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, FirstRand Bank, South Africa, Mr. Sizwe Nxasana; Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri and Chief Executive Officer, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Larbie, at the Bell ringing ceremony on Nigerian Stock Exchange to mark the commencement of RMBN operations in Lagos recently.

Agric credit guarantee in Q4 declined by 19.57 % UDO ONYEKA

Arik Air

fourth quarter of last year the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said. This according to CBN also represented a decline 4.02 per cent below the levels in the corresponding period of 2011. The CBN said this in its economic report for the fourth quarter of 2012, posted on its website. A sub-sectoral analysis of the loans guaranteed according to the survey indicated that the food crops sub-sector

received the largest share of N2, 133.4 million (65.8 per cent) for 10,218 beneficiaries, while the livestock sub-sector got N492.0 million (15.2 per cent) for 1,331beneficiaries. “Also, 1,469 beneficiaries in the mixed crops sub-sector obtained N349.2 million (10.8 per cent), while N166.4 million (5.1 per cent) was granted to 477 beneficiaries in the cash crop sub-sector. “Furthermore, 262 beneficiaries in the fisheries sub-sector received

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N78.3 million (2.4 per cent), while 112 beneficiaries in the other subsector received N23.5 million (0.7 per cent). Further analysis showed that, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory benefited from the scheme during the quarter, with the highest and lowest sums of N358.9 million (11.1 per cent) and N7.0 million (0.2 per cent) guaranteed to 1,641 and 61 farmers in Katsina and Ogun states, respectively.

Informal sector workers to form bulk of RSA holders

Boosting computer Race for 2013 penetration in Cannes Lions award Nigeria begns, can Nigeria get it this time?

Business & Finance

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Informal sector workers to form bulk of RSA holders MESHACK IDEHEN

he President of the Association of Pension Fund Operators (PenOp), Mr. Dave Uduanu, said members of the association have concluded plans to increase the number of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders from the present 5.5 million to at least 20 million by 2017. Describing it as a medium term plan, Uduanu told journalists on Wednesday that the operators of pension funds are basing their optimism on their readiness to get informal sector workers and self employed people across the country to be part of the contributory pension

scheme. According to him, additional incentives have already been proposed to make the pension scheme more beneficial and attractive to informal sector workers, saying also that such categories of workers account for more than 60 per cent of the working population of Nigeria. Uduanu said the National Pension Commission (PenCom), has released an exposure draft of the framework for the participation of the informal sector workers and self-employed people to make it possible for them to be part of the scheme very soon. He said also that when the guidelines are finally approved and released by the pension regulator, that it would enable the

participation of the target people and effectively increase the coverage of the scheme. According to him, the amended guidelines that would open the way for incorporating a multi-fund structure for Retirement Saving Accounts (RSA) funds that would be released by the pension regulator before the end of this quarter, saying this move would further boost pension business in the country. “The decision to introduce the multi-fund structure in the first quarter 2013 is to allow enough time for public education and sensitisation by the commission and also allow operators enough time to be ready to implement the structure. “The multi-fund would be pri-

marily differentiated by their overall exposure to variable income instruments and a contributor’s choice of funds may be limited based on the age of the contributor. Also the multi-fund structure would likely also allow for the introduction of a non-interest or ethical fund,” Uduanu said. It is to be recalled that PenCom had said earlier that its investment regulation has been revised to accommodate more investment options, and that before the end of this quarter, the commission would release an updated version of its investment regulation to formally give more investment option for pension assets. This development, according to PenCom would further its decision

to create more investment options for pension assets in response to stakeholders’ complaints that fund managers were not given a free hand to invest pension assets using their skills and experience to maximise returns on funds under management. “The Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets (Regulation) had been further revised in response to the dynamics of the financial and regulatory environment. The major highlights include the introduction of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as allowable instruments; and incorporation of Guidelines on Global Depository Receipts/Notes (GDRs/GDNs) and Eurobonds, amongst others. The Regulation becomes effective from 17 December, 2012” PenCom said.

80% of abandoned aircraft at Lagos Airport evacuated - FAAN OLUSEGUN KOIKI

L-R: Managing Director, PC Corner, Ms. Bunmi Badiru; Managing Director, Bcomm Networks Nigeria Limited, Mr. Lukman Egberongbe; Head, Information Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Folasade Oyelayo and Managing Director, Amazing Grace Computers, Mr. Tunji Agboola, at the Samsung IT Chief Executive Officers(CEO) officer’s forum in Lagos, recently.

Civil society, legislators task FG, states on food security JOEL AJAYI & IBRAHIM AMINAT ABUJA

coalition of Civil Society Organisations and some Legislators have canvassed an eight-point agenda for urgent implementation by all tiers of government as imperatives required to actualise the national drive for food security and sustainable growth of the nation’s agricultural sector. The group, which comprised Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), International Organisation for Youth Advocacy & Development (IOYAD), African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) as well as a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs Laz-Eke Vincent and her House Committee on Agriculture counterpart, Mrs. C. I. Onyemerekwe, rose from their one-day Policy Dialogue

on Food Security in Nigeria held in Abuja with a verdict that the tiers of government were not doing enough to boost growth in the sector. Specifically, the group and the legislators, who noted that corruption remained a major threat to current efforts to translate the agricultural sector into a private sector-led business endeavour, urged all stakeholders to collaborate in order to stamp out the menace of greed in food security policy implementation and other programmes of the sector. In addition, the stakeholders in their communiqué issued at the end of the forum charged the governments, particularly the Federal Government, to ensure policy consistency in the sector and also strengthen and streamline relevant institutions to achieve optimal food security policy implementation under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) being cham-

pioned by the Federal Government. In the communiqué endorsed by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, IOYAD Coordinator, Samuel Ayinde, his Centre LSD counterpart, Monday Osasah and the legislators, the participants, who were drawn from across the broad sectors of the economy, also advocated policy processes that should be inclusive of women participation and empowerment especially those domiciled in the rural areas as crucial in the sector’s transformational initiatives. The communiqué reads further: “Government, CSOs and all relevant institutions should improve in awareness of nutritional at all levels to secure people against malnutrition and also provide an enabling environment and incentive to encourage youth participation in Agriculture

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday said nine out of the 13 abandoned aircraft representing 80 per cent of the total aircraft at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos have been evacuated so far. The remaining four aircraft yet to be evacuated by the nineman committee inaugurated by the Managing Director, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi on January 9, 2013 are those their owners said they would by themselves to a safer place. The General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati disclosed these

on phone to our correspondent yesterday in Lagos. Dati informed further that the committee was yet to move to other airports in the country with abandoned aircraft because of the sensitivity of the Lagos Airport to the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. He however pointed out that the committee was yet to move to other airports for the continuation of the exercise, maintaining that the exercise was an ongoing one. There are 65 aircraft abandoned in eight airports in the country by different operators. Most of the owners of the aircraft are no longer in operations.

Experts strategise on how to increase cassava production in Africa STANELY IHEDIGBO

esearchers and key partners working under the Support for Agricultural Research and Development for Strategic Crops (SARD-SC) have kicked off activities to improve the productivity of cassava by at least 20 percent in project sites, increase household incomes and food security, and make the root crop work for the poor in Africa. According to statement four countries— DR Congo, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia— are the main beneficiaries of the cassava component but the project allows neighboring countries to tap from technologies that would be generated. Project Coordinator for

the SARD-SC at the launch of the cassava component of the project today in DR Congo, Dr Chrys Akem, said that about 500,000 farmers are to directly benefit from the crop with more than 2m indirect beneficiaries. Consumed by more than 600 million people in the developing countries, cassava is now competing with crops such as maize and rice as Africa’s major staple. But the potential of the crop is still stymied by myriad challenges including pests and diseases, poor adoption of improved varieties by farmers, and low use of improved best practices. Consequently, yields across most regions from local varieties are below 10 tons per hectare as opposed to over 30 tons per hectare obtained from improved varieties.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Business & Finance

Thursday, February 14, 2013

India to buy more crude oil from Nigeria UDEME AKPAN

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ndian Oil Corp., the nation’s largest refiner has bought one cargo of Nigeria’s Bonny Light and another of Brass River from Royal Dutch Shell Plc for April loading, this year. Two traders, who asked not to be identified, said the refiner purchased four consignments of about one million barrels each from Shell via tender this month. It bought one lot each of Bonny Light and Qua Iboe, according to three traders on Feb. 8. Bloomberg stated that the company issued a second tender on February 8 for April loading crude which is set to be awarded on February 15, this year. This showed that the demand has started to rise for Nigeria’s crude, probably because

of its relatively high quality. The nation, a member of OPEC has Bonny Light, a premium oil grade which many refiners prefer because of its low sulfur and high yield. Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC has raised its forecasts for the amount of crude it will need to supply this year because of stronger fuel demand in emerging economies. Contrary to some predictions that the increased involvement of the United States in commercial oil production would reduce demand for Nigeria’s, the demand for the nation’s crude has risen in recent times. The organisation said it will have to provide an average of 29.8 million barrels a day in 2013, or 100,000 a day more than it estimated a month ago. The

producer group’s output in January was 500,000 barrels a day larger than this, at 30.3 million, according to OPEC’s monthly market report. Global oil demand will increase by 800,000 barrels a day, or 0.9 percent, to 89.7 million a day, OPEC said. “Given some signs of recovery in the global economy and colder weather at the start of this year, the forecast for world oil demand growth in 2013 has also been revised up,” OPEC’s Vienna-based secretariat said.“The bulk of the growth is seen coming from China.” Brent crude futures have advanced 6.7 percent this year amid signs of economic recovery in the U.S., acceleration in China, and speculation that Europe has withstood the worst of its debt turmoil. Brent traded at $118.60 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UAC commissions CSR projects in Plateau, Benue, others JOHNSON OKANLAWON

AC of Nigeria Plc has commissioned its Goodness League projects in the North Central Zone of the country, with a pledge to spread the benefits to all the zones in the country. The Goodness League is a veritable platform for UAC’s meaningful and credible intervention schemes that tackle social problems and provide an umbrella and synergy for all the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. A statement from the company yesterday said the programme’s current focus is education and it intervenes through the provision of infrastructural assistance such as compre-

Farmers support FG on cell phones gift STANLEY IHEDIGBO

igeria farmers represented by Leaders of Commodity Associations has expressed its full support for the policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria on agriculture and its cell phones gift to mobilize and monitor the rural farmers. Speaking at the group conference in Lagos, the Convener and the National President of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Segun Adewumi, said that they have been following the unfolding event of the Federal Government cell phone gift to farmers. In his words, “We farmers L-R: Consumer Insight Manager, DSTV Nigeria; Mrs. Busola Tejumola; winner of a Renault Duster SUV in began to see the benefits of the the DStv Mega Promo, Mr. Ayo Osunbunmi and General Manager, DStv Nigeria, Mr. Mayo Okunola, during cell phone project beyond prothe prize presentation in Lagos recently. vision of communication be-

CDMA operators continue to lose market share to GSM networks KUNLE A ZEEZ

he Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) section of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria has continued to lose market share to the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) arm. This was contained in the Quarterly Operator Data made available on Wednesday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The data revealed that the mobile arm of the CDMA network had a share of 2.60 per cent; the Fixed/Fixed Wireless CDMA had 0.37 per cent, while the GSM network took a share of 97.03 per cent of the market in the last quarter of 2012. This is against the 3.02 per cent share for the CDMA (mobile); 0.44 per cent for the Fixed/Fixed Wire-

less CDMA and a share of 96.54 per cent for the GSM operators in the third quarter of 2012. From the subscriber base of the GSM networks, MTN Nigeria Communications had 47,440,991 subscribers, which gave it a lead among the GSM operators, in the last quarter of 2012, as against its 45,639,749 subscribers in the third quarter. Globacom Ltd. took the second position in GSM operation with a customer strength of 24,124,716 in the fourth quarter; against the 22,260,822 in the third quarter. Airtel followed with a subscriber base of 23,092,195, adding 1,990,437 to its 21,101,758 customers in the third quarter. Etisalat had 14,912,801 subscribers in the last quarter of 2012, with a plus of 520,270 to the 14,392,531 subscribers in third quarter. However, MTEL- the mobile

arm of NITEL had maintained its 258,520 subscribers in the third and fourth quarters. In the CDMA (mobile) network, Visafone Ltd topped the chart with 2,265,874 subscriber base, losing 57,773 from the 2,323,647 subscribers in the third quarter. Starcomms Ltd had 307,844 in the last quarter, against 393,295 users in the third quarter, MultiLinks Telkom had 263,767 against 411,351 subscribers, while ZoomMobile recorded and maintained 111,077 customers. The Fixed/Fixed Wireless CDMA saw Starcomms coming first with a subscriber base of 109,918 in the fourth quarter, with a loss of 44,499 from the 154,417 users in the third quarter. MultiLinks Telkom had 44,868 landlines, Visafone Ltd had 28,552, ZoomMobile had 10,849, while NITEL had continued to maintain 58,750 customers.

hensive renovation of school blocks and the provision of science equipment, computers and desks to needy schools. The statement explained that the programme further supports the educational sector through the free weekend classes for Senior Secondary Schools – a volunteer scheme that focuses on mentoring, coaching and counselling and has been successfully implemented in Lagos State. It said, “The current Goodness League beneficiaries in the north central zone were Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, Plateau State; Government College, Keffi, Nasarawa State; Mount St Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi, Benue State and Government College, Bida, Niger State.

tween the government and the farmers. We began to see the project that it will ensure full consolidation and success for the various innovative agricultural programmes of the present regime. “We have reasons to believe that they will ensure that the programme outlives the regime that initiate them.” He added that according to the Minister for Agriculture, that Nigerians are fully aware that agriculture inputs projects, especially procurement and distribution of fertilizer, was a project of fraud in the past, adding that most consignments of fertilizer paid for by the Federal Government never arrived in the country while those that arrived were mismanaged and sold across the Nigeria border.

Nigeria can stop rice importation by 2015, says AfDB official

he African Development Bank (AfDB) has expressed optimism that Nigeria can stop the importation of rice by 2015, if the right things are done. AfDB’s Chief Operations Officer of AfDB Dr Patrick Agboma said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. Agboma said that all the Federal Government needed to do was to triple rice production from the current production figures. “If you hear about the amount of rice the country imports, you will wonder why it cannot produce its own rice. So the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is to address this shortfall.’’

NAN recalls that Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, had announced in 2012 that the country will stop the importation of rice by 2015, as the commitment to ensure rice sufficiency. According to him, the bank is willing to help the Federal Government attain its food sufficiency target. He recalled that the bank had earlier received a request from the Federal Government for assistance toward the agricultural agenda. He said that progress been made with the government’s new rice policy, with the private sector providing 13 rice mills with 240,000-tonne production capacity.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Boosting computer penetration in Nigeria As access to voice services in Nigeria continues to witness impressive growth, increased effort is required towards driving computer penetration, as a crucial index for accelerating economic development through Information and Communication Technology. KUNLE AZEEZ reports.

nformation and Communication Technology has become an enabler of economic growth the world over, as access to ICT tools, such as computers, make people work more effectively and efficiently. But in Nigeria, the level Personal Computer (PC) usage, especially by households is still low at less than 10 per cent penetration, according to a data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. According to NBS, as at 2011, access to personal computers appears to be low, with a national average total access of 4.5 per cent, and ownership claims at 0.9 per cent. At the state level, the survey shows that Kogi State has the highest percentage total access to personal computers in Nigeria, with 17.4 percent, although nearly all of it is not owned. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Lagos have total access rates at 15.9 per cent and 15.8 per cent respectively of which only about 5 per cent are owned. All other states, according to the NBS, have lower than 10 per cent total access rates. Economists and industry analysts have said ICT is no longer a luxury for developing countries’ as it is already creating new ways of communicating, doing businesses, and delivering services. According to them, by broadening access and use of ICTs, nations are able to stimulate sustainable economic growth, improve service delivery and promote good governance and social accountability. Technological progress is a considerable driving force behind economic growth. ICT infrastructure in particular has generated significant investments and fiscal revenues as well as employment opportunities in developing countries. For example, the number of mobile phone subscriptions in countries including Nigeria and other developing countries has increased tremendously. Nigeria and other African countries, according to latest GSMA report is expected to have about 1 billion mobile subscriptions by 2015. Nigeria, which currently has about 113.1 million active telephone lines, is expected to lead Africa to the one billion mark by 2015. The number of Internet users has grown more than tenfold in developing countries. Indeed, analysts put Nigeria’s Internet users at about 45 million and the number is expected to increase tremendously, especially with bandwidth capacities from operators including such as MainOne Cables, Glo 1, SAT 3 and MTN’s West Africa Cable System, WACS. According to the World Bank, ICTs can be used as a vehicle to increase accountability and can transform and extend the reach of service delivery to the underserved in an innovative, fast, and cost-efficient manner. The World Bank, in several studies, have also emphasised strongly that increasing access to computers, especially in Africa, is a determinant to next developmental phase on the continent. The global bank, which rued the present level of computer penetration on the continent, said the figure was still below world’s average. It, therefore, called for more investment in PC development and penetration through a robust policy framework that will open up developing countries for more opportunities and growth and experts have said Nigerian cannot afford to be left behind.

