Thursday, january 2, 2014 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG fuel subsidy falls to N1.6bn a day in December UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government’s petrol subsidy bill has dropped

Alison-Madueke

Vol. 4 3 N0. 757 657

from over N1.9 billion recorded in September to N1.6 billion in December based on the estimated daily consumption of 36 million litres of the prod-

New Year tragedy:

uct. Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, statistics showed that government’s subsidy, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

Fashola

‘Lagos fire service saved N155bn property P.10 in 2013’

Thursday, January July 4, 2013 2, 2014

N150 N150

3 killed, 16 injured as gunmen attack church

One dies, another critically wounded in Ibadan auto crash N E W Y E A R B A B IE S

KEMI OLAITAN AND JAMES ABRAHAM

t least two persons were confirmed killed and 16 others injured when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked a church during the New Year’s day crossover night service at Maiakworigold CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

A set of twins delivered as first babies of the year 2014 to the Adediji family at the Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos, yesterday.

Ajimobi grants amnesty to 21 prisoners P.9

Senate leader advocates devolution of powers to states P..12

Jonathan jittery, sends Mark to appease Senators, Reps Tambuwal, Saraki, Abbe insist on defection

Oshiomhole yet to make public appearance after accident

P.2 P.12

News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan jittery, sends Mark to appease Senators, Reps SOLA ADEBAYO AND OBIORA IFOH

here are strong indications have emerged that The Presidency has become increasingly worried over threats by more members of the National Assembly to dump the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the main opposition party, All Progressives Congress, APC. The embattled President

Goodluck Jonathan is said to be jittery over the report that more members of the National Assembly have decided to defect to APC on the resumption of plenary in the New Year. National Mirror gathered that Jonathan had sought the support of the Senate President, Senator David Mark, to go after the recalcitrant lawmakers to have a re-think and forestall further defection from the ruling party. Jonathan was said to be

meeting Mark more frequently at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, since December 25, 2013. Reliable sources disclosed to National Mirror showed that Mark had featured prominently as a nocturnal guest of the Presidency in the past few days to help work out measures to salvage the dwindling fortunes of the party. Mark was said to be working with other trusted members of the President Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet

to network around the National Assembly members, especially those suspected to be angling to dump the ruling party, to achieve his mandate. It will be recalled that some members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the PDP had threatened to dump the party and defected to APC in January. Prominent among those expected to join APC in January, is the Speaker of the House of Representa-

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (right) in a handshake with former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, during a courtesy visit to Dasuki’s Kaduna residence to felicitate with the ex-monarch on his 90th birthday, yesterday.

tives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and other members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Tambuwal is also being positioned to pick the presidential ticket of the opposition party in the 2015 election. About 21 senators elected on the platform of PDP were also said to be on their way out of the ruling party in January. Already, a former Governor of Kwara State and serving federal lawmaker, Senator Bukola Saraki, formally renounced his membership of PDP and embraced APC in a statement in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, on Tuesday. Another federal lawmaker from Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abbe, had also said that he was ready to defect to APC in the New Year. However, investigations by our correspondent revealed that Mark was directed to reach out to all critical stakeholders, including state governors, who could prevail on the lawmakers, to forestall further defection. National Mirror gathered that Jonathan secretly contacted Mark to help out in view of his acknowledged popularity and acceptability in the National Assembly.

It was learnt that Mark quickly swung into action in line with the presidential mandate. Mark was reported to have been briefing Jonathan regularly on this assignment. Our findings revealed that Mark had met with some members of the Senate and House of Representatives during the Xmas and New Year holidays to prevail on them to remain in the ruling party. But it was gathered that Tambuwal, Saraki and Abbé shunned the entreaties by the senate president, insisting that there was no going back in their decision to move into APC. Tambuwal and Saraki were reported to have stated that they had gone too deep with APC to backpedal at this point in time while Abbe was quoted to have said that any attempt for him to remain in PDP henceforth would be tantamount to betrayal of Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, his political benefactor. It was gathered that despite obvious frustrations in handling the assignment from the Presidency, Mark continued consultation with the aggrieved members of the National AssemCONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

3 killed, 16 injured as gunmen attack church CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Maikatako village in Bokkos Local government Council of Plateau State. . One other person was also killed in Manguna area of the local government. It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the COCIN Church in the early hours and started shooting sporadically killing two people on the spot while 16 others sustained various degree of injuries in the process. An eyewitness, Augustine Bim, who spoke to our correspondent in Jos said two lay dead after the shooting and that the injured had been taken to hospital. The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Bokkos State constituency, Hon. Titus Ayuba Alams confirmed

the incident and death toll to journalists in Jos yesterday. According to him, five people were receiving treatment at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and in stable condition while 11 people were receiving treatment at Barkin Ladi General Hospital. He commended the security operatives for their efforts while urging them to do everything possible at their disposal to fish out the perpetrators of this act. The speaker also appealed to the youth in the area to remain calm and report any suspicious movement to law enforcement agents in their area. Alams also urged them to first of all secure themselves before securing their community adding that they should avoid any gathering late in the night

given the situation at hand. In Ibadan, Oyo State, tragedy struck in the early hours of the New Year, as an Assistant Sales Representative of The Nation newspapers in the Oyo State capital, Timothy Adeosun, died in a motorcycle accident shortly after attending a church service, heralding the New Year. The 23-year-old Adeosun and his counterpart with ThisDay newspapers, Juwon Babalola, who also sustained serious injuries during the accident was said to be a student of National Open University. National Mirror learnt that while Adeosun’s body has been deposited at the morgue of University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Babalola is presently receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency ward of the hospital.

It was gathered that both men were returning to their Mokola residence from Oke-Padre Salvation Army Road church when the incident occurred around 1:25am. It was learnt that the accident was caused by a young motorist driving an Acura Legend car with registration number Lagos FKJ 894 DC. The Divisional Transport Officer at Mokola Police station, Oyelowo Asimiyu, who confirmed the incident, said the driver of the car is currently in their custody. According to him, from their investigation, the driver of the Acura car left his lane and went to the other lane and who were riding on a motorcycle the deceased and his friend ran into. The Chairman, Newspapers Distributors Association of Nigeria, NDAN,

Mr. Babatunde Abimbola, speaking on the development, said he was called around 1:30am that Adeosun had an accident and that it was a fatal one. He said, “Surprisingly, sympathisers offered assistance to take him to a nearby hospital but was rejected. Not only that, the boy with Babalola were writhing in pains as about seven hospitals rejected them including at first UCH, Oluyoro Catholic hospital, State hospital at Adeoyo, until they were eventually admitted to A&E of UCH, Ibadan after much pleas. He said over 30 agents and vendors who stormed the Oke Padre distribution centre refused to collect newspapers on hearing of the sad demise of Adeosun. Indeed, many newsstands in Ibadan were without the two papers yesterday.

The correspondent of The Nation in Ibadan, Mr. Bisi Oladele, while speaking on behalf of the newspaper, described the incident as tragic, particularly coming on the New Year day, praying God to give the deceased’s parents fortitude to bear the loss. He described Adeosun as a hard-working, dedicated and promising young man who became the victim of a careless and lawless driver. He however called on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring justice to the family of the deceased. He said: “Our thoughts are with the Adeosuns at this critical time. Clearly, they raised a responsible, reliable, meek and a promising man. His contributions to the company would be remembered always.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Photo News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi; Chief Medical Director, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe; Deputy Director, Nursing Services, Mrs. Oluwagbemi Oluwayemisi and wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, during the presentation of gifts to the first baby of the year and other new borns at the hospital in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Founder, Sisters of the Poorest of the PoorHome, Anawim, Sister. Oresoa Selo, posing with some of the children of the home during the New Year Mass celebration at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday.

Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, carrying the First Baby of the Year in Ogun State delivered at 12.02am and presenting gift items to the mother, Mrs. Adebola Ojo at Olabisi Onabanjo Universitry Teaching Hospital in Sagamu yesterday. L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan and Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adesina, with a set of twins delivered in the New Year the Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos, yesterday.

Participants at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olowogbowo Fanty Carnival on Lagos Island yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

L-R: Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; parents of the baby of the year, Mr. and Mrs Oladepo, during the visit of Ajimobi to the baby born at 1:29 a.m. weighing 3.5kg at Adeoyo Hospital in Iyemetu, Ibadan, yesterday PHOTO: NAN

A roasted cow for the Olowogbowo Fanty Carnival in Lagos Island yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Children having fun at the Wonderland Amusement Park in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Photo: News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

First baby of the year delivered by Mrs. Udoka Okafor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, yesterday.

Fireworks display to herald the New Year 2014 at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday.

Security checks on children attending a New Year service in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

People sharing beef for the New Year celebrations in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Fireworks ushering in the New Year at the Lagos Countdown event at the Bar Beach, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Security officials checking participants at the Lagos Countdown at the Bar Beach in Lagos, on PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eve.

L-R: Director of Social Communications, Monsignor Gabriel Osu; Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Father Anthony Oyeniyi and a Knight of St Gregory and St Sylvester, Sir Steve Omojafor, at the state of the nation press briefing at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

L-R: Very Rev. Emmanuel Adeyinka of the Methodist Cathedral of Unity Archdiocese of Abuja; Rev Vincent Asuquo; Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Abuja, Dr. Joseph Job and Presbyter Jacob Ibikunle, after the New Year service in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan jittery, sends Mark to appease Senators, Reps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

bly even on the first day of the New Year yesterday. One of the lawmakers from the South/South geopolitical zone confirmed to National Mirror in a telephone interview yesterday that Mark is meeting with his colleagues on behalf of the Presidency on the way forward over the protracted crisis bedevilling the ruling party. “Yes, I can confirm that the Senate President, Senator David Mark, has been recruited by President Goodluck Jonathan to salvage the PDP obviously be-

cause of his pedigree. Mr. President has been meeting with the Senate President in the Villa in the past few days to strategise and curtail the moves and threat by more members of the Senate to dump the PDP. “The Senate President has been dutifully carrying out the assignment to meet with the members of the National Assembly during recess to prevent their movement into APC in January although without success because some members insisted that it would be too late for them

to rescind their decision to dump the PDP for APC. “It is obviously an Herculean task for the Senate President but since he has been appointed as the arrowhead of the movement to forestall further depletion of PDP in the National Assembly by Mr. President he has no choice to continue to do his best to carry out the assignment despite obvious constraints,” added our source, who did not want his name mentioned. In a related development, the Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has al-

layed fears over the defection of some members to APC. Tukur said with the measures being put in place in the ruling party, along with President Jonathan, those who defected would willingly return with time. He said that the PDP has indeed been welcoming more members into its fold from across the federation compared to the number of those who had defected. Tukur said going by the undercurrents within the political circles, PDP would swell with influx of new members this year, as ac-

L-R: Minister of Police Affairs, Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd); Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Senator Ehigie Uzamere; Senate President David Mark; Mrs. Eunice Jonathan and President Goodluck Jonathan, during the New Year Day church service at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja, yesterday.

FG fuel subsidy falls to N1.6bn a day in December CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

which stood at N53.53 per a litre in September has fallen to N46.63 per litre. The latest pricing template of the agency indicates that the landing cost, including cost and freight, traders’ margin, lightering expenses, NPA, financing, jetty depot throughput charge, and storage amounted to N128.14. It stated that distribution margins, including monies due to retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging fund, marine transport average and admin charge amounted to N15.49. The PPPRA which puts ex-depot price at N81.51 stated that these expenses increased the total cost of the product to N143.63 per litre. This means that the Federal Government fuel subsidy is N46.63 per litre because the price of the product remains pegged at N97 per litre. Investigations showed that the major and indepen-

dent marketers have started preparing their fourth quarter subsidy claims for submission to PPPRA for settlement. While the major marketers, including Oando, Forte Oil, MRS, Mobil, Total and Conoil were paid for the first, second and third quarters of 2013, others, including the independents have not been paid for the last quarter of 2013. The Executive Secretary of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN Mr. Timothy Olawore, who expressed appreciation to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iwela for the speedy payment said, “We need to thank the government agencies, especially the ministry of finance that facilitated the payment. He said: “We are hopeful that the fourth quarter subsidy will be paid as soon as operators submit their bills. This is important to enable marketers supply adequate

fuel to the market. Olawore said efforts should also be made to settle outstanding debts owed to others, especially members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA. He said although the majors operate both tanks farms and retail outlets, all classes of fuel marketers occupy important positions in the distribution and marketing of fuel and other petroleum products. Olawore, who confirmed the availability of fuel in Lagos and other parts of the nation said the situation can be sustained if the government would continue to pay marketers as when due. It was learnt that the government may not experience any difficulties in paying the marketers as provision for the settlement was made in the 2013 budget. The situation seemed to

have improved greatly from the past when government was not able to settlement many bills of the marketers. However MOMAN has urged the government to respect the 45 days window for settlement of subsidy bills as agreed upon with the fuel importers. MOMAN stated that: “There is a need to point out that it took a long time for the government to make previous payments. So far, only N9.4bn has been paid for 2013, a development which puts a lot of financial burden on our members. “Also, interest charges have eaten deep into our meagre reserves, and there may be no other option than to start staff rationalisation. “At the peak of the crisis, government promised to pay us as soon as the probes were over. But it took a long time before they started to pay, and this led to the accumulation,” the association stated.

cording to him, many members from the opposition camp had already signified resolve to join. Tukur made this known in London yesterday in a chat with a team of Nigerian professionals based in Europe, led by Dr Edwin Olabamiro, who paid him a visit. The professionals had sought audience with the PDP chairman on their interest to return to Nigeria with a view to offering their expertise in diverse fields for the growth of the country. Tukur said he was pleased with the resolve by Nigerians in the Diaspora to henceforth put Nigeria at the centre of their considerations, as he expressed gladness on their desire to start looking homewards. He told the professionals who are mostly in medical, information technology and engineering lines that the PDP has always been in pursuit of reforms to make it stronger as the ruling party. He said a stronger PDP would always produce a stronger national leadership, and hence, a more vibrant economy. He disclosed that PDP, in the most recent time, has been undergoing a process of rejuvenation, which he noted many had interpreted as crisis. According to him, the ruling party would emerge stronger, more virile and fully prepared to surpass its attainments at the end of the wrangling among members. Tukur, who lauded the virtues of President Goodluck Jonathan and his ability to pull Nigeria together in the face of daunting security challenges confronting it, called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to join those back home in supporting the President for the success of his transformation agenda. He reminded the professionals about the need to partake fully in the 2015 general election, urging them to always identify with the PDP and President Jonathan in their efforts to make Nigeria regain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Similarly, PDP has charged all its members, political office holders and all Nigerians to “usher in the New Year by committing themselves to the lofty values of integ-

rity, hard work, honesty, love and faithfulness so as to move the nation to the next level.” The party in a New Year message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh yesterday said “While the nation faced serious challenges last year, the New Year presents a new opportunity for Nigerians to eschew all divisions and work together to fully entrench these values in the nation’s body polity.” The ruling party, which noted that this will result in the much desired national rebirth also charged Nigerians to stand on the side of peace and unity and resist the “evil machinations of desperate undemocratic breeds who delight in sowing seeds of discord among the people.” The PDP however cautioned such elements not to “pollute the New Year by crossing over with their unwarranted attacks and baseless criticisms against those in authority in addition to their politics of bitterness, lies, deceit and propaganda with which they overheated the system, caused tension, divisions, violence and painful loss of innocent lives in the country last year”. It said, “It is clear that Nigerians look forward to a prosperous and peaceful 2014. In this regard, we caution in strong terms, those behind the political frictions, violence and divisions among Nigerians in 2013 to have a rethink and understand that such is sinful before God and man”, the PDP said. The party also charged all those in authority in all sectors and at levels to be honest and understand that Nigerians expect them to live above board in all their dealings. It therefore urged them to “use the New Year as a veritable juncture to rededicate themselves and redouble their efforts to effectively discharge their duties.” On its own part, the party assured that it will continue to be committed to national unity, peace, welfare and happiness of all Nigerians at all times. “In this regard, the PDP not only wishes, but shall work hard to ensure a prosperous 2014 for all Nigerians”, the message said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll work harder for nation’s growth this year –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that he would work harder this year even as he called on politicians to place national interest above personal interest to ensure a great nation. Speaking during a special New Year service held at Catholic Church, Area 3, Abuja, Jonathan said the centenary celebration would kick off in February. According to him, the focus of his government as Nigeria marks 100 years of existence as a nation would

be to ensure a robust future for the next generation. The President called on politicians to consider national interest above personal interest, saying that the constitution had made it clear that nobody could be president or governor forever. He said: “That is why I always plead with my fellow politicians that yes, we must play politics, but let us take the interest of the country more than our own individual interest and as we continue to play politics. Leaders will come and go, but the country will stay. Luckily, we have

a constitution that says nobody will be a governor or president forever. It is only in the parliament that you can be there till you die. “As long as we consider the interest of our country, children, grand-children and we begin to plan for the next generation instead of wasting all our energies to think about ourselves, before we get to the next 100 years, the country will be better. Nigeria can even change in the next few years and things will be better for everybody.” According to him, year 2014 is a special year for Nigeria as it marks100 years

of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates. Jonathan said: “We are not just celebrating the new year, but we are also celebrating a special new year. A new year that Nigeria, modern Nigeria, is 100 years. “We should use this period to begin to think what will be Nigeria in the next 100 years. Not just to celebrate 100 years of the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates to make the modern Nigeria, but what will be the future of our children, our grand-children in the next

L-R: Founder, Change-A-Life Programme, Ms Funmi Iyanda; recipients, Remi Lagos Award of Academic Excellence beneficiaries, Umoh Victoria Uwana and Olatunji Funmilayo; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and a guest, Mrs. Susan Eyo-Honesty, during the 12th anniversary of the Change-A-Life Programme in Lagos, yesterday.

We’ll soon publish states’ rating on road safety management –FRSC

he Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, has said that plans had been concluded to publish the 36 states’ rating on road safety management as part of the measures to enhance their investment and engagement in road safety matters. Reacting to questions from media correspondents on the Corps’ monitoring of the Operation Zero Tolerance activities in all the states of the Federation, Chidoka said: “The nationwide patrol is going on simultaneously with the monitoring of road crash pattern in various states during the

yuletide, but we will soon publish the states’ rating in this direction.” According to him, the rating, which is being handled by a committee, will make public the performance of the various states on road safety management to stimulate public consciousness and improved investment on road safety matters at the state level. Speaking further, Chidoka who was on the Onitsha-Asaba highway to distribute safety handbills to motorists as part of the 2nd phase of the Operation Zero Tolerance special patrol, said that in comparison with 2012, the 2013 exercise has so far, witnessed a downward

trend in road crashes and injured persons with attendant increase in number of road crash victims who were rescued alive without injuries. He attributed this to the numerous initiatives by the FRSC which ensured prompt response to road crashes such as massive deployment of personnel, ambulances, tow trucks, patrol vehicles and bikes in addition to the toll-free emergency line 122 which enhanced the Corps’ interface with the motoring public in the event of a road crash. Giving an insight to the Corps’ projection for 2014, the Corps Marshal recalled that 2013 has

witnessed the introduction of the new number plate, driver’s license, Eticketing, building a data base on fleet operators and total transition from analogue to application of digital process in traffic management but 2014 will provide the FRSC with a definite projection for enlightenment, traffic engineering and enforcement. He therefore urged the Nigerian motoring public to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations as “the Corps is now primed to restore sanity on Nigerian roads through holistic application of its digital infrastructures to ensure safer road use in the country”

100 years. That is what occupies our mind. That is what we must all focus our attention on.” He noted that the world as a whole was facing a lot of challenges, saying that Nigeria would overcome its own challenges. The President said: “If you put on your television and if you turn the newspapers, there are always breaking news and the breaking news are not positive. Whenever I see breaking news, you know there is one crisis somewhere in the world. We are reading about crises everywhere. And our country too, unfortunately, we also have our own fair share of crises, the issue of Boko Haram and the excesses of the militia groups, kidnapping in Southern Nigeria and Boko Haram terrorists’ activities in the Northern part of the country. “Some of these challenges came at a point that our security architecture was not properly designed for that. We are improving everyday, we have our challenges, but there is significant progress. Let us seize this opportunity to assure our country men and women that we will continue to work hard to make sure that we bring these crises to an end.” The President assured that his government would work hard with the members of the National Assembly for Nigerians to reap the dividends of democracy He urged religious leaders to continue to pray for the progress and development of the nation, while assuring the creation of more jobs for youths. Jonathan said: “In spite of the challenges, all we continue to request from you is your continuous prayers, we believe that no matter what an individual think he is, if God doesn’t want you to succeed in achieving anything, you will not. You will get close to it, but at the end of the day, you will not get it. “God has greatly blessed Nigeria and the country has all it takes to lead the African continent to prosperity as it is endowed with natural and human resources. “I believe God is with us, I believe God blessed this country because if you go

to some countries, some of our brothers and sisters, because of their desperation, tend to do things that are anti- social. Some are even in prisons and so on, but still, there is enormous respect for this country. “People believe that Nigeria is a country that can continue to lead the continent of Africa. We have countries that are ahead of us in terms of the economy, in terms of technology, but they still believe that Nigeria is the country that will lead this continent because they have seen the potentials in our country.” Jonathan said he was told by United States President Barrack Obama when he met with him after the 2011 general elections that 25,000 Nigerian medical consultants were making great contributions to the sustenance of the American health system. He noted that that there would be a lot of challenges for the American health system if the Nigerian medical consultants leave. Jonathan said: “If all these Nigerians leave, we will have a lot of challenges in the health system of America. And that is the president of the number one country now. He believes that Nigeria has a lot of potentials. All what we need to do is to make sure that we continue to do things rightly.” Earlier, the Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, urged the government to tackle corruption and other social vices confronting the country. Praying God to grant the leaders wisdom to do the things that would be right before God, Onaiyekan said: “My brothers and sisters, these problems are not only in our nation. You only need to read the Pope’s letter to realize that all over the world, we have problems of corruption, human trafficking, drug abuse not to talk of wars and fratricidal killings. We ask you Lord to come to our aid and defend our nation.” According to Onaiyekan, the Pope also called attention to the less cruel wars being fought through economic and financial policies, which he said are killing more people around the world.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Fayemi urges prayers for Nigeria at 100, Ekiti election ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, yesterday called on Nigerians to reflect on the developmental challenges facing the country and pray for its greatness as the Nigeria marks its centenary anniversary this year. It will be recalled that Nigeria will be turning 100 years in October, following its emergence as a country after the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorates of the country in 1914. Governor Fayemi, who said the country was not yet where it ought to be, however, expressed op-

timism that with commitment on the part of the government and the governed, Nigeria would occupy its rightful place among the comity of nations. Similarly, he urged Ekiti people to pray and work towards a peaceful conduct of the 2014 governorship election in the state, stressing that the peace and prosperity of the state should be paramount in the hearts of all and sundry. Fayemi, who stated these in his New Year message to the people of the state, however, assured them that his administration would continue to lead in a responsible manner, placing much premium on development and ensuring

stability and growth. The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, lamented that; “It is unfortunate that politics is not widely seen as a contest of ideas for hearts and minds, but a desperate means to get to power by all means possible.” He appealed to all and sundry, particularly those who would be contesting the forthcoming election to ‘refrain from inciting people to violence and other negative tendencies”. The statement reads in part: “Ultimately, an anarchic approach in which the contestants for power deploy all means, fair or foul, to win, de-legitimises and de-humanises politics. We

cannot afford to lose the grounds we have gained in establishing peace and tranquility in Ekiti over the last few years. “I urge all our people to join us in appealing to every aspirant not to make their liberty a bondage for Ekiti people. We should all focus on issue-based campaign while we sell our candidacy to our people. “I urge all our people to demand of every contestant what he/she can do differently from what my administration has done for you. It is a fact that we have touched all communities in our development drive and these facts - these tangibles - are what we will be campaigning with, not lies, not violence.

Dickson sues for peace in Bayelsa, Nigeria EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

s Nigerians yesterday celebrated the New Year, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, sued for peace among the citizens of the state and the country at large. While urging the people to show love for one another in all what they do or say, the governor solicited prayers for the state government to enable it achieve its objectives. The governor spoke in Yenagoa in his New Year state broadcast, he assured that the state government would keep faith with its commitment to further consolidate on its people-oriented programmes and projects. He said: “Most of the project will be commis-

sioned this year to commemorate the second year of our restoration government. On February 14, 2014 our government will be marking two years in office. It has been two years of hard work in an attempt to lay a solid foundation in virtually all sectors of the state’s economy.” According to Governor Dickson, government has embarked on various monumental projects in the state which when completed would serve as a lasting legacy as well as create an influx of massive investment for the state. The New Year was ushered in with joy and prayers, as residents trooped to the streets, chanting local and Christian songs in their celebrations.

Ajimobi grants amnesty to 21 prisoners

Crowd dancing to the music of King Wasiu Ayinde Mashal (KWAM1) under the newly constructed Flyover in Ijebuode at an event organised by the Ogun State Government to usher in the New Year, yesterday.

Onaiyekan calls for peace, tolerance

atholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called on Nigerians to love and tolerate one another for the nation’s stability and economic development. Onaiyekan made the call in Abuja during Tuesday’s midnight mass where 140 faithful candidates were confirmed at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Nyanya, near Abuja. The confirmation is one of the seven sacraments

through which Catholics train in the process of their religious upbringing. According to the doctrine, during the sacrament, they receive the Holy Spirit and become adult members of the church. Onaiyekan said Nigeria’s multi-lingual nature notwithstanding, citizens must remain one as brothers and sisters. He urged Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by being their

brothers’ keeper, adding that Pope Francis’ message for 2014 was that all should see each other as humans. “When we fail to love, respect and tolerate each other, the country will be witnessing difficulties in everything,” he said. The archbishop said when God’s people sincerely prayed, He would grant them their wishes and make life comfortable for them. “God has been merciful to us, so we should thank

Him, because in spite of the difficulties, our situation is not as bad as some countries across the world,” he said. Onaiyekan urged Christians to live a life worthy of emulation, which would positively influence people’s life, saying that any little action taken by a true believer could have tremendous impact on others. Onaiyekan said those confirmed had received the Holy Spirit and so urged them to live good Christian lives.

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has granted amnesty to five condemned prisoners in the state while giving total pardon to four other convicts who are on life imprisonment. Also, he granted amnesty to 12 other convicts who are on various terms of imprisonment, all in the spirit of the New Year celebrations. In a statement issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ojo Adebayo, the amnesty was in commemoration of the New Year anniversary. According to the attorney-general, the amnesty was in exercise of the governor’s power to grant prerogative of mercy to convicts as conferred by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 under section 212

(1) of the constitution. The five condemned prisoners granted amnesty are; Bashiru Popoola, Mukaila Salawu, Obinna John, Idowu Emmanuel and Wahab Alao. The release said that the four prisoners on life imprisonment granted total release and state pardon are; Oba Gabriel Adepoju Adeyemo, Isaac Ogunniyi, Gabriel Ojetayo and Lukman Ajibola. According to the release, the 12 convicts who are on various terms of imprisonment for various acts of misdemeanors granted total release and state pardon are; Wasiu Rasheed, Ajayi Akeem, Lati Balogun, Bisiriyu Olalekan, Joke Sunday, Kazeem Oladeji, Okunola Mathew, Tijani Ganiyu, Saheed Sikiru, Segun Amao, Rasheed Taiwo and Ademola Aloba.

This is our year of fulfilment –Akpabio

kwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has predicted that 2014 is a year of fulfilment, stating that the state would experience massive commissioning of more projects in the state. Governor Akpabio, who made the remark yesterday during the midnight mass ushering in the New Year

at St. John’s Chaplaincy, Government House, Uyo, thanked God for seeing the state through in 2013. He, however, called on clergymen in the state to intercede through prayers as the 2015 governorship election approaches. The governor remarked; “2013 was a year full of lies and blackmails to tarnish the image of this administration.

South West

MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Fire Service saved N165 billion property in over 1,535 fire disasters in the year 2013, National Mirror has authoritatively gathered. This is even as residents appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to establish more fire service stations and provide more firefighting equipment to enhance effectiveness in view of the growing population in the state. According to the report exclusively obtained by National Mirror, 15 build-

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Lagos Fire Service saved N155bn property in 2013

ings caved in 2013 in the state. It was also gathered that the fire service responded to 91 emergency rescue calls involving fuel tanker accidents and other domestic emergency rescue operations in the year under review. Also, between January and March 2013 alone, a total of 528 fire cases were recorded in the state while over 380 fire disasters were experienced in the second quarter of the year with property worth

several billions of naira destroyed. From July to September, 319 fire cases were recorded in which structures, including markets were razed. In the last three months, 308 fire incidences were responded to by the fire service with over 146 cases in December, 2013 alone. When contacted, the Director of the state Fire Service, Razak Fadipe, refused to comment on the estimated values of property saved and lost to fire

disaster in the 2013, but bemoaned the rate of false alarms received by the agency, saying the agency recorded 372 false calls from residents. According to him, the preponderance of false alarms amount to wastage of scarce resources, lamenting that the resources wasted on responding to such calls could have been used to rescue more lives and properties. Fadipe, however, claimed that apart from abusing the emergency

lines by residents, the agency is also faced with challenges of accessing some gated streets. He said: “The major challenge confronting us sometimes is accessibility to some of the areas where fire accidents are reported. It is either we find it difficult to access the place because the street is gated and the security man is not found around to open the gate for our water trucks or we are faced with double

Ex-envoy canvasses policy for youth development ABIODUN NEJO ADO-EKITI

Sympertisers at the scene of an accident on Salvation Army Road in Ibadan, yesterday

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concern over it described as non-completion of some projects initiated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko during his firm term in office. In a statement signed in Akure by the PDP Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, the party alleged that the Labour Party-led administration had abandoned many of the projects initiated during its

PHOTO: NAN

Ondo PDP flays Mimiko over non-completion of projects first term. Fadaka listed the projects to include the Oba-Ile /Akure Road and Ondo township road. He said the promise by Mimiko to develop the state “has indeed turned out to another empty promise that only lifted the hearts of the people.” Fadaka said: “The 2013 budget was bereft of any flag pole, but was geared towards the completion of those white elephant proj-

ects. Projects embarked upon by the governor in his first tenure remain virtually untouched and as such uncompleted. Examples of such projects abound; the Oba-Ile / Akure Road and the Ondo township road, among many others suffice, even the Dome project that the governor began in his first year in office, which he then claimed has one year completion span, is still in progress.

“Out of the N78.9 billion earmarked for capital expenditure, there is nothing on ground to justify such expenditure or even any capital expenditure across the state in the neighborhood of N20 billion. “While wishing the people of Ondo State a happy New Year, we wish to inform them that it is time we devise a way to make the Mimiko-led administration account for how it has spent our common patrimony.”

Osun pays N62m compensation to land owners DEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

and owners whose property were destroyed in the ongoing construction of the MKO Abiola International Airport at Ido-Osun in Eg-

bedore Local Government Area of Osun State have been compensated with N62 million. The state Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Muyiwa Ige, told journalists yester-

day in Osogbo that Governor Rauf Aregbesola paid N11million as compensation to 243 farmers affected by the development. He added that over N51million was paid as compensation to farmers at Odo Iju and Ibodi in Ata-

kumosa West Local Government Area of the state. Ige said: “The state government will not hesitate to compensate those with genuine papers on any property affected in the course of developing the state.

parking of vehicles on the streets by some residents who park haphazardly without consideration for other vehicles.” Commending the state government for making the fire service more vibrant and responsive to emergency, residents, however, appealed to the state government to provide more firefighting equipment as a result of the growing population in the state.

ormer Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has said that meeting the needs of the youth in view of their volatility and vulnerability is a challenge which the country’s three tiers of government should address at the policy level. Bejide, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, said: “We, as a nation, therefore need a robust and meaningful youth policy that should be a strategic anchor of sustainable agenda for transformation”. The PDP chieftain, who spoke yesterday when the PDP National Youth Vanguard inaugurated him, said meeting the needs of youth who constituted about 65 per cent of the nation’s population “calls for constant re-thinking, reassessment of priorities, adequate financial resources and effective implementa-

tion of policies”. Bejide, who blamed neglect of youths over time, youth unemployment and abandonment of “our old and enviable traditional value system of hard work, social and civil responsibility” for youth involvement in crimes and other social vices, canvassed attention and returning to the basics. He lauded the various intervention programmes and policies of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration for the youth, including Youth Empowerment Programme, Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria and SURE-P among others, which he said had been gradually redressing the trend. The PDP chieftain, however, charged youth to begin to act as agent of change rather than wait for government to do everything for them, as he challenged the PDP National Youth Vanguard to rise to the task of “sensitizing the youth about their roles and responsibilities in society”.