Inside a computer classroom

INDIGENOUS FIRMS NEED GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH INTERNATIONAL BRANDS SUCH AS

HP, DELL, ACER, TOSHIBA,

WHICH CONTINUE TO HOLD SWAY IN THE

NIGERIAN MARKET

Meanwhile, one of the key mandates of the Ministry of Communications Technology in Nigeria is to promote and facilitate ICT development, as well as, increase its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Already, the Minister in charge of the ministry, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has, at various fora, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment towards ensuring the sector’s growth, stressing that part of her mandate was to ensure increased personal computer penetration in Nigeria. The minister, who described the low PC penetration in the country as disgraceful in terms of affordability and availability of the devices, had said, “With just three per cent PC penetration, Nigeria is ranked as the list-penetrated country in Africa.” The realisation of this has informed the recent launch of a student PC ownership scheme by the ministry with the ultimate aim of promoting increased access and utilisation of ICTs in education. Speaking on the scheme, the minister said the scheme was conceptualised to literally “decipher the challenges associated with poor PC ownership and acceptance of local brands among students.” The scheme, she said, also intends to resurrect the capacity utilisation of the nation’s PC assembly plants. Johnson stated that the world of knowledge and learning was to be found on the internet, stressing that effort should be made to ensure that young students

have unfettered access to this world so they can participate meaningfully in the knowledge society. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, had also frowned at the low PC penetration in the country, stressing, however, that the limitation was stifling innovation. Juwah said for the country to meet the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Nigeria will need to increase its PC penetration by 12 per cent by 2014. According to him, “A target 12 per cent PC penetration by 2014 will go a long way in bridging the digital divide in the country and also improving the country’s Internet to home rankings.” Efforts are still ongoing to by the National Information Development Agency, (NITDA), to develop a new standard for indigenous PC production. According to NITDA’s Director-General, Prof. Cleopas Angaye, the standardisation of PC production will raise indigenous PC manufacturers competitiveness, also said efforts is being made to boost their patronage, especially by the public sector. However, for the government efforts in boosting PC penetration to succeed, it has been said that government must support indigenous operators and enhance local capacity. In the meantime, stakeholders have stressed the need for indigenous operators including Zinox, Omatek, Brian, Veda, Beta Computers, to be supported to demonstrate their capability in computer manufacturing. According to them, indigenous firms need government’s support to be able to compete with international brands such as HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, which continued to hold sway in the Nigerian market. Speaking on the development, the President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said government should subsidise laptops and computers for all tertiary students and lecturers, insisting that it would not only enhance academic research, but will also deepen computer ownership among students. To him, more support for local entity will strengthen indigenous participation.

Info Tech

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Nigeria’s voice traffic to grow 59% this year KUNLE A ZEEZ

mpressive growth in telephone lines subscriptions and usage in Nigeria is predicted to trigger a 59 per cent increase in voice traffic this year. This was disclosed by the Quality Assurance Partner of PriceWaterHouseCooper, Mr. Alastair Macpherson, at a recent telecoms forum in Lagos recently. According to him, since the initial interconnection study was carried out, the volumes of traffic in Nigeria have dramatically increased between 2009 and 2011, voice traffic within Nigeria has almost doubled, adding “This is projected to grow by 59 per cent by 2013.” He also explained that onenet and off-net traffic is predicted to grow at a similar rate, with on-net traffic growing 32 per cent annually and off-net traffic showing 28 per cent annual growth. According to him, At present in Nigeria, on-net traffics are around N12 per minute while

the interconnection rate is N8.2, saying that Nigeria’s current rate of N8.2 is between the lower rates of Kenya and Ghana and the rates of Tanzania and South Africa. “In Tanzania and South Africa are current in the process of reviewing their interconnection rates and they are expected to fall further,” he said. Meanwhile, impressive growth in subscriber base on telecoms networks in Nigeria underscores the predicted growth in voice traffic in 2013. For instance, Nigerian telecoms subscriber base grew by a whopping14.2 million lines in the first 11 months of 2012. According to the latest subscriber data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission, active mobile subscriptions increased by a million subscriptions as the figure hit 110.3 million at the end of November, 2012 up from 96.1 million in January 2012. Analysis of the data, however, showed that the Global System for Mobile Communications operators were the sole contribu-

tors to the current increase in active subscriber base to 110.3 million. According to the statistics, the GSM operators, including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat increased their combined subscriptions from 105.9 million in October, 2012 to reach 106.8 million at the end of November, 2012. The Code Division Multiple Access operators such as Visafone, Starcomms, MultiLinks and the near-dead Zoom Mobile further experienced a fall in their subscriber base from 3.1 million in October to 3 million at the end of October, 2012. In the same vein, fixed wired and wireless network operators also record a decline in their meager active subscriptions from 454,644 lines in October to 432,899 during the same period. From beginning of 2012, GSM operators have continued to record astounding increase on their networks while the CDMA and fixed networks have consistently witnessed a decline month-on-month.

L-R: Seasoned Entrepreneur, Mr. Steve Blank; Group Managing Director, Computer Warehouse Group, Mr. Austin Okere and another entrepreneur, Mr. Bob Dorf, during his participation as an instructor for Lean Launch Pad Class at Columbia Business School, New York, recently.

Intel trains corps members in technology KUNLE A ZEEZ

ased on its vision to boost the capacity of Nigerian youths in Information Technology skills, a leading technology company, Intel, has organised a two-day Technology and Entrepreneurship training members of the National Youth Service Corps. The one-week free training was the first of several that will stretch across other states of the Federation with Lagos being the initial state in the pilot phase of the Technology and Entrepreneurship project. Speaking on the training, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel West Africa, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor, said, “The training of NYSC members was part of Intel’s Corporate So-

cial Responsiveness to the educational needs of the Nigerian society. “The week long free training strives to equip youth corps members with necessary skills to cope in the 21st Century workplace taking them through an intense technology-entrepreneurship scheme, ” he said at the flag-off of the training activities recently. Ogunbor noted that the initiative more than anything, was birthed out of the necessity to stimulate interest in entrepreneurship towards establishing businesses and ultimately reducing the increasing unemployment problem in Nigeria. “The changing trends in the global economy are increasingly becoming knowledge-based being driven by advances in Information and Communication Tech-

nology and this has significantly raised the stakes in the labour market,” he said He further stated that, as graduates preparing to enter the labour market, the possession of technical knowledge on its own, would not suffice, but ownership of complementary life skills to deliver the highest possible value in any field of endeavor was the ultimate task. According to him, “Intel is working closely with the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) to further encourage the growth of individual businesses as part of a solution to unemployment. Courtesy of YOUWIN, the youths being trained are entered into a business plan competition where they stand a chance of getting seed capital for businesses they may want to set up.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box Norton core security products: Delivering protection for Windows 8, others

orton by Symantec has released the latest versions of its award-winning core security products, Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, and Norton AntiVirus, delivering on Norton’s commitment to extend protection to consumers on all of their devices and in all they do online. With five patented layers of protection, stronger social networking defenses, anti-scam capabilities, and improved cloudenabled features, the latest Norton products set new benchmarks for protection and performance. In addition, the latest releases are Windows 8 compatible and engineered to make Windows 8 safer and faster compared with running Windows Defender on Windows 8. According to third-party testing, when paired with Norton, Windows 8 is 50 percent faster and 20 percent safer than with Windows Defender . In addition, testing showed that Norton was able to correctly detect and block all the threats that Windows Defender failed to recognise. Commenting, Group President, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec, Janice Chaffin, said, “According to this year’s Norton Cybercrime Report, one in 10 social network users said they’d fallen victim to a scam or fake link on social network platforms. Today, consumers are living nearly every aspect of their lives online and often putting personal information at risk.” The latest Norton products are

engineered to be safer, optimized for speed and performance, and simpler to use. In third-party testing, the new products ranked first in both protection and performance among a field of competitors. New features and improvements include: In the areas of safety, in addition to industry-leading core security technologies, the new Norton releases feature protection enhancements including Social Networking Protection, which provides new defences protect consumers from attacks and scams on social networks, such as likejacking, malicious messages, posts and notices on social networks. It also features Scam Insight, which offers anti-scam capabilities warn users of potentially risky sites that are new or do not have an established reputation within the Norton user community, enabling users to keep personal information such as bank account or login data secure.

MTN delivers Blackberry 10 revolution in Nigeria

igeria’s leading telecoms company, MTN has concluded plans with RIM, makers of the brand new Blackberry Z10 smartphone, to deliver the new Blackberry 10 OS device to its customers in Nigeria. MTN Nigeria will be the first to bring Blackberry’s latest offering to the Nigerian market. With this development, MTN customers in Nigeria will be among the first users in the world to experience the new, wave-making Blackberry Z10 smartphone which is the first smartphone based on the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, giving customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. It is the fastest and most advanced Blackberry smartphone yet, and offers customers a smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs. According to the Chief Market-

ing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Larry Annetts, among other unique features, the phone also offers superfast browsing, a sharp responsive display, an intelligent camera that allows for editing and photo sharing as well as trusted security. “MTN is offering pre-order opportunities thus conferring on our customers the privilege of being one of the first to own the device in Nigeria. “Not only that, those who preorder will get the smartphone at a bargain price and they will be contacted for pickup at locations of their choice even before the phones become commercially available at retail stores. They are not required to make any deposits, they will simply pay on delivery.” It will be recalled that MTN Nigeria has a long standing alliance with RIM, makers of Blackberry, dating back to 2007 when MTN Nigeria was the first telecommunications company.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Brands & Marketing

Race for 2013 Cannes Lions Award begins, can Nigeria get it this time? As the 2013 Cannes Lion award which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the festival approaches advertising agencies in Nigeria have begun review of their best ad work for the world ’s biggest gathering of global ad stakeholders despite unimpressive an outing last year, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he race for this year ’s world most coveted advertising award, Cannes Lion Award festival has began. The award, which marks its 60th anniversary this year is expected to hold between June 16 and 22. But as this year ’s festival gathers world most prolific creative egg heads, Nigeria appears to be the first country to have kick-started this year ’s Cannes Lion with a roadmap to ensure that the country does not just have representation but also get recognised as either being shortlisted or at best win in some categories. In the last sixty years when Cannes Lion was instituted, Nigeria has neither won or been nominated whereas South Africa, Mozambique and India have won the wards. In East Africa, Kenya has won twice. In North Africa, Egypt and Tunisia have won. Although some of Nigeria ’s ad creative have been recognised at other global ad awards such as Dubai Lynx, a Middle East ad award festival; Luezer ’s Archive, which the world book advertising book and Epical. But as for Cannes Lions, Nigeria is still grooming the next generation of winners. In 2013 edition of Cannes Lion, the agencies appear ready to compete. Stakeholders said either a win or mere shortlisting of their work will be a mark of success that will attract global account for ad agencies. According to the official representative of Cannes Lion Nigeria and Director of Miami Advertising School in Nigeria, Mr. Nnamdi Ndu, winning global award for Nigeria ad agencies would boost the profile of agency and would attract client ’s especially global accounts. While unveiling Nigeria ’s roadmap 2013 Cannes Lion Festival and Award, Ndu said since last year November, the campaign had started with a road-show; visiting to clients, institutions, industry sectoral associations and agencies; enlightening them on the opportunities available, as well as screening the highlights of Cannes Lions 2012 which was meant to give agencies entry clue and requirement for the award. According to him, the road show will continue till end of this month. He said, “It is expected that 2013 will

Enyi Odigbo, CEO, DDB Group

Jimi Awosika, CEO, Insight Communication

IN THIS KIND OF AWARD, YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD ON YOUR PRESENTATION. YOU DON ’T JUST SEND AN AD AND EXPECT TO BE SHORTLISTED be an even greater year with groundbreaking achievements in the industry and we will ensure that our Nigerian creatives can compete with the best in the world through an array of programmes packaged for the year. ” As the race begins, the Cannes Lions official in Nigeria, however, has begun the search for the young Lions that will represent Nigeria in France through Roger Hatchuel Academy, Young Lions and Miami Ad School Scholarship. The competition will be held between the March 25 and 30 where winners, accordingly, who will represent Nigeria at Cannes Lions will be presented as the winning teams for the Young Lions Film Competition, Young Lions Design Competition, Young Lions Marketers Competition and Young Lions Media Competition. But with the early preparation for this year ’s award festival, how prepared are the leading ad agencies? The Managing Director of DDB Lagos, Mr. Ikechi Odigbo, in an interview with National Mirror, said the DDB Lagos is working with its global network to package the entry professionally in other to ensure that their entry is well presented. According to him, winning at Cannes Lions goes beyond having good creative work. “We are looking forward to send entries for 2013 Cannes Lion. We are working closely with our global network, DDB Casers ’ group because in this kind of award, you have to work hard on your presentation.

You don ’t just send an ad and expect to be shortlisted. You have to sit down, put together your presentation, the background, what the client brief says, your strategies in other to show the viability of your work, ” said Odigbo. But DDB, according to him, will send few entries which are the best work of the agency last year. With the hope that the agency will win, Odigbo said thecompetition would be stiff. “We want to put in few entries, our best work. We are hopeful that our work will receive some recognition though it is very competitive, ” he said. DDB won Silver at Epical Award, a global ad award, last year. Two creatives from the agency were awarded the top two prizes at the 2009 Young Lions Film Competition and represented Nigeria at the 2009 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Meanwhile, Insight Communications Limited, Nigeria ’s leading ad agency, positioned as an agency driven by global aspirations to be widely acknowledged as the Creative Powerhouse in Africa, is expected to send the highest entries as usual this year. Last year, the agency handed its creative department to Jamie Mc Tavish,

Ndu

the former Creative Director of BBDO, Publicis and 303, Australia ’s most successful independent creative agency in an effort to crave for creative excellence and production of great works that will not only impact the global ad world, but also motivate its consumers. As the only agency with the highest entry and delegation to Cannes Lions, industry analysts said the agency might be the first to bring the first Cannes Lions Award to Nigeria just as the agency had the last local award, LAIF where it swept away most of the awards. Chima Okenimkpe of insight told National Miror that the agency will send above 2 entries, possibly five. Besides the big agencies, new entrant too is also aiming for the award. A newly registered agency, CreativeXone, told National Mirror that the agency is sending two entries. The Managing Director of the agency Mr. Adedoyin Adewunmi, told National Mirror that CreativeXone has sent two of his creative staffs for the Young Lion competition and is prepared to send two entries. “At Creativexone, we are preparing for this year ’s Cannes Lion. We look forward to sending two entries. You know we are a new agency barely a year. But we ’ve got the experience hands. Although we know it ’s going to be competitive. But we have couple of works that can stand, ” he said. While last year was an eye-opener for most ad agencies that sent delegates to the Festival, the Managing Director of Noah ’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa, believes that most agencies might have been inspired by the level of creativity in the winning creatives. “I can only say that CONTINUED ON PAGE P38

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

StarTimes intensies competition Campari unveils 2013 iconic calendar with UEFA, new channels STORIES BY ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

etermined to increase market penetration, the award winning and leading Digital Terrestrial Technology Pay TV service provider in Nigeria, StarTimes has introduced six new channels to its platform while also offering subscribers new value proposition, UEFA Champions League matches live. The Director-General NTAStar TV Network, Mr. Maxwell Loco said at a press briefing that the station has launched these new channels as a new value creation to binging affordable digital entertainment to every household in Nigeria. “StarTimes mission to ensure that every home in Nigeria en-

joys affordable digital entertainment backed by the collaboration with NTA, a strategic partnership that will help Nigeria in actualising its 2015 transition deadline. The new stations include, V Channel, NTA Yoruba, NTA Ibo, NTA Hausa and NTA Parliamentary Channel, ” it stated. He said further that, “NTA in its bid to foster unity and diversification creates new channels that cut across three major ethnic lines in Nigeria with its New NTA Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa channels. NTA Parliamentary Channels main focus is updating Nigerians with vital News and information about the National Assembly activities. ” Beside new channels, the Pay TV said the subscribers would also have the opportunity to watch UEFA Champions League matches from February to May. “Its great News for all sports lov-

ers as Startimes brings live football actions of UEFA Champions League matches on NTA Sports 24 which is available on StarTimes, from February to May 2013. Startimes will be showing live the UEFA Champions League match involving Manchester United and Real Madrid on the 13th February 2013, AC Milan vs. Barcelona FC on the 20TH Of February, Pari Saint Germain vs. Valencia CF on the 6th Of March, and FC Bayern Munchen vs. Arsenal FC on the 13th of March. ” Startimes DVB-T2 decoder has over 75 channels of great sport, music, movies, news and lots more channels for subscriber ’s satisfaction such as Africa Movie Channel, Nigezie, Kennis Music, Al jazeera, NTA SPORT 24, Orisun, MGM, WAP and much more.

he much anticipated Campari Calendar 2013 has been unveiled across the world. The 14th edition of the iconic template is used to inspire people to face their fears with optimism and passion. The Campari Calendar was launched in 2000 and has grown to become a globally celebrated annual event. Each year only 9,999 Calendars are printed across the globe and are not available for sale, but are distributed as gifts to friends of Campari – making it a much sought after piece of work. 2013 marks the 14th edition of the Campari Calendar. The calendar showcases Campari ’s latest female protagonist in 13 visually stunning shots, as she defies some of the world ’s greatest superstitions. Posing in a number of magnificent dresses, the brand heroine has passion and charisma, inspiring confidence as she engages with each mystical scenario. Campari is present

in every one of the Calendar ’s shots as the leading lady raises a toast to confidence, proving that self-belief is the ultimate pleasure. Giving an insight into what gave birth to the concept of the 14th edition of the calendar, Bob KunzeConcewitz, chief executive of Gruppo Campari said “the Campari Calendar 2013 takes inspiration from an intriguing subject which is close to the hearts of many the world over: superstitions. “The number 13 has more magic and mystery surrounding it than any other, and 2013 is the year to challenge these mystical superstitions. From black cats to broken mirrors, many around the world believe that unusual events or occurrences forewarn of bad luck. By instilling confidence in our audience we encourage people to take the time to enjoy the pleasurable moments in life, which Campari promotes, ” he said.

Race for 2013 Cannes Lions award begins CONTINUED FROM 37

Regional Sales Manager, South-West, Grand Oak Ltd, Mr. Olayemi Femi; CEO Tundex, Mr Tunde Orimadegun (one of the winners); MD Grand Oak Ltd, Mr Akshay Kumar; Marketing Director, Grand Oak Ltd, Mrs Orimadegun and Aare Fatai Odesile at the sent-forth of winners of Grand Oak Sales Partners ’ AFCON promo held recently.

Nigerite pledges support on asthma awareness

n line with its corporate social responsibility plan, foremost roofing sheet manufacturer in the country, Nigerite Limited has pledged support for the effort to create awareness on the menace of asthma to the well being of Nigerians. The company disclosed this at an art exhibition put together by Stacey Okparavero Project in conjunction with Watersworth Gallery in Lagos at the weekend. The exhibition will last for one week from Saturday 9, February to 16 February. The initiative tagged ‘Art for life: An Asthma awareness Charity Art Exhibition ’ was sponsored by the roofing sheet giant and organised in memory of Ms. Ogaga Okparavero who died from an asthma attack in October last year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Brand Ambassador, Nigerite Limited, Miss Oluchi Njoku said “In line with our corporate social responsibility, it is necessary for us to support this initiative to create awareness in the dangers of asthma through art works. We are here today to support this project to let people know that not only malaria can kill. “We give lives to the people because Nigerite is about life, and anywhere there is life you will find Nigerite. We are much concerned about people having healthy lives to be able to function well in their dealings in the society. ” According to the facilitator, Ms. Stacey Okparavero, the exhibition aims to provide support for the health and well-

being of individuals who are living with asthma and who cannot really have the financial capabilities to get the best of treatments. “Last year, my only sister died of asthma attack. Then, I took it upon myself in conjunction with Watersworth Gallery with support from Nigerite Limited to set up a project like this to save the lives of people living with asthma. “Certain percentage of proceeds from art sales will be used to fund the respiratory unit of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and other public hospitals in Lagos. Oxygen canisters and other drugs will be bought, as well as settle bills of patients who cannot afford to fully pay their bills, ” she said.

what happened last year in terms of representation, quite a number of Nigeria ad agencies attended and perhaps came back inspired. It may have occurred to them to enter for it this year, ” he said. However, he said despite that Noah ’s Ark entry was not shortlisted, the publication of the agency work in Luezer ’s Achive, is a good step for the agency. “We sent some entries but we didn ’t get short-listed. But we are not relenting. We have not sent anything yet for this year. We are reviewing our work. Entry is still open till March, April. But we are looking at nothing less than two entries, ” Adisa revealed. “It will be a shame that after 60 years of this award, Nigeria has not been shortlisted. So, early preparation will inspire agencies, ” he said. But as every agency looked hopeful for the festival, there are fears that Nigeria might not make much progress at Cannes because of the number of entries which is still less desirable compared to hundred of entries South Africa and other countries do send. But National Mirror learnt that the more the number of entries from countries the greater their chances of winning. But most Nigerian agencies are constrained, ac-

cordingly, by the cost of sending an entry which is estimated at about $4000. Ndu told National Mirror that the fear of losing money might be responsible for Nigeria ’s poor number of entries. “It is the fear of losing money because if you don ’t think that you can put your money behind your idea you definitely won ’t. You need to be confident first of all because you need to put your money behind you idea. But if you think or judge on your own that your idea is not strong enough, you won ’t put your money behind it. Not that they cannot afford it but there is no amount too small for anyone to want to lose, ” he affirmed. But Adisa believes entry fee should not deter agencies from sending as many entries as possible. “Sending entry is not cheap. But I do believe that people say investment in advertisement runs into billions of naira. We have lots of agency with big accounts and I think that should not be a problem. If an agency could send as many people as possible to Cannes Lions, I don ’t think getting money for entry should be a problem in as much as you are sure of what you are sending. So, we can afford it. ” Meanwhile, the entry for world biggest advertising award will end in April and the feeling among Nigeria ad agencies is that Nigeria will make a statement in France this time.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, February 14, 2013

ad VA NT AG E icon

So Klin, Good Mama reward consumers in promo ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

s part of efforts to improve consumers ’ lives by making them instant millionaires, Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria Limited, maker of So Klin and Good Mama detergents, has announced another set of winners in its ongoing Scratch& Win promo. The event, which attracted people of all ages and gender, has been generating loads of excitement among loyal consumers who have been winning various cash prizes. During the promo which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, a petty trader, Mr Emmanuel Name, unexpectedly won one million Naira and 10 others have won 25,000 naira each in the promo.

The Regional Sales Manager, South-West, Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria, Demola Adewuyi, noted that “this is a real promo. In a lot of cases these are ordinary people who, just by being loyal to either So Klin detergent or Good Mama detergent, both of which are household names when it comes to quality detergent in Nigeria, become recipients of these cash prizes. ” The Scratch &Win Promo, which is in its 4th year, runs till May 31, 2013. In all, 45 winners of N1 million each are expected to emerge while one lucky individual will smile home with the mega prize winner of N5 million. Another winner at Oja Oba, Akure, Mrs Phabe Osabiyi, said: “It is divine intervention. It is the work of God. I did not know that

I would win but when I bought the detergent and scratched the sachet, behold I won! ” In Abuja, a sachet water (pure water) seller, Ms. Glory Bright, who won N1 million, said she could not believe she had bagged such a huge amount in the scratch and win promo. Also, Mrs. Ramatu Abdullahi thanked the makers of So Klin and Good Mama for her fortune, saying she did not know a promo was ongoing until she bought the detergent and discovered she was a winner. In Gombe State, the elated 1 million Naira winner, Mrs Hussaina Tajudeen, who is a taylor, expressed her profound joy by saying that this is her first time of winning in any promo, she thanked Eko Supreme Resources for her new found fortune.

L-R: Divisional Sales Manager, Ibadan, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs. Osas Oshodin; Senior Brand Manager, Chiduo Uche Onwudiwe; Brands & Marketing Editor, THISDAY, Raheem Akingbolu and Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale during the Guinness Fly With The Super Eagles trip to the AFCON final match in South Africa on Sunday.

he Executive Director- Marketing Services, Nestle Nigeria, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, is a veteran marketing professional with more than 30 years in the business. She has a distinguished and well-recognized record of success in the industry. Ukoh ’s working career spans University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, National Institute of Medical Research, Lagos and Nestle Nigeria where by dint of hard work and high level of professionalism, she became the first and only female Marketing Director at an executive management level tilll date. She had her secondary education at Methodist Girls High School ol in Lagos and holds a Bachelor of Science degree e in Nutrition/Dietetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Under her management, Ukoh helped elped to build lasting brand and relationships with Nigerian women through her innovative programmes mmes like the MAGGI Women Forum (A home ome management prorogramme targeted d at women in semii urban areas). In the course of her job, Ukoh has travelled and worked widely in coun- Iquo Ukoh

APCON and the Local Content issue

was shocked beyond words several years back when a CEO of an advertising agency said he traveled to London to do color separation and also printed calendar for a client! The issue of the local content production of advertising commercial films has been a thorny one in the marketing communications industry. A larger percentage of TV commercials are being shot overseas at the expense of home grown professionals. It actually became the in-thing in the industry as advertising agencies compete on the basis of obtaining quality production overseas. I believe a lot of harm is been done to professionals in Nigeria if every project is taken to overseas for production. It is a well known fact that there are sound, tested and competent professionals here. Most of these professionals also have the equipment to deliver same output like others. It is surprising that most of

the CEO ’s of advertising agencies know that there are competent professionals but they prefer to dance to the tune of clients. This is one thing that cannot happen overseas. The regulations guiding our operations are not strictly adhered to. The economy of another country is been developed at the expense of our own. Methinks rather than boarding the next available flight overseas in the name of producing quality TV commercials, professionals should put heads together to address this challenging issue. The issue of organizations hiding under the global economy to kill Nigerian advertising industry should stop. There are other sectors tied to the advertising industry that suffer from this capital flight. Even though belated, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has come to the rescue through reforms introduced for the industry. One of these is he emphasis on the use of local production of commercial films intended

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com for the Nigerian market. APCON based this on the need to ensure stricter professionalism within the advertising industry and practice. This is one area that has suffered neglect in the industry. APCON has also insisted that the commercials should be produced even if the directors and crew are flown in. I still believe this should not be as it should be a total approach to ensure indigenous professionals. Nigeria has tested and sound professionals and I see no reason why foreign directors are given priority than our own egg heads. Though due to infrastructural development, foreign countries have

an edge but this does not translate to intellectual prowess. The time has really come for all practitioners to sit and deliberate on the myriad of issues confronting the industry. The efforts now should be both collective and concentrated in approach. It is for the same reason that we depend on foreign professionals ’ expertise that they want to control and manage businesses in Nigeria. It has reached the time that we all need to do the needful by not shying away from the truth again. I know quite a lot of the CEO ’s of affiliated agencies travel overseas especially to South Africa. They

tries in Central/West AfricaNigeria, Ghana, Cote d ’ivoire, Senegal etc ensuring the success of Nestle ’s flagship brands MAGGI, MILO etc which today are household names. Today, she is a well respected Marketer in Nigeria and a fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria(NIMN), a member of the American Marketing Association. She is also a member of Nutrition society of Nigeria, Dietetics association of Nigeria, African Refugee Foundatio and first Vice President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria,, ADVAN. g

know what is required to elevate their agencies to have a global outlook. I believe this should be part of the internal home keeping to put the industry on a sound footing. Back to the issue of television production, there are thorough bred professionals such as Tunde Kelani and Tade Ogidan. These two men amongst several other stand out due to their proficiency in TV production. The experience of these people is unquantifiable and they are globally acknowledged. The reforms by APCON should also be far reaching in terms of reaching out to stakeholders. APCON should also commence regular interface with advertisers to touch base on salient issues. The truth is that professionalism is been undermined seriously in the industry. It has degenerated to a situation whereby clients now struggle commission with advertising agencies. Some clients do not even pay service fees. These issues arose as a result of the unprofessional conducts of some agencies who engage in sharp practices and appear desperate to clients.

Global Business

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Future of Britain’s HMV appears to be limited H MV, the long-established music retailer seeking protection from its creditors, is unlikely to have a future beyond a rump of stores and the internet, if other recent British retail failures are any guide. After years of struggling as its core business of selling CDs and DVDs was hammered by competition from online retailers like Amazon and download sites like Apple’s iTunes, HMV picked consultants Deloitte late on Monday to try to salvage some of its 239 British and Irish stores.

The decision, which puts over 4,000 jobs at risk, is the latest blow to an industry which has seen a string of household names like Woolworths, MFI, and Comet fall by the wayside in a prolonged consumer downturn. “It’s a shame, it’s been around so long. It’s like a bookstore - it’s nice to go and browse and feel them (CDs and DVDs), I’d miss it,” said Paul Wood, shopping at an HMV store in Canary Wharf, London. However other shoppers, typifying

HMV’s problems, said they were just looking before buying from cheaper outlets online. HMV, famous for its ‘Nipper the dog’ trademark, is expected to continue trading while a hunt for buyers is undertaken. Neil Saunders, managing director at retail consultancy Conlumino, said potential buyers could be interested in running the brand online or through some of its larger stores. “I think the brand will survive,” he told Reuters news agency. “I think it’s a good brand with a good emotional connection and I think some-

one will want it. And someone will be interested in acquiring a rump of stores because there are some that trade profitably within the group. “A lot of the grocers have their own download services or mail order services so there could be interest from an existing player who just wants to use that name. Private equity may also see it as an opportunity.” One that will not is US private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC which ruled itself out of a takeover move on Monday, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, after it bought some of HMV’s debt in December.

Manufacturing in U.S. probably stagnated amid global slowdown

Cameron

Payroll loans popular in Latin America

everal Countries in Latin America are experiencing a spike in loans that are repaid through deductions from workers’ pay checks. These so called “payroll loans” increased by 17 per cent last year in Brazil, the region’s largest economy. In Mexico the surge has been even more pronounced. Eduardo Ayala covers Mexico City by foot, working as a delivery man between governmental departments. He earns about 800 U.S. dollars a month, so when he needed to carry out repairs on his house, he had to take out a loan. Eduardo decided on a so called “payroll” loan in which the bank deducts repayments directly from his twice monthly salary. Eduardo Ayala, Message Delivery man, said,“If it was up to me to pay back the loan, I might decide I couldn’t

pay one month, then I´d get behind and end up more in debt, so it’s better they just take it straight from my salary and then there’s no problem.” “Payroll” loans have exploded in popularity in Mexico. In the last year the number handed out increased by 85 per cent. Other countries in Latin America have also reported a surge in their use, particularly Brazil. Banks like them, because money comes straight from their customer’s paycheck, which guarantees payment. And they are often the only way for mid to lower income workers like Eduardo to get loans without a credit history. It’s not just the banks getting in on the act. An industry of money lending firms has grown up around paycheck loans. Iliya Zogovic founded “Easy Money” two years ago, and says his customer base is doubling

monthly. But he says that many of these separate financial institutions aren’t subject to the same regulation as banks and often take far more out of their clients pay packets than they can afford. Iliya Zogovic, CEO “Easy Money”, said,“We actually go into companies where the employees already have 80-90 per cent of their salaries in other loans and we try to explain to them that that’s not healthy for them.” Whatever type of small scale loan you take out in Mexico, be it credit card or paycheck loan, the interest is routinely high in comparison with many developed nations. Annual interest rates generally range between 30-50 per cent. Eduardo paid back his loan a year and-a-half ago, but is still paying off the interest. He doesn’t know how much he still owes… but he knows his bank will be keeping count.

anufacturing probably teetered between growth and contraction in August, a sign the pillar of the recovery is now struggling, according economists surveyed before a report Monday. The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index was little changed at 50 compared with 49.8 in July, according to the median estimate of 70 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. A reading of 50 is the dividing line between shrinking and expanding. Spending on construction projects probably rose in July, other figures may show. The possibility that taxes will rise and government outlays will fall if U.S. lawmakers don’t act by January may shake confidence and cause consumers and businesses to curb spending. The European debt crisis represents another stumbling block that threatens to limit orders to American factories.