Ekiti issues N5bn bond for capital projects

he Ekiti State Government has completed its N25 billion bond issuance programme with second tranche offer for subscription of N5 billion at14.50 per cent fixed rate. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state under the second tranche raised the sum of N5 billion for capital projects. The application list opened and closed on December 31, 2013. A breakdown of the offer document made

available to NAN showed that N1.58 billion is earmarked for the construction of Ekiti-Kete Pavillion in Ado-Ekiti. The rehabilitation of Ire Burnt Bricks Ltd in Ere-Ekiti will gulp N966.89 million, while River Ero bridge construction will take N220.36 million. Also, construction of Ilawe-Igbaraodo Ibuji road will take N894.69 million, while the sum of N1.14 billion will be used for Ikole-Ijesa Isu-Ilumoba road.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Ebonyi to promote justice via implementation of customary laws ALIUNA GODWIN EBONYI

he Ebonyi State Government has promised to promote justice through the formulating of a hand book on customary laws to enable judges and other appellate courts to administer justice especially when customs become subject of interpretation. The Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Igwenyi,

stated this yesterday, while addressing journalist in Abakaliki, the state capital, shortly after the submission of reports on collation of customary laws by the 11-man committee inaugurated by the government. The committee was inaugurated in October, 2013 to move round all the communities in the state and collate their customary laws. The commissioner noted that members of the committee were picked from all the major clans and groups

in the three senatorial zones of the state. He said: “There is no doubt that the collation of the existing customary laws in our community will simplify the job of the members of customary courts, Magistrates and judges in our high courts and customary court of appeal and of course, justices of the appellate courts, when customs become subject of interpretation. “It will also go a long way in helping our local peace

makers in settling disputes at village levels. In other words, this exercise will help us to achieve certainty with regard to existing customary laws in the state and can be cited in any judicial tribunal. “I promise on behalf of the state government to go into immediate publication of the work in its original form so that in no distant time we shall have a hand book on customary laws of Ebonyi state.” Earlier in a remark, the chairman of the commit-

tee, Mr. Jonathan Okoronkwo, noted that customary laws is very essential and therefore urge the state judiciary to always cite it while adjudging matters in courts, especially when it come to customs. He said: “The mandate of the committee was to go round the various communities in all the 13 local government areas to ascertain the applicable customary laws in their area for the purposes of codifying them as customary laws of Ebonyi State.” Okoronkwo, however, regretted some setbacks the committee encountered while going about the man-

date given to them by the state government. He said: “The story is not how we failed, but how we succeeded. We are proud to tell the state government that we succeeded in doing what it told us to do. We are happy to present this report, which is in two volumes. Volume one contains inputs made by community/ religious leaders, stakeholders of all the local government areas and Volume two contains outputs generated from the reports.” He commended the state governor, Chief martin Elechi, for given the committee the opportunity to serve.

Defection: APC lobbies PDP, APGA lawmakers in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

T L-R: Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Victor Nwokolo; Zonal Commanding Officer, Benin, Nseobong Akpabio; and Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, distributing safety handbills to motorists on the Onitsha-Asaba Highway as part of the Operation Zero Tolerance Special Patrol, yesterday.

Construction of Amansea-Amawbia bypass begins soon –Obi CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

overnor Peter Obi of Anambra State yesterday said that his administration would soon begin the reconstruction of the dual carriage ways from Amansea to Amawbia bypass and from UpperIweka to Zik Roundabout in Onitsha.

He said he set to construct the roads after he had secured the Federal Government’s permission to execute them. Obi stated this in his New Year message to the people. The governor, however, said his administration would consolidate on the numerous achievements recorded in various sectors.

Obi said that security of lives and property would remain one of the priorities of his administration. According to him, his administration’s giant strides in education, health, environment, job creation and industrialisation would also be sustained. The governor added that local government

election in the state would hold on January 11, 2014. He commended voters for voting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the last governorship election in the state. Obi assured that the party would continue to strive towards satisfying the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

We won’t participate in Anambra LG poll, says APC DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that it would not participate in the proposed Enugu State local government election scheduled to hold on January 11, 2014. The APC has subsequently directed all the party councillorship and chairmanship candidates, as well as its sup-

porters to boycott the election. Announcing the decision yesterday after a crucial meeting of the party caucus and other stakeholders in Awka, the APC governorship candidate in the last election, Dr. Chris Ngige, said the proposed local government poll was already skewed and fundamentally faulty. Ngige, who was accompanied by other party officials, said: “One of

the reasons for the decision to boycott the poll is that the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ASIEC, is not yet sure of which of the three paraded voters registers it will use in the election. “It is of the view that ASIEC has already planned a charade election since the voters register has neither been displayed nor given to political parties to identify.”

Ngige, however, said that the party had reviewed the November 16, 2013 governorship election and praised Anambra voters for their restraint in the exercise. He said: “All local government chairmanship and councillorship aspirants are, therefore, directed not to participate in the election. The party has henceforth withdrawn in all processes leading to the election.”

he leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State is seriously lobbying the state House of Assembly members to pitch their tents with it. The lobby, a source, who did not want his name mentioned, said was embarked upon to consolidate the defection of Governor Rochas Okorocha to the APC. Investigation yesterday revealed that many of the Assembly members had been approached to defect to the APC with assurances that their second term bid would be guaranteed. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, it was gathered, is leading the team of defectors to the APC, but it is not likely he would retain the speakship as politicians from other zones are equally interested in the position. The Owerri and Orlu zones stepped down for Uwajumogu who is from Ihiite Uboma Local Government in Okigwe zone. However, the Speaker’s Senior Assistant on Media, Mr. Emeka Ahaneku, told National Mirror yesterday that the Speaker “is still consulting. It is a major political decision which requires wider consultation.” It was also learnt that some of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators had equally concluded plans to join Governor Okorocha in the APC as

soon as they are back from the Christmas holidays, but the fear is that many of them are not likely to receive their people’s support due to apathy the people have for APC, which many strongly considered as being dominated by the North and West notwithstanding recent efforts by the governor to convince Imo residents that APC is detribalised party that would guarantee the interest of Ndi-igbo. Based on this apathy, some of the lawmakers are now seeking the support of their people, especially the traditional rulers, youth and women leaders with gifts. However, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) leadership in the state has threatened to recall APGA candidates in the House, including Governor Okorocha who defected to APC. But reacting, APC chairman in the state, Marshal Okaforanyanwu, described the move to recall the governor and members of APGA who defected to APC as an empty threat. Okaforanyanwu, who spoke in Owerri, the state capital recently, said that Okorocha did not win the governorship election on the platform of APGA, but on the love the people had for him. According to him, only Imo people have the mandate to recall both the governor and the legislators not a segment of APGA stakeholders.

South South

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Oshiomhole yet to make public appearance after accident SEBASTINE EBHUOM HAN BENIN

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, is yet to make a public appearance four days after he

was involved in an auto crash. The governor has been away from public view after his convoy had an accident at Ewu, on the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway that has notoriously claimed several lives and

property in the past. A J-5 Peugeot bus, reportedly loaded with plantains and tomatoes allegedly experienced break failure, left its lane and rammed into the travelling convoy of the governor. Initial report e-mailed

to National Mirror in Benin by Oshiomhole’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said nobody sustained injury in the crash. “Three vehicles in the governor’s convoy were

Senate Leader advocates devolution of power to states

enate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has said that devolution of powers from the Federal Government to the state governments will enhance rapid growth of the country. Ndoma-Egba, representing Cross River Central Senatorial Zone on the platform of PDP, said this on New Year Day in Calabar in an interaction with journalists. He said the long years of military rule had foisted on Nigeria a unitary sys-

tem with a strong Federal Government while the federating units had become weaker. “I believe there should be devolution of powers. With long years of military rule, powers were over centralised. “So, I support a stronger federating units and a less strong centre. We must take more powers to the federating units.” The senate leader said that the current administration was doing its best to

address various issues confronting the nation. “The problems of Nigeria were not caused by President Goodluck Jonathan. “The President is doing his honest best just like those before him had done their best and those after him will also do their honest best,” the lawmaker said. On the defection of some politicians to other parties, he said there was nothing wrong in the movement of politicians from one political party to another, describing

it as a democratic process. He added that while some politicians defected from the ruling PDP to other parties, some politicians would also defect to the PDP in the New Year. “I am convinced that the movement will continue in the New Year with some politicians also moving to the PDP,” he said. He called for the reconstruction of Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road and the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja-Katsina Ala road, saying the roads were in very bad state.

in front of the Governor’s Flag Car and had passed the Peugeot J5 bus before the bus had direct impact with the governor’s car which had the governor, his aide-de-camp and his driver as occupants. “The governor’s car was badly affected but no injuries were sustained by both occupants of the Peugeot J5 bus and that of the governor,” Afegbua narrated. Following the governor’s unexplained absence from the public, National Mirror reliably gathered from an anonymous source at the Government House on New Year Day that Oshiomhole might have sustained injuries from the accident, contrary to the Government House report. Our source said the governor is believed to have sustained some injuries in his shoulder and jaw. As at the time of filing this report, however, it was yet to be ascertained how severe

or minor the injury was and if the governor was presently receiving treatment from any hospital. But Governor Oshiomhole’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, said yesterday that the governor is hale and hearty and that all is well wih him when we called to ascertain about the governor’s health. However, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said the governor has not been able to make any public appearance because he was out of town, a journey he has already arranged before the accident occurred. It will be recalled that Governor Oshiomhole and his convoy were also involved in an auto crash that occurred on Saturday, April 28, 2012 on the Auchi-Sabongida Ora road in the north senatorial district of the state, where he had gone to flag-off his political campaign for re-election then.

Physician advises Nigerians on healthy lifestyle

Wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, flanked by the parents of the first baby of the year, Mr. and Mrs. Pascal during Uduaghan’s visit to the Central Hospital, Warri, yesterday.

Cleric predicts more trouble for Amaechi in 2014 RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

ross River State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Emma Isong, yesterday prophesied that River State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, would encounter bigger troubles this year. He said the governor will also face more intimidation from political opponents in 2014, but that he would triumph over them. Bishop Isong, who is also the Founder and General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) gave this prophesy in

Calabar during a church service to usher in the New Year. He said, “This year 2014, Governor Amaechi of Rivers State will be intimidated the more, but at the end, he will jubilate against a generation.” This is even as the man of God prophesied that Governor Liyel Imoke should be wary of his relationship with President Jonathan as political jobbers may not portray him in good light. He warned politicians nursing inordinate and auspicious ambitions to seek the face of God or be faced with disappointments. “2014 shall not be by power or by might, especially to politicians with

auspicious ambitions, who don’t seek the face of God. Many great men shall be disappointed in 2014.” He also prophesied that there shall be a major shakeup in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the Federal Government may reposition the electoral body for 2015 adding that; “The INEC you saw yesterday is not going to be the same INEC you will see after these prophesy.” The cleric also predicted that there shall be an adjustment of the revenue formula which according to him will stir controversy, but it will answer national questions. “In 2014 there shall be

very strong and coordinated movement of the Oduduwa of the Yoruba people and it will be the strongest ever heard and that shall become a major factor in political circus between 2014 and 2015. It shall come to pass. “The National Boundary Commission, NBC, shall be in the spotlight this year because of different multi-racial and tribal fracas. Many states of the federation will call for state boundaries due to several attacks and reprisal attacks in the nation. “Some state governors will be pronounced absent. It means some state governors you see this year may not last till 2015.

consultant physician, Dr Anthony Osondu, yesterday urged Nigerians to make healthy lifestyle a priority in 2014. Osondu, also the president of ProLife Statis, an American-based Nigerian medical group, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. “Every Nigerian should begin to take issues concerning healthy lifestyle and health with more caution. “Globally, people and nations are more conscious of their health and that of their citizenry. “There is also more awareness of risk factors of most ailments and Nigerians are expected to cultivate same positive awareness and attitudes towards embracing a healthier lifestyle,” he said. Osondu added that a healthier lifestyle would increase life expectancy. “The world has been talking about Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and achieving the set targets by 2015, already we are now in 2014. “So, more efforts have to

be on achieving the MDGs, on reducing child mortality rates, improving maternal health, combating HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, as well as that of ensuring environmental sustainability. “Beyond government activities, we as individuals have roles to play. We must know our health status and rights, because a healthier lifestyle helps make one live longer,” Osondu said. He also advised that exercises and good diet be part of healthy living. “Nigerians should learn to engage in physical exercises such as walking and jogging. We should learn to walk more and reduce the frequency of riding in vehicles. It is good for the health, for blood circulation and to keep fit. “Nigerians should also adhere to healthy eating habits. We should reduce the oil in our food, our salt intake; take more of fresh vegetables and fruits. “We should also reduce the consumption of fried and junk foods and drinks. Sedentary activities should also be limited.”

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Politics

Appointment of (acting) Chief Judge of Rivers State

How state Assemblies can champion democratic stability –Plateau Speaker

Ekiti 2014: LP faction disclaims party boss, Bamidele ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

crack in the fold of the Labour Party, LP, in Ekiti State emerged yesterday when a faction in the party called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,

INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, to withdraw recognition for the party’s state chairman, Hon Akin Omole. The faction said in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday that Omole’s appointment as the party’s state chairman without a proper congress, contravened Article 13 of LP’s

constitution, and thereby described the process as null and void. The group, in a statement signed by six members, who claimed to be old members of the party, also faulted the governorship aspiration of the House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi

Bamidele, who defected to the party last month, saying new members can only aspire for such office after six months. While calling on Omole to stop parading himself as the chairman of the party in the state, the group also said the absorption of members of

Ekiti Bibire Coalition, a political platform of Hon. Bamidele into the LP, did not follow due process. It said: “The elected executive at all levels before Bamidele and his group joined the party are hereby reinstated and as such they are to continue with the party’s business until a congress scheduled for September 2014 takes place.” The statement was signed by Obafemi Adedayo (LP Chairman, Ado Council); Hon Akinola Abidakun (LP Chairman, Ikere Council); Okunola Olufemi (LP Chairman Ikole Council); Adedamola Temitayo (LP Secretary, Ado Council); Babatola Sunday (LP Secretary, Ikere Council); and Elder Adelusi Dare (LP Secretary, Ikole

Council). It would be recalled that LP National Chairman, Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu, had in Ado Ekiti a fortnight ago, clarified that Omole remained the recognised and authentic chairman of the party in the state. Nwanyanwu had said there was no faction in the LP, alleging that those fanning the embers of discord in the party were being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to destabilize the party. The LP boss also said the party’s candidate for the 2014 governorship election would emerge in a free and fair primaries to be conducted by the party, and that nobody would be imposed on the party.

Group urges support for Jonathan administration L-R: Chairman, PDP, Kaduna North Chapter, Alahji Abdullahi Babayo; Secretary, Mr Joseph Masino and Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Hassan Saleh, at a news conference on the chapter’s crisis in Kaduna, yesterday.

Ondo by-election: Youth group endorses Ehinlanwo OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

he race to fill the vacant seat of the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives has begun, even as some youths under the aegis of Ondo Youth Assembly have endorsed an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Prince Soji Ehinlanwo, as their candidate. About 12 aspirants from the major political parties in the state are already jostling for the position which was made vacant by the sudden death of its former occupant, Hon. Rafael Nomiye, late last year. Ehinlanwo was the candidate of the defunct Congress for Political Change (CPC) in the October 20, 2012 governorship election in the state. It was gathered that the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may conduct the bye-election in March this year. The decision to back Ehinlanwo for the seat was taken yesterday by the group at its meeting held in Akure, the State Capital. In a statement issued shortly after the meeting and signed by its chairman, Barrister Ayoola Julius, and Secretary, Pastor Caleb Akerele, the group said it had assessed Ehinlanwo and seen that he is the best among all the aspirants jostling for the seat. The statement read in part: “Ehinlanwo is not new to the politics of the federal constituency and Ondo State. However, unlike some, he comes with no baggage whatsoever. Since 2007, he has played a very active role in the politics of the area and of the entire Ondo State culminating in his nomination as the gov-

ernorship candidate of the defunct CPC in the last October 2012 election. “Many will remember his uncommon grasp and articulation of the issues and problems confronting the entire state including his own federal constituency and the solutions which he proffered throughout the period of the election and beyond. It is instructive that his vigorous campaign and courageous stance over the slide in Ondo State, particularly the unprecedented recklessness in the management of the financial resources of the state including the funds of OSAPADEC under the watch of Governor Olusegun Mimiko clearly helped to expose the deceit, corruption and ineptitude of the present Ondo State government. “So, it is clear that a vote for Prince Soji Ehinlanwo is an endorsement of a clear

minded and well-grounded progressive who will partner with other like-minded people to ensure that there is considerable and meaningful focus not just only on the federal constituency but our dear state, especially in relation to the huge challenges that our people are presently confronted with. “Prince Soji Ehinlanwo will expose the dire effects of bad governance in Ondo State, particularly in relation to the Ilaje Ese-odo Federal constituency and seek meaningful solutions to the problems that assail our people We have no doubt that Prince Soji Ehinlanwo is a very highly committed party man. We note with admiration the huge leadership role which he played in ensuring understanding and collaboration between the defunct Ondo State ACN and CPC prior to the merger and after the formation of the APC.”

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

youth pressure group, the Patriotic Vanguard, PV, has urged Nigerians to support the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2014. In a New Year message signed by its national chairman, Mr Adesina Animashaun, and made available to journalists in Lagos, yesterday, PV stated that the plans enumerated by the President for Nigeria in 2014 could not be achieved without the peoples support. It would be recalled that President Jonathan in his New Year message to Nigerians assured that his administration remained fully committed to the progressive development of the country. The President also noted that despite several domestic and global challenges, 2013 witnessed many positive developments which his administration would

build upon in 2014. The PV while commenting on Jonathan’s message stated that his promises could only be realised if Nigerians resolve to embrace peace and unity. It said: “There is need for all leaders from the various zones to join the campaign against violence and support for the nation. No matter our political leanings, what matters most is the development of Nigeria which is not negotiable.” The group advised critics of the President to be focused and guard against utterances that may mar rather than help build the nation. “Our first concern as citizens remains how to make the nation work by contributing our quota to national development. Politics is also about nation building and criticism is part of democracy, but in criticising, we must ensure that it is constructive and not destructive” the PV further stated.

Politics

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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How state Assemblies can champion democratic stability –Plateau Speaker ing for more. As a House, we are aware of these yearnings and we are working to ensure that we meet the aspirations of the people. The crisis on the Plateau seems to have moved from the city to the villages, where sporadic attacks still occur. What has been the impact of the House in bringing about lasting peace in the state? I am surprised over that question. To be honest with you, if the House has not been up and doing in discharging its responsibilities regarding the security challenge that we have had in the state, I don’t think that the peace that we are enjoying today would have been possible. We could have enacted laws that could jeopardise the existing peace, but we have not done that as a House. At a recent meeting of the Conference of Speakers in Abuja, the Plateau State House of Assembly members were commended for their efforts. I think what is important at this post-conflict stage of the crisis is for the people to consolidate on the existing peace by promoting acts that will engender harmonious coexistence, respect and tolerance for one another and understanding among themselves. For me that is the way forward. The crisis must stop once and for all.

Hon. Titus Ayuba Alams representing Bokkos state constituency is the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly. In this interview with JAMES ABRAHAM, the lawmaker, who assumed office about two months ago, clears the air on the controversy surrounding his emergence as Speaker, the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as well as the way forward on the Plateau crisis among other issues. Excerpts: It is now over two months since you became the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly. How has your experience been so far in the saddle? It’s been so far so good. We are doing our best. I keep saying and I will still say it that the recent change in the leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly is not a new thing. The House of Assembly has been there with some changes here and there. It was just a change of baton and I thank God for everything. It was a transition that came and passed in a way that portrayed the House as matured. In other climes, it would have been a different ball game and I can tell you that we are fairing very well. Did you have any inkling of becoming the Speaker? Let me be frank with you, I did not. You know we have been best of friends in the House. My take has been to support the erstwhile leadership of the House led by John Clark Dabwan and I supported him to the last minute. But when my colleagues felt there was the need for a change and and insisted on ensuring that the change in leadership took place, there was nothing I could do. Don’t forget that the only thing that is constant is change itself. I want to tell you that when my name was mentioned, I was shocked because I never knew that my colleagues were watching me. So I see what happened as an act of God. Given the controversy that trailed your emergence as Speaker, how prepared are you for the task ahead? Which controversy are you talking about? What were the issues? It is believed that the recent change of leadership in the House had caused division among members as the House now has pro and opposition lawmakers with the latter alleged to have accused the House leadership of lacking in vibrancy, high handedness among other allegations, which made them to push for change. Well, those issues exist in the minds of those who propagate them. As far as I am concerned, there is no division among the lawmakers. They remain united in

Alams

the task of legislative business. When people say that the House was not vibrant, I became puzzled and surprised. If the House was not vibrant, the recent change in its leadership, for instance, wouldn’t have taken place. It would not have yearned for change and would be comfortable with the status quo. But I want to tell you that what people forget easily is that we are operating a democracy that is still growing from 1999 till date. In the process, we may have some issues of people or some democratic institutions or structures not being stable but as democracy itself grows, these issues and problems would gradually disappear. Look at the way people come to the Assembly. You cannot tell me any member of the state Assembly here in Plateau State who has been elected three or four times. And you know in the legislative arm, if you don’t get people going there frequently, you keep having these problems. I am a first timer as a lawmaker and today here I am as the Speaker. Let’s assume that I remain in the Assembly for two, three or more tenures, things would be done in a more stable manner, because there will be improvement on my previous experiences as I will now know the workings of the system better to guarantee stability in the House. Let’s take the Senate President, David Mark, for instance; he has been there for quite some time and you can see how stable the Senate is. If you also take a look at the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, has been there for quite some time before he was made the Speaker and you can see how stable the lower chamber is. So the legislative arm of government, especially at the state level, needs this kind of stability which

is necessary for it to function effectively in a democracy. On the task ahead, I want to tell you that we are prepared. Under my tenure, everything will be made possible to ensure that my colleagues are carried along in every decision of the House. I will also ensure that we have workshops and seminars; that we travel to see how other legislators outside the country work. So good education and training are aspects that we consider very crucial which I am sure will help us tremendously for the task ahead. What do you consider as the challenges facing the Plateau state House of Assembly? I don’t think we have any challenge other than how to make life more meaningful for our people through the act of lawmaking. If you look at the developmental strides taking place in the state across the three senatorial zones, you will discover that our people are yearn-

THE

PDP IS STILL A

PARTY OF ONE FAMILY AND ANY ISSUE THAT IT MAY BE GRAPPLING WITH, NO MATTER

HOW GRIEVOUS, STILL REMAINS A FAMILY MATTER THAT CAN BE SORTED OUT AMICABLY

The state governor, Jonah Jang, recently presented over N228 billion as budgetary proposals to the House for the 2014 fiscal year. How soon will the House pass the budget? The House would do that as soon as possible. January will be a very busy month in the state because we have the local government election coming up on January 30, 2014. As a matter of fact, we don’t intend keeping the budget for more than necessary before passing it into, so that the good people of Plateau State would continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy they have been enjoying under the present administration. As a stakeholder, how do you view the lingering crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP? I think the crisis in our dear party; the PDP has been largely exaggerated and over bloated. For me, the PDP is still a party of one family and any issue that it may be grappling with, no matter how grievous, still remains a family matter that can be sorted out amicably, including the issue of the defection of some governors elected on its platform. Here in Plateau State, there has been and there would be no cross carpeting to other parties. And even now, those that are doing so may also come back to where they belong. And we are trusting God that on the Plateau, we won’t have people cross carpeting; rather we would be consolidating the gains the PDP has made on the Plateau. You cannot move from a home that you have built to a home that you will become a visitor. I have even talked with those who crossed over to come back because the umbrella is so big to accommodate all of us.

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Politics

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Appointment of (acting) Chief Judge of Rivers State I Introduction:

n recent times, some individuals and lawyers have been calling on His Excellency, the governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi CON, to appoint a Chief Judge for Rivers State or, an Acting Chief Judge, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge. In particular, an officer of one of the branches of the Bar Association in Rivers State and, at another time, a Senior Advocate, amongst others, at various media platforms, made the calls. It is important, and it should be encouraged, that citizens take interest in their government and its activities, which such calls symbolised. However, it is more important that expression of such interests should be done with accurate knowledge of the facts and a fair and sincere expression of one’s view of the law on the matter, when the issue at stake borders on law, so as to assist the citizenry follow more accurately on the issue. It is important, before we proceed and since the issues here presented also touch on the activities of that body, to state categorically that the Rivers State government has the greatest respect for the National Judicial Council, NJC, and will continue to collaborate with it as provided for in the Constitution in aid of the performance of its duty under the law for the interest of our people.

The facts: The last incumbent of the office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State retired on August 19, 2013. The very next day, that is August 20, the Rivers State governor appointed and swore-in the Hon. Justice P.N.C. Agumagu, as the Acting Chief Judge of the state. This was pursuant to Section 271(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that the most senior judge of the High Court be so sworn-in. In choosing, appointing and swearing in Hon. Justice Agumagu, then President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, the state government explained that the Hon Justice Agumagu was sworn in as a High Court Judge and seconded to establish the state’s Customary Court of Appeal and is now the Most Senior Judge in the state judiciary and that according to the state’s Customary Court of Appeal Law, the President of that court takes precedence immediately after the Chief Judge of the state and sits in the state Judicial Service Commission second only to the Chief Judge and that the provision of the constitution in that regard must be read together with the state’s Customary Court Law as stated. As expected, there were other views opposed to this: that the Customary Court Law provision that the President of that court comes after the Chief Judge is only as to protocol and that at any event, according to the opponents of his appointment, that the Customary Court, although part of the judiciary of the state, is not part of the High Court. None disputed the fact that Hon Justice Agumagu was sworn in as a High Court judge long before any of the judges now serving in the state judiciary. Whatever different or differing views, the appointment had been made; the Hon. Justice Agumagu entered his appointed office of Acting Chief Judge and commenced the

Amaechi

performance of his duties. There was no challenge to the appointment up-till date. In law, that appointment remains valid until set aside, not by a differing view, no matter how eminent the holder of the view, but by a competent court.

For the avoidance of doubt, the said section states as follows: “If the office of the Chief Judge of a state is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the governor shall appoint the most senior judge of the High Court to perform those functions.” An unbiased reading of the section will reveal that the requirement of appointment of the ‘Most Senior’ judge is only at the first instance of appointment. Subsequent appointments need not follow any order of seniority. This has always been so. For example, when the position of the President of the Court of Appeal became vacant and pending the appointment of the substantive successor, after the appointment of the most senior in the system, that is the Hon Justice Dalhatu Adamu, the subsequent appointment, in acting capacity, did not follow seniority and that is how the present incumbent, who is not the most senior in the system is there now as the Acting President and it is valid. Not long after the appointment of the Hon Justice Agumagu as Acting Chief Judge, an interested Senior Advocate, who also sits in the NJC as a member and who is opposed to the initial appointment and who prefers a particular candidate, (I am not opposed to those who are opposed to the initial appointment or the interpretation of who is the most senior judge. I am only opposed to their insistence that their view is the only one the governor must act on) had hinted that any judge of the High Court who accepted any further appointment of acting Chief Judge would be sanctioned by

the NJC. At that time, the NJC had not had its quarterly meeting then to be held in December. True to that promise, the NJC met and thereafter, wrote to all judges of the High Court in Rivers State that should they accept the acting appointment, the acceptance would be considered an act of misconduct. Further, in that letter to the judges, the NJC stated that the governor should appoint a particular judge who, in its own Judgement, is the Most Senor judge, as the Acting Chief Judge. Clearly, the NJC is dictating to the governor, the particular candidate, to be appointed as acting Chief Judge of the state. One wonders why the NJC did not warn justices of the Court of Appeal not to accept the appointment of Acting President of that court after the tenure of Hon Justice Adamu expired and why they did not and have not still appointed the most senior justice of that court to the position of Acting President.

Does the njc have any power whatsoever in the appointment of an acting chief judge of a state?

IT IS ONLY IN THE APPOINTMENT OF A SUBSTANTIVE

CHIEF JUDGE THAT THE GOVERNOR IS TO AWAIT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE

NJC BEFORE HIS

EXCELLENCY MAKES SUCH SUBSTANTIVE APPOINTMENT

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

OF THE STATE

The answer is to be found in that same section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution which, for purpose of ease of understanding, I reproduced above. What can be seen, clearly, is that the governor needs no recommendation from anyone as to whom to appoint as Acting Chief Judge, nor approval of anyone to validate whomsoever he has appointed. The guide provided by the Constitution to the Governor is that contained in the phrase, “the most Senior Judge of the High Court” which the governor has interpreted and acted on and which, as stated, remains valid and subsisting not having been set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction. It is only and only when an appointed person’s tenure has lapsed and the governor wishes a renewal, that the NJC becomes constitutionally relevant in this regard as it is its constitutional powers to approve the renewal. If there is no issue of renewal of the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge, then there is no role for the NJC to play. The relevant section, therefore, which the publicists did not bother to refer its listeners and readers to (because they have ruled the first appointment invalid which appointment remains valid because they are not a court of law as only a court of law can validly so rule) is subsection (5) of the selfsame Section 271 which states thus: “Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council an appointment pursuant to subsection (4) of this section shall cease to have effect after expiration of three months from the date of such appointment and the governor shall not reappoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.” It has been our law – and it has not changed – that bodies established by law (including the NJC) must act within the boundaries established by their enabling statutes. Again, we ask, where is the role of the NJC in the exercise of a governor’s power conferred on him by the constitution to appoint an acting Chief Judge for a state? Those contributing and issuing press releases and granting interviews on this matter have not even bothered to provide this answer to their audience as to how the issue concerns the NJC or where the NJC derives its power to dabble into it as to insist on the appointment of a particular judge and to issue threat letters to judges as aforesaid. The simple reason, therefore, for the void in the office of acting Chief Judge of Rivers State is not, as those interested publicists have put it, that the governor has failed or refused to fill the vacancy, but simply that the NJC, for whatever reason, wrote to all our judges not to accept the appointment except the governor appoints a particular Judge. This is curious! Although chaired by the Chief Justice and having as its members, eminent judges and justices, the NJC, still, is not a court. Not only that, it is, itself, subject to the Constitution. It, therefore, lacks powers to declare a governor’s appointment unconstitutional as it purported to do; neither is there any authority in it conferred by the Constitution, to threaten judges not to accept such appointment from the state Chief ExecuCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Appointment of (acting) Chief Judge of Rivers State CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 tive. If the governor acted outside the constitutional powers granted him, it is not the NJC that has power to so declare, but a competent court. The governor, not interested in setting up any judge against the NJC, decided not to make the appointment until the issue is cleared, as appointing the candidate the NJC insisted should be appointed, will mean that the NJC, not the governor, is the ‘appointing authority’, a constitutional description which refers only to the governor and not the NJC. That will amount to an abdication of a constitutional duty on the part of the governor. For the avoidance of doubt, it is only in the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge that the governor is to await the recommendation of the NJC before His Excellency makes such substantive appointment subject to approval of the state House of Assembly. There should be no conflation of the two situations of appointment of acting Chief Judge and the appointment of substantive Chief Judge. It is the misunderstanding of the role of the NJC and the role of the governor in these two separate situations, or, putting it more appropriately, the thinking that the role of the NJC is the same in both situations, that has led, with respect, to the comedy of errors by those who reasoned that the governor is in error. His Excellency is not. The previous appointment having not been voided by any court, the governor clearly has fulfilled the constitutional requirement of appointing the Most Senior Judge and all arguments on that spentissue must be regarded for what they are: academic.

Why did the njc not act in other states with similar situation as it is now acting in Rivers State? The impression has been given that the path Rivers State is now treading – of appointing acting Chief Judge- is un-trodden. This is a wrong impression. Adamawa, Abia, and Osun states have, at various times, spanning, in some cases, close to a year and in the case of Abia, more than a year, operated their various judicial systems with acting Chief Judges because the issue of substantive appointment was lingering and in the case of Abia, is still lingering. Did the NJC write to their judges in those states not to accept the acting appointment and that if they did, they would be sanctioned? Up till the time of this writing, Abia State still has an acting Chief Judge. In Adamawa, one judge acted as Chief Judge for several months. Nothing in Rivers State resembles these states’ examples and yet the NJC has gone to the extreme of writing to the judges of Rivers State with a promise of punishment should they accept to serve in acting capacity. This selective approach must worry all those who love law and order and justice and equity and equality. The only reason for this selectivity in treatment is simply that there is no prominent NJC member in those states with a preferred candidate which is the case in Rivers State. I say no more on this until the appropriate time.