“Domestic uncertainty and global weakness are both restraining growth in manufacturing,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, an economist at BNP Paribas in New York. “It’s a weak sector of the economy right now. We don’t expect a lot of pickup in investment activity this year.” The Tempe, Arizona-based ISM released the report Estimates ranged from 48.7 to 51.5. The group has said that an index (S15MACH) reading above 42.5, while signaling contraction in manufacturing, is generally consistent with an expanding overall economy. The gauge averaged 55.2 in 2011 and 57.3 in 2010. Other reports show manufacturing, which accounts for about 12 percent of the U.S. economy, weakened last month. Factory activity in the New York region contracted in August for the first time in 10 months, and production in the Philadelphia-area shrank for a fourth month, Federal Reserve reports showed.

Tax pain ahead for Greeks as parliament approves increase

reece’s parliament approved a tax increase Saturday that should add to the government’s revenue, but is likely to anger citizens opposed to the country’s austerity measures. The new tax bill, passed in the early hours, is needed to help the debt-stricken country meet its commitments to international creditors, state-run ANA news agency reported Saturday. The legislation makes it compulsory for all taxpayers to lodge an income tax declaration while raising property and corporate taxes, the news agency said. The new tax bill is one of “fiscal necessity” and will ensure that shortfalls are met in a socially fair way, Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras told lawmakers ahead of the vote, ANA reported. The measure, intended to raise an extra 2.3 billion euros ($3 billion) this year, is part of a raft of measures enabling Greece to qualify for further international bailout funds. The vote by lawmakers came a day after arsonists critical of the country’s

media coverage of the crisis attacked the homes of five prominent journalists in Athens using makeshift bombs. An anarchist group angry at the Greek media coverage of the country’s economic crisis claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement posted on a leftist website. It was the first such coordinated action in Greece since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2008.

Greece Prime Minister, Lucas Papademos

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

NICON PROPERTIES

NICON PROPERTIES LTD LIST OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FILLING STATION Description: A well landscaped, strategically located filling station with 4 PMS Pumps, 1 AGO, 1 DPK, with 6bedroom duplex, one station office, one Lube bay on land area of 1,600sqm 63 Accra Street Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Location: Price: N650m asking LIST OF AVAILABLE HOUSES ASOKORO Description: 8 nos 3 bedroom flats with 1 room BQ each and Swimming pool Asokoro, Abuja Location: Price: N1Billion asking Description: Location: Price:

A 2Nos. 5 bedroom duplex and a 6 bedroom duplex sitting on 1700sqm with C of O Nelson Mandela Asokoro, Abuja N800m

Description: Location: Price:

5 units of 4 bedroom detached houses with 1 room BQ each Asokoro, Abuja N850m

Description: Location: Price:

4 bedroom twin duplex with BQ Kwume Nkuruma Asokoro, Abuja 400m

Description: Location: Price:

5 bedroom duplex with I room BQ and 2 unit 3 bedroom flats good for embassy Hill Top House Asokoro, Abuja N450m

ASO DRIVE Description: Location: Price:

7 bedroom detached house with BQ with swimming pool (Vacant) Aso Drive, Abuja N800m

MAITAMA Description: Location: Price:

4 bedrooms Twin duplex, 2 sitting room with 2 rooms self contain Panama Street, Ministers Hill, Maitama, Abuja N350m

Description: 5 bedroom detached house Along IBB way Maitama Location: Price: N300m Description: 5 bedroom detached house with 2 rooms BQ Minister's Hill Maitama Location: Price: N280m GAMES VILLAGE Description: 4 Bedroom terrace duplex with ample land space for BQ Games Village Location: Price: N55m GARKI Description: Newly built 14 Nos. fully serviced 3bedroom flat on 1,346sqm KVA transformer and 80m borehole Garki 2 by old CBN with certificate of occupancy Location: Price: N1Billion asking Description: 3 bedroom Terrace Duplex (renovated) Area 2 Section 2, Garki Location: Price: N60m Asking KATAMPE Description: 6 Units of 3bedroom flats carcass (Roofing Stage) on 963,63sqm residential with C of O Katampe Main Location: Price: N 70m UTAKO Description: 4 bedroom detached duplex Utako, Abuja Location: Price: N75m APO Description: A fully detached 3bedroom bungalow, 2room apartment with private convenience Bethel Estate, Lokogoma Location: Price: N30m Asking Description: Location: Price:

5 bedroom detached duplex with 2 room BQ Apo (Power House) N130m Asking

GUDU Description: Location: Price:

Newly built filling station with 10 pumps Gudu N650m

WUSE DISTRICT Description: A detached bungalow and one storey building on 1hectre Wuse zone 5, Abuja Location: Price: N450m Description: Location: Price:

5 Bedroom semi detached house Wuse Zone 6, Abuja N250m

Description: Location: Price:

A block of 4 Nos. 3bedroom flats with a 3bedroom bungalow Wuse 2 N260m

Description: Location: Price:

A 5 Bedroom Duplex, 2 living room and 2 room BQ in built with C of O Wuse Zone 4, Vacant and New N260m

Description: Location: Price:

5 Bedroom twin Duplex with BQ Wuse II, Abuja N400m

For enquiry and inspection, please contact undersigned numbers:

NICON PROPERTIES LIMITED 63, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

08067770999, 08033203414 Email: niconpropertiesltd@gmail.com www.niconpropertieslimited.com

SUNNY VALE ESTATE Description: 3Bedroom semi detached Location: Sunny Vale, Abuja Price: N25m GWARIMPA Description: Location: Price:

5Bedroom semi detached rd 3 Avenue Gwarimpa, N65m

Description: Location: Price:

4Bedroom duplex, 2room Bq and gate house Garimpa N60m

KARU Description: Location: Price:

3bedroom Bungalow, 2 units of 1bedroom Bq with gate house FHA Phase 1 Karu, near Primus Specialist Hospital N20m

LAGOS Description: Location: Price:

Newly finished 5bedroom duplex (All en-suite) with Bq Osborne Estate, Lagos N200m

Description: Location: Price:

A new 4bedroom duplex (all en-suite) Magodo Estate, Lagos N70m

Description: Location: Price:

1.6hectre of land and A Ware-house on 25,000sqm with office Admin block, Generator House, Security hut and workers Canteen. 2 Dedicated Transformer, bore-hole and water treatment plant. Amuwo Odofin, Industrial Estate, Lagos N1.2 Billion

Description: Location: Price:

2 wings of 5 bedroom duplexes, each with 2rooms BQ Eric Emmanuel Crescent, off Bode Thomas Street, Lagos N130m

LANDS FOR SALE Description: 3000sqm Commercial with C of O Location: Close to PDP Secretariat Wuse Zone 5 Price: N300m Description: 1500sqm Residential land Location: Opposite Sokoto State Governor Lodge Asokoro, Abuja Price: N200m Description: 1500sqm Residential land Location: Gwarinpa, Abuja Price: N35 Description: Location: Price:

2450.84sqm Residential land Gwarimpa N120m

Description: 1560.73sqm Residential land Location: Garki Price: N80m TO LET Description: Location: Price:

2 Blocks of 6 Nos. 2Bedroom flats Akin Olugbade, Street Victoria Island, Lagos N4.5m

Description: Location: Price:

2 blocks of 6 nos. 3 bedroom flats (12 flats) Akin Olugbade, Street Victoria Island, Lagos N5.5m

Description: Location: Price:

Fully furnished 6 bedroom detached house Katampe Diplomatic Extension N6m per annum

VARIOUS OFFICE SPACES TO LET 1. NIGERIA -REINSURANCE BUILDING CBD, ABUJA 2. NICON BUILDING 55 AKPAKPAVA STREET, BENIN 3. NICON PLAZA, CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA, ABUJA 4. NICON HOUSE, INDEPENDENT LAYOUT ENUGU 5. 118/120 Broad street Lagos 6. Marina Lagos 7. 1 Barracks Road, Calabar 8. F/14 Cathedral Drive Enugu

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

ASI slides further by 0.4% on prot taking JOHNSON OKANLAWON

harp sell-off by some investors dragged further the benchmark index of equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday. Market analysts attributed the decline to the speculators who took profit from the gains recorded by active stocks, the blue chips. The All-Share Index lost 0.40 per cent to close at 33,355.54 points, compared to the decrease of 0.07 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 33,487.82 points. Market capitalisation depreciated by N42.3bn to

close at N10.7trn, higher than the drop of N7.61bn recorded the preceding day to close at N10.7trn. On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index lost 0.41 per cent to close at 1,597.86 points, while the Oil and Gas Index shed 0.91 per cent to close at 185.04 points. The Consumer Goods Index fell further by 0.20 per cent to close at 980.30 points, while the Insurance Index declined by 2.24 per cent to close at 169.37 points. The Banking Index dropped by 0.46 per cent to close at 416.81 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index rose by 0.18 per cent to close at 2,119.29

points. Royal Exchange Plc led the gainers ’ table with 11 kobo or 9.82 per cent to close at N1.23 per share, followed by DN Meyer Plc with 13 kobo or 9.56 per cent to close at N1.49 per share. Wema Bank Plc gained 11 kobo or 6.21 per cent to close at N1.88 per share, while Unity Bank Plc appreciated by six kobo or 5.45 per cent to close at N1.16 per share. Conoil Plc rose by N1.10 or five per cent to close at N23.1 per share. On the flip side, AIICO Insurance Plc dropped by 14 kobo or 9.86 per cent to close at N1.28 per share, while Prestige In-

surance Plc depreciated by 12 kobo or 9.68 per cent to close at N1.12 per share. Custodian Insurance Plc lost 20 kobo or 8.51 per cent to close at N2.15 per share, while Niger Insurance Plc shed three kobo or five per cent to close at 57 kobo per share. Forte Oil Plc fell by 83 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N15.8 per share. Transaction volume in equities increased by 61.4 per cent, as a total of 1.43 billion shares worth N5.59bn were exchanged in 9,653 deals, compared to 891.40 million shares valued at N4.68bn traded in 8,337 deals the preceding day.

RenCap recommends Nigerian equities for international investors JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

enaissance Capital, a unit of the Russian investment bank controlled by billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, recommends investors are overweight in Nigerian stocks as growth in the West African nation surges. RenCap Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Hyman, said, “In Africa, it ’s the largest and most attractive market to us and we would say to any long-term investors: you should have some Nigeria in your portfolio, you overweight Nigeria. ” The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index has

gained 19 per cent this year, the third-best performer behind benchmark indexes in Bulgaria and Venezuela, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While Nigerian stocks gained 35 per cent last year, the index has only rebounded to half the March 2008 peak it reached before the global financial crisis and a government bailout of the banking industry triggered a market slide. Sub-Saharan Africa ’s second-largest bourse is targeting a market value of $1trn by 2016 as state power companies being sold to bidders, including Siemens AG, Korea Electric Power Corporation, may be required to list on

the exchange. Power industry reform will add to economic growth, while the Islamist insurgency in Nigeria is a manageable risk, said Hyman. “We think the growth rate continues to be attractive and the pace of reform is good, ” he said. Nigeria ’s economy, estimated at $272.6bn by the International Monetary Fund, is forecast to grow 6.5 per cent this year, the same pace as last year, according to the national budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to lawmakers in October. The Nigerian Stock Exchange ’s market capitalisation is currently N50.1trn ($67.5bn).

The outlook for the rest of sub-Saharan Africa also looks promising for investors, with key indicators on reform, governance and literacy showing improvement and violence declining, Hyman said. The Bloomberg NSE Banking Index, which tracks the performance of Nigeria ’s 10 largest lenders, has advanced 24 per cent this year, while an index following the West African nation ’s 10 biggest consumer good companies has climbed 17 per cent. RenCap, which doesn ’t disclose detailed financial results, began operations in sub-Saharan Africa in 2006.

S&P 500 touches ve year high, currencies volatile

orld stock markets struggled for traction yesterday, while currency trading was volatile ahead of the G20 meeting in Moscow later in the week. European shares were higher, but a measure of world markets was little changed and the Dow Jones industrial average fell back from the 14,000 level despite the Standard and Poor 500 touching its highest since November 2007. United States equities have started the year on a strong note, helped by growth in corporate earnings and an early January rally after the full brunt of the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts was

averted. A lack of recent catalysts has kept gains more limited and the market has slowly ground higher on low volume. “There is a general upward bias, but right now we ’re at the top of the range we ’ve been in, so we could struggle to advance further, ” said Paul Nolte, managing director at Dearborn Partners in Chicago. The Dow was off 57.37 points, or 0.41 per cent, at 13,961.33 points, while the S&P ’s 500 Index was down 0.94 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 1,518.49 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 4.56 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 3,191.05 points. MSCI ’s world equity index edged down 0.01 per cent, while the FTSE Eu-

rofirst 300 index top European companies gained 0.3 per cent. The euro turned lower against the dollar and Japanese yen. The euro had earlier traded higher against the yen after Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said the yen had definitely been over-valued and that there are no signs, Japan ’s monetary authorities said. Currencies have been volatile after a G7 statement earlier this week on exchange rates, designed to calm talk of a currency war, instead triggered fresh concerns. The G7 on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to market-determined exchange rates and said fis-

cal and monetary policies must not be directed at devaluing currencies - comments which at first were seen as supporting the recent weakness in the yen. However, an official from the group, which links the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada, later said the statement was meant to signal concern about the yen ’s excessive moves. “Investors overall are wary to push the yen much lower ahead of the G20 meeting and there is a bias for some give-back after the massive decline of the yen over the past few months, ” said Omer Esiner, chief market analyst at Commonwealth Foreign Exchange.

Source: NSE

NIBOR QUOTES 12 FEBRUARY 2013 & 13 FEBRUARY 2013 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

1 2 -Fe b -1 3

1 3 -Fe b -1 3

Source: Afrinvest

Market indicators All-Share Index 10,671.0 points Market capitalisation 33.4 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ROYALEX

1.12

1.23

0.11

% CHANGE 9.82

DNMEYER

1.36

1.49

0.13

9.56

WEMABANK

1.77

1.88

0.11

6.21

UNITYBNK

1.1

1.16

0.06

5.45

CONOIL

23.1

1.10

5.00

LAWUNION

0.6

0.63

0.03

5.00

CCNN

12.6

0.60

5.00

RTBRISCOE

2.2

2.31

0.11

5.00

OKOMUOIL

55.91

58.7

2.79

4.99

MAYBAKER

2.44

2.56

0.12

4.92

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

AIICO

1.42

1.28

0.14

-9.86

PRESTIGE

1.24

1.12

0.12

-9.68

CUSTODYINS

2.35

2.15

0.20

-8.51

NIGERINS

0.6

0.57

0.03

-5.00

16.63

15.8

0.83

-4.99

MANSARD

2.87

2.73

0.14

-4.88

LEARNAFRCA

2.48

2.36

0.12

-4.84

STERLNBANK

2.94

2.8

0.14

-4.76

MBENEFIT

0.63

0.6

0.03

-4.76

JOHNHOLT

1.27

1.21

0.06

-4.72

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N ’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Days

39,057.21

12.75

12-Feb-13

182 Days

50,000.00

15.30

12-Feb-13

364 -Days

67,219.06

16.90

12-Feb-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N ’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

84-Days

101,097.58

13.50

14-Feb-13

14-Days

69,166.00

12.00

12-Feb-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$120m

N/A

$120m

13-Feb-13

$180m

N/A

$180m

11-Feb-13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Onyeka

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kardashian

Making your Valentine’s Day memorable Tuface

ove is in the air again! Majority of world will certainly exhale today to celebrate the greatest emotion in life: love. In Nigeria, things would definitely tow the same line. Already several shows have been lined up in major cities to offer spouses the platform to savour the season in an ambience of conviviality and of course romance. Shows ranging from comedy, musical concerts to stage drama and poetry recitals are going on in some major city centres across the nation, and discerning spouses can take advantage of the various platforms to either renew their love or rekindle their affection for each other. Couples in Nigeria can obviously take advantage of the wide array of shows coming up between today and Sunday to show what love means to them. For spouses in Lagos, “ Roses and Ribbons: Conversations in G-Strings”, which features the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, Ali Baba, Omawunmi, 2Face and Timi Dakolo would be ideal as it comes with special packages like food and drinks for couples who would watch the show in Lagos. Aside this, there is also “Escape with Your Partner” in Lagos, which comes with some exciting packages aside the ambience of love it is promising to avail to couples. Couples who love the artistry of Banky W will find fun in a show, called “R&BW:The Grand Love Project”. Banky W is throwing another Lagos party for the release of his album “R&BW”. EME artistes like Wizkid, Skales, DJ Xclusive, and Shaydee are on the bill, as well as first lady Niyola with special guests appearance by Don Jazzy and Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson.

Whether you are in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt, there is something in the cards to make this year’s Valentine’s Day memorable for you and your spouse. NGOZI EMEDOLIBE writes. In Lagos, there will also be “Love and Art: A Valentine Enchanted Evening” where Virgonova and PhatVibes Entertainment will bring couples a night of Love and Art! The evening is sectioned into two parts to cater to couples and singles. There is a 3-course dinner in a garden by the sea while being serenaded with music by talented artistes. There would also be comedy to ease the stress of the day, couple games and poetry that speaks to souls. For couples in Abuja, crazy about a good laugh, then the show being hosted by Julius Agwu, would be ideal. Tagged: “Festival of Love” it promises to be another fun session. It is an evening of romantic serenade for couples and lovers, couples’ games and great comedy for lovers. The organisers revealed that Karaoke has been added to this year’s edition which will feature performers like: Julius Agwu, Bovi, Dan ‘D’ Humorous, Akpororo and Chigul, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Chidinma , who will perform some unheard songs from her collection. There is also “Valentine with Maxwell”, being hosted by Classic FM in Lagos and will feature artistes like Yinka Davies and Bez at Ocean View in Lagos. Darey Art Alade’s theatrical presentation, “Love like a Movie” would also be exciting for lovers in the Lagos. The event will be co-hosted by Kim Kardashian! And artistes to perform include 2Face Idibia, P-Square, Naeto C, 9ice, Ice Prince, Jozi, Flavour, Moeazy, Zaina, Iyanya, Waje, Seyi Shay, Praiz and Timi Dakolo. In Owerri, Imo State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State couples would not be left alone too. Couples in the Owerri-

Port Harcourt axis can take advantage of Ibari Ogwa Village as it hosts “Entertainment Assembly 2013”, where guests would be clad in red attires. Performers like Uche Ogbuagu, Mr. Patrick, Uncle O, Ichie N’Laffingas, X-Buster, Silver Crew, Achara Man, Mr. UJ, Asopal, Cindy O, Eva, Ice Babe, Kokoma, Body Language, Uncle JBs, Young Evangelist and Osu Baba would be there. Of course, Valentine’s Day should not be only about shows and hanging out with spouses. A truly memorable Valentine’s Day will surely be the one that you spend with your loved one, expressing your feelings and celebrating your love for each other. Here are some steps to take aside the ones mentioned earlier Visit a few shops to find the perfect card for your loved one. The card should contain hearts and other symbols of Valentine’s Day such as flowers, birds, and cupid. Make the card even more lovey dovey by filling it up with romantic messages. Even though it is just a card, fill it up with genuine feelings. Buy a gift for your beloved in advance and then give it to them on Valentine’s Day. Try to make the moment even more special by planning it in advance and surprising your beloved. Reveal the gift to her during a romantic dinner or by hiding it in their cupboard, pockets or purse. You can take your beloved out for

Omawunmi

lunch or dinner to their favourite restaurant. Try to choose a restaurant that is not too crowded, so that you two have plenty of privacy and therefore can talk without worrying about someone listening to your conversation. If you have kids, share the spirit of Valentine’s Day with them by getting them a unique Valentine’s Day card or giving them a gift such as a teddy bear or a box of heart-shaped chocolates. Get a box of heart-shaped chocolates for your beloved. Chocolates have become associated with Valentine’s Day over the years and therefore your celebration of love will remain incomplete. Make a CD of your beloved’s favourite love songs and bundle it with the chocolates and Valentine’s Day card that you have bought for your loved one. If you are married, think of the music that made your wedding tick as it could bring back memories. If you did not take your beloved out to lunch, have a candlelight dinner with them at home. Have romantic songs playing in the background to set a romantic ambience. Try to spend as much alone time with your loved one on Valentine’s Day as possible. Turn your cell-phone to silent and switch off the TV set to give your complete attention to the person who means the world to you. They may know how much you love them, but still remind them of it through your words and actions. The end of Valentine’s Day does not mean you have to stop celebrating love. Try as much as possible to make it the beginning. Of course, this will make the bond closer for better families and better society as well.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Young & Next Generation

Valentine’s Day: Experts counsel teens STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

oday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. It is recognised all over the world as a season of love. Unfortunately, for some youth, it’s a season to give up their dignity, pride and future all in the name of love. This has unfortunately led them into contacting sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, abortions and health-related problems which could be avoided if only they can get their relationships, health and sex life right. It is on this note that Christianah Fate Foundation last Saturday held a maiden edition of Valentine Special tagged “Getting It Right”. The event which held at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki, Lagos brought together over 1000 teens from various schools and youths groups in Lagos. Some of them included Master Moulders International School, Langbese Primary School, Sangotedo Primary School, Attwool School, Ebenezer Heights International School, Liberty Bell College, Jem Royal College,Friendswood College, Eti-Osa Community Junior High School, Federal Science &Technology College, Yaba, House of Cedar Youth Ministry among others. Christianah Fate Foundation is a registered non-governmental organisation tasked with the vision of seeing children enjoy their childhood free of any form of abuse. It was founded in 2010, and has since inception, created awareness and educated thousands of children, parents and teachers on issues surrounding child sexual abuse. However, a team of well –experienced and reputable role models were on hands at the programme to educate and speak with the teens concerning health, relationships, sex and nature. Executive Director, Christianah Fate Foundation, Mrs. Christianah Akindolie in her address said the event was organised to reach out to the future generation,

YOU CANNOT FIND FULFILMENT SEXUALLY IN A RELATIONSHIP THAT IS NOT BLESSED BY GOD

adding that the intention was to restore morals and good sense of responsibilities into the lives of youth in the community. She said: “We understand the fact that youth now live in a world full of so many complications. So I can visualise what it feels like to cope with peer pressure, homosexuality, lesbianism, drug abuse, rape, child abuse, new technologies, sexually transmitted diseases, pollution, corruption, educational challenges and other numerous problems in this harsh society.” Consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist and mental health advocate, Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, educated the teens on the psychological and behavioural health regarding the adolescents. She told them that getting it right is very paramount especially in teenage years because as they are getting older their physiology is changing and psychological emotions are coming up. Speaking to both parents and teens, Dr. Kadiri disclosed that depression is now common even among teenagers, and has become one of the leading causes of death among young people, stressing, “Depression is global crisis and by 2020 it will be the world’s leading cause of death. It is about the leading cause of death in people about 10-24 years old. And typically what you see in adults are not what you see in children. That is one thing about depression. But you can easily get it from their own academic performance, when they are not eating well or sleeping well. So get to know your child because when you know your child you will be able to understand when there

Cross section of participants.

are problems. Some children will not tell you this is what is wrong with me but if you understand how this girl has been over time and you suddenly see some changes, find out may be she may be going through some relationship problems. You will be surprised and amazed that because of that communication you have had the problem will be solved at that point in time. “Depression is not something you will wish away. It is not by spiritual attack or anything. There are complex factors that can lead to mental illness, which is biological, psychological or genetic. Let us not say because this person has depression he is now a write-off from the society. No, there are treatments which are available.” Pastor Ayo Kunle of God’s Favourite House, while educating them about relationship, described it as a necessity but warned that they should not go into a relationship because of love. He said: “You cannot find fulfilment sexually in a relationship that is not blessed by God. The Bible says we should wait for the right time before we awaken love. There is no point diving into a relationship now that will not end anywhere.” He told them to desist from the habit of trying to be like other persons because God did not design to be so but rather to be themselves. The well-attended programme featured various interesting sessions such as drama, talk show, raffle draw, dance, aerobics and lots more.

Gospel artiste, Gbolahan Odukoya thrilled the participants with soul-lifting song “Lojojumo” which is a track in his album entitled “Seni ma dupe” (I will give thanks). Coordinator of Project Healthy Kids, Mrs. Edirin Metsagharun speaking to Young & Next Generation said the programme was apt because children needed to be put through on sex education. “If you don’t tell them the right thing they will go after the wrong thing. So it is better we educate them now on what sex really is. Sex and health go hand in hand so we have to educate them on the right perspective to go about sex. Because so many children fall pray to young guys at this time of Valentine. Somebody might just tell them I love you. With that expression love they are carried away and fall into the wrong hands. When they know that love is not all about sex they are able to follow the right part,”she emphasised. Similarly, Founder, House of Cedar, Mrs. Omolade Adeleye lauded the organises of the programme, maintaining, “It is a very fantastic thing, just for them (teens) to understand the real thing about Valentine, which is about love. It is teaching them about getting it right with relationship, getting it right about sex, getting it right about even the environment and nature, so that they don’t have to fall into trap. This age is the best time they need it, when they are still struggling with such issues but when they have already fallen into it there is no point telling them to get it right.”

Corps member builds ICT resource centre

Tom Samuel instructing students on the computer as NYSC inspector watches.

batch A corps member, Tom Samuel serving in Gadabuke Development Area of Nasarawa State has built an ICT resource centre for the quiet Kullo Village in Gadabuke Development Area, Nasarawa state as part of his determination to affect his place of primary assignment positively. The computer resource centre offers all computer services with modern facilities in place such as; digital computer laboratory, digital computer almanacs, design cottons, window nets, generator, flash drive, computer parts, etc. While speaking during the commissioning of the

resource centre, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Stephen Alabi represented by the NYSC Local Inspector, Gadabuke Development Area, Engineer Moses Adamolekun showered praises on Tom Samuel. He said; "When he first discussed the project with me, I thought it was something that will not be possible, but through the determination and zeal of Tom Samuel, the dream has come to fulfilment". He however challenged other corps members who are yet to take up any project to do so and affect their place of primary assignment positively. Speaking on the rationale behind the project, Tom Samuel said; "When I resumed at Government Secondary School, Kullo, Gadabuke Development Area, Nasarawa State, I discovered that there was no computer education in the school curriculum, this prompted me to ensure that the students from JSS 1 to SS 3 learn the rudiments of computer. So I took them through the practical aspect of computer through my personal laptop. So far, no fewer than 250 students have been trained in computer application such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power point), corel draw, Internet concept, etc" On what the school and the community will benefit

from the computer resource centre, the Principal, Government Secondary School, Kullo, Gadabuke Development Area, Mr. Abubakar Adamu said; "With the computer resource centre in place, the school need not to waste money for typing or printing examination questions or any official documents. Also, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, UTME registration have hitherto been costing the school much money, but now the cost will reduce. The computer resource centre will continue to train students from within and outside the community using the modern communication knowledge , so that people in this locality will move and compete favourably with their colleague in the global village." While commending the initiator of the project for a job well done, the administrator of Gadabuke Development Area council, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim said; "It take courage for a corps member to come up with a brilliant idea like this, not even minding that he is serving in a village. The computer resource centre will help build leadership ability in our students, it will enhance their intellect; students and youths of this community will therefore be able to solve problems using modern information technology, thereby minimizing cost, time and risk."

Media

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LEONARD OKACHIE

esterday, February 13 was World Radio Day. It is a day to celebrate radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed on December 18, 2012 endorsed the 2011 resolution adopted by the UNESCO General Conference, proclaiming 13 February as World Radio Day, the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946. The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon in his message for the 2013 World Radio Day noted that radio has since inception more than 100 years ago, sparked the imagination, opened doors for change, and served as a channel for life-saving information. He stressed that radio entertains, educates, and informs even as he added that it promotes democratic expression and influences ideas. He said: " UN Radio sheds light on all issues on the United Nations agenda – from sustainable development … to the protection of children … to peacekeeping and conflict prevention. “We are proud of our rich history of radio production in many languages, and the innovative ways we use radio to inform and serve the world. “On this World Radio Day, let us celebrate the power of radio and let us work together to tune the world to the frequency of peace, development and human rights for all.” Similarly, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova in her message on the occasion remarked that radio has embraced the digital revolution to expand its power and reach even as she pointed that more than ever, radio remains a force for social change, by sharing knowledge and providing a platform for inclusive debate. Bokova stated thus: “In a world changing quickly, UNESCO is committed to harnessing the full power of radio to build bridges of understanding between peoples, to share information as widely as possible and to deepen respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially freedom of expression. This is essential for good governance, open societies and sustainable development. “This is why UNESCO works to protect the safety of radio journalists across the world and to support free, independent and pluralistic media, along with the necessary legal frameworks and democratic institutions. “UNESCO is also determined to make full use of community radio to address poverty and social exclusion at the local level and to empower marginalized rural groups, young people and women. Radio is a key platform for education and for protecting local cultures and languages. It is also a powerful way to amplify the voices of young people around the world on issues that affect their lives. We must bolster their skills and give them opportunities to engage fully with radio.” Unfortunately, in Nigeria community radio is almost a mirage despite several campaigns for its actualisation for al-

Children listening to radio in the village

World Radio Day: Nigeria and challenge of community broadcasting UNESCO IS ALSO DETERMINED TO MAKE FULL USE OF COMMUNITY RADIO TO ADDRESS POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

NBC boss, Yomi Bolarinwa

most a decade. Advocates for community radio broadcasting under the auspices of the Nigerian Community Radio Coalition (NCRC) have expressed displeasure with the federal government for pay lip service to the project. They accused the government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over their failure to issue community radio licences. The group which met last month in Abuja a two-day Community Radio Briefing and Strategy Meeting organised by the Democratic Governance for Development Project, in collaboration with the Nigeria Community Radio Coalition, stated that the failure of the Federal Government and NBC to give effect to the announcement by President Jonathan would continue to dent the credibility and integrity of the Federal Govern-

Jonathan

ment. President Goodluck Jonathan had on the occasion of the 8th Biennial Conference of African Broadcasters (AFRICAST) in October 2010, said that government had considered and approved the guideline for the setting up of community radio. “We are aware of the need to expand the broadcast space and give more voice to the people. Consequently, the Federal Executive Council has considered and approved the guidelines proposed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for the licensing of Community Radio in Nigeria. Further, we have devolved to the Commission, the power to consider and issue the licences without further recourse to the Presidency, provided such applicants have met all condi-

tions stipulated by law,” he said. But Director General of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Mike Omeri, said the two-day meeting that about 800 Community Radio Stations would soon commence transmissions in different parts of the country to ensure that information on programmes and policies of the Federal Government get to the rural communities. Omeri stated during briefing and strategy meeting organised by the Democratic Governance for Development Project, in collaboration with the Nigeria Community Radio Coalition, that the community radio stations would start transmission before the second quarter of this year. Executive Director, Institute for Media and Society, Mr. Akin Akingbulu had at the event lamented that a lot of advocacy had been carried out to the presidency and the national assembly, stressing that the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua affected the issuance of the license as he had welcomed the idea. Participants were of the opinion since then that dozens of communities across the country have been denied effective access to media, as well as limited their right to freedom of expression and depriving them of development assistance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Journalists, students tasked on effective use of websites BIYI ADEGOROYE AKURE

ormer Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Mr. Loius Odion, has tasked journalists to utilize social media and other web-based information as sources of research to enhance the quality of their stories, thereby becoming more effective in informing and educating the society. Speaking at his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Press Club of the Police Secondary School, Akure, in Ondo State, Odion, a multiple award winning journalist and former Managing Director of the National Life Newspaper, said both students and journalists have “limitless possibilities in the social media to access information .” “Today, there are thousand and one websites where students and journalists alike can access information for various use. The generation where hard copies of newspapers was in vogue is currently being overtaken by electronic copies. We therefore, have no excuse if we fail to enhance the quality of our write-ups,” he said. He commended students and management of the school for developing interest in media activities, as enunciated in their press week, and challenged the students in the particular to utilize the avalanche of information on the web to develop themselves, warning that “if kids like us dusted up books in the conventional libraries to read and excel, today’s students have no

Odion

reason to fail in their studies.” Delivering a paper titled: “Journalism and the Challenge of the Social Media,” Mr. Yinka Oladoyinbo of the Tribune Newspapers, said the emergence of social network web sites like Facebook, Twitter, Badoo and My Space have posed a lot of challenge to the conventional media, as news are broken on these instead of readers having to wait till the next day. He said: “With such advantages in the area of quality, reach, frequency, usability, immediacy and performance, the social media have been undermining the traditional authoritative voices of the newspapers, television and radio station, thereby posing a challenge to the latter group.” Oladoyinbo also urged journalists to up their game by rising to the challenges posed by the social media to improve on the quality and dept of their stories, documentaries and special reports, in order to give the reading/listening public something to look out for. To the large audience peopled by youngsters, the speaker warned against the use of the social media to perpetrate cyber crimes, abuse of alcohol, use of tobacco, sex, and murder as the case of Cynthia… who was lured and killed in a hotel last year. He took the students through the stages in media production, the exciting world of the media, and called on them to consider making a career in journalism in order to make themselves part of the fourth estate of the realm. Earlier in his remark, the Chairman if the occasion, and former General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority and one time Managing Director of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, Chief. Ade Ayeni, said the social media has a great impact in the socio-political development of every nation. “Look at the Arab Spring. It started up with a simple and seemingly harmless message on the social media. Today, it has exposed the autocracy of the leaders in North Africa and indeed the Middle East. Up till now, Syria is grappling with it,” he said. Commandant of the school, CSP Francis Bissong, commended invitees of the school, lauded their contributions to the “amazing infrastructural development of the school,” and urged the media to tread cautiously but fearlessly in the discharge of their duties.