Mukhtar

Is this the first time rivers state would be without a Chief Judge? Publicists and advocates of a ‘preferred candidate’ have continued to argue that “since the 19th of August, 2013, there has been no legitimate head for the High Court of Rivers State”. They then added: “As leaders of the Bar in Rivers State, members of the Body (i.e Body of Senior Advocates) consider that this does not augur well for the administration of justice and the maintenance and enforcement of law and order in Rivers State”. I have since confirmed that there are no Bar leaders as referred to, to whom such views can be ascribed except one interested senior advocate, giving the impression to the public that only he constitutes ‘Bar Leaders’. I am one of the Bar leaders in Rivers State. Indeed, Virtute Officii, I am the leader of the Bar in Rivers State and I hereby state that there was no such meeting of Bar leaders. Interestingly, the press release did not state where and when the Bar leaders’ meeting held and who attended. To confuse this issue and obscure its understanding, the author of the release used the word ‘Body of Senior Advocates’ interchangeably with ‘Bar leaders’ and all lawyers know that not all Bar leaders are Senior Advocates and so not members of the Body of Senior Advocates. Further, whereas it was purported to have been issued by a Body (whether of Senior Advocates or Bar Leaders), it was contained on an individual’s letter head paper. Worse still, in using the word ‘Bar leaders,’ the release’s author seems to be of the view that elected chairmen of the Bar Association are not Bar leaders. That is wrong. They are. And since they are, they are the ones to speak for the Bar leaders and certainly not the individual who did not say he has their mandate to so speak for the group. Each person, it must be conceded, is constitutionally empowered to speak for himself but not to confuse that individual’s constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech with speaking for a group out of presumptuousness. It is important that we know which group, exactly, is being spoken for (Body of Senior Advocates or Bar leaders) so that response will be appropriate to that particular group. Till those Bar leaders (of which I am one and indeed, the leader,) speak, the

IT WOULD BE UNFAIR AND DANGEROUS TO THE SOCIETY AND THE

GOVERNMENT, THAT AN ARM OF GOVERNMENT, LIKE THE JUDICIARY,

SHOULD BE WITHOUT A HEAD AT ANY GIVEN TIME statement must remain what it is: one Senior Advocate’s agitation for a preferred candidate, emboldened by the letter from the NJC to judges which is now understood as firmly paving the way for that Senior Advocate’s preferred candidate.

Important historical information: When Justice Ichoku, former Chief Judge, retired from the state judiciary, sometime in or about August of 2001, there was no appointment of either an acting Chief Judge or a substantive Chief Judge until November 2001 when Hon. Justice Iche Ndu was appointed and sworn in as the Chief Judge. These ‘Bar leaders’, were there then and even cooperated with the then governor and for those months, they did not know or even inform the public that the months of vacuum in the judiciary hierarchy without either a substantive or acting head ‘will not augur well for the administration of justice or the enforcement of law and order’. This is curious and self-serving, even, hypocritical. In 2003, S.O. Benson Esq., a resourceful Port Harcourt-based lawyer was, along with five others, nominated to the NJC for recommendation by the (then) governor, for appointment as a High Court judge of Rivers State. The then governor appointed and swore in the other five and declined to accept the recommendation of Mr. Benson. In effect, the governor declined to act on the recommendation of the NJC. His Excellency, then, did not challenge the recommendation in court – he just stated he was not accepting it and left it there and nothing hap-

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pened. No ‘Bar leaders’ spoke! The reason given for the non-acceptance was that after the candidate’s nomination/ recommendation, petitions were received from some of his community members alleging his complicity in communal disturbances in his local community in which a life was lost. Although the police later exonerated the candidate from the allegation and a panel of enquiry which indicted him had the indictment quashed by a High Court, the then governor, still, declined to act on the NJC recommendation. That was in 2003. Ten years later, in 2013, His Excellency, Governor Amaechi, revisited the matter, acted on the recommendation, especially since there was both a Police Clearance and a High Court judgment, appointed and swore in the candidate as a judge of the High Court. Throughout this period, these Bar leaders and publicists for their candidate did not rise to the occasion. It is thus clear, that the attempt to paint His Excellency, the governor of Rivers State, Amaechi, as disrespectful to the NJC is self-serving and unfortunate. The ‘Bar leaders’ did not condemn the previous administration which did not appoint a Chief Judge or acting Chief Judge for months, which administration did not, also, act on the recommendation of the NJC to appoint a candidate as a judge, but is now stating that a governor who obeyed the NJC in the Benson’s case, appointed an acting Chief Judge promptly when the vacancy existed and is unfairly now being prevented from making further acting appointment, as assigned him by the Constitution, pending the substantive appointment of a Chief Judge, has failed to appoint an acting Chief Judge. This is unfair as it is a promotion of the now entrenched Nigerian system where those who strive to obey the system are condemned and presented to the public as disrespectful and arrogant while those who do nothing in that regard, who, infact, undermine the system for selfish reason masquerading as altruism, are commended and garlanded.

Conclusion: The framers of our Constitution envisaged this situation as Rivers State is now, where, owing to the nature of governance and humans and politicians, the appointment of a Chief Judge may not be concluded on time and they also knew it would be unfair and dangerous to the society and the government, that an arm of government, like the judiciary, should be without a head at any given time. It was because of this that they enacted in the Constitution that, pending such substantive appointment, the governor should, without reference to any one, to no one whatsoever, make the appointments of acting Chief Judge until a substantive one is appointed on recommendation of the NJC upon approval of the state House of Assembly. Neither the House of Assembly nor the NJC has any role in this acting appointment. We salute the wisdom of the framers of the Constitution even as we appeal to the NJC to let the governor be allowed the constitutional role granted him to appoint an acting Chief Judge until the issue is resolved and a substantive appointment made. Worgu Boms Esq. is the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State.

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Views

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Imperative of national conference EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI Professor Ndubuisi is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

resident Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians the planned national conference would kick off early next year. In furtherance of this, he has directed that adequate financial provisions be made available for the conference. Reinstating his confidence in the conference, Mr. President said he was optimistic that it would deepen the nation’s democracy and strengthen its cohesion rather than destroy or weaken its unity. It is interesting that this planned conference has continued to garner support from Nigerians of all hues. The pan Yoruba organization, Afenifere, stating its support for the confab, has called on President Jonathan to make public the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue and demanded equal representation of all ethnic nationalities at the confab. The group believes the conference remains the most positive step to save Nigeria from disintegration, noting that the nation’s warped political architec-

ture, which some people have continually profited from, could only be corrected by a conference of this magnitude. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also made input into how to optimize the opportunities the conference would create, advising that issues such like system of government and revenue sharing formula should top the list of what the conference must address. However, there are still pockets of opposition to the conference. This is coming mostly from politicians that believe that the confab is only meant to give President Jonathan undeserved advantage in the 2015 general elections. Some even think that the conference is a clever way to shift the 2015 general elections. Yet there are others who fear it could be the catalyst to the eventual disintegration of the country. For other critics, the conference will be a jamboree, and so a sheer waste of resources and time, and its outcome serving no purpose. This set of critics point at previous exercises whose reports were consigned to the dustbins. The reality that stares at all of us is that the country is now at crossroads. Aside from the civil war, Nigeria has never witnessed the magnitude of tension and crisis she is now exposed to. Besides the sectarian war ongoing in the North East region, there is open threat of secession, and the prospect of war stalks like a menacing horse. We do not need reports by National Intelligence Committee of America to fath-

WE DO NOT NEED REPORTS BY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE OF AMERICA TO FATHOM WHAT COULD BE THE FATE OF THIS COUNTRY IN

2015

om what could be the fate of this country in 2015. Politicians are becoming more daring, believing that there is minimal economic and political security outside government, which explains the current desperation by the political class to outdo one another in the quest for political power. The nation’s apex electoral empire, INEC and judiciary suffer credibility problem. The political parties, especially the opposition parties want to supplant the ruling party, no matter the cost and consequences. Politics has incidentally become the most lucrative business in the country and the easiest career to enter. The basic qualification is a secondary school certificate, and of course, deep pocket. There is no nation that makes progress this way. Having operated democracy for about fourteen years it is apparent that we are not learning, and in fact, not prepared to learn anything from our experience. The Machiavellian maxim that the end justifies

the means is the catechist our politicians shamelessly memorise and imbibe. The national conference must hold to resolve all contending issues that have held us down. We are pretending to be operating a federal constitution while in practical terms we have a unitary system. The question has been asked severally why the central government has so much power. What this arrangement has done for us is to make the government at the centre very weak and inefficient. The states have in the bargain been rendered impotent, appendages of the centre, depending on it for basically all their needs. Only few states can stand on their own, not looking up to the almighty federal government. The National Assembly is another institution that must be scrupulously examined. What do we need a bicameral legislature in the centre? It has turned out to be a waste of resources and time. Bills have to be harmonized by the two houses before proceeding to the Presidency for assent. This process has not added in any way to the quality of the legislations we have had. A one chamber parliament will be ideal as it will reduce the number of federal lawmakers and save the time spent in the deliberation of bills. This will do us for now. I dare say, the critics of the conference are the beneficiaries of the current decadence and confused system. It pays them that we continue this way - it does matter if the nation continues to lag behind in all departments of human endeavours.

Matters arising from mass failure in public exams

n December 19, 2013, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), released the November/December WASSCE 2013 results. The result shows continuous rate of steady decline in the performances of the candidates in comparison with results of 2011 onwards. What makes this more noteworthy is the fact that the 2011 results itself showed poor performance, meaning that the matter has been growing from bad to worse. While announcing the result, the Head of the Nigerian National Office of WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu, stated that out 299,784 candidates that sat for the examination, only 86,612 candidates, representing, 29.17 per cent, obtained credits in 5 subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics. In 2011, the statistics of the candidates that had five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics was 31 percent. It was even worse in 2012 when 20. 04 percent of the candidates obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics. But a more worrisome dimension was added to the issue when Eguridu stated that the results of the 38, 260 candidates, representing 12.88 per cent, are being withheld in connection with diverse cases of examination malpractices. The WAEC boss even lamented that the Council’s investigation showed some candidates were using cell phones in the examination halls in abject defiance of all examination rules and regulations. This mass failure is a succinct metaphor of the rot bedeviling our educational system; it mirrors the dreadful reality of a sector whose stakeholders carry a varying degree of culpability and guilt. A lot of factors are responsible for this em-

THIS MASS FAILURE IS A SUCCINCT METAPHOR OF THE ROT BEDEVILING OUR EDUCATIONAL

SYSTEM; IT MIRRORS THE DREADFUL REALITY OF A SECTOR WHOSE STAKEHOLDERS CARRY A VARYING DEGREE OF

CULPABILITY AND GUILT. barrassing state of affairs. The first is the government’s neglect of education sector both in terms of inadequate funding and the dearth of strategic policies to keep the system thriving in consonance with the international and modern standards. A number of social factors have also contributed. How many of the said unsuccessful WAEC candidates have the habit of surfing the internet to download usable materials on their basic, core subjects? Many would rather download the latest songs, videos, computer games and pornographic materials, while the “boring” academic websites are shunned indifferently. If the thousands of hours spent on facebook, twitter, yahoo messengers, and YouTube by these students had been poured in self-drilling on mathematical exercises and engaging assignments on basic grammar, the result, obviously, would not have been so dismal. In addition to the lures of modern times, the peculiarities of our society which keeps

producing battalions upon battalions of unemployed youths have also contributed to morbid apathy for education among the youths. The attitude of some parents/guardians encouraging the children/wards to cheat in public examinations instead of seeking success through legitimate route of hard work is also contributory. Our educational system has never been in want of novel idea on how to refurbish it, the 6-3-3-4 system, which was replaced with Universal Basic Education initiative, is one example. The projection that students who do not have aptitude for further educational pursuits would, after the first three years of secondary education, be redirected into some vocational training programmes of their choices and capability ought not to fail, but it did, having crumbled under the sledgehammer of bad implementation. All the machines for vocational training then imported into the country were left to rot in many schools in the face of morbid cluelessness of the policy makers on how to carry on with the implementation of the project. After the fiasco called 6-3-3-4, its replacement with the 9-3-4 system of education under the UBE, which was designed in conformity with the Millennium Development Goals, has so far shown no sign of improving the standards of our education. In many of our tertiary institutions, for instance, scholastic integrity has been so compromised that academic awards are freely bargained for monetary motivation, cultic camaraderie or other mundane considerations like sexual gratifications. Secret cultism has replaced the rigorous discipline of academic tradition. One of the reasons why cultism persists in our schools is the despair of joblessness, which haunts un-

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dergraduates as graduation year approaches. Sadism is, strangely, also thriving even among those who are supposed to be above frivolities and pettiness. Established powerful dons do deny the upcoming scholars their rightful academic entitlements, for example, by deliberately refusing to approve their doctoral theses. We need to re-evaluate our education system with a view to removing all the identified loopholes and defects; we need to effect a paradigm shift from placing undue emphasis on theoretical education and empty paper certification to the one that pragmatically equips a child with a brand of training best suited and tailored-made for him. All the education stakeholders must collaborate to evolve a working paradigm for the ailing sector. Happy New Year! Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

ACTING MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Persistent medical doctors’ strike

oments after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called off its five-month old strike, the respite Nigerians thought came their way was cut short by medical doctors in public hospitals, who commenced a five-day warning strike on Wednesday December 18 over certain perceived infractions bordering on the failure of the Federal Government to implement a mutual agreement to meet their demands for improved welfare, among other grouses. Specifically, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), told their members to proceed on the nationwide strike to compel the FG to pay their outstanding salary arrears. The doctors have also been demanding for proper implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and adequate funding of residency training, among other requests. The five-day warning strike might lead to an indefinite one should the government fail to intervene positively. A last ditch attempt by the FG on Monday, December 16 to douse the flame, which culminated in the panicky preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the signing of a promissory note by the government that it would meet the demands of the doctors by January 6, 2014,

flopped. The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu had midwifed the initiative, which had in attendance his health counterpart, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu; Chairman, House Committee on Health; Permanent Secretaries of the ministries of labour and health; representatives of the Salaries and Wages Commission, Head of Service of the Federation, the Budget Office and a delegation from the NMA. But unimpressed by the government’s showing, the NMA National President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, pointed out that his union would not on the basis of the MoU decide on whether or not to continue with the strike. The warning strike, which came on the eve of the Yuletide, was not only ominous for the country, it was just like the ASUU strike, a poor advertisement for the credibility of the federal authorities. Of worthy of note was the remark of the national president of NMA that the FG was extremely slow in responding to critical issues, and “seems not to appreciate the need for constructive dialogue”. More damaging is also the remark that the Federal Government only “responds to strike actions”. It is, however, a national embarrassment that the nation’s health sector is routinely paralyzed because of mundane matters that should have since been trashed out by the FG. Recall that in August

January 2, 1955

Panamanian president, José Antonio Remon Cantera was assassinated. Remon was the man behind the scenes of several coups that ousted Dr. Arnulfo Arias from power, and arguably the true founder of the social reforming militarism that was later dubbed “Torrijismo” after General Omar Torrijos. “Neither millions nor alms – we want justice” was Remon’s most memorable principled statement.

OUR LOCAL PUBLIC HOSPITALS HAVE NOT PROGRESSED FROM BEING MERE CONSULTING

CENTRES, AS THEY WERE SCORNFULLY REFERRED TO DURING THE MILITARY ERA last year, health workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) threatened to go on strike after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum it also gave the FG. The union accused government of arbitrarily subverting its own law and reneging on agreements. It frowned at FG’s alleged failure to give life to a judgement of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) which favoured it. We dare say, however, that persistent strikes in the health sector should partly be blamed on the rivalry and, perhaps, irreconcilable differences among stakeholders in that sector, on the one hand, and the FG’s relative insensitivity to matters involving the sector. Health is a very serious matter. Doctors, nurses, other medical personnel, as well as government at any level, ought not to take the health of the people for granted. But this

has exactly been the case because politicians and top bureaucrats, including well-to-do health sector practitioners, can afford medical treatment abroad or in private hospitals in the country at outrageous costs, and most often at public expense, which explains their unconcern for the level of decay in the country’s health sector. Indeed, our local public hospitals have not progressed from being mere consulting centres, as they were scornfully referred to during the military era. It is a sad commentary that hospitals nationwide could be shut with impunity over mere intra-sector rivalry, as well as the nonchalance of the government in addressing issues that could lead to industrial disputes until the last minute. The nation suffers dearly for this: patients in need of urgent care perish in the process. That is why we have consistently argued that unless medical tourism abroad by politicians and top bureaucrats, as well as members of their families, is banned, there may be no hope for the revival of Nigeria’s public health sector. An end to this unwholesomeness is long overdue. Health sector stakeholders should reconcile their differences and strive to make their demands modest, while the federal authorities should proactively address genuine grievances before the situation morphs to a debilitating industrial crisis.

ON THIS DAY January 2, 1992 Leaders of armed opposition declared President Zviad Gamsakhurdia deposed during a military coup in Georgia. Gamsakhurdia (March 31, 1939 — December 31, 1993) was a dissident, scientist and writer, who became the first democratically elected President of Georgia in the post-Soviet era. Gamsakhurdia is the only Georgian President to have died whilst formally in office.

January 2, 2006 An explosion in a coal mine in Sago, West Virginia, United States trapped and killed 12 miners, leaving one survivor in critical condition. The blast and collapse trapped the 13 miners for nearly two days. It was the worst mining disaster in the US since the Jim Walter Resources Mine Disaster in Alabama on September 23, 2001, and the worst disaster in West Virginia since the 1968 Farmington Mine Disaster.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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Education Today

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

A prestigious university in Africa with a visionary founder and leader - Dr. Lalla Ben Barka, Assist. D.G UNESCO, Paris

Ruqayyatu, former minister of education

Students going home as a result of strike

Education recorded low performance TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE writes on the major events that defined the education sector in the just ended year.

here were many striking events that took place in the nation’s education sector in the just ended year. Most notable among them remain the incessant strikes by the various staff unions from primary to the university level, mass failure of candidates in the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) as well as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The year also witnessed the sack of the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I without a replacement, the attack and the killing of students by an insurgent group popularly known as Boko Raham, the un-accessed billion of naira from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) by the various state governments, the establishment of three new federal universities, the injection of N200 billion by the Federal Government into the public universities, the establishment of additional Almajiris model schools, among others. But only a few of these could be regarded as achievements in the real sense. Most of them are actually could be considered as minuses not only for the sector but for the entire economy.

Strikes Of all the events that took place in the sector in the year, workers’ strike was the most devastating. It started in April with a seven-day warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP). The lecturers embarked on the strike

over the non-migration of members at the lower cadres on CONTISS 15 salary scale; non- release of the White Paper on the visitation panel to the federal polytechnics; non-commencement of needs assessment of Nigerian polytechnics; the poor condition of the state-owned polytechnics/ monotechnics; and the continued appointment of unqualified persons as rectors by some state governments. Other issues raised by the union included failure of most state governments to implement approved salary packages (CONPCASS) for polytechnics and 65 years retirement age; continued recognition of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as a regulatory body for Nigerian polytechnics against the proposed creation of a National Polytechnics Commission; and the snail-speed associated with the amendment of the Federal Polytechnics Act, among others. The alleged refusal of government to accede the union’s request made the body to declare a total strike on April 29, which has continued to linger till date, after initial suspension in August. While this was on, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on June 1 declared hers in 11 states out of the 36 states of the federation. It action was a carryover from 2012 when 18 state governors were said to have refused to implement the payment of 27.5 per cent Teachers Salary Structure(TSS), and the new N18,000 minimum wage. The affected states included Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Katsina, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, Enugu, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara. Many of them eventually resolved the contentious issues with the striking teach-

EVEN AT THAT, MANY BELIEVE THAT THE SECTOR IS TOO VITAL NOT TO HAVE A TECHNOCRAT AS A SUBSTANTIVE MINISTER IN CHARGE OF THE MINISTRY.

ers to call off their strikes while Kogi’s own lingered for more months. The situation at this level of education became more worrisome in November when workers of the Federal Ministry of Education locked out the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry. They were protesting the non-payment of their accumulated promotion allowances. The teachers of the federal unity schools nationwide were not left out. They also went under the aegis of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria on a four-day warning strike also for the non-payment of their accumulated allowances. As the nation struggled to get the matter resolved, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on July 1 withdrew their services across the nation’s public universities. The strike was declared over the nonimplementation of some key issues in its Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government as contained in their 2009 agreement. The action, which grounded the activities at ivory towers and kept the students idle for 169 days, was suspended only after the intervention of the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the injection of N200 billion by the Federal Government into the system. Now just two days ago, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU)the umbrella body of the polytechnic lecturers in the country- resumed its suspended strike. The union had earlier on a warning strike which it called off in September.

The union is demanding, among other things, the implementation of the agreement the Federal Government signed with it in 2010 containing the repositioning of infrastructure, teaching and learning conditions, as well as improvement in working conditions in all federal and state-owned colleges of education across the country.

Mass failure The organisations that conduct external examinations for the senior secondary school students in the country recorded mass failures of candidates in their exams last year just like those before it. The majority of their candidates could not obtain passes that could qualify them for admission into the tertiary institutions. For instance, in the May/June 2013 WASSCE, candidates performed very poorly. Many could not secure credit passes in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. The case of the council’s November/December exam which results was released two weeks ago was no difference. In that exam according to the council’s Head of National Office in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Eguridu, only 29 per cent of the total candidates obtained credit passes in five subjects including English Language and Mathematic, the required subjects’ combination to secure admission into tertiary institutions. The implication of this was that 71 per cent of candidates failed the exam. Similarly, the case of NECO’s July/August SSCE was no difference. And for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by JAMB, only about 25 per cent of the about 1.5 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Education Today

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Why I dumped Medicine for Economics after two years - Crawford varsity best graduate

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FG reappoints college provost for second term PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Federal Government has reappointed, Dr. Nathaniel Odediran as the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State for second term of four years to pilot the affairs of the college. According to the colleges’ Public Relations Officer, Andrew Ibrahim in a press statement, the letter of renewal of appointment of the provost was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala dated 13th December, 2013 , adding that the re appointment takes effect from January 19. It will be recalled that Odediran-led management was accused of mismanaging the Tertiary Education Trust Fund meant for the college to execute some projects by the Kontagora Emirate Youth Development Association. It will also be recalled that the provost debunked the claim even as various anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal equally exonerated the management of the allegation.

Best graduand, Master Oluwatimilehin Sotubo flanked by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja (left) and the Chancellor, Rev. Bayo Adeniran at the convocation ceremony.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

luwatimilehin Sotubo, 21, had spent two years at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State studying Medicine before he dumped the course for Economics. “I took that decision unilaterally because I lost passion for Medicine,” he declared. Oluwatimilehin from Sagamu, Ogun State initially went for Medicine because of his love for the medical profession when he was growing up. He got fascinated with his father’s dressing as a Medical doctor, as well as how people in the neighbourhood addressed them as children of a doctor. “But even at that, I observed as small as I was then that his job schedules were too time-demanding. My father spent most of his time in the hospital,” he noted. To make his u-turn realistic, he sat for another Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB and also the post-UTME). He passed both exams very well and gained admission to the Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State to study his new course. “I thank God that I took that decision without minding the two years I had spent as a medical student. Those who did not believe in me at that time could now see reason for taking that decision. Economics is the right course for me,” he said. Today, Oluwatimilehin is not only a graduate with First Class honours, he is also the overall best of his set. He outshone other mates numbering 288 in all at the university’s convocation held two weeks ago. With a Cumulative Gradient Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91 out of the 5.0

obtainable points, which was the highest so far in the history of the faith-based university, Oluwatimilehin won eight different awards. He was the winner of the Prof. Peter Okebukola’s Prize for the best overall graduating student, Remi Olowude’s Prize for the best overall student in Economics, Ngozi Osueke’s Prize for the best well-behaved male student of his set, Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for the best student in the College of Business and Social Sciences. He also won the Parents’ Forum’s Prize, Chief Ernest Sonekan’s Prize as well as the University’s Prize. For this achievement, he stole the show at the ceremony as he was called to the podium eight different times to collect his prizes, which included cash, plaques, certificates and other items. On what he did to earn the feat, he said it was hard work, determination, focus and payer that did the magic. He took his studies according to him very seriously by attending classes and reading his books regularly, as well as conducting himself as a model for others. “I also prayed a lot because I have come to realise that it is only God who crowns people’s efforts with good successes,” he added. But amazingly, Oluwatimilehin some years before now specifically when he was at the Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State where he had his secondary education was just an average student. “You could imagine that I couldn’t pass my West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) until my second attempt. That was the situation at a time until I told myself that I needed to sit up and study very had and I thank God that the determination pays off today,” he explained.

WITH A CUMULATIVE GRADIENT POINT AVERAGE (CGPA) OF 4.91 OUT OF THE 5.0 OBTAINABLE POINTS, WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST SO FAR IN THE HISTORY OF THE FAITHBASED UNIVERSITY,

OLUWATIMILEHIN

WON EIGHT DIFFERENT AWARDS.

Now as a degree holder with a job offer from his university, Oluwatimilehin doesn’t believe he has arrived. His words, “I have made to understand that a bachelors’ degree in economics doesn’t make a holder an economist. So, I will like to first of all weigh all the options before to make decision. But, honestly speaking, I may probably forget about job for now and further my studies so as to become a qualified economist before I settle down. I may still take an appointment with the university in future and at a bigger level.” While he felt bad that his father was no more to witness this achievement, he appreciated his mother’s efforts so far on him. “My mother is a super mum. She stands solidly behind me by taking good care of me. She supported me with all the necessary things including prayers throughout my studentship. So, I will remain grateful to her,” she noted.

Lemo urges parents to make children’s education priority

he wife of Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of operations and Managing Director of Lead Forte Gate School, Ogudu, Lagos, Mrs. Yemi Lemo has advised parents and guardians in the country to give their children education a major priority. She gave the advice at the schoolend-of-year party/carol service held recently. Lemo said considering the role of education in child’s development, she said there was no amount of investment and resources put on one’s children education that should be considered too much. She said as a matter of fact, education remains a best legacy any parent could beguile to his wards. The educationist also advised the students of the school as well as others elsewhere to always put in their best in academic pursuits and other areas of life as a way of securing their future. The guest speaker, Reverend Adebayo on his part, also urged both the children and the adults to live a life that is patterned along that of Jesus Christ. He said that was the surest way for God to be in their defence wherever they may be.

Lemo

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Imo lauds Airtel’s role in education development TITILAYO AISHA

he Imo State government has lauded Airtel Nigeria for providing sustainable platforms to lift the under-privileged children in the society and for its other contributions to the development of education in the state. Speaking while inaugurating the company’s adopt-a-school project at the Community Primary School, Amumara in Ezinihitte Local Government area of the state, which was adopted by the company for rehabilitation, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Uche Ejiogu, commended Airtel for assisting the state in the development of the school. Adopt- a-school project is an initiative of Airtel Nigeria as part of its corporate social responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to the development of any school the company adopted. The contributions are usually in form of classrooms renovation, provision of bore holes as well as learning materials and uniforms for pupils. Speaking further, the commissioner said the Airtel initiative was a highpowered show of patriotism that has brought development to Imo State. “As a result of this, the government will continue to partner Airtel and do more business with the company to benefit the people of the state,” she stressed. The commissioner, however advised the pupils of the school to focus more on their studies and make good use of the materials and opportunities provided them by the telecom outfit. Also expressing happiness at the event, an Elder in the community, Mr. Patrick Chukwuma, said now that the school had been lifted with better infrastructural facilities, there is expectation that the gesture would improve both students and teachers performances in academic works and extra-curriculum activities. He spoke on behalf of the community. Elder Chukwuma noted that the condition of the 79-year-old before the rehabilitation took place was nothing to write home about. “But with Airtel intervention, things have changed for better,” he added. On her part, the school’s Head Teacher, Mrs. Felly Wulotu, praised the telecoms operator for the gesture, saying the facilities and materials provided would help the school in no small measure in its service delivery. Speaking on its Adopt-a-School initiative, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya said the company was passionate about creating real value for under-served communities such as Amumara, where the school is adopted. Represented by the company’s Regional Operations Director, South Region, Godfrey Efeurhobo, the managing director promised that the company would continue to partner governments at various levels in the development of the education sector at all levels in the country.

Education Today

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Niger to close down private school annexes PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Niger State Private Schools Board said all private schools in the state operating alongside annexes would no longer be acceptable to the government. The board directed all the schools that are involved in the practice to register such annexes as full-fledged schools otherwise they would be closed down.

This was one of the 10 commandments issued to all private school owners in the state as contained in a press release signed by the chairman of the board, Alhaji Abdulrahim Zungeru. The board stated that henceforth, all owners of private schools must produce evidence of three years payment of annual renewal fees before they would be allowed to process any issue that affects their schools with the board. While warning owners of private schools that are operating from residential

houses such as flats, palours and shops, as well as unapproved locations to close down such facilities, the board’s chairman said it was now a serious offence in the state to engage in such practice. The chairman advised the proprietors to operate their schools strictly in compliance with the rules as stipulated in the national and state polices on education as non-compliance would attract sanction. He said the state is committed to the producing of quality education at all levels.

British Council launches another English language test TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, has launched another global English test known as ‘Aptis’ in Nigeria. Aptis, a language testing tool designed to help organisations reach more people, connect with them and raise standards of English, is said to be the first major international English test that integrates computer, telephone and pen and paper, to allow candidates to sit the test through one or more of channels; conducting it from many locations around the world through computers and face-toface interactions. The Country Examinations Manager at the British Council, Martin Akubue said Aptis was brilliant for assessing large numbers of people. According to him, the new test system is modular: meaning that a company can choose from a mixture of speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar modules to suit your assessment needs. Results are fast and are customised to give you information that you can use for business or training de-

cisions. “So, whether you’re a civil servant, managing the English language assessment needs for groups of teachers or prospective students; or if you are a Human Resources manager preparing needs analysis for training within your company, Aptis can support you in your business decisions. In the knowledge management environment we find

ourselves in, easily understood and accurate information that is delivered in a timely fashion is becoming increasingly important,” he explained. The test, which may be taking advantage of the recent suspension of GRE in the country, is a business-to-business English assessment service available to organisations, “and is the latest addition to the British Council’s

English and examinations portfolio of products.” “Aptis can be used in various sectors – information technology, retail, banking, and hospitality. It includes all features of the language, which can be easily understood, and presents a clear picture to people where they stand in the language proficiency test,” Akubue further explained.

L-r: Donor of a block of two classrooms to Ejila Awori Community High School, Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Ogun State, Chief Sesan Fagbayi; state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela; Olodon of Odon, Oba Fatai Gbadamosi and Hon, Sheriff Yusuf at the inauguration of the classrooms recently.

Committee on academic calendar, curriculum harmonisation submits report TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he Standing Committee inaugurated by the Lagos State Government on the harmonization of Schools’ Calendar, examinations and curriculum has submitted its recommendations. The Chairman of the committee, Dr. Femi Ogunsanya who led the team to the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye appreciated the efforts of the state government in deeming it fit to harmonise the schools’ calendar and curriculum. She promised to work with the gov-

ernment in ensuring that the disparity between private and public schools in the state is reduced to the barest minimum. Mrs. Ogunsanya also promised to assist the teachers in public schools by availing them of any opportunity of any seminars and workshops that would train them on the best classroom practices. Responding, the commissioner for education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye commended members of the committee for a job well done, adding that she had no doubt whatsoever that they would deliver on the assignment given to them. She promised to study the

Fashola

recommendations and ensure that a strategy is fashioned out on how to execute their various recommendations. The committee was set up on October 25 last year to look into the harmonisation of schools’ calendar, curriculum and the

Basic Education Certificate examination for public and private schools in the state. The committee was made up of representatives of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools¬ (NAPSS), Catholic, Ansar-ud –Deen, Redeemed, League of Muslim Schools (LEMMPS), Association of International Schools in Nigeria (AISEN), Association of Private School Owners(APSO), Methodist Baptist Association of Formidable Educational Developments (AFED) as well as the Nigerian Union of Teachers and officials of the state Ministry of Education and Office of Special Adviser on Education.

Education Today

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Varsities lecturers in confusion over missing professor

• Call for Jonathan, Akpabio intervention TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he university lecturers in the country have been thrown into confusion following the unknown whereabouts of Prof. James Bolarinwa Olomo of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. Olomo, a Professor of Nuclear and Medical Physics was last heard from on Saturday, October 19, 2013. A joint release by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Olomo’s family and signed by its chairman and family representative, Prof. Peter Akinola and Mr. Segun Olomo respectively, stated that Prof. Olomo left Lagos on Thursday, October 17, 2013 by flight to Calabar and to Eket by road via Uyo the same day. While in Eket, the professor was said to have lodged in Hotel Falem, where he spent three nights with a plan to return to his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday, October 21, 2013. It was further gathered that he was last reached on his cell phone by a colleague of his from the same university around 9.00pm on the same day and their conversation lasted more than 40 minutes. Olomo’s secretary, who also spoke with

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

Olomo

him on phone about an hour earlier was said to be the one who alerted Olomo’s colleagues and family members on Monday, October, 21 that her boss was yet to return from Eket as planned and could not also be reached on his phone since two days earlier. The release further stated that the matter had been reported to the Police and the

State Security Service both in Osun and Akwa Ibom States with no clue as regards his whereabouts. It was equally gathered that the search team with security agents had visited the hotel where the missing professor was claimed to have lodged and contacted major hospitals in the town without luck. It was gathered that only his bag containing one native dress, towel, sponge and three tellers were found in his hotel room and that the Hotel Manager/Attendants claimed that the man submitted his room key and left early morning of Sunday, October 20 without checking out nor returned to the hotel. “Prof. Olomo’s bag was packed into a store and his room reallocated to another guest. The hotel staff didn’t report his disappearance to the police with an excuse that they have had similar experiences when their guests would go out and return few days or weeks later and apologise that they travelled or were busy working on the field. Now, the lecturers and family members called on President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the governors of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Chief Godswill Akpabio to use their good offices in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the sudden disappearance of the renowned professor.