FOR NGE ELECTION

Editor, Sunday Mirror, Mr. Bolaji Tunji; Editor, Sunday Sun, Funke Egbemode; Editor, News Star, Mr. Afolabi Odeyemi; Assistant Editor, Sun newspapers, Mr. Femi Babafemi; Deputy Managing Director, Sun newspapers and presidential candidate for the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr. Femi Adesina; Managing Director and Editor-inChief National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Editor, Saturday Mirror, Gbemi Olujobi; Editor, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Seyi Fasugba and Editor, Online, Mr. Segun Fatuase, during Adesina’s campaign visit to National Mirror’s office in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Editor, Newswatch Magazine, Ademola Abimboye; Managing Director, Newswatch Communication Ltd, Dr. Bolu Folayan and Mr. Femi Adesina, during a presentation of souvenir to Adesina during his visit.

L-R: Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Mr. Bolaji Tunji; Mr. Femi Adesina; Gbemi Olujobi and Managing Director, Newswatch Daily, Mr. Moses Jolayemi.

CBS to launch 24-hour pan-African news channel OLUFEMI AJASA

ontinental Broadcasting Services is set to launch TVC News, the continent’s first 24-hour pan-African News channel. The TVC News channel which will begin transmission in February 2013 was an invention created to look at the world through African eyes. Chief Executive Officer, CBS, Nigel Parsons, who was formerly Al Jazeera English boss, stated that for so long, issues concern-

ing Africa and Africans have been overwhelmingly reported by the foreign media, which often, misrepresent the continent. The 24-hour pan-African News channel will offer a fresh perspective on African and world events and will deliver to viewers the latest news 24 hours a day, telling the news as it is, with reporting that is as fearless as it is informative, and all with an African twist. “I believe that TVC News cutting-edge reporting and programming will fill an important

void by serving as a voice for Africa and Africans on the street to be heard on the global scene, challenging stereotypes, correcting factual inaccuracies and re-shaping global perceptions about Africa,” said Nigel. Nigel stated further that TVC News will provide accurate and reliable access to information about Africa and the opportunities that abound in Africa through its state-of-the-art equipment and a network of bureaux across Africa, Europe and the United States. Commenting on the readi-

ness to begin live transmission in February, the Public Relations Manager, CBS, Celestine Umeibe, added that over 350 staff have been under intensive training since September 2012, including hostile environment training. Umeibe noted that TVC News has also engaged the services of top broadcasters in the local market and a number of expatriates, Nigerians and Africans from the Diaspora. TVC News channel will feature a range of informative programming - on the arts &

Nigel culture, the environment & weather reports, current affairs, business, sports, gender & health issues, and much more. It will be available on platforms across Africa, BSkyB in the UK and IPTV in the USA.

Cocktail

Thursday, February 14, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (96) The words we use shape our reality. –Chris Westra * ** Words Are Powerful! Words have creative power. I love this quote. The words we use shape our reality. We can speak something from nothing. We can use our utterances to direct our destiny. I learnt that a closed mouth is a closed destiny. If we want to live a colourful life, there are some words that must never be found in our vocabulary. It is relatively easy to differentiate between a winner and a loser; just observe their utterances over a period of time. It is good to deliberately choose the words we use in our daily interactions. Let’s say bye to weak and useless words and speak strong and creative words in our daily conversations. Death and life is in the power of the tongue. We can make our choice! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

W ll thief Wallet hi f forgets f own wallet at the scene

olice in Florida said they arrested a man accused of stealing wallets from women’s purses, leaving his own wallet and ID behind at the scene. The Lauderdale-bythe-Sea police report said Stephen Maxwell, 47, stole wallets from women’s purses at bars and restaurants on several occasions starting Nov. 29 and his spree contin-

ued until Saturday, when a woman interrupted him while he was digging through her purse and he fled, leaving his own wallet behind, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Tuesday. “The ID card had the name and photograph of Stephen Maxwell on it,” Judge John “Jay” Hurley said Monday, reading aloud from the arrest report.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

World’s ugliest woman buried 150 years after her death

he “ugliest woman in the world” was buried in her native northern Mexico on Tuesday, more than 150 years after her death and a tragic life spent exhibited as a freak of nature at circuses around the world. Born in Mexico in 1834, Julia Pastrana suffered from hypertrichosis and gingival hyperplasia, diseases that gave her copious facial hair and a thick-set jaw. These features led to her being called a “bear woman” or “ape woman”. During the mid-1850s, Pastrana met Theodore Lent, a U.S. impresario who toured the singing and dancing Pastrana at freak shows across the United States and Europe before marrying her. In 1860, Pastrana died in Moscow after giving birth to Lent’s son, who inherited his mother’s condition. The son died a few days later, and Lent then toured with the mother

and son’s embalmed remains. After changing hands over the ensuing decades, both bodies ended up at the University of Oslo in Norway. “Imagine the aggression and cruelty of humankind she had to face, and how she overcame it. It’s a very

Pastrana

dignified story,” said Mario Lopez, the governor of Sinaloa state who lobbied to have her remains repatriated to her home state for burial. “When I heard about this Sinaloan woman, I said, there’s no way she can be left

locked away in a warehouse somewhere,” he said. Crowds flocked to the small town of Sinaloa de Leyva on Tuesday to pay their respects to Pastrana, who was buried in a white coffin garlanded with white roses.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Pope thanks public for love, demands prayers

“A state in Israel cannot exist when half of the nation thinks the other half is non-Jewish”

–ISRAELI MODERN ORTHODOX RABBI, DAVID STAV

French, Malian troops recover explosives in Gao PAUL ARHEWE, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

rench soldiers yesterday recovered an enormous stash of explosives that authorities believe radical Islamic fighters were using to make bombs for attacks on northern Mali’s largest city, a Malian military spokesman said. Daouda Diarra said that the French military removed some 800 kilograms (1,700 pounds) of explosive materials from a house in Gao’s Chateau neighborhood. The explosives had been discovered several days earlier, and the team had returned to the site Wednesday, Diarra said. French military officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Radical Islamic fighters withdrew from Gao on Jan. 26 after imposing their harsh interpretation of Shariah law in the most populous city in northern Mali for nearly 10 months. Since their retreat, the Islamic extremists have launched two suicide bombings in the last week and invaded the city for a five-hour-long gun battle Sunday in the center of the city. Sunday’s brazen assault marked the first time the jihadists had penetrated the city of mud-walled buildings since they fled.

Last week soldiers combing abandoned jihadist hideouts also found a stash of NITRAM 5 explosives hidden inside rice bags that were left in a communal trash area. The explosives are manufactured for use in mining, but can cause considerable damage when used as bombs. Two suicide bombers have detonated their explosives in attacks on military checkpoints since Friday. Neither of the attacks killed other people, but the pattern of attempts has raised alarm that the jihadists could be preparing to stage more devastating assaults

on civilian centers. One of the suicide bombers had stayed in a Gao house where Islamic extremists lived when they controlled the city. The guard there said it had been visited by the one-eyed Algerian terror leader Moktar Belmoktar, who was the architect of last month’s attack on a BP plant in Algeria in which at least 37 people were killed. Soldiers from Niger and Mali have been patrolling downtown Gao on foot in an effort to secure the city. Mali was plunged into tur-

Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, attended the closing ceremony of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) yesterday in Lagos. CYFI is a youthbased fellowship program launched by the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, which is now entering its second year. The CYFI Closing Ceremony was held at the U.S. Consul General’s residence on Ikoyi Crescent, Lagos. Ambassador Carrington, along with U.S. Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins, celebrated the conclusion of the CYFI program’s inaugural year. CYFI is a year-long program in which outstanding young Nigerians are selected as fellows and grouped into teams to design and implement a project with a social impact. The U.S. Consulate General, Lagos provides selected fellows with financial support for their projects, networking opportunities, and a transportation stipend.

Guinea honours army officers who died in plane crash

Travellers driving from Niamey, Niger, line up to be searched at the entrance of Gao, northern Mali, on Tuesday.

Somali journalist freed, but may face charges Somali journalist was freed after being detained without charges for more than a week for speaking out against the imprisonment of a fellow reporter. Daud Abdi Daud was released but he said yesterday that the Somali government wants

moil after a coup in March 2012 created a security vacuum that allowed secular rebel Tuaregs, who have long felt marginalized by Mali’s government, to take half the north as a new homeland. In the following months, the rebels were kicked out by the Islamists who imposed strict Shariah law in the north, including amputations for theft. France launched a military operation Jan. 11 against the Islamic extremists after they started to move south into governmentcontrolled areas and captured key towns.

WORLD BULLETIN Former US Ambassador Carrington attends youth programme in Lagos

to charge him in court with “offending the president’s wife.” Government officials declined to comment on Daud’s claim that he will be charged. Daud, a Radio Kulmiye reporter, said he was released Tuesday after more than a week in custody, though authorities

Detained Somali journalist Daud (left) in handcuff.

PHOTO: AP

treated him well. He said his arrest stemmed from an incident last week when a Mogadishu court handed down one-year prison sentences to a woman who said she was raped by security forces and a reporter who interviewed her. Daud said he spoke at the court saying that a journalist can interview any woman at her home, even if she is the president’s wife, and that prompted his arrest. Journalists’ rights groups expressed outrage over Daud’s arrest. Human Rights Watch asked Somali authorities to immediately charge or release Daud. “They should not be shutting down free expression by jailing journalists and throwing away the key,” said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Somali authorities declined to comment on Daud’s arrest.

PHOTO: AP

Reporters Without Borders said the arrest is an obvious act of intimidation, one that casts doubt on the sincerity of the Somali authorities. “The police and courts must not become an additional threat to Somali journalists, who are already exposed to enormous dangers,” the group said. Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon on Tuesday said that due process must be observed in the administration of justice. Shirdon said that the Independent Task Force on Human Rights, which was launched earlier this month, will be looking at human rights abuses committed over the past 12 months. “I reiterate my government’s commitment to a free press and freedom of speech. Journalists should feel that they are not alone. It is essential that they are able to work freely and effectively without facing additional difficulties,” Shirdon said.

The 11 Guinean officers who died in a plane crash in Liberia are being honored at a state funeral presided over by the West African country’s president. Gen. Souleymane Kelefa Diallo, chief of staff of the Guinean army, and 10 other senior military officers were flying to Liberia to attend Armed Forces Day celebrations when their plane crashed early Monday about 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Monrovia, the Liberian capital. Guinea is observing three days of mourning for the officers who were honored at the ceremony yesterday. Guinean President Alpha Conde posthumously promoted Diallo to the rank of Dignity of Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit of the Republic of Guinea. The ten other officers were named as Commanders of the National Order of Merit.

Zimbabwe’s election commission head resigns

Zimbabwe’s justice ministry says the head of the nation’s election commission has resigned for health reasons weeks away from a referendum on a new constitution followed by elections later in the year. The ministry said Wednesday that Judge Simpson Mutambanengwe will leave his post on Feb. 20. It says a successor will be appointed from nominees listed by an all-party panel of lawmakers. The elderly jurist, who began his legal career in Britain in 1963, became head of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in 2010 after it was reformed to include members not chosen solely by President Robert Mugabe’s former ruling party.

World News

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pope thanks public for love, demands prayers P ope Benedict XVI has thanked the public for their “love and prayers”, as he made his first public appearance since announcing his resignation. The Pope was cheered by crowds as he entered and began speaking at a weekly audience in a hall at the Vatican. He said he resigned “for the good of the Church”, aware of his own declining spiritual and physical strength. He tried to assure his worldwide flock yesterday over his stunning decision to become the first pontiff in centuries to resign, saying he was confident that it would not hurt the Church. The Vatican, meanwhile, announced that a conclave to elect his successor would start sometime between March 15 and March 20, in keeping with Church rules about the timing of such gatherings after the papal see becomes vacant. “Continue to pray for me, for the Church and for the future pope,” he said in unscripted remarks at the start of his weekly general audience, his first public appearance since his shock decision on Monday that he will step down on February 28. It was the first time Benedict, 85, who will re-

Pope Benedict XVI arriving for his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

tire to a convent inside the Vatican, exchanging the splendour of his 16th century Apostolic Palace for a sober modern residence, had uttered the words “future pope” in public. Church officials are still so stunned by the move that the Vatican experts have yet to decide what his title will be and whether he will continue to wear the white of a pope, the red of a cardinal or the black of an ordinary priest. His voice sounded strong at the audience but he was clearly moved and his eyes appeared to be watering as he reacted to the thunderous applause in the Vatican’s vast, modern audience hall, packed with more than 8,000 people.

In brief remarks in Italian that mirrored those he read in Latin to stunned cardinals on Monday he appeared to try to calm Catholics’ fears of the unknown. He message was that God would continue to guide the Church. “I took this decision in full freedom for the good of the Church after praying for a long time and examining my conscience before God,” he said. He said he was “well aware of the gravity of such an act,” but also aware that he no longer had the strength required to run the 1.2 billion member Roman Catholic Church, which has been beset by a string of scandals both in Rome and round the world.

Ex-US fugitive police: Charred body found in cabin

charred body was found in the burned cabin police say an ex-Los Angeles police officer was in after a gunfire exchange with police, officials said. If the remains are identified to be Christopher Dorner, 33, then a weeklong manhunt for the man accused seeking deadly revenge following his 2008 firing from the force would be over, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. Dorner allegedly killed four people -- a couple in Irvine last weekend, a Riverside County police officer last week and a San Bernardino County sheriff ’s deputy during Tuesday’s shootout in the snowy San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake. The last burst of gunfire Tuesday came after Dorner, trying to get away from law enforcement officials, shot to

death the sheriff ’s deputy and seriously injured another deputy. He then barricaded himself in a cabin outside Big Bear, not far from ski areas in the mountains east of Los Angeles, a police source told the Times. Law enforcement officials broke the cabin’s windows, lobbed in tear gas and called for the suspect to surrender, the Times said. After receiving no response, officials used a special vehicle to tear down the cabin’s walls individually. When they reached the last wall, they heard what they believed was a gunshot. Then the cabin burst into flames. A police source told CNN the cabin caught fire after police detonated smoke devices inside it. Authorities said no one escaped the blaze. They also said they believe

Dorner was alone. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said he wouldn’t consider the search for Dorner over until the body is identified as the former police officer. “This could have ended much better; it could have ended worse,” Beck said. “I feel for the family of the deputy who lost his life.” News organizations originally reported Dorner’s body was found in the burned-out building, but police said they did not have the body. Then the announcement came that a charred human body had been found. In the events leading up to the standoff at the cabin, police said two maids who arrived to clean a vacant cabin near where Dorner’s burned-out car was found last week entered the cabin and surprised a man they said looked like the fugitive, the Times reported.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “The punishment for kidnapping in the Bible is death sentence.”

Fashion designer arraigned for stealing

PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE

Osun trains painters

Heaps of refuse near Utaku Motor Park in Abuja.

Gunmen kidnap medical doctor

PRECIOUS -WERNER AHIAKWO

nknown gunmen have kidnapped a medical consultant, Dr. Alexander B. Akani of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH at Rumuekini village on the outskirts of the city. A senior official of the hospital, Dr. Orian Samuel confirmed that the consultant was on the way home after official duties before being abducted by unknown gun men. The Rivers State Police Public

Relations Officer, DSP, Ben Ugwugbulam, comfirmed the incident and added that the police are intensifying action on the matter. “We have the report and are doing thorough investigations of the matter,” he said. Meanwhile, more than 3,000 students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, will spend additional year following a new policy by the university management. A statement by Registrar of the University, said candidates who were admitted for the 2011/2012 aca-

demic session but did not complete their registration before the closing date, are to apply for admission deferment to the 2012/2013 session. The university Public Relation officer, Desmond Nwosu, said the policy is in line with the school regulations. “By our regulations, it is expected that at beginning of every session, all students are supposed to complete their registration on time. We discovered that most do not register or even attend classes. Our system is computerised, and all registrations are done on-line. At end

Residents decry noise from churches FRANCIS SUBERU

esidents of Mojisola Street, in Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, have cried out over the continued noise pollution from churches in the area with particular reference to the Evangelical Apostolic Church on the same street. The residents had through the Mojisola Street Residents’ Association said, they have in the last five years written many petitions over the intolerable noise coming from the churches in the area and even reached agreement with them to erect noise barriers around the buildings. The petitions, some of which were made available to Communi-

ty Mirror were written to different government and law enforcement agencies including; the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Physical Planning and Development, Office of the Public Defender and Commissioner of Police. It was gathered that on May 15, 2009, the Ministry of Environment directed among others, that churches in the area are to desist from using loud speakers, musical instruments, microphones and drums at services except on Sundays. They also must remove all externally mounted horn speakers. The resolution added that any church holding night vigil must provide acoustics, even as loud speakers and other musical instru-

ments should be prohibited. While acknowledging that other churches have complied with the directives, the residents lamented, that the Evangelical Apostolic Church under Pastor Ebenezer Olatunji Talabi, has continued to flout the directives. Investigations however revealed that the new church building under construction is being installed with sound barriers. In a telephone interview with Pastor Talabi, he dispelled allegations that the church constitutes nuisance in the area, even as he maintained that the congregation has been observing all the directives from the Environment Ministry. According to him: “I am pleading with any aggrieved person to be patient with us, as the new

PHOTO: NAN

of the session, if you do not register, it would be difficult to have access because the number of question papers is dependent on population of students’ registered in a department”, he explained. However, some students expressed worries that the policy is already affecting those who do not have enough money to complete their admission formalities before closing date. The affected students called on the government to wade into the matter, while urging the school authorities to reverse the policy.

building now under construction would be installed with sound barriers. I believe the petitioners want to frustrate us out of the area. The church activities are not affecting anyone. On Sundays, they are held from 6.30 in the morning to 10.30 in the evening. The Monday vigil is for prayer warriors and we do not use microphones. It is only on second Saturday of the month that we conduct general vigil. “They want the church closed but I would not allow it because such development is capable of creating chaos between Christians and Muslims. I know one Alhaji Ayoade wrote a petition against us and the church was temporarily closed. But it was later reopened after two hours.

s part of government’s capacity building programme, the Osun Schools Infrastructure Development (O’School) has embarked on massive training of artisans in the state, even as the first batch of 300 painters, received certificates of competence. According to the Chairman of O’School, Otunba Lai Oyeduntan, the training became necessary in order to bridge the gaps between artisans in the state and their counterparts in other parts of the world. Oyeduntan said, government considered it important to empower artisans to reverse the trend of looking outside the state for persons to execute jobs which otherwise could have added to economic development of the state. In his remark, Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, promised an improved and strong economic base through harnessing local contents in developmental projects. He said, government decided to award the painting of the new schools under construction to local artisans, even as the administration is desirous of improving their skills and capacity. He said there is more to skill enhancement acquired through the training as it would stay with them for life, saying it is a gift from their state that will continue to serve them beyond the programme. Aregbesola noted that their relevance and patronage would go beyond the state if people know they are professionals, while promising that the training would extend to other professions. “This training is not a one-off exercise; it is one in a series that will embrace other artisans in the state. Capacity building and improvement is also a part of our government’s policies to help improve the life of people by giving them the opportunity to earn decent living. As a result, a similar training workshop for metal fabricators would follow. Our objective with capacity enhancement is to make our artisans more effective and efficient in their trade. It would also expose them to modern technology and improve their professionalism, with a view to adding value to their services.” One of the participants, Mr. Kayode Bello, said the training has given them further leverage among their colleagues anywhere in the world.

Community Mirror

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion designer arraigned for stealing

he Police in Mararaba, Nasarawa State have arraigned a fashion designer, Mary Abang, before an Upper Area Court for allegedly stealing property of her boyfriend. The police Prosecutor, Cpl. Steven Kwaza, told the court that the incident was reported by one Agu Stanley of Dantata Quarters, Mararaba at the Sani

Abacha Road Police Station. Kwaza said, Abang had visited her boyfriend Agu on November 14, 2012 and shortly after, he went to take a shower Abang broke into the cupboard and stole a bag containing recharge cards valued at N200, 000. He said that Abang stole N500, 000 cash, as well as a credit and sales book before leaving the house.

“She was nowhere to be found, until she was sighted and arrested on February 10, 2013, when she confessed to the crime, stating that the money was used to save her brother’s life,’’ Kwaza said. He also said that Abang’s arrest was made possible by one of her male friends who kept calling her. The prosecutor who noted

that the offence contravened Section 288 of the penal code, said the bag containing the stolen items was still in the accused hometown at Calabar. Abang pleaded guilty to the charges against her. The judge, Vincent Gwahemba, ordered that she should be remanded in prison custody till next adjournment date on February 25, 2013.

Residential building destroyed by fire in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Government stops inauguration of town union NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he Special Adviser to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Godfrey Muotolu said the government has stopped the inauguration of Umolum Progressive Association (UPA) in Ayamelum Local Government of the state Speaking, Muotolu noted that his office intervened in order to avoid crisis as the government viewed such an association as a parallel body to the existing Umerum Town Union (UTU), adding that it would not augur well to watch two unions exist in one community. Government had through a letter from office of the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, directed the caretaker chairman of Umerum Town Union Mr. Michael Obiora, to stop the inauguration of the Umolum Progressive Association. In the letter of February 7, 2013, and entitled: “Re: A threat to the security in Umerum Community”, copied to the transitional chairman of Ayamelum LGA, Hon. Barrister Anthony Ifeanya Ogugua; DPO, Anaku and Director of SSS in Anaku, Okonkwo

stated that the state government is not and cannot be a party to the purported inaugural ceremony of the UPA. Consequently, some people, led by Michael Obiora went to Umoli square, and stopped the event in the presence of security operatives. Reacting to the development,

Chairman of the inauguration committee of Umolum Progressive Association, Chief Anthony Ifejika and Secretary-General, Mr. Emmanuel Onyejekwe, decried the action, even as they wondered why government should be party to disrupting the exercise, after it obtained due approval and police protection.

They warned all opposing groups to steer clear of its activities in the interest of peace, since the UPA was duly registered by the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development of which a Certificate of Registration No. 601 dated October 31, 2012 was issued to it.

Katsina to rehabilitate earth dams JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

he Katsina State Government has rehabilitated 27 existing small earth dams to boost irrigation farming in the state. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Musa Adamu Funtua who stated this at the 7th Joint World Bank/FGN Supervision Mission, said government had also rehabilitated three federal government earth dams and drilled more than 1,000 water boreholes. He said 1,000 wa-

ter pumps were distributed at subsidised price to farmers in the 34 local government council areas. According to him,

wPHOTO: CHRIS NEWMAN

government has recently paid N500 million for procurement of farming inputs to be distributed at subsidised price to farmers.

He said the Fadama Programme has boosted farming activities especially, in the rural areas and also boosted farmers’ income.

Kogi to set up cassava processing plant OYEWALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

n order to ensure food security, the Kogi State Government has concluded plans to set up cassava processing centres’ in the 16 local government areas. The move would help create jobs, promote entrepreneurial skills and accelerate industrialisation of the state. The Governor, Captain Idris Wada, disclosed this while receiving a World Bank delegation in the state to assess the agriculture intervention efforts of the government. Wada disclosed that 2,500 youths have already been recruited in five local government areas for cassava processing. The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, stated that the state is already implementing the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government, with the aim of engaging the youths for commercial enterprise, wealth creation and meeting the needs of the rural populace. Wada described investment in agriculture as deliberate, given that it is the fulcrum of industrialisation, adding that if successful, would provide raw materials, employment and food security. With 500 hectares of land already cleared by the government and another 250 by each of the local governments, the state will have 5,750 hectares of rice and cassava farms to meet its cassava value chain programme and dry season rice farming. The governor described the absence of land clearing equipment, such as tractors as major challenges, even as he solicited for World Bank support for earth moving equipment and irrigation to support 10,000 hectares of dry season farming, and rehabilitation of access road in cluster farms. In his remarks, leader of the World Bank delegation, John Lekworth, said they are in the state to develop a policy framework that would enable it be part of the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government, as he commended the attention the state government attaches to agriculture. Speaking, Secretary to the Government, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, described the state as the largest producer of cassava in the country, stating that the administration is doing everything possible to provide seeds, micro-credit, and harvesters to farmers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Kogi Assembly Speaker declares two ANPP seats vacant OYEWALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

he last may have not been heard about the crisis that rocked the Kogi State House Assembly late last year when a group of 12 lawmakers purportedly removed the former Speaker of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Bello. Another crisis is brewing again as the same group is allegedly working against the interest of the two All Ni-

•Action undemocratic, say lawmakers

geria Peoples Party (ANPP) members by declaring their seats vacant through a letter written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh election into their constituencies. National Mirror gathered that at resumption of plenary session yesterday, one of affected members, Hon. Funsho Daniels, raised an observation about the letter

purportedly emanated from the Office of the Speaker to INEC which declared the two seats vacant. This observation, it was learnt, infuriated the Speaker, Hon. Momoh Jimoh Lawal, who ruled that nobody should speak on the issue again. But some members of the House, particularly the group of 12 lawmakers described the Speaker’s action as un-

democratic. The House, however, suspended discussion on the issue when it appeared that it wanted to cause confusion among members. It will be recalled that the two ANPP members, who had earlier defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the People Democratic Party (PDP) respectively, have been facing the threat of declaring their seats vacant.

The threat was believed to have been orchestrated by the PDP. Just last week, the two lawmakers - Henry Ojuola and Funsho Daniels - returned to the ANPP and the House resolved to write the INEC not to declare their seats vacant. Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has called for the change of the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry to Ministry of Trade and Investment. The call was contained in

a resolution of the House following the adoption of a motion by Majority Leader, Hon. Yakubu Yunusa. Yunusa told the House that the old name was no longer tenable and could hardly be recognised by the Federal Government as a ministry. He urged his colleagues to support the motion, saying: “The old name limits the operations of the component parts of the organisation and may not key into what is obtained at the federal level.

Plateau’s claim on 6,000 ghost workers not true –NLC JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

Cross section of Senior Sokoto State Government officials at a three-day retreat in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, yesterday. PHOT: NAN

Transport firm workers embark on strike over pay IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

orkers with Nasarawa Express Service have embarked on a strike over the non-payment of their seven months salaries. The Nasarawa Express Service is owned by the Nasarawa State Government. When National Mirror visited the headquarters of the company in Lafia, the state capital, all the 35 vehicles on the company’s fleet were seen parked even as their tires were deflated by the angry workers while a handful of policemen were on duty

to checkmate any breach of peace. Speaking on the issue, chairman of the company’s union, Mr. Markus Timothy, said the workers had petitioned the state House of Assembly over their plight. Timothy said: “The company’s Managing Director, Philip Iyakwari, is operating the outfit as a one man business thereby demoralizing the entire staff of the transport corporation. “Our condition of service has been turned into household affairs as he threatens workers with either suspension or termination even where there is no provoca-

tion. “As obedient and loyal workers, we continue to follow the civil service rules until when our rights were to be turned into privileges that we finally took the path of protest by embarking on strike until our entitlements and demands are met by the Management of Nasarawa Express Service.” He said the managing director went on air advertising for drivers who could replace those who joined the strike. The union leader added that the company had failed to pay the workers’ leave bonus as other conditions of service had been withdrawn

by the management. But the managing director said Nasarawa Express Service is a limited liability company and not a board or commission as it was incorporated in 1997. He said that as a limited liability company, it should be self- sufficient and was principally set up to ease mobility problem of people. He said: “I took over as MD of the company on March 21, 2012 when the company had three month salary arrears unpaid. The second week from the assumption of duty, the workers went on strike, demanding for the payment of the three months arrears.”

Nasarawa crisis not religious, says Al-makura IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

overnor Umar Tanko Al-makura has again dismissed a report that the crisis that recently rocked some parts of Nasarawa State was religious. The governor, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and

Press Affairs, Sani Musa Mairiga, said the clarification become necessary because some people, including media outfits, dragged religion into the crisis. He said: “I want to disabuse the mind of those who are saying the crisis is religious. We have Muslims and Christians in virtually all the ethnic groups in the state. So, it will be

foolhardy to say the crisis is religious. “Some disgruntled elements who are all out to tarnished the image of the governor and disparage his achievements want to use religious sentiment to achieved their selfish interest as many Muslims and Christians have fallen victims of the crisis.” Al-makura, therefore,

asked the people to disregard those planning to use religion as a yardstick to unleash terror and grief on innocent citizens. He said: “We must be our brother’s keepers and avoid acts capable of causing disaffection among ourselves. Nasarawa is our state we must do all within our strength to enjoy peace and harmony in the state.”

he Plateau State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday dismissed the claim by the state government that it discovered 6,000 ghost workers on its payroll as untrue. The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Yiljap Abraham, had said that the 6,000 ghost workers were uncovered after a biometric verification was carried out by the government. But NLC Chairman, Mr. Jubrin Bancir, who spoke yesterday in Jos, the state

capital, described the government’s claim as bogus. He said the commissioner was economical with the truth. Bancir said: “We don’t know where the commissioner got his figure of 6000 ghost workers in the state. When the information got to us, NLC immediately got in touch with relevant agencies to verify the authenticity of the information, but we have since discovered that there was nothing like that.” The NLC boss challenged the state government to publish the names of the ghost workers if the unsuspecting members of the public were to believe the report

340 students get special scholarship in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

s way of meeting requirement for more teachers in the rural areas, 340 female students have been given special scholarships to study at the Isa Kaita College of Education. The female students, who come from less privileged homes, are to go back to their rural communities and teach in primary schools after completing their studies. The scholarship was given to them through a counterpart funding between UNICEF and the state government under the Girls Education Programme (GEP). Speaking on the issue yesterday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl Child Education, Mrs. Bilkisu Kaikai, said 10 girls each were selected as beneficiaries across the state’s 34 local government areas. Mrs. Kaikai said the girls

would be studying at the Isa Kaita College of Education, saying: “The intention of the programme is for them to go back and teach in rural areas as way of meeting the need for more teachers.” She said the sum of N65 million would be spent on the beneficiaries with each of them getting N50, 000, while their department would monitor their progress in school. Mrs. Kaikai said over N19 million was spent on the scheme in 2009/2010 session, adding that the state government received a oneyear extension of the programme because of its past achievements. She explained that the special scholarship scheme was made possible through UNICEF’s 20 per cent and state government’s 80 per cent contributions to the counterpart fund. The special adviser said that the beneficiaries would be given automatic employment by the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB).