Amosun’s wife to reward 20 best WAEC candidates

(Ijebu North-East); Abdulkabir mitment to education develop- ries to emulate the virtues of he wife of Ogun State Madina (Ijebu-Ode); and Adeniyi ment in the state, Mrs. Amosun those who made the last year said the leadership training all-expenses-paid trip by explorGovernor, Mrs. Olu- Kehinde (Ikenne). programme was expected to ing the programme to develop Others include Adebayo funso Amosun has conboost students’ motivation to do themselves. Funmilayo (Imeko-Afon); Ojo cluded plans to reward the Speaking on behalf of the well in their studies and other Shamsudeen (Ipokia); Akin20 best candidates in the last group, Master Sobowale Bukola areas of life. wole Elijah (Obafemi/Owode); May/June West African Senior expressed appreciation to Mrs. She congratulated the benefiKarounwi Aminat (Odeda); Secondary School Certificate Amosun for fulfilling her promciaries and asked them to keep Abimbola Seun (Odogbolu); Examination (WASSCE), who ise to sponsor the best 20 candithe fire burning in their next Badekale Yinusa (Ogun Waterare from Ogun State. dates in WASCCE to the UK. engagements. side); Kolawole Ibrahim (Remo The gesture is not only to He said the gesture was inIn his remark, the state ComNorth) and Oparinde Olayemi encourage healthy competition creasingly yielding positive remissioner for Education, Sci(Sagamu). among students at that level of sults in the state. ence and Technology , Mr. Segun The commissioner said the education but also to enhance He promised that they would the development of the sector gesture was a reward for their Odubela said the programme not only be well-behaved in the was an opportunity for the stuexemplary performances in the at the state and the national UK, they would also use the dents to have a feel of the good exam, which recorded mass faillevels. training to equip themselves for plans of the state for education. ure in the entire country . Speaking at the ceremony to future challenges. He advised the beneficiaRestating government’s compresent the lucky candidates who are from the 20 local government council areas of the state to the public in Abeokuta, the state capital, Mrs. Amosun said for the second year running, she would be taking the beneficiaries to the UK for leadership training programme in this first quarter of the New Year. They are Animashaun Israel (Abeokuta North); Sobowale Bukola (Abeokuta South); Aderoju Kudirat (AdoOdo/Ota); Eguabor Davidson (Yewa South); Yusuf Kabirat (Ewekoro); Oladeinde Olatunji Wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun presenting a certificate of recognition to Miss Kudirat (Ifo); Momoh Boluwatife (Ijebu Aderoju from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state, one of the best candidates in the West African East); Yinusa Munirudeen (Ije- Senior Secondary School Certificates from the state and beneficiaries of Mrs Amosun’s all-expenses-paid leaderbu North); Rosenje Abdullahi ship training programme in the UK

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Foundation donates sanitation facility to Isoko school • Rewards students,teachers TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Austin-Epadi Igbuku Lights On Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) aimed at promoting education at the grassroots, has donated a block of seven toilets and water system to Aviara Secondary Commercial School Aviara, Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State. This is even as it also gave various awards to deserving students and teachers of the school in recognition of their outstanding contributions to academic development in the community. A statement by the NGO indicated that the donated facilities to the community were aimed at developing the educational environment that will further boost learning conditions, in addition to its support for indigent students in higher institutions in the state. The Commissioner of Education in the state, who was represented by the Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) of the local government, Mrs. P. Useh during the inauguration of the project said it was good to give back to society to enhance development. Useh thanked Mr. Austin Igbuku, the founder and promoter of the foundation, for supporting education and called on all sons and daughters of Isoko land to emulate the good works of the foundation by financing projects or schemes that will impact positively on their communities. Presenting the awards to deserving students and teachers, Igbuku urged students of the twelve participating communities to study hard as the foundation is gives scholarship award to any student who secures admission into the university during the year. The outstanding recipient of the year was Miss Adaka Okeno from Uzere Grammar School Uzere. She got the best female student’s award, the best science student award as well as the overall best student. She won a handsome cash prize as well as a trophy to be retained for the year. Various awards were given to deserving students and teachers. Two sublime lectures, titled: ‘Youth age misused, makes old age miserable’ and the “Changing gears’ were delivered by Chief Collins Ezewu and Pastor Chidi John respectively. In his remarks, the Principal of the host school, Mr Isaac Ighravwe, was very appreciative of the Foundation’s contribution to the community. He also extended his thanks to all who participated in the rich event as they have touched the lives of the students by given them new hope in pursuing their education. The award is an annual event sponsored by the foundation. This year’s awards covered exceptional behaviour, most supportive teacher and academic excellence categories.

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Education Today

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Poor SSCE results: We must act now! A

few weeks ago, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) released the results of the November-December 2013 (GCE) examinations which immediately triggered nation-wide lamentations because of the poor performance. This lamentation has been repeated several times in the past seven years in what has become a biannual national ritual. Within this period, the proportion of candidates that obtained credit passes in at least five subjects including English language and Mathematics has fluctuated between 1.8% and 45.62%. Within these statistics are hidden very disturbing details. In the November/December GCE conducted by NECO in 2012, less than 0.3 per cent of the candidates obtained credit passes in Physics, a critical subject for all science and technology based courses. In the same examination, the Registrar of the council reported that of the 75,623 candidates who sat for the examination, 21,274 (a whopping 28.13%) were involved in examination malpractice. The current problem may be summarised simply as “Poor performance in national examinations in the face of a fulminating epidemic of examination malpractice”. How did we get here? The original problem was simply poor educational management. Many teachers in the system lacked basic knowledge of their teach-

DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

n its determined effort to fast-track and bridge the wide gap in the education sector, the Gombe State Government says it would commence academic activities in its newly established College of Education at Billiri this January. The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mohammed Isa Wade who disclosed this to Journalists during an inspec-

Education as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

info@alphaedufoundation.org 08030904461 (email/SMS only)

THE QUALITY OF ADMISSIONS INTO OUR PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE YEARS SUCH THAT MANY CANDIDATES CANNOT IDENTIFY THE LOWER CASE

ALPHABETS AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION. ing subjects but secured appointments anyway through corrupt means. There is a high level of absenteeism and truancy among the generality of teachers and the school administrators appear unable to instill discipline. Furthermore, the quality of admissions into our public secondary schools had dropped significantly over the years such that many candidates cannot identify the lower case alphabets at the time of admission. Examination malpractice, which was originally introduced by despondent students in a desperate attempt to secure pass grades in the public examinations, has now achieved the status of an organised crime with an intricate network involving principals, teachers, parents and students. It is now the preferred

route to success in our national examinations. The zeal to study has vanished and students are no longer prepared to learn even when competent teachers are available to teach! It appears that our educational system is floundering helplessly like a ship without a captain in the midst of an endless storm. Where do we go from here? Before any remedy would work, the stranglehold of examination malpractice on the nations psyche must first be broken. First, secondary schools must provide examination halls large enough to accommodate all candidates under one roof before they are given approval to register candidates. Furthermore all secondary schools offering science subjects should have an appropriate func-

tional laboratory and qualified science teacher respectively for each subject. Information and Communication Technology should be deployed by all the examination bodies to ensure that candidates enrolled for the examination are bona-fide students of the respective schools in the case of May/ June examinations. Internal checks and balances should be put in place to check official fabrication of course assessment scores which have no relationship with the academic performance of the candidates. Lastly, we must begin to enforce existing laws on examination malpractice to serve as deterrents against the collaborators and sympathizer of perpetrators. Upgrading the quality of teachers is a more intricate problem. On the short term, it would involve screening, and redeployment of teachers who do not know what to teach and hiring more competent ones to fill the vacancies created. On the long term, it would involve overhauling the training process and facilities in the colleges of education and faculties of education in the universities. Incentives such as scholarships and bursaries to assist qualified candidates to take up training as teachers should be provided. The current JAMB process which assigns the poorest candidates to the teacher’s training programmes should be abolished immediately. Special science

schools should be established to encourage the teaching of science in secondary schools. Structures must be put in place to check the corrupt practices in teacher’s recruitment processes in the ministry of educations nationwide. Absenteeism and truancy among teachers could be drastically reduced by the deployment of electronic registers complemented with human monitors from outside the ministry of education with the concomitant improvement in the learning process. But who will coordinate these complex activities nationwide? Nearly four months since the sack of nine ministers, President Goodluck Jonathan has not been able to appoint a substantive minister of education, leaving the ministry essentially without a leader! A competent minister of education with the right antecedents and perspectives would serve as a catalyst to initiate and speed up the required changes. We therefore plead that the President as a matter of urgency appoints a substantive minister of education to lead us out of this quagmire. Reduction in the incidence of examination malpractice would initially cause a paradoxical decline in candidates’ performance in the SSCE which would be a true reflection of the academic capabilities of our students. But with the implementation of the other recommendations, a steady improvement in performance in a malpractice free environment should be expected within two years.

Gombe College of Education sets to commence operations tion tour of the college project stated that this was according to the time table set by the Government and considering the level of the project which was at 80 percent completion. He explained further that the commencement of academic activities this January is sequel to the assurance given by the contractor that work would be completed by yesterday and handed

over to the government. The commissioner, who expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work at the project site,

stated that works on the hostels and lecture halls were ready. Wade expressed appreciation to Billiri community for

their support to the college project, especially the peace that was reigning and which had enabled works to be carried out according to plan.

He explained that Governor Dankwambo was firm and steady in the actualisation of his priority on education.

Agency enrols 46,877 adults in Bauchi

he Bauchi State Adult and NonFormal Education Agency, on Tuesday said it had enrolled 46,877 adults during the 2012/2013 academic session. The Chairman, Board of Directors of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, told newsmen in Bauchi that the agency had initially targeted

38,390 learners across the state. He said the agency had in collaboration with development partners opened 1,878 learning centres with 800 facilitators and 228 scheme organisers. ``From 2012 to 2013, the enrolment figures in the centres rose from 38,390 to 46,877 learners,’’ he said.

Proprietor, Foreign Links College of Education, Ile-Ife, Dr. Fola Akinosun (left) receving with the Nigeria’s Outstanding Leadership Award from the Olumoro of Moro, Osun State, Oba Emmanuel Oyeniyi(right)in Ile-Ife, recently. The award was organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Elizade varsity committed to quality - VC HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he authorities of Elizade University, Ilara–Mokin, Ondo State has reiterated its commitment of making the institution a world class institution dedicated to the pursuit of academic and moral excellence. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Valentine Alector re-emphasised this during the second matriculation ceremony and the distinguished lectures organised for the newly admitted students of the institution. Alector stated that the university overriding objective was to produce self reliant, ethics conscious and globally competitive graduates imbued with requisite skills to become part of the nation’s socio-economic players. He said the university had not relented in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, research and community engagements that will drive the realisation of the objective. He also advised the new students to face their studies and obey the rules and regulations guiding their studentship in the university. On his part, the founder of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo said the institution’s plans are to produce graduates that would compete favourably with their peers globally. Chief Ade-Ojo added that the university would also play a critical role in the development and incubation of engineering and technology knowledge and the dissemination of that knowledge in the country.

LASG gives N1bn support to 400 graduate farmers

he Lagos State Government on Sunday said it had spent N1 billion to support no fewer than 400 graduate farmers to set up their own farms. Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the beneficiaries were those trained under the state’s Agricultural Youths Empowerment Scheme (AGRIC-YES). ``The support is to give them a headstart in their farming businesses.`We are currently operating a modern farm settlement scheme in Araga, Epe area of Lagos, where graduates are trained in different areas of agriculture under our AGRIC-YES programme.

The Cocoa pruners during the training programme

he Federal University of Technology, Akure through its Centre for Entrepreneurship, CENT has commenced the training of Cocoa Pruners for Ondo State government. The pruners are being taught modern skills in cocoa pruning that will enhance better yield. Speaking during the flag off of the programme, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola represented by the Deputy Vicechancellor, Development, Professor Tolulope Akinbogun urged the participants to give the training all attention because of its importance. According to him, cocoa production, which used to be one of the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, especially in the South West, has long been abandoned for oil, but is now due for revitalization. Professor Akinbogun said

FUTA trains cocoa pruners “there are always modern ways of doing things to achieve the best result. If you do not know these modern ways, it will affect your output. See this opportunity as one of the best. Utilize it well so that you can train others”. He said FUTA is well positioned to carry out the training because of its abundant experts in agriculture and related fields. He said the University would continue to ensure that it adds value to its immediate environment and the society at large. In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ayo Olajuyigbe praised the effort of the Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in revamping Cocoa production in the state through the constitution of the Cocoa imple-

mentation committee otherwise called Cocoa Revolution Project. This effort has led to the need to train the first batch of 20 trainees who are to become Master Pruners who will eventually replicate the knowledge gained among peasant farmers across the state. He further commended Governor Mimiko for his government’s effort in turning raw Cocoa into chocolate for local and international consumption. Dr. Olajuyigbe also called on Ondo State government and other neighbouring states to leverage on some of the research output from FUTA so as to develop their citizens and build in them entrepreneurial skills. This is because skill acquisition holds the key to solving the seemingly intractable problem of youth unemployment

in the country. In his speech, Chairman, Ondo State Cocoa Implementation Committee, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade expressed his delight in the operations of FUTA. He said “FUTA has come to stand distinctly in the comity of universities in Nigeria, Africa and the world. There are lots of potentials in FUTA that should be externalised”. Commending FUTA, Dr. Oyebade said “We appreciate FUTA’s CENT for partnering with us to train this first set of pruners. This training will enhance the skill of the cocoa farmers in our state and further showcase our products to the world”. He also thanked FUTA for accepting to train the people for further development of the Cocoa industry.

Sokoto earmarks N1.8bn for higher education in 2014

okoto State Government on Tuesday said it had earmarked more than N1.8 billion for higher education in 2014. Alhaji Aminu Sani, Permanent Secretary, Higher Education Department, said this when officials of the ministry appeared before the state House of Assembly Committee on Education. He said that N1.5 billion, N150 million and N180 million had been earmarked for the state university, polytechnic and College of Education, respectively. According to him the amount would be used by the institutions to boost the standard of education in the state. “The department will construct new faculty of science, library and clinic in the state university. Renovation and construction of roads and students hostels at the state polytechnic

and the College of Education are also some of the proposed projects,” Aminu said. He appealed to the committee to consider the proposal of higher education and increase the amount earmarked to the sector. The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Malami Muhammad (PDP-Sokoto North I), said it was satisfied with the level of execution of the sector’s 2013 budget. Malami promised that the committee would consider the problems of the sector and assured that necessary measures would be taken to increase its allocation. Meanwhile, the Ministry for Rural Development has provided 45 villages with electricity in the outgoing year. Similarly, it has sunk 208 boreholes in different rural communities across the 23 local government area of the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi, said this when its officials appeared before the House Committee on Rural Development. He said “the ministry is targeting 360 boreholes in different communities and more villages with electricity supply in the first quarter of 2014. “In 2013, the ministry was fully engaged in providing the necessary needs of the rural communities, hence, had achieved over 80 per cent of its budget,” he said. The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Bello Goronyo (PDP- Goronyo), said that it was impressed with the level of implementation of 2013 budget by the ministry. He promised that the committee would consider and approve the ministry’s financial proposal.

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Campus News

Thursday, January 2, 2014

FG reappoints provost for second term

UK varsities commend Nigerian siblings on academic excellence

PRISCILLA DENNIS

SAM OLUWALANA

MINNA.

Why we can’t pay four month arrears -OAU

he management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has explained why it has not been able to pay the ASUU salary areas and the December staff salary saying the institution was yet to receive the allocation from the Federal Government. \In a release posted on the university’s website, OAU said the development was “beyond the control of university administration” and “thanked the staff for their understanding.” The statement reads: “Due to circumstances beyond the control of university administration, there is delay in the payment of salary for the month of December, 2013 which also applies to the four months arrears (September – December, 2013) of the academic members of staff. In spite of the level of preparation of the university administration for the payment which was concluded as far back as december 15, 2013, the university is yet to receive the necessary allocation from the federal government to implement the payment. Consequently, the universitywill pay the salary immediately as the banks have been put on alert to effect payment promptly. Thank you for your understanding”

of an orphanage in a Japanese community in the UK. “As the sponsorship teamleader for the UEL Cultural show, my objective was to secure £2,000 through sponsorship from local businesses and other organisations to fund the project. But at the end of the day, my team was able to raise £3,000 within one week,” he told National Mirror. The Cass Business School Senate congratulated Edward for his achievement and passion for the project to make the world a better place for the less privileged in other part of the world. According to a congratulation message, Cass Business School is proud to be associated with an unusual great talent, who blends the academic brilliance with selfless service to mankind. Like her brother, Jennifer also

demonstrated a high level of intelligence while in school. She obtained 2As and 2Cs in Advanced Level and immediately proceeded to the University of Essex, where she did her foundation degree in Economics before she was admitted into the University of Bradford for her Master degree in International Business and Management. Jennifer, who came out with Merit is one of the best in her class. The Obulos are today observing the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the country and will be completing the programme next month. While Edward is having his primary assignment in Abuja, his sister is having hers in Port Harcourt. With strong intention of stay-

ing in the country, they both expressed their willingness to contribute their quotas to the development of Rivers State and the country at large.

wo tertiary academic institutions in the United Kingdom, Cass Business School, London and the University of Bradford have commended two Nigerian siblings for their brilliance performances while in schools. Edward Chukwumela Obulo and his sister, Jennifer Obulo from Okposi in Rivers State were both left Nigeria in 2006 for United Kingdom to study after completion of their secondary education in Port Harcourt. Then 16-year- old Edward, who is younger, enrolled at Ashbourne College, Kessington and within two years obtained grade A in Mathematics, Accounting and Business Studies at Advanced Level. He thereafter proceeded to the University of East London in June 2007 and in 2010, at the age of 20, he graduated with a First Class degree in Arts, Accounting and Finance. He attended yet another high profile institution, Cass Business School, London between October 2010 and August 2011, where again he obtained a Masters’of Science degree in Banking and International Finance at Merit level. While in school, he was hired as an Intern at the Finance Department of Flynn Finance. And he demonstrated his expertise at the company and was acknowledged for such by the management. Apart from his academic prowess, Edward was also knowledgeable in community and fundraising activities. For example, in 2001, he was the Co-coordinator and Chief Charity fundraiser for a project concerning the building

Graduand, Edward Obulo (middle) flanked by parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Obulo and a sister (right) during his graduation ceremony in UK

ADEMOLA OGUNLADE,

17 months after, Adeyemi College elects new students’ leaders.

300L, ENGLISH STUDIES, ACE, ONDO.

eventeen months after the ban on students’ unionism by the management of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, the students of the college have elected new leaders. They were elected in a free and fair election held on campus recently and their tenure will last for one year. It will be recalled that the authorities of the college on May 2012 proscribed the institution’s students’ union government and banned its activities following students’ protest that led to the closure of the college for four months. It will also be recalled that exactly one year and two months after the ban, the school management lifted the ban and constituted a Students’ Transition Committee (STC) to control the affairs

of the students and conduct election for the emergence of new leaders. While Mr. Alade Oyindamola Ayanfe from the Department of Biology was appointed the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Morenikeji Abolade from the Department of English was the secretary. However, after the election, Mr. Kamorudeen Ayokunnu Isiaka from the department of Primary Education Studies (PES) was declared winner. He polled a total of 1, 064 votes against his rival, Miss Victoria Onimisi of the department of History who polled 651. Other officers were elected unopposed. Earlier on December 18, the students elected officers into the Students’ Representatives Council, which serves as a legislative

arm of the students’ body. Those emerged as winners in the election included Mr. Olusesan Olajide and Adebisi Rasaq as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively while Anabor

Jennifer

Tunde and Akinboboye Bankole emerged as Clerk and deputy clerk All the officers are expected to be sworn-in by March when the new academic session will begin.

Katsina trains girls on vocational skills

he Katsina State Government has commenced the training of 200 girls who are secondary school leavers in various vocational skills to make them self-reliant after marriage. The state Commissioner for women affairs, Hajiya Amina Isa, disclosed recently in Katsina at the opening ceremony of the vocational and skills acquisition programme. According to Isah, the exercise covers only married women in the past, but the state Governor’s Wife, Hajiya Fatima Shema, gave a directive to extend the programme

to young girls. She said the young girls would be trained on hair dressing, manicure, decoration and event management among others. “We feel that since you have completed your secondary school education, it is now an opportunity for you to learn one or two skills that will boost your economic status,’’she said. Isah said that after the completion of the training, the governor’s wife would provide all necessary tools and capital to the trainees to set up their businesses.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Education recorded low perfornance CONTINUED FROM 19

Inaccessibility of UBEC fund The inaccessibility of many state governments of more than N35 billion from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) meant for the provision of infrastructural facilities in primary schools nationwide was another highpoint of the sector in the year in reference. Under the law, each state has equal opportunity to collect a certain amount of money from the purse of UBEC to cater for their respective primary education. But many states had the difficulty in accessing the fund because of one reason or the other including the inability to account for the previous funds collected. For instance in the year under review, only Adamawa, Rivers and Kano States out of 36 states in the country were able to access theirs. This situation which has become a recurring issue every year when at the same time each of state governments would be complaining of lack of fund is called for great concern. The consequence is that primary schools nationwide did not benefit from the fund as planned in the year. Whereas pupils in many of these states sit on bare floor to receive les-

Port Harcourt city now World Book Capital TITILAYO AISHA

million candidates who sat for the exam were considered for admission in all tertiary institutions in the country. Sacked minister One of the cabinet members of President Goodluck Jonathan that lost her job last year is the Jigawa State-born Professor of Curriculum Education, Ruqayyatu Rufa’I. Appointed Minister of Education by Jonathan’s administration on April 2010, Ruqayyatu was sacked alongside some others in a cabinet reshuffle on September 11. Although, there were speculations that her removal was politically motivated, another school of thought belief that she was sacked because of her poor performance in the sector. But before her removal, she had introduced many policies that had started impacting positively on the sector. Some of these were the introduction of 1-9-3-3-4 system of education to accommodate the 1-6-3-3-4 system and the Almajiris model schools to expose hitherto child beggars to western education, among others. Even at that, many believe that the sector is more important than not having a technocrat as a substantive minister in charge of the ministry.

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President Jonathan with ASUU leadership during the later’s strike

sons inside classrooms that are without windows and doors. Boko Haram Another unforgettable event that happened in the sector in the year was the killing of scores of students. For instance, about 40 students of College of Agriculture, Gujba, Yobe State was hacked in their sleep. They were said to have been killed by the suspected members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, who stormed their dormitories in the midnight and opened fire on them. The insurgents also attacked WAEC officials in the North-East during the council’s May/June exam killing three members of staff who were conveying answer scripts from exam centres to the designated places. The activities of the insurgents particularly against students and academic institutions, regards as a symbol of Western culture and dislike with a passion have become one in too many in the year. Also on June 12, students of ´the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State trooped to the streets to protest increment in transport fare and the protest went bloody as one of them was allegedly gunned down by a police officer. The develop-

OF ALL THE EVENTS THAT TOOK

PLACE IN THE SECTOR IN THE YEAR, WORKERS’ STRIKE WAS THE MOST DEVASTATING ment attracted the attention of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, which mobilised its members but on their way to UYO, their vehicle was involved in accident and claimed five lives including the union’s Senate President, Donald Onukaugu Intervention fund Aside the injection of N200 billion by the Federal Government into the university education last month as a fall out of the strike embarked upon by ASUU, some funds running into several billions of naira were also made available through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to provide infrastructural development in the public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country. Three new federal universities To expand access to the university education, the Federal Government established three new federal universities in Keb-

Civil society groups protesting in support of ASUU strike

bi, Zamfara and Yobe States. This development irrespective of criticism brings the number of federal universities in the country to 40. UNIABUJA crisis The University of Abuja for the better part of last year was enmeshed in a protracted crisis. The university has problem with the National Universities Commission over the running of some unapproved courses in medicine and engineering fields and the situation led to the closure of the institution for many months.

Almajiri schools To increase pupils’ enrolment in schools especially in the northern part of the country, the government established more almajiris model schools as well as creating avenues to address the out- of-school children. Considering all these and with high expectations from the people, Nigerians are really waiting for what the sector holds in stock for the New Year.

ll is set for the city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital to officially take over from Bangkok, Thailand as the 2014 World Book Capital- a UNESCO initiative aimed at addressing the global waning reading culture and problems associated with low literacy level in some countries around the world. Speaking recently in Lagos, the Director of the project in Nigeria and Founder, Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kalango explained that with the support of the Rivers State Government and President Goodluck Jonathan, the tenure of the city would record many trailblazing innovations to achieve the desired goals of the initiative. Mrs. Kalango, who explained that Port Harcourt ranks the first Sub-Saharan Africa to win the much coveted title, hinted that since October this year, literary programmes preceding the official takeover in April 2014 have been launched to achieve resounding success. According to her, Port Harcourt was chosen after a competitive challenge from other world cities including Oxford in United Kingdom; Lyon in France; Moscow in Russia; Incheon in the Republic of Korea, among others, “and this consideration according to UNESCO was based on symbolic acknowledgement of the best programmes dedicated to books and reading for the period.” “The city of Port Harcourt is significant for its status as the hub of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, and also has a rich heritage in culture and literature. Each year, the city plays host to the Port Harcourt Book Festival, formerly known as the Garden City Literary Festival for a week, during which time we focus on exciting activities that celebrate books and reading. All these, coupled with significant proposed initiatives and ideas enunciated in our proposal and the seriousness of our state government won us this global honour,” Mrs. Kalango said. Meanwhile, some of the programmes outlined to commemorate the tenure of the city according to the project director include the reading tree, walking book, book-of-the-month, writers-in-residence initiatives, and the establishment of book clubs, essay competitions, drama performances and other community development programmes. The reading tree programme according to her is a weekly graded reading programme which shall involve pupils from about 50 schools in the city while students of unity schools across the federation shall be engaged to write a chapter each of a compendium detailing the sights and sounds of their state which forms the walking book initiative. Mrs. Kalango also spoke about the book donation initiative during this Christmas which invites people of all ages and sexes to donate books to the club, which shall in turn be taken to orphanage homes and other relevant centres where Kalango said libraries shall be opened and maintained for the benefit of occupants, who she described as the less privileged.

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Thursday, January 2, 2014

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

His Excellency, Engr. (DR.) RABI`U MUSA KWANKWASO, fnse Executive Governor, Kano State

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOV, RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE OF KANO STATE ON THE OCCASION OF PRESENTATION OF THE YEAR 2014 BUDGET PROPOSAL TO KANO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON TUESDAY 24th DECEMBER 2013 COURTESIES: ASSALAMU ALAIKUM. All praises are due to Allah, The most Beneficent, and the most Merciful. May the peace and blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon our Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), His Noble family and righteous companions. 2. Mr. Speaker let me begin by once again registering my condolences to this Honourable House over the unfortunate death of Hon. Ibrahim Abba Garko and Hon. Danladi Isa Kademi who lost their lives while serving the good people of Kano state. Equally, let me also convey on behalf of the Government our deep heartfelt condolences to the families and people of Kano State over the death of some prominent citizens of the state like Shiekh Ali Harazumi, Alhaji Ali Talle Kachako, Shiekh Isa Waziri, Sarkin Sharifai, Sheik Abubakar Dangoggo, Shiek Mudi Salga, Justice Halliru Abdullahi, Justice Sadi Mato Umar Abdul-Azeez Fadar Bege, as well as other sons and daughters of the state who lost their lives during the outgoing year. May Allah SWT reward them with Jannatul-firdaus. 3. May I also use this opportunity to congratulate our son and brother Kabiru Abubakar Musa and other winners for doing the state and the country at large proud by emerging the overall winner of the International Quranic Recitation Competition in Saudi Arabia, we pray that Almighty Allah bless them abundantly. 4. It gives me great pleasure and honour to be amongst this august gathering for the purpose of accounting for our stewardship and once again presenting the 2014 Proposed Appropriation bill before this Honourable House. This Proposal is borne out of the experience we have gathered, and extensive consultations with stakeholders that would Insha Allah translate our development plans into concrete actions. 5. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members would recall, while presenting the 2013 Budget of Economic Consolidation and Fiscal Discipline; that, we promised to curtail extra-budgetary spending and to effectively monitor income and expenditure of governsment in order to ensure budgetary discipline and transparency at all levels. I am glad to report that we have made tremendous progress in this regard. We are all living witnesses that a remarkable feat has been achieved in the area of revenue generation, infrastructure development, Education, Healthcare delivery, agricultural development, economic empowerment and institutionalization of community participation in Governance. 6.Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, before I present details of the year 2014 budget proposal, permit me to use this opportunity to on behalf of the good people of Kano state congratulate the House for successfully passing 37 Bills in the last two and a half years. And also express our

sincere appreciation to you for the harmony, which has continued to exist between the State Legislature and other arms of government. This stability has made it possible for us to deliver on the promises we made to our people. 7. Mr. Speaker, let me quickly review the modest performance of the 2013 Budget before presenting the policies and programmes of the year 2014 for the consideration of this Honourable House. Year 2013 Approved Budget Performance (January – October) 8. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2013 Approved Budget of Economic Consolidation and Fiscal Discipline with focus on consolidating the gains of 2012 Budget for Economic Restoration and Development has a total size of N238, 504,929,019 with revenue of same size. The 2013 budget dedicated 25% for the recurrent expenditure and 75% for capital development with a total of 888 projects across all the sectors. 9. The budget has a total Recurrent Expenditure of Fifty nine billion, seven hundred and ninety four million eight hundred and twenty seven thousand Naira (N59, 794, 827, 000); while capital expenditure had N178, 830,102,019 allocations. It was a balanced budget in terms of revenue and expenditure estimates. The spirit behind our disposition in this regard was to show our commitment to fiscal discipline. The Year 2013 Budget no doubt focused on achieving Fiscal Consolidation and discipline through aggressive revenue collection, prudent management of resources and investment in key priority sectors. 10. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform this House that we remain steadfast in keeping with the pledge to commit ourselves to the pursuit of prudent and accountable leadership. We have concluded the plan to rebase the State’s economy that would facilitate betterinformed economic policy and decision-making. 11. Mr. Speaker, in summary the general performance of the 2013 Approved Budget stood at 62% from January to October 2013 with a total revenue performance of 67% within the period under review. It is expected to increase sharply to the range of 85 to 95 percent between November to December 2013 respectively. 12. At this point, I find it pertinent to highlight some sectoral accomplishments recorded in the outgoing year. Education 13. Mr. Speaker, with all sense of modesty, our administration has made considerable progress in this sector, particularly in the areas of provision of additional classroom blocks, 400 staff houses across the State, provision of 188,933 furniture to 656 schools as well as to 11,020 teachers, wall-fenced 150 primary schools. All these are in an effort to address the problem of transition from Primary to Junior Secondary Schools, and from Junior to Senior Secondary Schools in addition to provision of

instructional materials, sporting facilities and many more. 14. In a bid to address manpower challenges, our administration has continued with the sponsorship of indigenous students to pursue various undergraduate and post graduate programmes at home and abroad. A more elaborate government commitment in this regard includes: •Sponsored 1,664 students for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees abroad and in private universities in Nigeria expending well over N4.5 Billion. It is pertinent at this point to inform you that some of our postgraduate students have already secured employment with reputable organizations abroad and a batch of 502 students will also be leaving for studies abroad very soon. •Our free school pupil feeding and provision of two free sets of uniform have engendered the tripling of our school enrolment figures. To this end, now total enrolment in Kano according to the recent school census stood at 2,497,608 pupils. •We established the first model Bi – lingual college at Republic of Niger with 201 students at inception. •We have established an E-Learning centre at the Governor’s College and are in the process of setting up more e-centres at least one in each Local Government Area in partnership with a Canadian NGO. •Re-introduction and construction of Shehu Minjibir Boarding Primary School in Minjibir Local Government. •Constructed about 2,000 classrooms and 1000 offices at the cost of over N7 Billion. •Fenced over 150 schools and 400 Kwankwasiyya houses at the cost of about N2 Billion. •Constructed 5 new mega Secondary Schools that include Governor’s College, Dan’gwani, Dan Hajja, Jambaki and First Lady College at the cost of about N3.5 Billion. •Converting the Cotton Ginnery at Chalawa into the Kano Chinese College. •We are also converting the Mariri Rehabilitation Centre into a Girls Boarding Secondary School. •Likewise, we are converting the Psychiatric hospital Aisami into a Secondary School. •The State’s College of Education Technical Minijibir, which will feed our 44 Technical Colleges with the needed manpower, is under construction. •We are in the process of constructing and equipping 300 computer rooms in 300 schools, 300 modern Libraries and 300 state-of-the-art laboratories of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 100 schools at the cost of over N3 Billion •Established 23 skills acquisition and training institutes and alongside the North West University. Healthcare Delivery 15. The State Government is making steady progress to ensure improved healthcare delivery in spite of challenges facing the sector largely due to our population size and continuous influx of people into the State from neighboring States and beyond; but Alhamdulillah:

28 •One important landmark here is the introduction of Kwankwasiyya Medical Outreach Services using our newly acquired fully equipped ambulances aimed at conveying medical services to communities living in remote areas of the State as well as mobile antenatal services to women. This programme has impacted positively on our people. •Our routine immunization and eradication of various communicable diseases, by our administration has entered into agreement with Dangote and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations on strengthening routine immunization for polio and other deadly diseases. At this point, I wish to call for the support of the general public towards kicking polio out of Kano. •N500 million was used to procure specialized medical equipment and other consumables. •N 1.2 billion was spent to procure Anesthetic machines and other sophisticated medical equipment. •Our partnership with MDG has yielded results in terms of rehabilitation of 5-General Hospitals at Gwarzo, Dambatta, Bichi, Gaya and Rano to referral services for their immediate communities. While Wudil, Kura and T/ Wada are under way. •In a related development quite a number of primary health care centres are being renovated in 9 LGAs under our partnership with MDGs. •After opting out from the loan agreement with the World Bank on the malaria control programme; our government subsequently offered to fund the programme by providing a budget line of N200 million towards the control and prevention of malaria. It is also gratifying to note that the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with relevant stakeholders has developed a comprehensive 2013 Malaria Annual Operational Plan which clearly outlined all the necessary inputs to fight the scourge of malaria in Kano State including support from the development partners. • In order to address the dearth of medical personnel in our health facilities our government is establishing the Kano College of Nursing & Midwifery at Madobi and Kano Institute of Post Basic Midwifery at Gezawa this is in addition to the sponsorship of 100 females to study medicine abroad. •Furthermore, 50 Nurses have been sponsored for training in Nursing Education in Egypt who will on return teach and man these two Institutes at Gezawa and Madobi LGA. 16. Furthermore, Government has taken decisive measures to ban unwholesome sale of drugs and other medical consumables in all parts of the state especially the Sabon Gari market through the establishment of a two Special Task Force headed by the NDLEA on the one hand and the NAFDAC on the other. This has led to the confiscation and destruction of fake drugs worth over N3 billion in the outgoing year. Our resolve to fight these drug barons still remains resolute. 17. The Kiru Reformatory Institute, one of the 24 Institutes established in the last two and a half years is reforming and rehabilitating these drug users. Similarly, in order to reduce the vulnerability of our people living in rural areas, government has trained over 2,400 of our People both male and female to establish patent medicine stores in the state under the popular Lafiya-Jari Programme; all are done in our effort to sanitize sales of drugs and related products in the state as well as create jobs. Security Imperatives 18. We remain conscious of the consequences of security challenges, which for us are not limited to security of life and property but also involve employment security, food security, education etc. This explains our vigorous drive in the areas of job creation, education and agriculture. The ban on commercial motorcycle “Achaba” has further aided in promoting our security. On the other hand, this year has afforded us a period of relative peace in the State as evidenced by the continued decline in crimes and other forms of breaches to societal peace as well as the revival of commercial activities in line with our efforts. 19. Distinguished members, the Kano Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa as one of our 24 Institutes established by this administration has since graduated its first and second sets the third set of 400 female students will very soon complete their training. 20. This is indeed an achievement worthy of note and we should continue to pray for its sustenance. I would like to state here that towards contending with the security menace; we would at our level continue to extend all necessary support to the security agencies in the State through provision of facilities, feeding/allowances and logistics. So far, from January 2012 to date, we have expended well over N2.5 billion to this effect and with the leave of this Honourable House we have signed into law

Thursday, January 2, 2014 the Kano Security Trust Fund Law. Infrastructure: 21. Mr. Speaker, our commitment to the provision and improvement of infrastructure has manifested in the award of contracts for the construction of flyover bridges along State road – Kofar Nassarawa and Ibrahim Taiwo road (near Gidan Radio Kano) covering a distance of 780 metres with 5 clovers at the cost of N5.9 billion is at an advanced stage of completion, while a second flyover bridge along Murtala Muhammad Way starting from Lagos street junction to Triumph roundabout covering a distance of 1.760km with 9 clovers at the cost of N10.1 Billion. Already, the contractors have mobilized to site and work has commenced earnestly. 22. This is in addition to the construction of overhead pedestrian bridges at various locations like Sa’adatu Rimi College of Eduction, Kurna Makaranta, Kurna Babban Layi, BUK road at Aminu Kano College of Legal Studies and at BUK old Campus at the total sum of N185 million. 23. Similarly, construction of Security Plaza Gates (with HD Scanners) is ongoing along Zaria road at Karfi, Dambatta road near Bandirawo City, Maiduguri road at Rijiyar Gwangwan, at Dawanau on Bichi road and Zaria road near College of Education at the total cost of over N500 million are among few impressive undertakings mentioned. 24. Our intention to uplift the socio-economic development of the State and reduce the high unemployment rate to a minimal level has necessitated the Government’s effort to sign contract for the provision of Hydro Electricity generation of 35mw of electricity at Tiga and Challawa dams. The 35 Megawatts Independent Power Plant will cost the state government N14.2 Billion and will be fully financed from the governments treasury and already contractors are on site. 25. Other milestone achievements include: • The setting aside of N2.2 Billion as constituency project funds to be facilitated through members of the Kano State House of Assembly. • The 6.67km dual carriage Wuju Wuju way constructed on the Jakara River at the cost of N5.5 billion alongside the payment of compensation of over N3 billion is on going. •Constructing a 220Km (5km in each of the 44 LGA) dual carriageway roads complete with streetlights at the cost of about N80 billion. •The government has expanded some major roads and laid interlocks to beautify their sidewalks this include Gwarzo road, Zaria road, Hadejia road, Sheikh Ja’afar road, Airport road, Sharada road, Ribadu road etc. at the cost of over N31 billion. •Installed and rehabilitated street and traffic lights on all major roads to enhance security of lives and property at the cost of over N2.1 billion. •Rehabilitation of collapsed culverts along Sumaila to Saya-Saya road, Gani – Dagora road both in Sumaila LGA and Panda – Albasu road in Albasu LGA at the cost of about N200 million. •Construction of multi-cell box culverts at Kazaurawa and Gana bridge in Rano LGA and at Kuki in Bebeji LGA, Gulu Rimin Gado LGA at the sum about N400 million. •Completion of 6 no. Bridges and road construction at Janguza – Durum – Kabo – Karaye, Karaye – Rogo – Makarfi roads at the cost of over N5 billion. •Re-construction of Chalawa Bridge in Kumbotso LGA at the cost of N581 million. •Dualization of Sani Abacha to Madobi Bridge phase I at the cost of N1.379 Billion. •Construction of Hawan Ganji – Sabon Layin Kara – Badari – Kadari road at the cost of N462 million. •Construction of Kwankwasiyya Ring drainage at some lunguna within the metropolitan like Gabari lungun Yan’alewa – Kasuwar Kurmi, Karofin Zage – Haure, Titin Dokawa – Yan’awaki, Gidan Sani Hanga – Chiromawa, Tanki – Gidan Musa Guza Bakin Kasuwa, Majema to Kofar Wambai – Aminu Kano Islamiyya, Titin Tudun Nufawa – Kamfa, Karofin Kalwa – Gidan Shatima and at Kwankwasiyya city at the total cost of N563 million. •Construction of 3 new cities, Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo with full infrastructure and modern facilities. The three cities are nearing completion and at this point Mr. Speaker; permit me to say that the 3 cities are available for interested buyers especially the good people of Kano state. •Building 1,297 low cost houses for the poor and resettlement of flood victims at Warawa, Kunchi and Makoda Local Governments at the cost of about N1 billion. •Preparations for construction work of a metro - line (light train) across the city has also reached an advanced stage. •Establishment of Kano Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA) to transform our roads and also serve as an agency responsible for the maintenance of our roads in the state. This is in addition to the routine rehabilitation of metropolitan roads by KNUPDA.

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Water Supply 26. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, water supply remain an area that always attracts public concern. So much has been expended in this sector by successive governments in metropolitan Kano, semi - urban and rural areas. Pursuant to our policy of providing to at least 80% of our citizens with potable drinking water before the end of May 2015, we have awarded contracts for the supply and laying of 1000mm and 600mm diameter Ductile pipes from Joda to Gezawa up to Yan’Kaba, Watari to Tsanyawa and that of Tamburawa to Hotoro via eastern bypass to Hadejia road. Equally, same type of pipes and fittings are now supplied for the Kafin - Chiri to Sumaila water scheme covering a total distance of 158.5km across the state at a cost of over N13 billion. 27. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say that, the inhabitants of Kurnar Asabe, Rijiyar Lemo, Mil-Tara and Kofar Ruwa areas and other towns and villages in Bichi, Dawakin Tofa, Fagge, Dala, Ungogo etc. who have been without pipe borne water for over fifteen years now have regular supply from the 50 million liters per day Watari water works. Environment 28. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, another important challenge before us today is the threat posed to our environment by climate change being experienced globally. 29. In our bid to curtail the threat of flood and to improve drainage network in the state, the sum of N112 million has so far been expended for the construction of drainage for erosion control across the state and the following areas: •Avenue road side tree planting; •Kwankwasiyya Amana and Bandirawo Cities; •Forest Nursery Development production of 2 million seedlings and •Construction of drainages across the state REMASAB has been strengthened with new vehicles and equipment that would reduce the incidence of flood and other attendant health hazards posed by poor drainage. Moreover, the agency has been empowered to employ required workers to ensure appropriate placement and deployment of the cleaners required to keep the city and its environs clean and healthy. Also, we have entered into public private partnership (PPP) with various refuse disposal companies towards this drive and our monthly sanitation is receiving attention and yielding positive result in the state. At this point Mr. Speaker, I salute the good people of Kano state for the compliance and ensuring the cleanliness of our society and I still wish to call on the general public to support and sustain the momentum. 30. While we are working on a final solution to the clogging of the Jakara drains which had hitherto served as Kano’s main drains. We have also in liaison with the Local Governments of the metropolis and community based organizations pursued with vigor the clearing and covering of our drainages. Information, Sports and Culture 31. In line with our administration’s philosophy to ensure transparency and accountability in all spheres of government, we have continued to give information dissemination the necessary support to keep our people abreast of happenings regarding issues of public significance and State policies. To this end, we are able to: •Ensure continued publishing of our weekly Executive Council resolutions in the national dailies and Kano state happens to be the only state in Nigeria that publish its weekly resolutions. In the field of sports, it is now common knowledge that: •Kano Pillars Football Club emerged Champions of the year 2012 and 2013 in the recently concluded National premier Globacom Football league. •Kano Pillars Basketball Team was crowned Champions of the 2013 DSTV National Premier Basketball league. Having emerged victorious during the Final Four (4) playoffs in Lagos •Also the Kano State Basketball Team (Kano Pillars) crowned as Champions of the West –Africa sub-Region. •The Kano State Para-Soccer Team won the first position in the National Polio Para-Soccer Tournament, which took place in Abuja this year. •Also Kano State Para-Soccer Team in a West-Africa Tournament emerged first position by winning all their matches. • The establishment of the Kano Sports Institute in Kura Local Government and Kano Sports Academy near Kofar Na’isa as well as the Special Skills Sports Development Primary Schools are all clear demonstration of our commitment to reinforce the partnership between youth and sports development. •Furthermore, the Kano Institute of Journalism will

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Thursday, January 2, 2014

very soon commence operation. Women and Youth Empowerment 32. Mr. Speaker, our administration is not oblivious about the plight of women arising from stereotype view of their group as mere housewives and unproductive sector of the society. The misconception has continued to breed unwholesome effects on the socio-economic fabric resulting in marital breakages and other social vices. To address this notion and accelerate women progress, our administration has in the outgoing year, carried out the following: •Sponsored mass wedding of 2,461 Zawara, widows and spinsters across the state including Christians. •In the area of youth and women empowerment, we have trained and empowered over 143,430 expending well over N3 Billion. •In the same vain, we have just recently signed into Law the Street Begging Prohibition Law. •Empowerment and training for less privileged women (divorcees, widows, HIV positive patients, deserted women, VVF patients and the Girl Child) •Renovation of Social Homes and 21Nos. completed Cottage Industries •Sensitization on VVF Behavioral Change •Marriage Counseling Training Program for 44LGs. Service Delivery 33. Our administration will continue to embrace reforms and programmes that would improve service delivery and general welfare of public servants. Government will continue to make available necessary facilities and incentives to all public servants to enable them carry out their statutory functions efficiently and effectively. Few of the significant milestones pertaining our commitment in this regard is the establishment of vehicle loan scheme to primary school teachers and staff of the judiciary, reviewed the minimum monthly pension from N135 to N5, 000, furnished and equipped 26 Magistrate and 27 Sharia Courts for efficient operation of the judiciary, ensured justice for all the citizenry and inculcating in them respect for law and order, reintroduced the House numbering and Street naming exercise, prompt payment of salaries on the 25th of every month, ensuring timely promotion, sale of government houses to civil servants, training and retraining of civil servants, special training programme for all retirees, employed well over 6,000 people and the creation of a State Statistical Bureau of which this esteemed house has since passed the law for its establishment. 34. Mr. Speaker, the general performance of the 2013 Appropriation bill stood at 62% from January to October 2013 with a total revenue performance of 67% within the period under review. This Budget has been implemented fully without any recourse to either domestic or foreign loans and as such translates our governments’ commitment to fulfilling its promises of judicious utilization of public fund thereby implementing the budget to the later. 35. Mr. Speaker, these are some few of our modest achievements in 2013 on our quest to make Kano a model of development in Nigeria. Profile of the 2014 Budget: 36. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, having briefly reviewed the performance of the year 2013 Approved Budget may I at this point present to you the year 2014 Draft Appropriation Bill. 37. Honourable Members, the 2014 Budget is tagged “Budget of Consolidation”. It is indeed a Budget of total economic consolidation, as it is aimed at meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people, anchored on our zeal to position Kano State at the forefront among the comity of states in Nigeria. 38. It is imperative Mr. Speaker, to begin by outlining the major policy thrust of the 2014 budget, which is anchored on the completion of the ongoing projects by dedicating 90% of the capital provision for completion of the ongoing projects, while 10% for new projects. 39. The direction of the 2014 budget will remain on the following: •Infrastructural development, •Aggressive revenue generation and strategic exit from debt finance by expanding and exploiting our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potentials •Youth/Women empowerment through capacity building and wealth creation •Health and educational development •Development of the real sector of the economy •Continuation/strengthening of expenditure rationalization •Strategic partnership between State and Local Government to finance long-term investment. •Expanding and strengthening our investment profiles to discourage conspicuous consumption for better

tomorrow. 40. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, let me emphasize here that our administration does not contemplate abandoning any of the on-going capital projects in view of the enormous resources already committed to establishing them. We owe it a duty to ensure prudent and judicious expending of the State resources and completing these projects in due course. 41. Mr. Speaker, after due consultations with all stakeholders and couple with revenue performance during the outgoing year, we are proposing an aggregate Budget of N219, 281,273,481 for the 2014. This is slightly lower than the 2013 budget with N19.2billion, which translates to 8%. It is a balance budget with revenue matching the same expenditure. 42. The 2014 budget has a projected recurrent revenue N126, 960,422,861 and capital receipt of N81, 526,211,850. It also has a recurrent allocation of N70, 621,425,720 and capital estimates of N148, 659,847,767. This represents a total of 68% capital and 32% recurrent estimate 43. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, let me at this juncture crave your kind indulgence to highlight some sectoral allocations for the 2014 fiscal year. Education 44. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Capital Expenditure proposal for this sector is N20.85billion with allocations as follows: •Ministry of Education N15.22billion; •Ministry for Higher Education N5.61billion. 45. Mr. Speaker, in our collective resolve to drive a knowledge base economy, government has already concluded arrangement to adopt a free education for all indigene at all levels: primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state. This is in addition to sponsoring of Kano indigenes to pursue their various degree programmes locally and internationally. Permit me at this point to announce the commencement of the free education for all Kano state indigenes from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions starting from the new academic session in 2014. 46. Other policy programmes in 2014 fiscal year under education include: •N6.5 billion for the continuation work at Schools for Islamic Studies in each of the 44 LGAs •N2 billion for the continuation of 44 Technical Schools one in each LGAs; •N241 million earmarked for the procurement of 15 mobile computing solar powered container box •N250 million is for the establishment of another boarding primary school in the state. •N1.3 billion for the Construction and furnishing of 268 additional classrooms in the state. •N3 billion is earmarked for the continuation work at Northwest University including the construction of Faculty building, senate building and other infrastructure •N586 million earmarked for the continuation work at former Magwan Water Restaurant to First Lady College • Furnishing and supply of various science equipment to our secondary schools will consume N640 million. Health 47. This administration would continue to resuscitate all state owned hospitals and other health institutions through provision of infrastructure, equipment and qualified personnel to ensure efficient healthcare delivery to our people. To achieve this, the government plans to spend the sum of N3.98 billion on capital projects. 48. Specifically, under our joint venture with MDGs to enhance health care services delivery at the rural areas, we have selected Kura, T/Wada and Wudil General Hospitals. We have in addition planned to execute the followings: •Continue renovation and rehabilitation of health institutions N250 million; •Upgrading of PHC’s to cottage hospitals N100 million; •Malaria control program N1.8 billion jointly with our partners (Dangote, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and DFID) •Routine immunization in collaboration with Development partners N459 million; •Free maternal and childcare N145 million. Water Supply 49. Mr. Speaker, the government would intensify effort to ensure provision of potable water to all the people in the State. To this end, the sum of N5.88 billion will be expended on various programs as follows: •Purchase of water treatment chemicals N600 million;

29 •Re-enforcement of trunks and reticulation system N250million; •Continuation of Pipe laying from Tamburawa - Eastern Bye Pass - Hadejia road and Watari - Tsanyawa, Kafin Chiri -Sumaila and Joda - Kwanar Danja N3.72billion; •Water supply and sanitation sector reform programme (WSSSRP) in collaboration with European Union/ UNICEF N1 billion; •Routine rehabilitation of Challawa water complex N270 million; •Procurement and installation of 2Nos. KVA generating sets at Challawa water complex N113 millon. Infrastructure 50. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, consistent with our determination to face up to the infrastructure challenges we inherited, Provision of Infrastructure has been the focus of this Administration and it is basically to facilitate easy movement of people thereby making business easier, attract investments, cheaper goods and services and accommodate/sustain the development as result of commercial growth in Kano Metropolis. 51. Government therefore proposes to spend N81.01 billion on development and improvement of infrastructure under Ministry of Works Housing and Transport as well as the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Out of the total amount, the sum of N8.2 billion is for the completion of Silver Jubilee/Ibrahim Taiwo flyover and continuation of other giant flyover on Murtala Muhammed Way from Lagos street junction to Triumph Publishing Company roundabout. In addition we have earmarked N700 million for the construction of an under-pass road at Gadon Kaya and Kofar Kabuga; the first of its kind in this part of the country. Another sum of N14.70billion has been set aside for the completion of five major roads entrance to Kano namely: Zaria Road, Hadejia Road, Gwarzo Road, Sheik Jafar Mahmud Adam Road and Dan-agundi – Fanshekara Road. 52. Similarly the sum of N4.0 billion has been earmarked for the continuation of the channelization of Jakara River project popularly known as Wuju Wuju Way. This project is the first of its kind in Nigeria and it will minimize flood and erosion, expose miscreants who use the River as hideout, mitigate mosquitos and other environmental hazards; as well as open most of the deserted areas along the River for commercial activities, which will further expand more avenues in the metropolis. 53. Government will pursue with vigor the construction of Kwanar Mandawari to Isami to Aminu Kano Way, Sheik Mahmoud Salga Way from Jakara – Goron Dutse Way, Kwanar Yan’taya to Dandinshe, Hadejia - Dakata to Bela all within the city. 54. In the same vein, Construction of housing and provision of infrastructure at our cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo will continue to receive due attention. Therefore, this Administration planned to spend over N10.0billion in the completion of the construction of various categories of houses and provision of infrastructure, access road, drainages and provision of streetlight. 55. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, You will agree with me that, the era of darkness in Kano is now history, as streetlights along all of our major roads and all Government Buildings in the state are lightened throughout the night. 56. To further complement and restore back ailing industries, Government planned in partnership with Local Government to construct 35 megawatts Independent Power Plant at Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dam. It is expected when completed to provide 35 megawatts to be used for our water works and street lights, while at least 25 megawatts will be dedicated to industries and other manufacturing companies. 57. To stimulate development across the state, our administration embarked on the construction of 5 KM dualised road with streetlights and drainage in all the 44 Local Governments. To this end, the road construction in most LGAs had reached advanced stage of completion, therefore to complement our achievements; the sum of N25 billion is earmarked for the completion of the 5KM road projects. 58. Mr. Speaker, in an attempt to further speed up the completion of inherited projects; we have earmarked the sum of N4.85 billion for completion of several of these road projects spread across the state. Agriculture and Natural Resources 59. Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Members of this Honourable House, we are determined to invigorate

30 agricultural development to regain its past glory in the State. You could recall in this outgoing fiscal year, we earmarked the sum of N9.68 billion for the sector to cater for various undertakings that would facilitate increase in food production. I am glad to inform this honorable house that a significant milestone has been attained in this regard. 60. To consolidate on this, the sum of N2.5 billion is set aside to undertake the following: •Development of agricultural skills acquisition Institutes N100 million; •Fertilizer procurement and distribution N700 million; •Leventis foundation agric school and tractarization programme N125 million; •Prevention of zoonotic diseases and vaccination compaign against CBPR & PPR N20 million; •KNARDA programmes including commercial agriculture credit scheme and animal traction/farm mechanization institute N1.14 billion; •Kano Zoo and wildlife management agency N144.5 million. •The above agricultural programmes will run alongside our empowerment training programmes in our agricultural institutes namely; Poultry Institute Danbatta, Fisheries Institute Bagauda, Farm Mechanization Institute Danbatta, Irrigation Training Institute Kadawa, Institute of Horticulture Bagauda, and Livestock Institute Bagauda. Information and Communication Strategy 61. As part of our Administration’s commitment towards keeping our people informed of the various happenings within their immediate communities and beyond, the present Administration intends to spend the sum of N882.4million for the development of this sector, which comprises of ARTV, Radio Kano, Pillars Club and others. Rural and Community Development 62. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members. In the continuing bid to lay infrastructural facilities to accelerate socio economic transformation in our rural areas, we proposed to expend the sum of N406.5 million in this sector as follows: •Various projects/programmes of the ministry N105million; •Rural electiricity Board N110million; •RUWASA N191.5million. Women and Youth Empowerment 63. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we would continue to give this vital sector the necessary attention through initiating more skills acquisition programmes with emphasis on quality and relevance of the skills acquired to the trainees and our dear State. Consequently, the sum of N1.147billion is earmarked for projects and programmes in this sector as follows: •Youth and Women empowerment programme; •Renovation of schools/mosques; •Establishment and equipping of 3-new cottage industries to be spread along the 3-senatorial districts. Science and Technology 64. Mr. Speaker, acknowledging the far-reaching effect of continuous breakthrough in Science and technology today, precipitated our concern to ensure that our people and our dear state in general are not lost out in the race. In this regards we have installed V.SAT facility in all of our tertiary institutions and 25 Secondary Schools across the state. 65. To this end, the sum of N250 million is earmarked for various projects and programmes as follows: •Provision of bandwidth and galaxy; •Update of databank; •Establishment of prototype laboratory and •197 pioneer students of our Informatics Institute will very soon go abroad for their top-up course in Informatics. Commerce, Industry and Tourism 66. Mr. Speaker, our determination to rebase the State’s economy would be unattainable without effecting required reforms in this sector. Conscious of this fact, our administration has among many other things awarded a multi-billion-naira contract for the establishment of first State independent power plant at Tiga and Challawa. This effort would indeed revive our industries there by complement our employment generation effort. 67. Government is establishing 44 Garment Industries one in each of the 44 LGA of the State to generate employment and improve the economy of the State. 68. We will continue to accord due attention to commerce as the brand name of our dear State since time immemorial as well as tourism will equally receive due attention, which in the long run would be one of our goldmines.

Thursday, January 2, 2014 69. Our focus for this fiscal year is as always provision of enabling environment for private sector participation. Government thus plans to spend the sum of N680million for execution of vital programmes/projects. Notable among these is the establishment of partnership between the KNSG and the bank of Industry in support of micro, small and medium enterprises. In addition, our Institute of Hospitality and Tourism is also receiving top priority. Investment for the Future 70. Government has recorded tremendous progress in trimming down the size of the inherited debt, which is over N77 billion domestic debt and $200 million as foreign loan. Now the domestic debt has substantially been reduced to about N32 billion, while government has been trying to truncate debt financing by strategically exiting from same IDA loans financing agreements contracted by the last Administration. 71. Alternatively, our administration has embarked on expanding access to development finances by establishing 37 Nos. Micro Finance Banks and signed a strategic partnership agreement with the CBN to disburse N2 billion as loan to micro, small and medium enterprises in the State. On the other hand, Kano State has a total of $9.886 million as investment in the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority while the 44LGAs has a total of $10.3 million. 72. Government has set aside N3.8 billion for the execution of unforeseen development projects, which are vital but not captured in the 2014 budget. 73. Rt. Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, our administration had within the last two made giant strides by investing more than N33.2 billion in key areas such as: •Construction of three new cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo N17 billion; •Registration of Micro Finance Banks in 37Nos. LGA Headquarters at the cost of N740 million • Independent Power Project N14.2 billion; •Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority N1.5 billion. 74. Distinguished Members of the Kano State House of Assembly, the investment we have made in various sectors from road infrastructure, power generation, access to finances through Micro Finance Banks and all other investment in education through foreign scholarship, health, agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises were all made in good faith and to guarantee the economic sustainability of our state and the future of our children. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION 75. I cannot conclude this address without reminding the Honourable members, that the forthcoming year is also another election period for Local Government Council. And we are all living witnesses to what happened during the last elections when the political atmosphere was characterized by violence, intimidation and other vices leading to loss of lives and property. 76. May I at this juncture, call on all well-meaning and patriotic people of Kano State to continue to be lawabiding and continue to shun any anti-social activities capable of disrupting the current peaceful atmosphere in the State. Let me assure citizens of Kano State that we will consistently pursue what is right in our collective resolve to move Kano State and its citizens forward. This is necessary if we are to achieve social and economic prosperity. 77. At this point Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, permit me to appreciate and thank the entire citizens of Kano State for the support and cooperation we received since our resumption in office in the last two and half years. I will also want to seize this opportunity to assure the good people of Kano State that this government will continue to be transparent and accountable and will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, corruption or embezzlement of public funds. Implementation of 2014 Budget 78. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members; the 2014 budget of consolidation will not only consolidate our development efforts but will ensure prudence and efficiency in our expenditure programmes. Mr. Speaker, we intend to use the limited resources at our disposal to achieve maximum impact. All Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to ensure effective performance, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their functions. 79. The current governance structure has defined functions among various Ministries, Departments

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and Agencies and the development sectors. In spite of this delineation, the need for collaboration among all Government institutions as enshrined in our Development Plan has become increasingly important. We intend to achieve synergy through collaboration and integration of programmes and projects at all levels in order to realize our vision of making Kano the leading State in Nigeria. 80. Accordingly, the monitoring function of the Project Monitoring Directorate has been strengthened so as to ensure that all programmes and projects are being monitored at all times. This will be in collaboration with the State and Local Government Audit who would continue to keep vigil on all Government Financial transaction to ensure value for money. While the Ministry of Planning and Budget and Ministry of Finance would ensure strict adherence to the budget and fiscal discipline in the course of implementing the 2014 budget for better results. 81. At this point, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to our development partners the DFID, Dangote Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ESPIN, the CBN and all other partners who have in one way or another contributed to the successes we have recorded during the year under review. 82. Honourable Members, Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen, as we are presenting the 2014 appropriation bill before this Honourable House, permit me to recount the unfortunate incidence that happened yesterday when some people acting on orders from above and with impunity tried to intimidate this Honourable House from exercising its constitutional mandate through the abduction of its Principal Officers under the assumption that the representatives of the good people of Kano can be intimidated not to leave the PDP for our new party, the APC. This action is not only despicable and absurd but also capable of igniting crisis in the polity, thereby breaching the relative piece that is being enjoyed in Kano state. 83. While commiserating with the leadership and members of this Honourable House along side your families, friends, and all members of the APC, all democrats within and outside the country as well as the good people of Kano state. I urge us all to see this intimidation as a sacrifice to democracy, the state and the country at large. 84. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Memebers let me say that your release this evening vindicates our position that the truth will always prevail and I wish to assure you that the government and people of kano state will continue to support and work together to ensure that the enemy of our state is put to shame and by the Special Grace of Allah the Government and people of Kano will prosper against all odds. 85. Finally, I wish to call on all and sundry to give their maximum cooperation and support to our efforts of effectively charting a new course for the future of this great State. I am of firm belief that we have the potential in terms of human and material resources to excel in all facets of life in this country. 86. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, before I conclude this address let me once again acknowledge the invaluable contribution of this august House since our return to office in May, 2011. We are all living witnesses to the level of cooperation that exists between the executive and the legislature, which is a catalyst to the achievements we have recorded especially during the outgoing 2013 fiscal year. It is my hope that this spirit of cooperation will continue in our collective resolve to serve the people of Kano State and Nigeria in general. 87. Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, while craving the indulgence of this Honourable House for accelerated consideration, it is my pleasure to formally in the name of Allah the Most Merciful and Most High present an aggregate Budget of N219, 281,273,481 for the 2014 proposed Budget of Consolidation with capital estimate of N148, 659,847,767 representing 68% and recurrent allocation of N70, 621,425,720 representing 32% before this Honourable House for your deliberation and approval. 88. May Almighty Allah bless Government and Good people of Kano State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 89.

I thank you all for listening.

90. Wassalamu Alaikum Ta’alah, Wabarakatuh.

Warahmatullahi

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Business & Finance Trade and Investment commenced an Investment Climate Reform Programme, which helped to attract over N6.8tn foreign and local direct investment commitments.

The salaries of a small proportion of civil servants have been delayed because their MDAs are yet to update their bank accounts details with the OAGF to meet the 10-digit NUBAN number specified by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku

ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION, MR. JONAH OTUNLA

Oil marketers support privatisation of refineries UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government policy on privatisation of the nation’s refinery may succeed as the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, has expressed its support for the policy. The Executive Secretary of the Association, Mr. Timothy Olawore said the privatisation will enable the Federal Government to place the burden of managing the nation’s four refineries on private operators. He said the operators have the technical and financial muscle to ensure the smooth running of the plants. Olawore said the operators would likely inject resources, including funds to ensure the plants are well-operated. He said this expected improved operations of the facilities which are located in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Warri, Delta state and Kaduna, Kaduna state would lead to availability of petroleum Products for consumers. Consequently, Olawore said this may culminate in a gross reduction in fuel importation and conservation of scare foreign exchange. Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Pengassan

and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Nupeng – have deferred their planned protest, preferring to dialogue with government officials. The planned meeting between the labour leaders and government officials is scheduled to hold on January 7, 2014. A source said, “The managerlevel Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, or PENGASSAN, with 15,000 members has scheduled talks with petroleum and labor ministry officials for January 7, said its

President Babatunde Ogun. It stated, “The blue-collar National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, or NUPENG, hasn’t set a date for discussions, though it will “engage” with government before deciding on strike action. It quoted Ogun a stating, “If the government does not back down” PENGASSAN may call strike action which will start by halting the loading of crude cargoes and a gradual shutdown of oil and gas production. The refineries scheduled for

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air

privatization are located in Port Harcourt, Rivers state Warri, Delta state and Kaduna, Kaduna state. Available statistics showed that the government controls the plants through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; NNPC. The NNPC stated, “The refineries have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 bpd. A comprehensive network of pipelines and depots strategically located throughout Nigeria links these refineries.

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

IRS

L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Jide Awosafe, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Kayode Adepitan, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, Director-General, Development for South West , Mr. Dipo Famakinwa and Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal during the South West Commissioners of Agriculture meeting held in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

Experts decry slow e-business growth KUNLE AZEEZ

n spite of the seemingly gradual uptake of e-business in the country, the Nigeria Internet Group, NIG and other stakeholders in the telecoms sector, are of the opinion that slow adoption of e-payment and

ADVERT HOTLINES: For advert bookings and information, please contact the following:

LAGOS: 01-8446073, 08037272933, 08023133084, 08094331171 ABUJA: 08033020395, 08036321014 08029002500

Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun). Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

mobile money services was affecting impressive growth of ebusiness in Nigeria. This was the high point of a communiqué issued by the internet advocacy body after its 2013 annual e-Business Conference which recently held in Lagos. The event with the theme: “e-Business: Broadband Technology An Important Tool for

Accelerated Growth and Development,” was orgainsed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission. In the communiqué signed by NIG President, Mr. Bayo Banjo, stakeholders, who gathered at the event, said e-business will not happen until the majority of people had ICT and e-business skills and access, stressing that broadband technology was key

RMAFC to submit new revenue formula within two weeks 32

Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 KanoLagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

to enhancing the competitiveness of an economy and sustaining economic growth. They noted that slow adoption of e-payments and mobile money services is affecting the growth of e-business in the country, while urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide more incentives to e-payments services providers to deepen the industry.