Insight

Thursday, February 14, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

There has been a programme for nomadic education aimed at making the cattle rearers more useful in the society, but JAMES DANJUMA reports that it will be a battle to convince street urchins popularly called Almajiris, to learn to read and write and abandon their old ways of life.

maliki

Some of the Almajiris under the pilot programme in the state seen wearing thier uniforms.

t was a cold and somehow windy morning. But certainly not too cold for a group of street urchins, popularly called Almajiris, some in their early teens as they gather under a tree at the Kofar Guga area of Katsina, Katsina State. They were on recess from a nearby Tsanganya school under the tutelage of Mallam Lamis Farin-Yaro doing nothing in particular but with eyes fixed on every passer-by. Their day actually begin around 5am when they report for Quranic recitation under the watchful eyes of Mallam Lamis. Two hours later they are in the streets to eke out a living. Unkempt, mostly barefooted and in their worn out clothes they are armed with overused food bowls tucked under their arms and fully prepared for the day as they wander around in search of food or unskilled jobs. Sometimes one or two kind hearted individuals will stop by to drop some money or crumbs of food, mainly stale bread in their plates. Welcome to the world of Almajiris. As they move from house to house, they not only beg for food but also request for some menial jobs to earn some money. They are willing tools for crime, unwarranted religious crises and other vices. For Maliki and Umaru, barely in their teens, life as an Almajiri is quite tough as they have to combine the search for food with their Quranic education. Maliki cannot remember the last time he ate at home since his father handed him over to Malam Lamis. He looks forward to becom-

ing a teacher too. His friend, Umaru, is one of the brightest students in the Tsanganya school. For the duo, combining the street runs and daily chores given by kind-hearted people in exchange for food or money have become a daily routine. Soon they will return to the school for the afternoon session of Quaranic learning for another two to three hours, get back to the street and repeat the routine for the evening session and quest for dinner. They have also learnt to take the severe flogging that also accompanies their study. Things are however looking up for Maliki and Umaru. Recently, they were given new responsibilities by Mallam Lamis as senior teenagers who can now look after the other Almajiris and have better access to food and other incentives from the Mallam. But that’s not the only good news. Tsanganya school has been chosen by the Katsina State Government for its pilot project of restructuring existing Almajiri schools. It is now one of the beneficiaries of the Makarantun Allo Model School Programme. The programme consists generally of assisting Almajiri schools with money, food, clothes and uniforms, as well as training in various vocational skills, with total of 70 Alamjiri schools selected for the pilot programme which is expected to last for six months with possible extensions. The project which entered its fifth month in January this year, entails feeding all the Almajiris in the selected schools

HISTORIANS SAY THE SYSTEM WAS DEVELOPED IN THE 11TH CENTURY AS A RESULT OF INVOLVEMENT OF PAST RULERS OF THE

BORNO KINGDOM IN THE PROMOTION OF

QUR’ANIC LITERACY three square meals per day, with hired instructors for training on skills acquisition, while are given money Mallams in charge of these schools as allowances and other overhead. Speaking on the programme, the Special Adviser to the state governor on Almajiri Affairs, Mallam Lawal Gambarawa, said the project is aimed at alleviating the living condition of the Almajiri child and that efforts are underway for expansion of the programme to other Tsangaya schools. He however said there were criteria to follow by the time other schools would be included and that the state government would make assessment of how the pilot programme had fared as way to improving the additional schools that would be absorbed into the programme. Today, Maliki and Umaru no longer have to move around begging for food, or wear

Umaru

tattered clothes or lack acquired skills that could help sustain them, thanks to the initiative. According to Maliki, himself and other Almajiri in the school have “seen drastic changes since they (government) began bringing food for us,” and that “most of the Almajiris who often come late to school due to the need for them to go out begging, are now coming early.” Umaru, who commended the state government for coming up with the programme, said their lives had become the better for it and that he was now able to acquire a skill in tailoring which he hoped to continue in years to come. A Tsanganya tutor whose school is among the pilot programme, Mallam Mustapha Dankama, said he had been regularly receiving the allowances and other monies from government for the smooth running of his school. Dankama said there was a great difference before the programme was introduced and now, adding: “We never thought a state government would give attention to the Alimijiri in particular and Tsangaya schools in general. “Any reasonable Mallam receiving this assistance should be able to manage it and ensure its judicious use. He can even use what he receives on monthly basis and manage it for up to two months if he is meticu-

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Insight

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Governor Ibrahim Shema presenting food and cloth items to 10 Makarantun Allo (Schools) in Daura.

lous in his spending.” He described the feeding of the Almajiris as noble, saying “Now, the (Almajiri) child would not need to worry about seeking for food as there are three square meals for him, and there is enough time for reading the Qur’an. The Almajiri system of education is one way of inculcating knowledge that has been around for several hundreds of years, with its origins linked to the beginning of the spread of Islam in the country. Historians say the system was developed in the 11th century as a result of involvement of past rulers of the Borno Kingdom in the promotion of Qur’anic literacy. A university don, Prof. Idris Abdulqadir, said the Sokoto Caliphate, which was founded some 700 years later through an Islamic revolution, was based on the teachings of the Holy Quran and that the two empires ran similar Qur’anic learning system which over time came to be known as the Almajiri system. The system refers to a person who leaves the luxury of his home and moves from one place to another in search of Islamic knowledge and is widely practiced when acquisition of knowledge at home is either inconvenient or insufficient. The system, according to scholars, was established as an organised and comprehensive system of education for learning Islamic principles, values, jurisprudence and theology and was a replica of Islamic learning as founded in many Muslim countries. In times past, especially during the pre-colonial era, the almajiri system was a respected way of life as many parents and guardians willingly gave out their children and wards to be tutored under Malams or Islamic teachers, with various skills taught to enable them become self reliant. This saw to the grooming of several religious scholars that contributed immensely to the interpretation of the Islamic way of life for

THEY ARE WILLING TOOLS FOR CRIME, UNWARRANTED RE-

LIGIOUS CRISES AND OTHER VICES the faithful to understand and follow. But the system gradually became a shadow of itself with many of the almajiris today being illiterates who move from one place to another in search of menial jobs, who depend on scraps and leftovers from people, live in squalor and are considered as dregs of the society. The almajiris or street beggars as they are often referred to today, are some of the most ubiquitous groups scattered across the length and breadth of the country. Conservative estimate by the Federal Government puts their number at 9.5 million with the Northern part of the country said to be home to more than 85 percent of them. The North-West, according to the country’s 2010 Fact Sheet as released by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, is said to home more than 4.9 million almajiri pupils, the NorthEast 2.6 million, and North Central, 1.1 million. The fact sheet also indicates that the South-West has 809,307, South-South with 18,500 and South-East, 3,872, with the number said to be increasing on annual basis due to population increase, poverty and other related factors. At the state level, according to a 2006 statistics by the Federal Ministry of Education, Kano has 1.6 million almajiris; Sokoto has 1.1 million, while Borno, Kaduna and Niger have lesser figures of 389, 000, 842, 000, and 580, 000 almajiris respectively. The way and manner the almajiri child lives today often makes him vulnerable to societal ills like ritual killers, child molest-

ers and men of the underworld. He is also susceptible to diseases as the kind of food he eats as well as the condition under which he lives does not allow for healthy growth; he could and often become a willing tool as thug by politicians during elections. Of recent, Cable News Network (CNN), reportedly interviewed a former Almajiri who confirmed that he was recruited to fight in the sectarian conflicts that engulfed the city of Kaduna in 2000. The deterioration of the living condition of the almajiri child and the need to restructure his system of education by integrating it into the conventional system, has been issue of much discourse by many stakeholders, including religious leaders and political office holders. It is against this background that the Federal Government recently launched the Almajiri Integrated Boarding Primary School in Sokoto State, aimed at providing equal access to basic education to all Nigerians, including the almajiri. The system, also known as the Tsangaya Model School, has a total of 35 schools, 10 of which are boarding and 25 day schools, and were built or are being built by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) with more than N5 billion so far spent on the project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the FG and 19 participating state governments, with the funds, construction and equipment, design of the curriculum, development of textbooks as well as capacity building for teachers being handled by the federal government. The states are expected to replicate the model schools and take over full responsibility for their management and sustenance after commissioning. In Katsina, the state government, in its effort to address the challenges faced by the almajiri children, recently carried out a survey to determine actual number of almajiris and their schools in the state. Such schools referred to as Makarantun Allo in the Hausa language are not the type being built by the federal government but are the local ones operated by Malams where Qur’anic recitations and other related activities are carried out. According to the State Education Commissioner, Prof. Aminu Kurfi, the government discovered it has more than 8,000 of such schools and with the number of pupils standing at a little over 460, 000. Kurfi said the state “took a sample as a pilot of 70 schools,” with each of the 34 local government areas having “two selected schools while the capital had additional two schools” selected. The state then launched a project called Allo Model School programme, which the commissioner said, had to do with government being “involved in feeding the almajiris three square meals per day, clothing them, providing them with medical care through mobile ambulances,” and that in the near future, “boreholes would be constructed near most of the schools selected.” Under the project, the almajiri pupils would also be able to go through various skills acquisition training to make them become self sustaining after leaving school, thereby preventing them from going back to begging on the streets. The project also looks

at the welfare of the almajiri teachers and those of recruited tradesmen instructors with a monthly allowance that is meant to serve as a stipend to teach the almajirai skills acquisition in the pilot schools. He said what the state is doing in the long run is “along the line of integration between Western and Islamic education,” and that part of the integration would include sensitization of community members who “would come in and to give their contribution.” He also said that there were two of such schools being constructed in Katsina and Batsari council areas by the state through its intervention by state fund. Kurfi,however reiterated that whether collaboration or complementing, both the state and federal government are “trying to achieve the same target” which is how to “minimize if not solve, or eliminate the issue of begging in the long run?” Recently, the state formally launched the pilot scheme at Alarama Mallam Bello Quranic School in Daura, with Governor Ibrahim Shema maintaining that N36m would be spent monthly on the programme in the first phase that would last six months. Shema said that thereafter, the programme would be assessed for possible expansion to other schools in the state, and that the intention is that “we should be able to promote effective teaching and practice of Islamic knowledge among the youth to inculcate the fear of God in them. “You are aware that this administration always put education and acquisition of knowledge as the first priority of the government. That is why we will never stop propagating western education and Islamic education as both can always go together.” The commissioner added that the state government had decided to promote Qur’anic education alongside western instruction in order to properly educate the almajiri to enable them make more impact in the society. He, however, said that the pilot scheme does not have the western education component, but may do so in future depending on the success of the initial programme. He said a committee was constituted that visited and assessed existing Qur’anic schools before determining that feeding and clothing the pupils would drastically reduce the almajiri challenge in the state. The Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Almajiri Affairs, Lawal Gambarawa, observed that the almajiri children go out begging because of hunger and poverty of their parents, but that change has come since the state government is feeding, clothing and providing them with vocational training. Gambarawa said that Katsina senatorial zone has 3,023 Qur’anic schools while Daura has 2,689 schools and 2,653 schools in Funtua, bringing it to a total of 8,365 Qur’anic schools and that almajiris that go about in search of food while studying in their respective Qur’anic schools totaled 460,212 pupils. He said the state government’s programme of feeding and clothing the almajiri would put an end to their suffering and begging among as well as go long way in reducing the level of insecurity in the northern states and country in general. Gambarawa, who maintained that the state government was not able to see to the success of the programme by itself, however appealed to wealthy Muslims and other stakeholders to support the programme as its success would help enhance peaceful coexistence in the state.

WORLD RECORD

Longest running bhangra band Vol. 03 No. 557

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lessons from Super Eagles’ victory

he unexpected victory of the Super Eagles at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in South Africa brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians. Apart from making up for our failure at the 2012 London Olympics, it has lit up the mood of a nation that has become despondent as a result of growing failure of governance. Notwithstanding the lukewarm support they got from a skeptical nation because of their poor run of lacklustre performances in the warm up matches leading to the competition, our Super Eagles managed to turn things around and showed marked improvement with each game, until they got to the final and won. It was a fairy tale run, a case of Cinderella striking gold. The players, knowing that nobody gave them a chance, summoned themselves to the task by upsetting the book makers. Coach Stephen Keshi, the unlikely hero

N150

Bhujhangy, a bhangra band based in Birmingham (UK) have been recording bhangra albums and performing in temples and events since 1967. Balbir Singh is the only member of the band’s original line up, which was still performing as of 5 April 2011.

ustralian Rugby Union chief, Bill Pulver, has promised to be even more vigilant in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs. Pulver is confident his code is clean but in the wake of the Australian Crime Commission probe into doping, in which six National Rugby League clubs were investigated, the ARU chief

Guest Columnist

Chris

Okotie

and architect of the team’s resurgence had said before the tournament that he would walk naked if the Super Eagles won the Cup. Winners don’t walk naked; they are clad in garments of praise. Keshi savoured his success as he addressed a post match press conference where he humbly attributed his team’s victory to God’s grace. The bilingual coach, who spoke good French didn’t allow doomsday football pundits, who are not in short supply in our country, to distract him from his avowed mission to achieve something with his young, inexperienced team, most of whom played in their first ever Nation’s Cup in that event. Football is the major healing balm in our nation; when we are competing with other nations, our sense of patriotism is challenged and we are always united behind our teams. When they lose, we mourn, when they win, we celebrate. Since soccer is a unifying factor in our sharply divided nation. One wonders why it is so badly managed like every sector of our social infrastructure. Our team didn’t win this Cup because of any well thought out pre-tournament programme, training or friendly games organised by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). In fact, given the Federation’s legendary administrative ineptitude, the Super Eagles could have failed woefully. The apparent lack of faith in the team in their run up to the event was because of their poor preparation. But

GOVERNMENT MUST INVEST IN OUR YOUTHS BECAUSE THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THEM the technical crew and the players must earn our kudos for lifting their game as the tournament progressed, and finally earning a fitting reward by their stellar performance in the final. There are a lot of lessons from the feat of these heroes, most of who played at that level for the first time. An indigenous coach leading young, determined players showed what self belief, focus and hard work can do. We must believe in ourselves. We must imbibe a can-do spirit and stop living in pessimism and self pity. Our youths must know that it is clearly defeatist to give up; they must learn to fight to win, even when the odds seem not to favour them. The Super Eagles proved that. Government must invest in our youths because the future belongs to them. Today’s youths have greater access to information than in any previous age; because of this high level of awareness, they are able to identify their own potentials and how to actualise them. What they need is empowerment through capacity building and inspired, transparent and purposeful leadership. Keshi’s leadership instilled

these virtues in the young Turks and they played like Trojans and won a cup that almost everybody said was beyond their reach. Our leaders can as well inspire if they show good example. The coaches shifted the paradigm in this edition by focusing on new players, who are teachable and hungry for success. There are no superstars with big egos who could pose problems for the managers. It was therefore, easy for the technical crew to enforce discipline, a major ingredient for success in these encounters. If only our leaders could learn from the players’ impressive team spirit, our country would be better for it. There were no divisive tendencies in the Eagles’ camp throughout this tournament. Everyone played for everyone. The ultimate goal was to win and they did. In the same vein, nation building is a collective effort. It is a team sport, not an individual game. Why we are not making progress is because we are too individualistic, too self centred to work for our collective interest as a nation. While writing this piece, a story came into my Blackberry about one of the players, Victor Moses. His story is both pathetic and inspiring. A young lad whose parents were killed by rioters in Kaduna in 2002 at age 11, while they were on missionary assignment. Moses was raised in England. Growing up, he did not allow this sad past to becloud his judgment about the land of his birth. Victor is one of the heroes of our AFCON 2013 success, where his crucial goals against Ethiopia helped us survive the scary group stages. Moses is a model of patriotism and love. He epitomises the Christian virtues his parents died for. This charts a model for Nigerian youths who are angry with the cruel system that tends to deprive them of a good future. Our youths must eschew bitterness, but chart a path of progress with determination and purpose, like Victor has done.

Sport Extra

Rugby: Pulver moves against drug cheats executive knows it is more important than ever that players are tested regularly. Pulver, who received a personal briefing from the ACC and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Association (ASA-

DA) last Wednesday, confirmed he has not been notified of any alleged cases of drug use by elite rugby players in Australia. “At this point we’ve had no feedback in relation to rugby and I hope it stays

that way,” Pulver said yesterday. “We have another meeting in Melbourne tomorrow (today) where I think we’ll learn more from the Australian Crime Commission and ASADA about the steps going forward,” he added.

Bill Pulver

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