Global media NCC upbeat spend to climb on 2.3GHz spectrum $521.6bn in 2014 –Survey auction 35

Business & Finance

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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RMAFC to submit new revenue formula within two weeks TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

arring last minute unforeseen circumstances, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, will within the next two weeks formally present the draft report on the proposed revenue sharing formula for all tiers of government to the President in accordance with the Constitutional requirements. Section 162 (2), Paragraph 32 (b) Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution empowers the Commission ‘‘to review and submit a proposal on the Revenue Allocation Formula to the President who shall table same before

the National Assembly for determination’’. A source confirmed to National Mirror yesterday that the commission would be forwarding the draft document to the President within two weeks after the New Year holiday, preparatory to its discussion at the Presidency before a final draft in the form of a Bill would be forwarded to the Legislature for consideration. The source said the Commission would have forwarded the document to the Presidency before December 31, but that it was considered more appropriate to do it at the beginning of the year in order not lose the importance of the exercise in the frenzy of theYuletide.

“As you may have noted in the statement made by the Chairman, Public Affairs and Communication Committee, PAAC, of the Commission, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, about two weeks ago that the Commission had adopted the final draft report on the revenue sharing formula, the truth is that RMAFC has completed the job. “We are going to get the draft report to the Presidency as soon as work resumes in the New Year. I may not be able to say exactly the day the report will be submitted but it is certain that it will not be later than the third week of January. In fact, I can’t see why it won’t get to the President within the first two weeks of January as there is nothing delaying it”, the

source said It would be recalled that the PAAC Chairman had in a statement penultimate Thursday revealed that the draft report was adopted unanimously by members of the Commission following a two-week retreat at Tinapa, Cross River State, where all the submissions, relevant documents and inputs from stakeholders were analyzed and considered. He explained that the last time the revenue allocation formula was generally reviewed was in 1992, adding that the current revenue allocation formula arose from the Modification Order issued by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in May 2002, amended in July 2002, and January 2004 respectively. “The Order, which emanated from the Supreme Court Judgment of April 5, 2002 was to bring the relevant sections of the sub-

sisting Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc) Act, in conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “It was therefore necessary to review the present revenue allocation formula to reflect changing realities and the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians”, the PAAC chief added. According to him, the need for distributive justice, fairness and equity in the allocation of resources as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution guided the review exercise and that the basic principles taken into cognizance by members before finalising the exercise include, the indivisibility of the country, public opinion and weighted constitutional responsibilities and functions of the three levels of government.

Most Indian stocks advance, as property leads on rates optimism

M L-R: Assistant Director, Consumer Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim Hassan; Deputy Director, Hajiya Khadijah Kasim and Consumer Protection Consultant, Alhaji Faruq Shehu, at a news conference to mark the commencement of Consumer Awareness Campaign in Jos recently.

Marketers commend NNPC, PPMC over products availability

ome operators of petrol stations have commended the NNPC and its subsidiaries for the steady supply of petroleum products across the nation during the festive period. They spoke in different interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos yesterday. NAN correspondent, who monitored petroleum retail outlets in Lagos, reports that all filling stations visited were dispensing fuel to motorists. The operators lauded government’s efforts which averted scarcity of petrol, a common occurrence during the Yuletide and New Year. A dealer with Total Filling Station in Epe, Mr Ola Apena, said that disappearance of queues at filling stations during festive period was an indication of the good distribution system by the PPMC. Apena said that PPMC, a subsidiary and strategic business unit of NNPC, had shown its readiness to be transformed to compete with other operators in the downstream sector. He commended the NNPC and

the subsidiaries for the success they had recorded so far in eliminating fuel queues at filling stations in the last few years. Apena urged the NNPC to sustain the laudable achievements. “I am impressed with what I saw during this festive period compared with other years when people would queue up to buy fuel during the festive period. “The management of NNPC should continue in this direction to stabilise the downstream sector of the oil and gas,’’ he said. Managing Director, Seatap Oil and Gas, Epe, Mr. Abu Edu, said that NNPC had been able to sustain effective products monitoring and distribution which created room for steady supply in most stations. Edu said with the acquisition of the information tracking software, the incidence of bunkering and other sharp practices would be checked. He said that the Federal Government had now taken bold steps to implement the deregulation policy to put an end to the sufferings of the people.

Edu said that the sure way out of the current problem in the downstream sector was the deregulation in order to guarantee a level playing field for all players. “Federal Government has worked very hard in ensuring that some of the external factors affecting the operations of the NNPC are addressed through deregulation,’’ he said. National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Alhaji Abdulkadri Aminu, called for collaboration among marketers in the downstream sector.

ost Indian stocks rose, led by property companies, after a Reserve Bank of India adviser said the monetary authority will avoid further interest-rate increases if inflation slows. The Purchasing Managers’ Index was at 51, the National Bureau of Statistics and China’s logistics federation said yesterday in Beijing. That was less than the median 51.2 estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of 29 economists and November’s 51.4. A separate manufacturing index is due to be released yesterday by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics. Godrej Properties Limited jumped 9.1 per cent as the S&P BSE India Realty Index climbed to a five-month high. Bank of Baroda advanced for a second day, while Coal India Limited, the world’s largest producer of the fuel, added 0.8 per cent after Morgan Stanley bought shares. Bharti Airtel Limited climbed to a five-week high. About two stocks rose for each one that fell on the S&P BSE 100 Index at the close in Mumbai.

Zamfara govt approves N300m to ascertain mineral resources

amfara State Government yesterday said it approved N300 million to conduct a verification of its natural mineral resources across the state. The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mukhtar Lugga, announced this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau. Lugga said that the state government had already bought machines and was partnering with

foreign mining experts to realise the goal by January. He said that the project would start in Maru and Anka local government areas of the state and called on the communities to cooperate with the government. He said the state was endowed with various mineral resources, adding that the exercise would help the government to identify all its natural mineral resources.

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex slipped 0.1 per cent after advancing nine per cent in 2013. The RBI will avoid increases in the benchmark interest rate if data shows inflation fell in December, and policy makers may even have room for a reduction, Ashima Goyal, a member of the central bank’s technical advisory committee, said by phone yesterday. “Markets are taking the RBI comments as a signal that interest rates may start trending down soon,” Kishor Ostwal, managing director at CNI Research Limited, said in a phone interview yesterday from Mumbai. “Anticipation of lower policy rates is helping property stocks and lenders.” RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan surprised economists last month by holding the benchmark rate at 7.75 per cent instead of adding to increases totaling 50 basis points since taking over the central bank in September. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index gained 0.8 per cent after climbing 26 per cent in 2013, the measure’s biggest increase in four years. According to him government will invite more than 4,000 licensed mining companies in the state to discuss issues on improved mining activities. He appealed to the state House of Assembly to formulate laws that would guide and regulate mining activities in the state. The commissioner said that the lawmakers had an important role to play in ensuring effective mining process in the state. He said that mining activities required legislative backing to succeed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Airtel, Google partner on internet service KUNLE AZEEZ

ne of Nigeria’s telecommunications service provider, Airtel and Google have partnered to launch a unique Internet service tagged: Free Zone powered by Google. The service allows customers to access mobile web search and other feature-phone-friendly versions of Gmail and Google+ without getting billed. The first page of any website linked from the search results is also provided at no charges. Free Zone aims to put the web in the hands of more people. First time Internet users who haven’t purchased data bundles often find basic services like email, mobile web browsing and social applications to be very expensive. With Free Zone, phone users

can take advantage of the web to grow their businesses or keep in touch with friends and family without the fear of unknown data costs and also make more informed choices about their next data device. Speaking on the service, Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Ms Juliet Ehimuan, said Google was excited to be working with Airtel to introduce Free Zone powered by Google to Nigeria. “We believe in the power of the Internet to create better opportunities, and working with Airtel on this makes it possible for anyone with a phone to get Internet services at little or no cost. “Just like our other access projects, this gives people easier access to information in a way that benefits not just themselves, but their businesses, and by extension Nigeria’s economy,” she said.

Association official seeks LASG’s agriculture loans for butchers

hairman of the Irepodun Abattoir Butchers and Meat Market Association, Mr Raman Ajadi-Niniola yesterday solicited Lagos State Government’s assistance for agriculture loans to enhance his association members’ trade. Ajadi-Niniola told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that butchers had taken bank loans to buy cows for the yuletide season. He identified lack of access to credit facility as one of the factors responsible for the hike in prices of cow. “The prices of cow have escalated because of the season and this is because many butchers have borrowed money from banks to buy the cows. “This is not helping us because

we are not enjoying government’s agriculture interventions. “If we can access agriculture loans, then the prices of cows will not escalate,” the association chairman said. He told NAN that butchers across the state contributed N500 million every day to the state treasury. Commenting on the possibilities of the state rearing cattle locally, Ajadi-Niniola said this would be difficult. Also, butchers at the Oko-Oba abattoir in Agege told NAN that patronage was low this time around compared to last year’s yuletide. Mr Kasim Areoba, a butcher, said a medium-sized cow now sold for between N140, 000 and N250, 000.

Enterprise Bank ends year with prayers, thanksgiving UDO ONYEKA

n appreciation of God’s favours especially during the 2013 financial year, Enterprise Bank Limited in Lagos during the week held its annual end of the year Family Fellowship. The event held at the bank’s corporate Head Office in Victoria Island Lagos. The gathering was an interdenominational Christian Fellowship, which is organised yearly by members of staff of the bank to thank God for His mercies through the year. The theme for this year’s edition was “Celebrating the Goodness of God.” Addressing staff at the event, the bank’s Executive Director, South Bank, Niyi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Ahmed Kuru said every

Business & Finance

Thursday, January 2, 2014

staff of the bank who made it to the last month of the year, customers as well as all stakeholders have every reason to appreciate the goodness of the Almighty God who is the beginning and end of everything we achieved this year both collectively and individually. Adebayo added that he was convinced that God will grant everybody the mercy of seeing the New Year, which he stated would even be better than the preceding year. He however called for caution even as we celebrate given the security situation in the country. He said, “Looking at the theme for this year’s Enterprise Bank Family Fellowship and annual thanksgiving, which is ‘Celebrating the Goodness of God,’ I feel highly delighted and satisfied standing here to assure you that you have nothing to fear as long as we have God on our side.

Climate change: Deep-sea marine life in danger DAYO AYEYEMI

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

reatures which live deep beneath the ocean surface are likely to be badly hit by climate change over the next century, a new study says. The study, by an international research team from the UK, Canada, Australia and France, is the first to quantify future losses in deep-sea marine life, using advanced climate models. The study was funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, NERC, as part of the Marine Environmental Mapping Programme, MAREMAP, The researchers, according to Climate News Network, said their results showed that even the most remote deep-sea ecosystems are not safe from the impacts of a warming world. They said the weight of the marine creatures that would be lost is greater than the combined weight of every person on Earth. The scientists predicted that seafloor-dwelling organisms

would decline by over five per cent globally and by 38 per cent in the North Atlantic over the next century. “This is because there will be a reduction in their food source, the plants and animals living at the ocean surface which nourish deep-sea communities when they die and sink to the depths,” they said. The team has found a direct link between climate change and the loss of life on the sea floor. The surface-dwellers will themselves be threatened by a dwindling nutrient supply, triggered by climate impacts such as the slowing of the circulation of the world’s oceans and increased separation between layers of water – known as stratification – as a result of warmer and rainier weather. In the study, led by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, the team used the latest climate models to predict changes in food supply throughout the oceans. They later applied a relationship between food supply and biomass calculated from a huge global da-

tabase of marine life. The results of the study are published this week in Global Change Biology. The changes in seafloor communities are expected despite the fact that they live on average four kilometres beneath the ocean surface. The lead author, Dr Daniel Jones, says, “There has been some speculation about climate change impacts on the seafloor, but we wanted to try and make numerical projections for these changes and estimate specifically where they would occur. “We were expecting some negative changes around the world, but the extent of changes, particularly in the North Atlantic, was staggering. Globally we are talking about losses of marine life weighing more than every person on the planet put together.” The changes will vary across the world, but most areas will experience damage. Over 80 per cent of all identified key habitats – such as cold-water coral reefs, seamounts and canyons – will suffer losses in total biomass.

L-R: Head, High Value Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi; Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, Abu Azeez (from Nigeria) and Manager, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Idiare Atimomo, during the presentation to winners at the Etisalat sponsored Copa Lagos Grand Finale, held at Eko Atlantic Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.

Kaduna to revive moribund industries

aduna State Goernor, Ramalan Yero yesterday said his administration would revive moribund industries in the state to boost its revenue base. Yero spoke during the annual AFAN Festival held at Kagoro in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said that the development, when achieved, would also provide employment opportunities to the teeming youths in the state. The governor said that the exercise would be carried out through Public Private Partnership, PPP, and that discussions with investors were ongoing. “We have engaged the ap-

proach of the PPP. The Kachia Ginger Processing Factory and the Kafanchan Flour Mill, amongst others are industries to be considered,’’ he said. Yero said his administration was also determined to explore other areas of revenue generation. “We have identified the potential of culture and tourism and would explore the sector,’’ he said. The Chairman, Kaura Local Government, Mr Kumai Badu, commended the state government for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere which guaranteed successful hosting of the festival after two years of suspension. Earlier, Chief Ufuwai Bonet of

Kagoro, said the AFAN Festival was a time for thanksgiving to God for a successful cropping season, good health and peace. The royal father urged the state government not to forget its promise to work on the Kagoro Hill Tourism Resort. “We are still earnestly awaiting the execution of the project,’’ he said. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that dance and cultural troops rendered traditional songs at the event attended by politicians, traditional rulers and members of civil society organisations, among others.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Ekiti raises N5bn to finance project JOHNSON OKANLAWON

kiti State Government has raised N5bn from the capital market to finance five major projects, as the government seeks to complete major developmental projects that would impact on the socio-economic and urban-rural integration. The new capital was sourced through a N5bn 14.50 per cent fixed rate bond 2020, being the second and final tranche of the state’s N25bn bond issuance programme. The new bond issue carries a fixed coupon of 14.5 per cent and will be due for redemption in 2020. However, coupon payment will be done twice a year while the government has made irrevocable commitment, which enables monthly deduction from its federal allocation. Ekiti State had raised N20bn under the first tranche of the N25bn issuance programme.

Speaking at the completion of the deal in Lagos on Tuesday, the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi explained that the net proceeds of the N5bn bond issue, estimated at N4.80bn, will be used to complete five major projects which are currently being financed by contractors under a contractor finance agreement. According to him, the projects include construction of the multi-purpose 10,000-capacity Ekiti-Kete pavilion, rehabilitation of Ire Burnt Bricks Limited, construction of River Ero bridge, construction of Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Iboji road and Ikole-Ijesa Isu-Iluomoba road. He said that N1.58bn would be spent on the multi-purpose pavilion, about N966.9m would be spent on the Ire Burnt Bricks Limited while N220.36m, N894.7m and N1.14bn would be spent on the bridge and the two roads respectively. Fayemi noted that the

approval and success of the second tranche of the bond programme reflected themarket’s confidence in the state as evidenced in the judicious use of the proceeds of the previous issuance. He stressed that the state had committed the proceeds of its first tranche to several laudable projects that continue to bear testimonies to efficient use of funds including the Ikogosi Warm Spring, school of agriculture and roads across the state. He pointed out that all the new projects identified under the new bond issue would have immense positive impact on the development of the state adding that all the projects would have been completed within the next one year. “We believe that we owe a duty to the generation coming to really put these infrastructures in place,” Fayemi said. Citing the phenomenal increase in the value of Ekiti House, otherwise

known as Nannet Suites in Abuja, which was built at N700m from the proceeds of N2.5bn raised through bond issue by the government of Otunba Niyi Adebayo but now worth N4.7bn, Fayemi said projects being financed by the current bond issue have commercial viability and could triple their values over the next 10 years. “That will give you a sense of the regenerative nature of the projects that we focused on, we don’t focus on cosmetic projects; we focus on projects that have investment potential for our people and projects that can bring Ekiti equitably to the comity of nations and states,” he added. Greenwich Trust Limited was the lead issuing house and book runner. Other joint issuing houses and book runners included Morgan Capital Group, FBN Capital, Sterling Capital Markets Limited, Skye Financial Services Limited and Fidelity Securities Limited.

Indian bonds snap two-day gain on deficit concern

ndia’s 10-year bonds snapped a two-day gain on concern the government’s budget deficit will exceed its goal as an economic slowdown erodes revenue. The rupee declined. The shortfall was 5.09 trillion rupees ($82bn) in the April-November period, or about 94 per cent of the target for the year ending March 31, official data showed yesterday. India’s economy will grow five per cent this fiscal year, the central bank forecasts, matching the

previous period’s growth that was the least since 2002-2003. The gap in public finances has put the nation’s debt rating at risk, with Standard & Poor’s saying in September that there’s a more than one-in-three probability of a downgrade within two years. “The central government’s fiscal situation remains gloomy, with high deficits in the eight months ending November and a challenging revenue outlook,” Aditi Nayar, a senior economist at ICRA

Limited, the local unit of Moody’s Investors Service, wrote in a note. “Some restriction of productive expenditure seems necessary” to curb the deficit, she wrote. The yield on the 8.83 per cent sovereign notes due November 2023 rose three basis points, or 0.03 percentage points, to 8.85 per cent in Mumbai, according to prices from the central bank’s trading system. The rupee weakened 0.2 per cent to 61.9050 per dollar, according to prices from local banks compiled by

Bloomberg. Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram has pledged to cut the budget gap to a six-year low of 4.8 per cent of gross domestic product this fiscal year, from 4.9 per cent in the previous 12 months. Ten-year government bonds completed their biggest annual loss since 2009 yesterday, with yields surging 77 basis points, as foreign investors cut holdings of local notes by about $8bn in 2013 before the US starts tapering stimulus.

China manufacturing index falls as Xi grapples with growth risks

Chinese manufacturing gauge slipped to a fourmonth low in December, underscoring challenges for President Xi Jinping as he tries to sustain economic momentum while rolling out reforms. The Purchasing Managers’ Index was at 51, the National Bureau of Statistics and China’s logistics federation said yesterday in Beijing. That was less than the median 51.2 estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of 29 economists and November’s 51.4. A separate manufacturing

index is due to be released yesterday by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics. Swelling local-government debt, surging property prices in some cities and volatility in moneymarket rates are risks as Xi embarks on reforms intended to lay the foundations for more sustainable long-term growth. The Chinese economy may have expanded 7.6 percent in 2013, the slowest pace in 14 years, according to a State Council report last week. “The Chinese leader-

ship has made it clear that they want stable growth this year, neither a sharp fall nor a quick rebound,” said Zhu Haibin, Hong Kong-based chief China economist at JPMorgan Chase and Company “The central bank will remain neutral in its policy operations.” The Shanghai Composite Index fell about seven per cent in 2013, the third decline in four years, as climbing money-market rates fueled investor concern that corporate profits will decline. While the Chinese econ-

omy is powering down from an average growth rate of 10.5 per cent from 2001 to 2010, the ruling Communist Party wants sufficient expansion to protect jobs. “Future economic growth may soften,” Zhang Liqun, a researcher with the Development Research Centre of the State Council, said in a statement commenting on the government PMI report, which showed declines in gauges for output, new orders, export orders and imports.

Source: NSE

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 41,329.19 points Market capitalisation 13.22 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

OANDO

22.00

24.25

2.25

% CHANGE 10.23

ZENITHBANK

24.87

27.40

2.53

10.17

AFRIPRUD

3.02

3.32

0.30

9.93

NEIMETH

1.15

1.26

0.11

9.57

UBCAP

1.89

2.07

0.18

9.52

MAYBAKER

2.24

2.45

0.21

9.38

CCNN

10.78

11.75

0.97

9.00

NEM

0.69

0.75

0.06

8.70

DANGFLOUR

9.50

10.25

0.75

7.89

UBA

8.34

8.90

0.56

6.71

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

108.30

97.75

-10.55

-9.74

LEARNAFRCA

2.07

1.97

-0.10

-4.83

AIICO

0.88

0.84

-0.04

-4.55

JOHNHOLT

1.17

1.12

-0.05

-4.27

LIVESTOCK

4.45

4.30

-0.15

-3.37

TRANSCORP

4.50

4.35

-0.15

-3.33

CADBURY

60.88

59.01

-1.87

-3.07

DIAMONDBNK

7.50

7.35

-0.15

-2.00

MANSARD

2.50

2.45

-0.05

-2.00

OKOMUOIL

44.79

44.00

-0.79

-1.76

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

22,057.31

11.50

07-Nov-13

182-Day

30,000.00

11.59

07-Nov-13

182-Day

47,786.39

13.05

07-Nov-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178-Day

86,709.13

12.35

07-Nov-13

175-Day

95,368.69

12.35

07-Nov-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$350m

N/A

$343m

04-Nov-13

$400m

N/A

$399m

30-Oct-13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, January 2, 2014

NCC upbeat on 2.3GHz spectrum auction Nigeria’s telecoms regulator remains resolute that auctioning the 2.3GHz spectrum band is the fair and competitive way to go, in spite of arguments in some quarters that zonal allocation of the spectrum could be better. KUNLE AZEEZ reports

hroughout 2013, consultations on the best approach to license the remaining block of the 2.3 GHz spectrum in a way that will produce maximum economic value for government and the telecoms consumers, whose demand for broadband services has refuse to wane in recent years. A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights (licences) to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources. Depending on the specific auction format used, a spectrum auction can last from a single day to several months from the opening bid to the final winning bid. Though, some stakeholders have opposed NCC’s plan of auction to determine the licensee of the spectrum, the Commission has determined that an auction is a “fair, transparent and efficient process of assigning the spectrum.” Licensing of the remaining 30MHz of the 2.3GHz spectrum, it was leant, is predicated on demands by operators for additional spectrum to enable the provision of wireless broadband services in line with international trends. Though Internet users in Nigeria continue to grow, the actual broadband Internet access penetration is currently estimated by the Ministry of Communication Technology at about 6 per cent and for this to grow five-fold by 2017, licensing of the 2.3GHz spectrum has become imperative. Already, the NCC had released the timetable on the auction process, which has begun in earnest, even as the licensee of the spectrum is expected to merger by March 14, 2014. In the meantime, the NCC had placed a minimum offer price of $23 million (about N3.6 billion) on the spectrum band to be auctioned to a sole provider of wholesale broadband services this year. According to the NCC-released Information Memorandum, IM, which defines the process for licensing of unpaired spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band by the commission, the auction is in furtherance of the objectives of the Federal Government, as set out in the Nigerian National ICT Policy 2012 and the National Broadband Plan 2013, towards driving broadband penetration. As a necessary prelude to the licensing process, the Commission had conducted series of stakeholder consultations to determine the demand level for spectrum, the approach to licensing and the potential interest of the consumers amongst other objectives. As a result, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said “Based on the positive outcome of the consultations, and the direction of the National Broadband Plan, the Commission has decided to undertake an auction to award a spectrum licence to build and operate networks in this spectrum band to provide Wholesale Wireless Access Services, WWASL, in Nigeria.” To qualify to bid in the auction process,

Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson

Juwah

ALREADY, THE NCC HAD RELEASED THE TIMETABLE ON THE AUCTION PROCESS, WHICH HAS BEGUN IN EARNEST, EVEN AS THE LICENSEE OF THE SPECTRUM IS EXPECTED TO MERGER BY

MARCH 14, 2014.

the Commission says applicants will not have to be licensed network operators in Nigeria. “However, the successful bidder will be granted a WWASL and specified fee to be paid before the licence will be issued. The tenure for the WWASL licence will be 10 years, subject to renewal. National Mirror recalls that the formal licensing process started with the issuance of Public Notice No. 1/2013 on November 15, 2013 and continues with the release of the Information Memorandum, inviting parties to participate. The release of the IM, NCC notes, will

be flowed by a period for the submission of questions to the Commission relating directly to the licensing process defined in the IM. “All additional information including the answers to questions raised during the process will be made available through the Commission’s website and will form part of this IM. The identity of questioners will not be revealed,” NCC says in the IM. The spectrum is considered to be a valuable national resource for which commercials opportunities exist. The reserve price for a 10-year licence, which is set at

2.3GHz auction timetable DATE

ACTIVITY

Invitation Stage Nov. 15, 2013

Publication of Intention to Auction / Request for Expression of interest

Dec. 20, 2013

Publication of Information Memorandum / Application Start Date

Dec. 11, 2013

End date for submission of expression of interest

Jan.10, 2014

End date for comments and questions on IM

Jan. 17, 2014

Publication of response to comments and questions on IM

Feb. 7, 2014

End of submission of Application End Date for Payment of mandatory intention to bid deposit

Pre-Qualification Stage Feb. 14, 2014

Notification of Qualified Bidders Notification of Mock Auction and Auction date Publication of qualified bidders and Mock Auction and Auction date

Auction Stage Feb. 18, 2014

Mock Auction

Feb. 19 – 20,

2014 Auction

Grant Stage Feb. 20, 2014

Publication of Provisional winners Notification of provisional award of license

March 13, 2014

Payment for License

March 14, 2014

Publication of Final result

Source: NCC official website

$23 million, is the minimum commercial value of the licence. According to the timetable of the auction process, the opening bid will be determined by the Commission as a reserve price plus the bid increments for the first round. The opening bid shall be the minimum acceptable bid for the licence in the opening round of the auction. On completion of the auction, the successful bidder will be deemed to have been awarded a provisional licence. The successful bidder will, then, be required to pay the balance of the spectrum licence fee due to the Commission within 14 days from the date of the Award of the Provisional Licence on March 14, 2014. Since the deregulation of the telecoms sector, the NCC had chosen auction process as the transparent and fair way to allocate spectrum, and not through arbitrary allocation to allocate spectrum to a particular region instead of another. In 2001, the Commission licensed three digital mobile operators through an auction process that is widely adjudged to have been highly successful and transparent. This was followed by the licensing of a second national carrier and the fourth digital mobile operator in 2002. The Nigerian Communications Act was signed into law in 2003 to strengthen the regulatory framework as well as to enhance the independence of the regulator. By the end of 2004, there were two national carriers, four digital mobile operators and 24 fixed telephony providers of which six were Fixed Wireless Access operators. In 2006, the NCC introduced the Unified Access Service Licensees, UASL, regime, to enable operators to take advantage of convergence in services and technology in order to offer better service. In 2007, the Commission awarded a further UASL and spectrum licence to Etisalat, bringing the number of parties with national mobile licensees to five. In additional, in 2007, the Commission award licences to Visafone in the 800MHz band; Alheri Engineering Company Limited in the 2100MHz; Celtel Nigeria Limited (now Airtel Nigeria) in the 2100MHz band; Globacom Limited in the 2100MHz band and MTN Nigeria Communications Limited in the 2100MHz band. In 2008, the Commission issued International Submarine cable Infrastructure and Landing Stations Services licences to Main One Company Limited and subsequently to MTN in 2010. In 2009, the Commission awarded the 2.3GHz spectrum to Spectranet Limited and Mobitel Nigeria Limited. Meanwhile, stakeholders in the industry such as the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; the Association of Licensed telecoms Operators of Nigeria, the Nigeria Internet Group, among others have called on the Commission to stick to its independence in the auction process in order not to jeopardise the healthy competition in the sector.

Info Tech

Thursday, January 2, 2014

87% Nigeria’s CDMA network not used STORIES: KUNLE A ZEEZ

bout 87 per cent of the installed voice capacity of Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, operators in Nigeria is currently not carrying any voice capacity, National Mirror has gathered. Installed capacity is the total number of telephone lines, which a telecoms network can accommodate at a particular period of time. It is a function of network expansion and upgrade. According to the third quarter industry subscriber data by the Nigerian Communications Commission, while the CDMA networks currently have the capacity to accommodate 18.4 million telephone lines on their networks, only 2.4 million lines are on their networks. The capacity for 16 million telephone lines, which is not being occupied by any telephone lines, thus, represents a network capacity redundancy of about 87 per

cent of the total CDMA’s installed capacity. Almost all the CDMA operators in Nigeria comprising Visafone, Starcomms, Multi-Links, Zoom Mobile and MTS Wireless have continued to face dwindling fortune in the area of subscriptions with only Visafone still relatively visible. According to industry data, the CDMA operators have continued to lose mobile subscriptions to Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, operators, which offer much wider network coverage. The poor patronage CDMA networks, started in 2009, have been consistent till date, with CDMA subscriptions crashing from about 7 million in 2009 to 2.4 million as at end September, 2013. The CDMA operators have also stopped expanding their voice network since already installed capacity is not being fully utilised. According to statistics, the CDMA network capacity has stagnated at 18.4 million without

additional capacity added by the operators in the CDMA segment. The similar trend goes for fixed wired/wireless networks, which have also been experiencing consistently dwindling subscriptions. However, telecoms networks in the GSM segment have been the only players waxing stronger through adding new subscribers in millions on a month-on-month basis. For instance, MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat have jointly boost GSM installed capacity from 189.4 million to 210 million. As at January 2013, active telephone lines on the four GSM networks stood at 111.1 million but this figure has increased 118.4 million at the end of September, 2013. While the CDMA subscriptions continue the wane, GSM operators have become dominant with MTN controlling over 45 million mobile subscriptions; Globacom over 26 million; Airtel around 25 million while Etisalat has about 16 million subscriptions on its network.

L-R: Director, Raeanna Nigeria Limited, Mr. Edwin Momife; Director, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah; Chief Executive Officer, New Media Communications, Mr. Ehi Braimah; President, International Association of Business Communicators, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Chido Nwakanma and Director, Centre for Leadership in Journalism, School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University, Mr. Richard Ikiebe during the IABC CEO Breakfast Meeting sponsored by Airtel in Lagos recently.

Telecoms: FG targets exciting 2014

he Federal Government has said as the 2013 wound up to usher in 2014; Nigerians are bound to experience ‘better and exciting’ telecoms service experience in the New Year. According to the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the industry has witnessed a lot of groundwork and policy frameworks last year, all of which will continue to materialize into better experience for telecoms consumers in 2014. She stressed that one of the areas where subscribers would experience reparable improvement in 2014 is in the area of broadband deployment which would make fast-speed internet access more avai8lable and relatively cheaper as a result of growing competition being engendered by the

industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission. “As we close this year and start another year. The Ministry of Communication Technology looks forward to working with mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, state and local governments and federal Ministries departments and agencies to deliver a broadband rich data nation,” she said. The minister said in spite of its low penetration of about 6 per cent in Nigeria, presence of broadband has been transforming lives in Nigeria. “When you transform lives, you transform a nation and that is the power of broadband. The often-quoted statistic of a 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration delivering a 1.3 per cent

increase in Gross Domestic Products is not an empty statistic. “The examples I just gave are evidence that broadband can increase business productivity, can lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs, can save lives, can deliver much needed skills in a developing nation,” he said. According to him, “This is what makes up the GDP of a nation-and the most powerful and compelling pat of it is that this broadband leads to GDP growth with jobs. Today, the ICT sector contributes just over 8 per cent to GDP. If we achieve our targets of a five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017, from 6 per cent to 30 per cent, we will deliver through broadband, a phenomenal 3 per cent increase in GDP.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box

Lottery commission commends MTN promo

he National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), has commended the ongoing MTN Cash Smash Promo, saying the scheme has been free and fair and in line with the guidelines and tenets set by regulatory body. Speaking at the prize presentation to the biggest winner in the ongoing in Lagos recently, representative of NLRC, Mr. Seun Atte, said MTN had conducted the promo in accordance with lottery regulations in the country. “The MTN Cash Smash Promo has been free and fair and NLRC is here to see it through as the winners get their prizes. We are really impressed with MTN and how they have been handling the Cash Smash Promo,” he added.

A 400 Level undergraduate at the Finance Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Sunday Agboola, who is also an orphan, emerged the biggest winner in the ongoing promo. The lucky student was handed his cheque by ace-actor, Norbert Young, after recounting what he went through as an orphan. Agboola said he went through difficulty paying his way through school by working and schooling at the same time, as he lost his father when he was barely a year old and lost his mother at the age of nineteen. Opting for the N13m equivalent of the “House” which is the grand prize, Agboola also won N2m in another category of the MTN Cash Smash promo.

Nokia rewards wholesale partners

lobal phone manufacturer, Nokia, has rewarded two of its wholesalers for outstanding sales performance in the year 2013. The move was in a bid to recognise and appreciate the efforts of its distribution partners for their contribution to the sales of its products. The lucky winners of a Ford Escape Jeep and Kia Sportage Jeep are Emeka Oguchi, Managing Director, Pointek Limited and Ifechukwu Amobi, Director, Broadband Ventures. The winners were selected as a result of the Nokia Incentives for Wholesalers’ Scheme organized to identify and reward outstanding wholesalers in Nigeria. Speaking at prize presentation, General Retail Manager, Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Ossai, noted that both

winners were being rewarded for achieving their targets in the year 2013 and also ensuring the delivery of Nokia products in retail stores. “We introduced the Nokia Incentives for Wholesalers Scheme in order to reward our wholesale partners for their efforts in contributing to the growth and success of Nokia’s business in Nigeria. This has also given us the opportunity to give back to them and appreciate their efforts in getting our products to the end users,” he said. According to him, “It has been a very interesting year and we couldn’t have come this far without our wholesale partners who have contributed immensely to the success of the Nokia brand in the year 2013. We use this means to say thank you and also encourage them to do better in the coming year.”

Winigroup, Sybex boost IT professionalism

Nigeria-based international Information Technology security solutions company, WiniGroup, has joined forces with Sybex to provide modern technology skills to students and professionals in West African sub region. Sybex is publisher of premium learning products and solutions for cutting edge technologies that complete textbooks that provide coverage of official exam objectives through its Sybex Study Guides. Written by IT professionals, the books help readers develop critical skills alongside real world insights to provide knowledge and understanding of the technology. Vice Chairman, Winigroup, Mr. Tim Akano, said instructor resources accompany all Sybex courseware to enable teachers to

focus on delivering the learning objectives to students and ensure learning institutions deliver high quality and value within their course portfolio. “With the strong and growing interest in Information Technology today, the entire world is striving to be IT conversant and educated. Unfortunately, accesses to foremost books that help with such training is not as readily as available as needed in West Africa. WiniGroup has a strong focus in helping organizations and individuals to learn, train and strengthen their information technology capability. While expressing his delight at the initiative, Akano added that the partnership will help to boost the IT academic level, providing information security experts and competent risk managers for Nigeria and Africa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

With Nigeria ad revenue’s dependent on activities of by multinational companies and global agencies, a new report says global media advertising revenues are expected to grow by 6.5 per cent to $521billion in 2014, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Global media spend to climb –Survey $521.6bn in 2014 • Newspapers and magazines to lose more market share

n its latest study of global media owner advertising revenues, covering 72 individual countries, Magna Global, a strategic global media unit of IPG Mediabrands, has estimated that revenues grew by +3.2 per cent in 2013 to $489.6 billion globally. This is in line with a previous forecast (+3.0% published in June 2013). However, as the world economy gradually accelerates in 2014, reports suggest that so will advertise spending grow. “We thus expect global advertising revenues to grow by +6.5 per cent (previously +6.1%) to reach $521.6bn, which will be the strongest year-on-year growth recorded since 2010 at +8.4% following the 2009 recession). The increase is hopeful on major sports events of 2014 (Sochi Winter Olympics, Brazil Soccer World Cup) and the US mid-term elections which are expected to contribute to that level of growth by generating incremental advertising spend in most markets. Reports stated that the growth will specifically fuel the global growth of television (+7.7%) as TV advertising revenues is expected to also be driven by a recovery in pricing power in many markets. Sadly, with a modest growth of +1.8 per cent for television in 2013, the newspapers and magazines is expected to lose market shares and advertising revenues by -3.2 per cent and -3.9 per cent respectively. Out-of-home will also benefit from cyclical events and organic growth of +4.8 per cent while digital media advertising revenues will keep growing at double-digit

Media

pace of +15.5 per cent on averages and a lot faster than that in emerging markets. EVP, Director of Global Forecasting at Magna Global, Vincent Letang, said: “The combination of an improved economic environment and stronger-than-usual cyclical drivers is bound to unlock marketing and branding budgets in 2014. This will pri-

marily benefit television and digital media where new formats and opportunities are being explored for activation and branding campaigns”. While analyzing advertising growth across world markets from the 2013 to 2014 on the premise of world economic performance, the report revealed that the

OUR ADVERTISING GROWTH FORECAST IS THEREFORE MARGINALLY ABOVE NOMINAL GDP GROWTH, WHICH CAN BE EXPECTED IN AN EVEN YEAR WITH CYCLICAL BOOSTERS AND COMING AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF SAVINGS AND POSTPONED INVESTMENT

Nigerians rate MTN, Coke, First Bank strongest brands ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he process to unveil the Nigerian top 50 brands to commemorate the country centennial celebration in January 2014 was climaxed at the weekend, when MTN Nigeria, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and First Bank of Nigeria Plc were named the country’s most healthy and topof-the-mind brands through a poll involving 120 million Nigerians. Top 50 Brands Nigeria is an annual selection and critical analysis of 50 most popular and healthy brands (companies) in Nigeria. According to the organisers, it is a medium for reviewing business performance, measuring healthiness, classification and rating. While mega brands such as MultiChoice, owners of DStv, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Conoil, Wema Bank, Kia Motors, The Guardian, Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Channels TV were conspicuously missing, Dangote produces two brands on the list (Cement and Sugar). Four GSM companies also make the list while Punch, DAAR

Group, Silverbird Group, and Thisday are the media brands in the list. Others are Access Bank, First Bank, Berger Paints, Cadbury, Chevron Nigeria, Diamond Bank, Dufil Prima Foods (Indomie), ExxonMobil, Forte Oil, Friesland WAMCO, Golden Penny, GSK, GTBank, Guinness Nigeria, Honeywell Group, IEI Plc, Julius Berger, Lafarge WAPCO, Nestle Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Samsung, Promasidor, Nokia, Nigerian Breweries, Stanbic IBTC, Toyota Nigeria, UBA, UACN and Unilever Nigeria amongst others. Speaking at the media presentation of the list and launch of The Brand Nigeria Journal in Lagos recently, the Project Coordinator, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede the activities that led to the emergence of these 50 top brands started with a nomination process, which entries were accepted and reviewed. “We received entries from both home grown and multinationals. After thorough evaluation of brand promises and equity, we were able to reduce the volume to the 100 most popular in Nigeria,” he said. For the popularity test, Oluboyede said

that “we created shuffling online evaluation software which allows members of the public to select their preferred brands. Each of the brands was represented by their logo of ease of identification. We also have a phone system in which you could just dial a brand’s assigned unique code to select it.” This allows over 120 million phone users in Nigeria to participate in the survey. Other criteria considered are brand visibility, clarity of vision, market acceptability, values, customer service, healthiness, and contribution to national development. The evaluation was carried out by APT Brand International, a foremost brand analysis and review company in association with VConnect Global Limited and the Certified Board of Administrators of Nigeria (CBAN). The Project Coordinator disclosed that the top 3 brands was not the project original idea but when it was realised that some brands were attracting some special rating, the project deem it fit to announce the top 3 brands with the highest votes.

economic environment remained weak throughout 2013 but is still expected to improve in 2014, especially in the developed world which has experienced four years of slow growth and stubborn unemployment. “That level of economic activity is not particularly impressive by historical standards but confidence indices keep improving and we believe advertising spending will reflect and amplify that economic trend. It has to be noticed that the growth indicators mentioned above are for real GDP, whereas in our experience advertising expenditure is better correlated with nominal GDP,” Magna Global stated. Over the 72 markets monitored by Magna Global nominal GDP growth was +4.9 per cent in 2013 and will be +6.1 per cent in 2014. “Our advertising growth forecast is therefore marginally above nominal GDP growth, which can be expected in an even year with cyclical boosters and coming after several years of savings and postponed investment,” the report stated. Around the global average growth of +3.3 per cent for advertising revenues in 2013, Latin America once again showed the strongest growth (+9.5 per cent), followed by Eastern Europe (+7.9 per cent) and Asia Pacific (+6.3 per cent). On the other end, developed markets showed little or no growth: North America +1.5 per cent, Western Europe -0.8 per cent. Advertising in Western Europe showed marked improvement in the second half of the year, and, as a result, decreased by only -0.8 per cent in 2013, compared to -2.6 per cent in 2012. The UK and Germany were resilient, as expected, growing by +4.2 per cent and +1.3 per cent respectively. “We believe the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be a net positive in a continent that is mad about soccer, as all the big nations have qualified for the Brazil tournament and the timing of matches (between early evening and late evening) should be optimal to European broadcasters. The fact that the tournament takes place in Brazil adds another layer of interest for European viewers and advertisers,” survey revealed. Meanwhile, Middle-East & Africa advertising was flat in 2013 (-0.3 per cent), due to the political and economic situation in Egypt and a soft market in other parts of the Middle-East while African markets (Kenya, South Africa and newcomer Nigeria) kept growing. For 2014, we expect a recovery in the Middle-East and a +6.3 per cent growth for the region as a whole. The chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi told National Mirror that though 2013 Very challenging with dwinding business, revenues and generally showed tough operating environment but expressed hope that in 2014 the industry will continue to grow especially because of the comparatively cheaper cost of prosecuting it online advertising as it becomes more accessible to more people.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I didn’t lobby the minister for next APCON chairman –Akinwunmi As the search for the next APCON chairman begins, the outgoing chairman, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi in this interview with ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI debunked that alleged him of lobbying some candidates to succeed him. Last year saw APCON reforms coming into effect but there were delays in starting and challenges after commencement, as the Chairman of APCON what were the challenges of embarking on this reform? They were purely administrative, which we have resolved. Several cases arose against you that you used your position as APCON chairman to prevent a foreign agency who had affiliation issues with your agency from operating in Nigeria. Could this be a price for reform? The allegations were baseless and have been shown to be so. Government and the relevant authorities intervened and warned the false accusers to stop their mischievous allegations and petitions against APCON and instead remain in court. In the last two weeks, there has been reports that while your tenure has ended, you are pushing a candidate for APCON chairman, how do you respond? It is clearly mischievous and sponsored by those who imagine if they associate me with their ambition it will help their case. Everyone knows I didn’t lobby for my appointment and so why should I lobby for someone else. And if they knew the Information Min-

ister well enough they would stop wasting their time and money. He will not succumb to such things. I have never discussed anyone’s candidature with the minister. It is against my principle. Are you afraid of discontinuation of the reform by APCON? Every regulatory body thrives on reforms to discharge its responsibilities effectively. This comes in form of the Code. Ours is not the first one. It is number 5. There is no fear of any form discontinuation. The new Council will use our 5th code Why are you flirting with top stakeholders in outdoor advertising? There are suspicious among top admen that you are favouring fellows in outdoor advertising to succeed you? It is patently untrue. I am not aware of anyone’s interest in the job. No one has approached me. Who do I want to influence? The Hon Minister or the President who will approve? Those who have known me for years know I will never do this. It stinks. What are the expectations for 2014 in advertising esp as APCON continues its reform agenda? We can only hope the Council will continue in the tradition of regulating the practice as expected by the govern-

Akinwunmi

EVERYONE KNOWS I DIDN’T LOBBY FOR MY APPOINTMENT AND SO WHY SHOULD I LOBBY FOR SOMEONE ELSE. AND IF THEY KNEW THE INFORMATION MINISTER WELL ENOUGH THEY WOULD STOP WASTING THEIR TIME AND MONEY ment. How will you describe ad business generally in 2013? Very challenging. Dwinding business, revenues etc. Tough operating environment.

X3M Ideas delivers pro-bono campaign against gender violence STORIES: ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

3M Ideas, in the spirit of the season, has unveiled a pro-bono campaign in support of Project Alert, a Non Governmental Organisation’s (NGO) outcry against brutality against women. The campaign, running under the theme “Speak up, end abuse” ,is conceived and executed by X3M Ideas with photography input by Camara Studios. Speaking on the campaign, which is developed for print and online platforms for a start, Steve Babaeko, the Chief Creativity Officer/ CEO says the campaign is our way of supporting a laudable project facilitated by Project Alert. According to Babaeko, brutality against women is a societal ill which is claiming the lives of many a woman in the society. “We saw value for the society in what Project Alert

was doing and we decided to support them by creating this campaign as our own contribution to the good works” X3M Ideas used comedians and other popular stars, in different fields, as models to tell the Project Alert story. Julius Agwu, Seyi Law, TEE A, Sound Sultan, Tunde Ajayi and Emma Collins among others were able to eulogise the woman, extol her special contributions to the human race and how she should be treated with dignity and respect. Julius Agwu, a comedian modeled as a pregnant woman and says “Labour pain is the only pain she should feel” meaning that she should be spared any other pain whatsoever. Emma Collins is a tailor, his tape rule is used to tie his hands demonstrating the pain some women go through. Alluding to the function of the tape rule, the body copy reads, “A good marriage is measured by freedom from Violence”. Another model (Owen Gee) with badly painted lips, carries

a copy which says “You can’t cover the truth with makeup”. This, particularly, talks to women suffering in silence. Another in this range is one which urges women:“Don’t pull your hair in frustration, pull yourself together”. Seyi Law’s material is, particularly, striking as it models the woman laden with too many tasks at once: -cooking, scrubbing, cleaning, fetching water and washing etc. The copy says “Being treated like a slave is not a joke”. All these are aimed at discouraging violence against women. Similarly, through these messages, men are urged men not to indulge in any obnoxious habit against women. The campaign is a fantastic advocacy initiative for zero tolerance against gender violence. It is also important to underscore the fact that this is the first time a full campaign preaching non-violence against women will be executed by an agency pro-bono.

What role will online advertising play in 2014? It will continue to grow especially because of the comparatively cheaper cost of prosecuting it. As the internet becomes more accessible to more people, its attraction will grow.

CSR: Chi Foundation commissions borehole in Ibadan

hi Foundation has increased its drive to provide bore hole to communities by commissioning bore hole in Bashorun Community in Idi- Ape area of Ibadan, Oyo State after it had sunk boreholes in the Ajibulu-Mafoluku area of Lagos state, Lekki Village, Ekiti Parapo College Ido - Ekiti, and Oke - Elesa compound Idio, Ile-Ife Osun State among others as part of its efforts. According to the chairman, board of trustees, Chi Foundation, Rt Revd Oluranti Odubogun “Following a request to it by Bashorun Community in Idi- Ape area of Ibadan, Oyo State, the foundation recently constructed a 60m deep borehole with 2Hp submersible pump consisting other facilities which includes a 5,000 liters storage tank on 4m steel tower, six (6) dispense points, 3.5 KVA generator, Plant room/Perimeter fencing/ Power supply etc at a cost of N6M at Bashorun in Idi- Ape area of Ibadan, Oyo State to

provide clean and portable water to the residents of the community to enhance their health since they lack access to safe drinking water”. Responding Chief M.S. Adigun and other leaders of the Bashorun Community who inspected the borehole expressed satisfaction and commended Chi Foundation for the level of work done. He noted that the borehole will go a long way in improving the quality of life of the residents of Idi Ape community as it has made clean drinking water accessible . Till date, the foundation has awarded contracts for similar facilities to be provided for Ode- Aye Unity Secondary College, Ode Aye in Okiti pupa Local Government Area of Ondo State and St. Saviours area in Isolo, Lagos while need and demographic studies are ongoing on where best to intervene in other suburbs of Lagos, Ogun and Edo States in the course of year 2014.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Hot Robb launches Mobile Relief Center to get closer to consumers ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

obb Ointment from the stable of PZ Cussons, in the bid to further consolidate on its leadership in the medicament market segment is connecting its consumers across the country with the Mobile Relief Centre. The brand which recently introduced Robb 2ml in a new ease to open convenient plastic pack is using the Hot Robb Mobile Relief Centre to not enlighten the public on its unique offerings but to provide free massaging and medical checkup for its consumers. The Pan Nigeria Campaign will include; Free medical check-up (Blood pressure and consultation with a certified physiotherapist), Free massage to consumers as recommended by the physiotherapist, Five a side football competition in the community, Free sampling to new consumers, Sales and dis-

tribution to new outlets (pharmacies and chemists). Speaking on the brands’ campaign the Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons, Charles Nnochiri explained that the Mobile Relief Centre is designed to further bring the unique values and promises of Hot Robb brand to the public “We are giving our consumer free product sampling and free massaging to assure them that the brand can deliver on its promises; we are also providing free medical checkup to ensure that our consumers have the right medical application during the activations” he said. Through the campaign, the brand will Give 5,000 people free medical check-up and consultation with the medical personnel, Massage 2, 700 consumers Nationwide and Give free samples to 27,000 people. Speaking further the marketing manager added that the brand is organizing the 5 aside Community Football Competi-

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

tion across the country to connect with the core passion of its target publics. “We believe in promoting the core passions of our consumers which is while we are organizing the 5 aside community football competition, along with the Mobile Relief Centre of which the first phase is ongoing in Lagos, Ibadan, Aba and Onitsha” he added. On his part the Brand Manager, Robb, PZ Cussons, Kolawole Akintimehin took time to enlighten the consumers on various offerings of the brand and the need to identify the specific conditions for application. “Hot Robb is specially designed for Muscular aches and pains while the Robb Original is for cold, Nasal Congestion, and mild pain” he noted. He however encouraged consumers to patronize the Robb Original during this period as the harmattan sets in as a reliable lip balm.

L-R: Marketing Manager, Lager, Mr. Paul Asemota; Regional Sales Director, Mr. Afeez Ajibowu; Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale and Marketing and Innovation Director, Mr. Austin Ufomba all of Guinness Nigeria Plc at the New look of Cool launch of Harp New label in Lagos.

brand should have some basic attributes that will make it stand out in the market place. The brand needs to be properly defined for the consumers to know what its stands for and what makes it different from the others. It is only a brand that has a significant edge that will stand out in the market place. The brand has to be properly defined to remain in business despite intense competition. Some key questions need to be focused on such as what does your brand stand for?, What is different about your brand in comparison with others? What is that distinctive value in your brand offerings? When all these questions are answered genueinely,a brand will not only outflank competition but it will also remain formidable in

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

MTN– The African brand success story

ompanies that deliver infrastructure, like mobile telephone networks, play a much bigger role than in just their sector. In Africa, where the challenges of infrastructure and environment have thrust millions of people into marginalization, mobile networks arrived to connect individuals and societies, providing the ability to communicate and access information. There are places in Africa where communities are yet to experience running water or electricity. Yet they have access to an MTN Village Phone, and therefore access to the world. MTN is a seasoned veteran of doing business with rural consumers, with operations in 21 markets across Africa and the Middle East. To boost its market share among rural, low-income consumers, MTN created services tailored to their needs. They established a network of local agents, set up kiosks in rural areas, and gave agents motorbikes to reach even the most remote places. Adopting a customerfocused strategy, MTN set up as many outlets as possible for their subscribers to gain access to their products and services. They also developed lower denominations when selling airtime to accommodate the low and unpredictable incomes of many African consumers, and introduced innovations like telemedicine and voicebased apps such as iCow and Xam Marse to provide rural farmers with real-time access to market prices through the internet on

their mobile phones. MTN Mobile Money launched in 13 countries and as at November 2013 has more than thirteen million mobile money subscribers throughout 14 countries in Africa. This mobile network system allows customers to virtually wire cash to each other, either from simcard to simcard or from phone to phone. Mobile money is still in its infancy, but we are arguably looking at the future of money and financial transactions. Mobile telecommunications has proven to be a life and society changing phenomenon, and as MTN entered country after country, the brand embraced its role as the champion of everyman. And at the heart of this African business was a clear vision—not just to spread and proliferate products or services, but to speed up the progress of the emerging world. When marketing meets with social need we start to see this kind of society-wide traction. MTN is one of the biggest employers on the African continent, training local people to deliver on a global brand, yet keeping the company rooted and involved in society. Through such innovative distribution and promotional activities, MTN has been able to capture a significant proportion of the lower LSMs, which is a critical entry point to the African market. The network is the first African brand to be listed in Millward Brown’s Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study, with a ranking of 79.

How a brand can stand out the market. One major platform for any brand to stand out is through customer service. Customer service should move beyond the traditional customer service to just providing service. Customers need quality attention as they do not want to purchase a product or patronise a service. Customers want to be treated preferentially and most organisations over look this salient part of the business relationship. The essential thing is for brands to connect directly with the lives of the consumers. It is only a brand that touches consumers’ lives that can stand tall in the market place. There should also be a database which has detailed information on customers. The database is the starting point of building

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com an enduring relationship with customers. The database promotes close affinity with customers and builds loyalty. Key customer information should be utilized for business advantage. Customer database is a powerful and strategic tool that can be used against competition. A communication link between an organisation and its customers is a very potent tactic against intense competition. A brand should be

interested in what goes on in the minds of the consumers at all times. This is one way to occupy a priority place in the lives of consumers. One thing that I have found out is that most brands do not communicate with their consumers. It is through the process of communication that brands can feel the pulse of consumers. Through this, customers have information about the companies and its

brands as well as what it stands for. To communicate with customers also imply that organisation embark on market research to generate feedback from them. There is the need to communicate constantly with customers by providing vital updates for them. Perception survey is also a critical part of the communication channels with customers. It is an avenue to know how to serve customers better and gain useful insights that can drive business growth. To remain vibrant and dynamic in the market place, it is important for brands to leverage its competencies to gain significant advantage. Every brand has its own unique selling proposition and this should be leverage for impact .

Thursday, January 2, 2014

I want to make up for lost time in 2014 – Obasi 43

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

We have a good squad capable of winning the tournament. We are in good shape and the spirit in camp is very high. GBOLAHAN SALAMI – SUPER EAGLES B STRIKER

CHAN 2013: Keshi consoles dropped players S

uper Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has confessed it has become very difficult for him to drop any of the players in camp, as all of them deserved to be in South Africa for the CHAN tourney which kicks off January 11, but situation compelled him to do so.

Among those who were released were top striker Gambo Mohammed and star left back, Adeyinka Adedeji and the two players said when they were departing camp that they believe that their miss is an act of God and they will sooner than later be back in the national team scheme of things.

Adedeji, who spoke first said he has missed several important engagements due to sudden injuries but that will never deter him from aspiring to be one of the best left backs in the world. “It’s sad that I have to drop out due to injury but am happy that I never allowed the past to duel in my heart and soon I will return.

Gambo Mohammed

Eagles, Walya Antelopes clash again I

n what should serve as a fascinating appetiser for the 3rd African Nations Championship starting in South Africa next week, Nigeria’s senior homebased squad will tackle their Ethiopian counterparts in Abuja on Saturday. The match starts at 4pm at the National Stadium. Both teams are in the final tournament of the championship taking place over three weeks in three cities in the Rainbow Nation, and exclusively for senior professionals playing in the domestic League of their countries. The Ethiopian squad, known as

Walya Antelopes, play in Group C of the competition alongside Ghana, Congo and Libya in Mangaung, while Nigeria’s Eagles confront host South Africa, Mali and Mozambique in Cape Town. Group B features Zimbabwe, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Uganda, while Democratic Republic of Congo, champions of the inaugural tournament in 2009, head Group D that also includes Mauritania, Gabon and Burundi. General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu, said on New Year’s Day that the Federation arranged the match in order to give

the Eagles an appropriate final build-up session before flying to South Africa. “We contacted a number of countries also heading to the 3rd Orange African Nations Championship, and we are delighted that the Ethiopians accepted our offer. They will arrive in Nigeria on Friday, play the game on Saturday and depart from Abuja on Sunday,” Amadu explained. Ethiopia got the short end of the stick against Nigeria’s A Team in their African final elimination fixture for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, losing home and away 1-4 on aggregate.

The Antelopes delegation, to be led by Yoseph Tesfaye, includes 23 players and six officials. The coach is Sewnet Bishaw, who is also Coach of Ethiopia’s A Team. ETHIOPIA’S 23 PLAYERS Jemal Tasew, Dereje Alemu, Tariku Getent, Degu Debebe, Aynalem Hailu, Thok James, Biyadiglign Elyas, Alula Girma, Seyoum Tesfaye, Birhanu Bogale, Abebaw Butako, Asrat Megersa, Fasika Asfaw, Mentsenot Adane, Salahadin Bargicho, Ephrem Ashamo, Behailu Assefa, Minyahile Teshome, Taddele Menghesa, Omod Okwury, Adane Girma, Dawit Fekadu, Manaye Fantu

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Bendtner, Walcott keep Gunners top A

rsenal beat managerless Cardiff with two late goals to return to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watched from the stands. Under what could well be the last match in charge for David Kerslake and first-team coach Joe McBride, the Bluebirds held out in the face of enormous pressure until Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner crashed home with just two minutes left and Theo Walcott knocked in a second on the break in stoppage time. Former Manchester United forward Solskjaer travelled to London on New Year’s Day as talks

stepped up over him replacing the sacked Malky Mackay, and the appointment could be confirmed on Thursday if negotiations between the Molde boss and Cardiff owner Vincent Tan progress well. Solskjaer, 40, will have his work cut out, though, to keep his new club clear of being dragged into a relegation battle following just one win in the last 10 Premier League games. Arsenal, meanwhile, again answered their critics to dig deep and overcome their injury problems to leapfrog Manchester City back to the summit. With Olivier Giroud missing because of an ankle problem, Lukas Podolski led the attack.

Tit bits...

Pellegrini Manuel Pellegrini believes his toughest times as Manchester City manager are behind him and predicted his side will get better in the second half of the season. The Chilean reached the mid-way point of his debut campaign in England happy with the progress he has made after steering City into the knockout stages of the Champions League, the last-four of the Capital One Cup and second place in the Premier League

Ben Arfa

Bendtner celebrating with Bacary Sagna after scoring his late goal

Alan Pardew has challenged French midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa to rise to the battle for a starting place in the Newcastle side. The 26-year-old has started just one of the Magpies’ last 10 Premier League games due to the good form of compatriots Yoan Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko. But Newcastle boss Pardew has backed the Frenchman to step up to the challenge as he seeks regular action to show off his skills in a World Cup year.

Chelsea complete Bertrand Traore deal C

City too slick for Swansea

anchester City made the ideal start to 2014 as second-half goals from Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov saw them beat Swansea 3-2 to record a fifth-straight Premier League win. Fernandinho had fired City into an early lead, only for Wilfried Bony to head Swansea level in first-half stoppage time. But Toure put the visitors back in front with his 12th goal of the season and Kolarov got their third with an excellent solo effort. Bony got his second in time added on to give Swansea hope, but City held on. City’s previous visits to Swansea had ended in a defeat and a draw but, after a difficult period either side of the break, they recovered to claim victory on this occasion. City have now dropped points in just one of their

City’s Edin Dzeko (left) and Alvaro Negredo (right)

last nine games and this three points moved them top of the table, at least until Arsenal face Cardiff later this afternoon. It did not take long for Manuel Pellegrini’s side to threaten the home goal as Edin Dzeko, Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas combined, with the Bosnian firing wide from the edge of box. Bony smashed a fierce effort just wide at the other end during a lively opening before Swansea suffered the misfortune of losing Pablo Hernandez to injury in just the eighth minute.

The winger, so often hindered by injuries since joining from Valencia, went down clutching his left hamstring and was in tears as he left the field to be replaced by Roland Lamah. Matters got worse for Swansea when they fell behind in the 14th minute as Fernandinho scored the first Premier League goal of 2014. Samir Nasri’s corner struck Jonathan de Guzman, and the Brazilian midfielder made no mistake in hammering the loose ball beyond Gerhard Tremmel.

helsea have completed the signing of Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore on a four-and-ahalf-year deal. Traore, 18, had agreed the move to Stamford Bridge from Association Jeunes Espoirs De BoboDioulasso in October after a successful trial in the summer and has now put pen to paper. He told his new club’s official website: “I’m an attacking midfielder. I can play in the No. 10 position, I can play on the wings and I’m good on the ball. I can shoot well and am strong in a one vs. one situation, so I can score goals. “My favourite players are Juan Mata, Mesut Ozil and Eden Hazard. They’re very good players and I am trying to be like them. At Chelsea I look to follow the way of some African legends like

Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and nowSamuel Eto’o.” Chelsea boss Jose

Mourinho had said following the signing that Traore was “one of the best talents of his age.”

Traore to showing off Chelsea Jersey

Sport

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Twenty wrestlers for World Peace Cup IFEANYI EDUZOR

bout 20 wrestlers from 15 countries of the world will storm Nigeria in April to take part in this year’s wrestling extravaganza tagged ‘World Peace Cup’ to be staged in seven cities across the country. Disclosing this to the media during a world press conference to present the championship, the initiator of the tournament and Continental World heavyweight wrestling Champion, Great Power Uti noted that the championship wouldl be used to promote peace and pass a message to the world that it is cheaper to have peace than war. “When you look at the word today, you will discover that there are lot of wars and misunderstandings in our communities and even in our homes,” Uti explained. “And it was because of this that we have invited wrestlers from such countries as United States, Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Cameroon, DR Congo, Uganda amongst others to come here and use wrestling to promote peace and tell the world that it is cheaper to have peace than war.” Explaining further, Uti said the tournament will also involve a ‘Walk for Peace’ exercise in the various cities that will host the championship as well as ‘World Peace Seminar’ to be organized by eminent resource persons after which a communiqué will be sent to the United Nations to enable them know that it is cheaper to promote peace than war.

Schumacher

Schumacher improving but still in danger, says doctors

Tennis:

Junior tennis sensation, Mary-Love Edward

AJC players set for camp YEMI OLUS

bout 40 players are expected to converge next Wednesday ahead of the African Junior Tennis Championship slated to hold from January 13 to 19 in Abuja. National junior coach, Mohammed Ubale disclosed that only 22 of the invited players will eventually represent the host country, Nigeria at the annual competition. Players are expected to compete in the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories. However former junior player

and finalist at the 2012 edition of the Central Bank Open, Sarah Adegoke will not participate as she has gone beyond the stipulated age limit. That notwithstanding, the coach is confident that the eventual participants have all it takes to make the country proud: “The players are doing very well and we have a number of new players that are coming into the team from London and South Africa and we have been monitoring them. One of them, Elizabeth Pam defeated Adegoke in the final of the National Youth Games which was held in

Athletics: Udo-Obong canvasses for coaches’ welfare YEMI OLUS

ormula One legend Michael Schumacher remained in an induced coma on Wednesday after spending a third night in hospital with severe brain injuries sustained during a skiing accident in the French Alps. The German racing great entered the New Year in a critical condition with his family at his bedside and doctors unsure of his future after a second operation to remove a blood clot in his brain. The seven-time world champion fell and slammed his head on a rock while skiing off-piste on Sunday at the up market Meribel ski resort.

Abuja earlier this month”, he said. “She is 15 and will be replacing Sarah in the team. We have twin sisters too coming from London; they have been playing tournaments abroad. We have Tayo Adetunji coming from South Africa so they are all getting ready. We are going to have a good team and I’m sure of that they are going to make Nigeria proud.” Last year’s edition of the tournament was billed to hold in Nigeria but had to be moved following the spate of violence in some parts of the country.

(left) NSC boss, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi (Centre) and Director of the Performance High Centre in Abuja, Angie Taylor (right).

ydney 2000 Olympics gold medalist, Enefiok Udo-Obong has challenged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to make the welfare of national coaches a priority in the New Year. It is alleged that coaches who were called to the Commonwealth Games camp towards the end of last year are on a daily allowance of N1, 000 and the former athlete believes that the amount is not sufficient to cater for their needs.

While commending the board for the successes recorded in the out gone year, the Athens 2004 bronze medalist says that home based coaches should be accorded the same respect as their counterparts in different parts of the world: “The issue of remuneration for the coaches especially home based is sad. I can imagine how much the National Sports Commission spent to bring in US based coaches for the High Performance Center while the home based coaches are told to leave their families and come to camp for

months with a remuneration of N1000 a day. Let’s put that in context; that’s about $177 a month which is an insult for fathers with wives and children”, he said. He added, “It is an insult to the coaches. What are they supposed to do with it? They spend all their lives and time in the camp and go home with this? Well it an open sign of disrespect and even the coaches should reject this. If you do not have the money to pay, do not hold the camp. I do not know if this is what was offered Mr. Campbell and Ms. Taylor.”

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Sport

Thursday, January 2, 2014

I want to make up for lost time in 2014 – Obasi The forgotten man of Nigerian football Chinedu Obasi has told MTNFootball.com he hopes to make up for lost time after a longterm injury. The Schalke 04 forward has disclosed he plans to gate crash into the Eagles squad to the 2014 World Cup as well as help his German club upset mighty Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. You have just returned to the game after several months on the sidelines due to injury, how do you feel now? I am very happy to be back playing football again. My return is a thing of joy to me and my family. It was not a good experience anyway, but it is bound to happen as long as one continues to be a footballer. What are your targets now that you are back from injury? I am set to hit top form. I don’t have to look back, injuries are normal in football and I have taken it with good faith. So, I am looking forward to greater things to make up for the lost time on the pitch. Despite the tough times, I never lost my qualities, I always showed that even during my treatment and it really helped me. I am back to my best and ready to roll. The Schalke 04 coach threw you into the fray just about a week after your return, he must have a lot of confidence in you? He always believes in me. I really appreciate his belief and confidence in my ability. It’s not only my coach who I have to thank for this, but the entire team. They have showed me love and respect while the injury lasted. There was a time, I wanted to make up my mind and listen to offers, but the management told me they need me in the team and that is how they have related very well with me. They motivated me a lot and the talk with my coach lifted my spirit and now I hope to repay the lost time. I’m glad to get that kind of backing because the club have told me they bought me to come and add value to the team. It looks like you cannot wait to prove yourself again when the league resumes? Of course, I will do everything within me and with the help of God to ensure I give my best when the league resumes. Everything is down on me. My spirit to play again is high and I hope 2014 will be a better year for me. I am looking forward and by doing so, my team will get the best from me and most importantly, I pray for an injuryfree year. Schalke are doing well in both the German Bundesliga as well as the UEFA Champions League, do you see your team winning trophies this season? We are blessed with a lot of promising and talented players even in the youth ranks talk less of the main team. We are dreaming of winning titles and that is why we need to do more individually and as a team. I believe we will keep improving in the Champions League and hopefully we will fight for a trophy because we are as good as any other team. What could you say about Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng joining your team? He is a good and hard working player. He’s a good signing for us and we will all work to lift the team. Schalke are a big club, bigger than any player, we just come and

contribute because there is a structure at the club. You played alongside Raul Gonzalez at some point, what can you say about such a legend? Raul is an exceptional player, a legend, who every young or even established player would always wish to emulate and play alongside. He is a player one can learn from to improve as a player. It was great to play with him. In the last two years, Keshi has transformed the Super Eagles into African champions. What are your thoughts on the new Eagles under him? Coach Keshi has taken a lot of risks and succeeded. He has made it clear that it is not until a player plays in Europe that he could play for the Eagles. He has boosted the confidence of Nigeria league players. In the past, no coach would risk local-based stars to any major tournament like Keshi has done. He’s a rare gem to this nation and he has done well for Nigeria. A lot of players have achieved big things under him, they love him, they play for him because he also showed them the respect they deserve. To be very fair to Keshi, he has really done what many foreign coaches have failed to do in the past.

and you have predicted an Eagles victory. What makes you so confident? There is nothing that is not possible in football. I am equally a professional like the players from Argentina and Nigeria have stars too. I just believe that there could be a shocker by Nigeria because everyone expects Argentina to win. How will Nigeria fare against Bosnia and Iran? No, it will be dangerous to look down on any team especially in modern-day football and at an event like the World Cup. But I believe if we thrash Bosnia and Iran, it will put Argentina on their toes.

were just unlucky to lose. I have always hoped we could have replayed those games. Schalke will face Real Madrid in a Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League in February. What should we expect? We are equally as good as Madrid and that is why we are where we are in the competition. It will not be an easy game. Madrid must respect us when they come down because they are considered as one of the favourites and so they will play with pressure. We can send Real Madrid out of the Champions League. Football is not about name, yes they have Bale and Ronaldo, but we trust ourselves too.

Apart from Argentina, what do you know about Bosnia and Iran? I know the two danger men of Bosnia, Edin Dzeko and Ibisevic, they play like Germans, they work hard. Ibisevic was my mate at Hoffenheim and I know his qualities. All we need do is not to get carried away by the countries’ reputation, but go all out and fight for success. Something tells me the Eagles will have their best outing at Brazil 2014. It seems you have not forgiven Argentina after losing to them at two finals - Holland 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup and Beijing 2008 Olympics? They are a good team, but I am still looking for an opportunity to ruin them. We had a solid team in 2005 and 2008, but we

Obasi

You have been tipped for a return to Super Eagles, do you think you have chance to make the final squad to Brazil 2014? I wish to return and fight for a place in the team because I am aware that there is competition in the team. I have friends in the team and they told me how they are really fighting hard in training and that the coach rewards their hard work by playing only the best. You featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, what was the experience like? It was a mixed bag, but it exposed me to a lot of things in the sense that I saw the good, the bad and the ugly. What do you mean by the good, bad and ugly? The good thing was that we went to the World Cup full of hopes and promises, while the bad was we played against luck which made us not to go beyond the first round. I am very proud of my team mates to that tournament. Our spirit was high, but we were not lucky, while the ugly was that we were highly criticised which has made many of us better players today. But you had a fairly good tournament... (Cuts in) But I was part of the team, so it’s not about me because if we had won the cup or gone beyond the group stage, where we were eliminated, we would all have shared the glory because football is a team game. We win together and we lose together. But I believe there can be a better World Cup this time around in Brazil 2014. Nigeria will face Argentina at Brazil 2014

Obasi (left) tackles Mozambique player at Angola 2010 Nations Cup

44 SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Why is the New Year celebrated on January 1?

he celebration of the New Year on January 1st is a relatively new phenomenon. The earliest recording of a New Year celebration is believed to have been in Mesopotamia, c. 2000 B.C. and was celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox, in mid-March. A variety of other dates tied to the seasons were also used by various ancient cultures. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians began their new year with the fall equinox, and the Greeks celebrated it on the winter solstice. The early Roman calendar designated March 1 as the new year. The calendar had just ten months, beginning with March. That the new year once began with the month of March is still reflected in some of the names of the months. September through December, our ninth through twelfth months, were originally positioned as the seventh through tenth months (septem is Latin for "seven," octo is "eight," novem is "nine," and decem is "ten." The first time the new year was celebrated on January 1st was in Rome in 153 B.C. (In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C., when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February.) The new year was moved from March to January because that was the beginning of the civil year, the month that the two newly elected Roman consuls—the highest officials in the Roman republic— began their one-year tenure. But this new year date was not always strictly and widely observed, and the new year was still sometimes celebrated on March 1. In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement on the ancient Roman calendar, which was a lunar system that had become wildly inaccurate over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that the New Year would occur with January 1, and within the Roman world, January 1 became the consistently observed start of the new year. In medieval Europe, however, the celebrations accompanying the New Year were considered pagan and unchristian like, and in 567 the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the beginning of the year. At various times and in various places throughout medieval Christian Europe, the new year was celebrated on Dec. 25, the birth of Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as New Year’s Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire —and their American colonies— still celebrated the New Year in March. Source: infoplease.com

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Apo killing: CHYDAN urges FG to apologise to victims’ families LEONARD OKACHIE

outh group, Champion Youths Development Association of Nigeria (CHYDAN) has urged the Federal Government to apologise to the families of the eight youths that were killed at Apo quartres, Abuja in 2013 by security agents as a sign that it was not a deliberate act. The eight persons who were suspected to be members of the Boko Haram were killed in September 2013, but the security agents were criticised for the extra judicial killing as many claimed that the deceased were not members of the insurgent group. Subsequently, the Senate at its sitting on September 24, 2013 mandated its committees to undertake an in-depth investigation into the circumstances that led to the incidence. However, reports since submitted by the committees, revealed that the deceased were not members of Boko Haram. Therefore, CHYDAN in a statement by its National President, Comrade Umar Isma’il, has condemned the killing and has advised security agents to be discreet in their operation before shooting anyone. The group also called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendation by the Senate Joint Committee on National Security, Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the investigation into the alleged extra judicial killings under the Joint Chairman, Senator Mohammed Magoro OFR. The recommendations, according to

IN THIS YEAR 2014, THE YOUTHS WANT TO LIVE IN DECENT HOUSES AND NOT UNCOMPLETED BUILDING WITH CRIMINALS the statement included improved quality of governance to reduce poverty, unemployment, security agencies and sustaining their military operations against bad elements in all regions of the country. The group further said: “It is so sadden and touching that after the operation, the combined team of the army and DSS personnel left the injured at the mercy of the helpless members of NATOMORAS that survived the massacre and the dead in the pool of their own blood. “It is worrisome the lives of innocent souls being killed daily by security personnel and Boko Haram in northern part of the country due to activities of terrorists. “In an attempt to save souls, people must die for others to live. Nevertheless,

the victims that sustain injuries in the shooting should be adequately taken care of. “Government should also identify the actual owner of the uncompleted building as well as the security guard (named Joseph) guarding the house who left the house with his family prior to the time of the incidence for further investigation. “In this year 2014, the youths want to live in decent houses and not uncompleted building with criminals. The youths want to see the arrest of identified suspected Boko Haram and not arrest and killing of innocent persons. “We call on the Federal Government to check the inflow of foreign people through our border towns in the north and also establish more security agencies, especially on our sea borders to adequately police our fatherland. The group pledged its support for the proposed National Conference, but urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the conference will not turn out to be another Oputa panel. Since its establishment in 2011, CHYDAN according to its president has empowered over seven thousand youths in different parts of the country. “This is what we have been doing all over the country and we are still going to do more for the youths. Our main goal right from inception had been to empower and encourage youths with their talents and creativities and also help them in getting better positions. Gradually, CHYDAN has gained 28 states of the Federation with 4.6million youths across the country,” Umar said.

Garlands as

Senator Ashafa with the children

MURITALA AYINLA

he popular Eleko Beach came alive last Sunday when the lawmaker representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Barehu Ashafa hosted over 5,000 kids for the End of the Year Kids Fiesta. The colourful event was supposed to be a get-together of kids numbering up

to 3,000 but it ended up even more elaborate and fun filled as thousands of the children from the neighbourhood of Lekki/Ajah and coastline areas in the Lagos city trooped out in their droves to participate at the party held at the seaside. Pupils of various public and private schools in the state across the Lagos East Senatorial District joined their counterparts from other senatorial dis-

tricts to be part of the party held under a giant canopy and bowing palm trees. Artistes, ball joggers, dancers and clowns and Father Christmas were on hand to thrill the pupils while hundreds of gift items parked in different bags were distributed to the pupils. The event also attracted traditional rulers from the neighbouring communities and politicians, especially All Progressive Congress (APC) stalwarts from the coastline areas. There were quiz competition and games and the winners were reward with prizes ranging from flat screen TV, laptops and other expensive prizes. The quiz competition was conducted in Yoruba Language in conformity with a bill being sponsored by the lawmaker on promotion of indigenous language. Ace broadcaster, Mr. Toyin Kawojue anchored the programme to the admiration of the participants. Speaking shortly before presenting the prizes to the winners, Ashafa said that the kid fiesta was born out of his love for the children, adding that children deserve to be celebrated at all times.

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Young & Next Generation

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Diversify economy to create jobs, youths charge govt JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

N Senator Ita-Giwa hosts displaced Bakassi children.

Ita Giwa celebrates Christmas with Bakassi children RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

s part of activity to celebrate the Christmas festival in grand style, over 4000 children of the Bakassi refugee camp in Cross River State have cried out , calling on the jury at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to expedite action in the enforcement of justice of the Green Tree Agreement between the Federal Government and their parents (Bakassi natives). Spokeperson for the displaced kids, little miss Veronica Ekpeyong gave the charge when former member representing Cross River South Senatorial District at the National Assemmbly, Sen.Florence Ita-GIwa visited the refugee camp to celebrate the yuletide with the refugee kids. Ekpeyong called on the Federal Government and other relevant agencies in the country to look into their plights with regards to provision of medical aides and abide by the Green Tree Agreement it entered into with its people some years ago. The spoke person charged the govern-

ment to assist their parents in the provision of a 75horse power fishing boat and other necessary fishing materials to enable them continue with their once fishing occupation to generate income and sustain their families. Reacting, Ita-Giwa appealed for calmness and urged the kids not to worry as government would certainly do something to resolve the crises after all. The kids were never part of the agreement drafting committee but wondered why Federal Government became sluggish to carry out the relocation exercise even when the Bakassi relocation committee had visited the place. The former lawmaker urged the children to liken their situation with the struggle of former South African president late President Nelson Mandela, who fought gallantly until he was able to break the yoke and stronghold of apartheid regime, adding that one day their problem would certainly be overcome. She however donated food, clothing, medicines and cash to the displaced children.

Ashafa fetes kids at beach His words: "The idea of hosting our children for a fiesta at this yuletide period was born out of my own personal concern, love and care for the children. Their innocence and tranquillity should occupy our minds and be ready to help channel their destiny towards a brighter future. But, this would be a big task without, first, making them happy; show them that they are also important; and of course that truly, they are our future leaders. "I am highly delighted that this is happening today, and that we are the one doing it for them, while I enjoin all to emulate it. Let us not see this as mere merry-making or a piece of jamboree. But rather as a time to feel among; to celebrate our children and to show them that it is not only the adults who deserve to wear our party crested vests." While welcoming the kids to the exciting event, Ashafa commended the party stalwarts and the traditional rulers who graced the event. "I welcome all of us to this exciting and rear occasion: The Kids Fiesta. I felicitate with our children, from wherever they might have come to this par-

ty. I thank the Chairman of the day, my brother and leader, Dr. Tola Kasali for his time and support; our Royal Fathers for their presence; and our Baales, Royal Chiefs and party leaders for coming to be part of today’s celebration. The lawmaker urged the children to be safety conscious while using the bisco parked in their gifts bags. "When you are playing with the bisco included in those packs, kindly do that with care. I thank you all for coming and wish you safe journey back to your various abodes." Besides the various free gifts given away during different games in the course of the programme, Plasma Television Set(first prize), Power Generating Machine (second Prize) and an Hi-fi System (third prize) were giving to the three best outstanding children that displayed the mastery of their indigenous language during the indigenous quiz competition. They included: Miss Elemoro Adijat, from Ibeju-Lekki LG; Miss Mistura Balogun, from Ibeju-Lekki LG and Master Adebanjo Fuad from Ikosi- Isheri LCDA.

igerian youths under the aegis of the Nigerian Unemployed Youths Vanguard have called for the diversification of economy at the state and local levels to create more jobs for the people. The group in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Adodo and Publicity Secretary Comrade Danesi Momoh in Abuja said it is imperative for the other tiers of government to complement the efforts being put in place by the federal government to reduce youth restiveness. The group said it had developed partnership with the government at the centre “and the results remain evident for all to see as more openings have been assessed in agriculture, mining, micro/small enterprises, and information and communication technology amongst others.” It further expressed its readiness to extend this arm of partnership to the various state and local government leaderships to tow the productive precedence set by the federal government and play their part to meaningfully engage the remaining unemployed

youths, who still idle away in their respective domains. The statement said, “As we turn a new slate for planning and implementation in our national life with another calendar year, it is imperative that we sound this note of responsibility clear to these other tiers of government that the federal government cannot be left alone with the task of national development. “The states and local governments have their respective roles to play and this they should do in good time, and in this light we shall beam more of our searchlight on the activities or otherwise of the governors and local government chairmen to create jobs. “As we seek to create more jobs and boost national productivity, we call on the governors of the 36 states in our nation to diverse means of generation revenues by innovatively exploring the treasures within their respective domains.” The group further commended the effort of the Federal Government through its various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for its measures so far to soar above the storm of unemployment and poverty in the country, adding that there is still room for improvement.

Katsina govt trains girls on vocational skills

he Katsina State Government has commenced the training of 200 girls who are secondary school leavers in various vocational skills to make them self-reliant after marriage. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Amina Isa, said this on Tuesday in Katsina at the opening ceremony of the vocational and skills acquisition programme. According to Isah, the exercise covers only married women in the past, but the governor's wife, Hajiya Fatima Shema, gave a directive to extend the programme to young girls. She said the young girls would be trained on hair dressing, manicure, decoration and event management

among others. "We feel that since you have completed your secondary school education, it is now an opportunity for you to learn one or two skills that will boost your economic status,’ ’she said. Isah said that after the completion of the training, the governor's wife would provide all necessary tools and capital to the trainees to set up their businesses. Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, HajiyaTalatu Nasir, urged the participants to be disciplined and committed to what they would be taught. Nasir said that the beneficiaries were selected from the 34 local government areas of the state.

Regional Director, Region 2, District 404A1 Nigeria of Leo’s Club, Yinusa Oluwarotimi dancing with children during a Christmas party organised by the club for some primary schools in PHOTO: LEONARD OKACHIE Ikorodu recenlty.

Media

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Glamour as Cool FM holds Praise Jamz

Events that shaped the

MURITALA AYINLA

LEONARD OKACHIE

Attacks on media

he management of 96.9 Cool FM radio station has held its 10th edition of the Christmas Praise Jamz amid fanfare. Over 5,500 fun seekers were thrilled by International gospel artiste, Lionel Peterson and Nigeria’s gospel act, Sammie Okposo and other gospel artistes at the event held at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites.The show hosted by ace comedian, Ali Baba witnessed a large turnout of audience Speaking on the significance of the event, Group Managing Director of Cool FM, Amin Moussalli attributed the successful organisation of the Praise Jamz to thousands of Nigerian audience who, according to him, have demonstrated unalloyed interest in the annual event. Moussalli added that the show could not have been possible without the support of other partner such as Golden Penny the event, the official sponsor of the event. Mousalli's words: "Its 10 years of continuing Praise Jamz, we just flash back to remember how the programme started, the genesis of the Praise Jamz began with a lady, Paula Kalu, unfortunately for her, she was posted to work on Sunday. She wanted to go to church but the programme didn't allow her, so she began playing gospel music to enable her and her listeners feel in church. So we began Praise Jamz on the streets and on the Ocean side, now its gotten this far". Visibly elated Moussalli assured that in subsequent editions, international artistes from the United States of America will be invited to perform to increase the momentum of the show and expectation of the audience. His said:"We had to stop selling tickets as soon as we had sold 5,500 tickets which is the seating capacity and there were so many others queuing outside. The fact is that without the audience, we have no show. The audience have kept the show going". One of the performing artistes, 'The Pillars', an acapella group of five youths made the second stanza of the National Anthem sound melodious with the acapella rendition which was well appreciated by the crowd. The DayStar Mass Choir added to the glamour of the event by joining about 300 choristers mounted the stage and performed some Christmas tunes. Famous Nigeria's Sammie Okposo thrilled the audience "Wellu Wellu" praise song at the event which also featured the likes of Eben and Tim Godfrey. International Guest artiste, Lionel Peterson sent the crowd wild with his rendition of "Jabulani Africa", "Come Celebrate" and Jehovah knows" from his rich list of worship and praise songs. Flo, another artiste sent the crowd in estacy when he rendered his popular hit track 'Twale'. The colourful event also featured 'The Peacemakers' a dance group that left the stage with wild cheers from the crowd for their choreographic display.

igeria for the first time was named among the countries where journalists are routinely murdered and assaulted without any convictions for their attackers. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) disclosed this during the 2013 World Press Freedom. The Nigerian media suffered several attacks from the government officials in 2013.The most controversial of them was the arrest and detention of four Leadership Newspapers journalists at the Force Headquartres, Abuja on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan. The journalists, Mrs. Chinyere Fred-Adegbulugbe, Mr. Tony Amoke- L-R: Tony Amokoedo and Chibuzor Ukaibe of Leadership Newspaper were detained in 2013. odo, Mr. Chibuzor Ukaibe, and Mr. Chuks Ohuegbe, were detained over a story published by the medium entitled, ‘Outrage Trails Presidential A cross section of journalists at a workshop Directive on Tinubu, APC’ which was published on April 3, and a full copy of the presidential directive, published on April 4 and captioned "Bromide of the Presidential Directive". They had reported at the headquarters on invitation by the police, but were not allowed to leave after writing statements. Fred-Adegbulugbe and Ohuegbe were released after some hours while Amokeodo and Ukaibe were detained. They were subsequently arraigned Some of the NUJ officials that survived the before a Federal High Court in Abuja auto crash. on conspiracy and forgery. asking the court to compel the AttorFOI Act ney-General of the Federation to initiDespite the adulation, the Federal ate criminal proceedings against the Government under President Good- NCAA for the offence of “wrongful The auto crash that claimed lives of three NUJ officials. luck Jonathan received in 2011 for ap- denial of access to information” under proving the Freedom of Information Section 7(5) of the FOI Act. Assistance Project, an NGO also tried Act, the law, like the previous year MRA and PPDC wrote two joint let- to unfold details of salaries and emolucould not make any impact in 2013 in ters to NCAA Director General, Mr. ments of National Assembly members terms of implementation. Folayele Akinkuotu, on October 21, ,who are said to be one of the highest in The media, lawyers and non-govern- asking for detailed information on the world while Daily Trust newspaper mental organisations made several at- the procurement records for the pur- had been seeking information from the tempts in implementation but the provi- chase by the NCAA of two BMW 760 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporasions of the law made it difficult for them. LiHSS vehicles with chassis numbers tion, on its 2012 recruitment, among However, some individuals like WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP- others. Unfortunately, their efforts were Femi Falana, invoked the law on the 41010DW68044. yet to see the light of the day. N255 million BMW bulletproof cars But in a four-page reply dated Noscandal involving the Minister of Avi- vember 11, 2013 and signed on behalf Death ation, Stella Oduah. of the Director-General by NCAA’s The Nigerian media mourned some Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nige- Legal Adviser, Mr. E.D. Chukwuma, its own in the year under review. The ria, wrote to the Nigerian Civil Avia- the Authority refused to disclose the legendary Alhaji Alade Odunewu, tion Authority, demanding the release records, claiming that it was withhold- popularly called Allah-Dey died on July of “all the documents relating to the ing the information based on the ex- 25, 2013 at 85. He was one of one of Nipurchase of the cars, including bud- emptions in Sections 12 and 26 of the geria’s most respected journalists and getary approval and due process for FOI Act. best-read columnists. He was a fixture the entire transaction.” In their suit filed on December 6, of the Daily Times Group for many While Falana’s request was greeted MRA and PPDC asked the court to years, and he authored some of the inwith frustration, two non-governmen- grant them leave to apply for a judicial dustry’s most pungent opinion columns tal organisations also filed a suit at the review of the NCAA decision under under his pen name, “Allah-Dey.” Federal High Court in Lagos asking the the FOI Act and to seek a declaration Another loss to the industry was the court to compel the NCAA to release to that the failure and/or refusal by the death of three journalists on August them the procurement records for the NCAA to disclose or make available to 2 in an auto crash and several others controversial purchase of the two bullet them the information they requested injured along Ilesa-Akure express way. proof cars. by their letters to the NCAA dated OcThe journalists who were officers of In the suit filed on their behalf by tober 21, 2013 amounts to a violation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mr. Ayodeji Acquah, under the Free- their rights of access to information, were returning from Abuja to Lagos endom of Information Act, Media Rights established and guaranteed by Sec- route Ibadan when the Nigeria Union of Agenda (MRA) and Public and Private tions 1(1) and 4(a) of the FOI Act. Journalists (NUJ) Lagos state Council Development Centre (PPDC) are also Similarly, an NGO- Legal Defence and bus which they were travelling in was

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Media

Thursday, January 2, 2014

media in 2013 involved in a ghastly accident. Those who died in the accident were the national financial secretary of the union, Adolphous Okonkwo; Kafayat Odunsi from the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Victoria Island, Lagos and the Chairman of the Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Network Centre of the NUJ, Tunde Oluwanike. Ten other journalists, who sustained injuries in the accident, were immediately rushed to Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for treatment, where the remains of the dead were deposited. Also, another veteran journalist working with the National Mirror Newspapers as its Kano Bureau Chief, Mr. Augustine Madu-West died in September. Madu-West, who hailed from Owerri, Imo, had practised journalism for 31 years in Kano. He left behind one wife and four children.

NGE convention and ANEC The year under review witnessed biennial convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). Femi Adesina emerged new president of the Guild at the end of the 2013 convention in Ibadan. Mr Isaac Ighure, Managing Editor /Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was returned unopposed as the General Secretary of the body. Only four positions were contested for during the election with the other candidates returning unopposed. Among the contestants returned unopposed were Victor Agusiobo (Vice President, East); Steve Ayorinde (Vice President, West); Ogbang Akwaji (Treasurer); Mustapha Issa (Assistant General Secretary)

Odunewu

and Funke Egbemode (Social Publicity Secretary). Others included Yinka Atolagbe of Voice of Nigeria (Standing Committee, West); Fred Fabor (Standing Committee, East); Chooks Oko (Standing Committee, East); Ken Ugbechie (Standing Committee, Lagos/West) and Ray Echebiri (Standing Committee, West). In August, editors gathered in Asaba, the Delta State capital for the 9th edition of All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC). The theme of the four-day conference, which was chaired by renowned veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, was, “Nigeria Beyond Oil: Role of the Editor’’. Ten senior journalists were honoured by NGE with fellowships while over 60 new members from various media houses were inducted.

Social media Social media received kudos for breaking the major news stories which dominated the media in the year 2013. For instance, major stories in 2013 including the controversial letter exchange between former president Olusegun Obasanjo and President Jonathan, bullet proof car scandal for Aviation Minister were broken by the New Media. Worried by the growing influence of the social media, a bill which recommended a fiveyear jail term for anyone who speaks against the government on social media was presented in the National Assembly. The bill which had passed through the second reading was dropped by the Senate after consultations from stakeholders, following criticisms from the social media.

President Jonathan on the World Stage

LEONARD OKACHIE

ince the inception of his administration, President Ebele Goodluck Jonathan has raised relevant and topical issues at the annual gatherings of the world’s Heads of State and Government at the General Assembly of the United Nations. His statements which offer useful insights into his administration’s foreign policy in terms of vision, concerns and emphases have therefore been

put together in a short collection entitled On the World Stage. Published by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) State House, Abuja, On the World Stage, is a 70-page collection of President Jonathan statement at 65th UN General Assembly in 2010 to 68th UN General Assembly in 2013. It also highlights Nigeria’s unwavering commitment, under President Jonathan’s leadership, to global peace, security, stability, equity and sustainable development for all humanity. The Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Reuben Abati in a Preface said that at the centre of the President’s message to the world is an impassioned call for a world populated by “ viable and capable states” where peace, political stability, progress and security of lives and property are guaranteed. “While contributing diligently to the pursuit of global peace, through such key interventions

as participation in international peace keeping operations, and President Jonathan’s frontline mediatory role in preventing or resolving conflicts in countries such as Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bisau, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and Liberia, Nigeria’s presence is felt much more strongly in the international arena; its voices far more influential than hitherto,” Abati wrote. The collection also captions President Jonathan call for democratization of the Security Council at the 68th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly in New York 2013. “Mr. President, I believe that I express the concern of many about the slow pace of the effort and apparent lack of progress in the reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. We believe strongly, that the call for democratization worldwide should not be for the States only, but also, for International Organisations such as the UN. That is why we call for the democratization of the Security Council,” he said.

70 journalists killed on the job in 2013 –Report

t least 70 journalists were killed on the job around the world in 2013, including 29 who died covering the civil war in Syria and 10 slain in Iraq, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The dead in Syria included a number of citizen journalists working to document combat in their home cities, broadcasters who worked with media outlets affiliated with either the government or the opposition, and a handful of correspondents for the foreign press, including an AlJazeera reporter, Mohamed al-Mesalma, who was shot by a sniper. Six journalists died in Egypt. Half of those reporters were killed while reporting an Aug. 14 crackdown by Egyptian security forces on demonstrators protesting the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi. "The Middle East has become a killing field for journalists. While the number of journalists killed for their work has declined in some places, the civil war in Syria ?and a renewal of sectarian attacks in Iraq have taken an agonizing toll," the committee's deputy director, Robert Mahoney, said in a statement. "The international community must prevail on all governments and armed groups to respect the civilian status of reporters and to prosecute the killers of journalists."

Wounded Reuters photographer Gleb Garanich, who was injured by riot police, takes pictures as riot police block protesters during a scuffle at a demonstration in support of EU integration at Independence Square in Kiev November 30, 2013.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has been tracking deaths among reporters and broadcasters since 1992. Most of the killings it has documented over the years involve people who are covering news in the places they live. That was the case, as well, in 2013. Many of the deaths occurred during combat, or among reporters covering conflict zones, but journalists in several countries were also murdered after reporting on sensitive subjects. Reporters and commentators who covered police misconduct, political corruption or drug trafficking and other sensitive topics were slain in separate incidents in Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Russia. A pair of Radio France In-

ternationale journalists were abducted and killed after meeting with a leader of ethnic Tuareg separatists in Kidal, Mali. Militants in Iraq killed five members of the news staff of Salaheddin TV in a suicide attack this month on the channel's offices in Tikrit. For the first time in a decade, no journalists were known to have been killed for their work in Mexico. The CPJ is still looking into the deaths of an additional 25 journalists in 2013, not included in the tally of 70, to determine whether they had anything to do with their work. To date, at least 63 journalists have been killed covering the conflict in Syria, the CPJ's report said — and that tally may understate the problem. Sixty journalists have been abducted in Syria this year alone. 30 are still missing.

Cocktail

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Hawaii woman with long last name gets new ID cards

Hawaii woman whose last name is 36 characters long has finally gotten the whole thing to fit on her driver’s license and state identification card. Janice “Lokelani” Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele (KAY’-ee-hah-nah-EE’-cooCOW’-ah-KAH’-hee-HOO’lee-heh-eh-KAH’-how-NAHeh-leh) has a surname that consists of 35 letters plus an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. She received her new license and ID after her campaign to get her full name on the cards prompted the state Department of Transportation to

change its policy to expand the number of characters that can appear. Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele, 54, said Monday that she’s happy she was able to help fix the problem of identification cards lacking sufficient space for long names. “Now, in the state of Hawaii, we are no longer second class citizens because of the length of our name,” she said. Hawaii driver’s licenses and ID cards previously had room for names totaling up to 35 characters. The new policy allows 40 characters for last names, 40 for first names and 35 for middle names.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Obama’s dogs jump through hoops to enter Hawaii

t doesn’t matter that they belong to President Barack Obama — first family dogs Bo and Sunny had to go through Hawaii’s strict quarantine procedures to travel to the islands for their holiday vacation.

Hawaii is rabies free and all incoming dogs have to jump through several hoops, including an expensive rabies blood test. Dogs that don’t meet regulations can be quarantined up to 120 days.

Program Manager Isaac Maeda of Hawaii’s Rabies Quarantine Branch said Monday that the Obamas complied with all requirements asked of other pet owners. The only difference:

Maeda says a military veterinarian inspected the dogs and their paperwork on arrival at Hickam Air Force Base early Dec. 21. Other pet owners usually go through a quarantine office at Honolulu International Airport.

Six arrested in police impersonation prank

nited States’ authorities said they arrested six teens accused of posing as Southern California police officers and ordering people out of their cars by using megaphones and high-powered flashlights to obscure their real identity. The teens ordered the victims to lie face down

on the pavement and then drove away. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says 18-year-old Mason Gonzalez of Temecula has been arrested as well as three girls and two boys. Authorities said they first received reports of the alleged pranks on Dec. 23.

The White House, Bo, left, and Sunny, the Obama family dogs, on the South Lawn of the White House, recently.

PHOTO: AP

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Whatever affects the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be our interest and concern.

Police boss distributes food, drinks to detainees

SENATE PRESIDENT, DAVID MARK

Monarch laments neglect of border town FRANCIS SUBERU

WITH AGENCY REPORT

he traditional ruler of Iwoye-Ketu community in Yewa North Area of Ogun, Oba Ademola Aremu has called on the Federal and Ogun State governments to provide road and other infrastructure in the border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic, even as he demanded the reconstruction of the 17-km Imeko-Iwoye Road for ease of movement of people and goods. The traditional ruler, made the appeal while conducting newsmen and leaders round the road and parts of the 20,000-strong community.

Community Mirror reports that Iwoye about 12km to Benin Republic has the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, communitybased farming scheme, a police post in a rented apartment, office for Beninois gendarmes as well as customs and immigration sheds. Others are state forest reserve, an international market and natural resources such as cotton, cassava, yam, charcoal, water melon and cucumber. Aremu had at a meeting of the community’s development association in Lagos in July 2013, appealed to the state government to come to

their aid by rehabilitating the road. He decried the abject neglect of the community by previous administrations, calling it dehumanising and unfortunate. “The Imeko-Iwoye Road has not been tarred for decades. As an earthen road, it has been destroyed by erosion thereby making it impassable.

Driving on the road is frightening and hazardous. For now, few vehicles ply it while motorcycle remains the popular means of transportation for goods and people. We are cut off from the rest of the country and Ogun State. For now, we are more accessible from Benin Republic than from Nigeria.

On behalf of the community, we passionately appeal to Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and the federal government to come to our aid”, Aremu said. The traditional ruler lamented the hardships the people and security agents go through on the road, as he disclosed that passengers pay N600 per

trip from Iwoye to Imeko, headquarters of ImekoAfon Council Area. He urged the federal government to revisit the border communities’ development programme of the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar administration to ensure that such communities were not left at the mercy of the neighbouring countries.

Lawmaker donates Xmas gifts to constituents EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

member of Bauchi House of Assembly, Hon.Rifkatu Samson Danna, representing Bogoro constituency has donated food stuffs, clothing and bags of cement worth N4.5 million to constituents in celebration of Christmas. Distributing the items, Hon.Rifkatu said, she was informed by the need to felicitate with the people at yuletide, saying same was done for Muslims during Ramadan period,even as she said the recent suspension

from House proceedings has not prevented her from providing dividends of democracy to her constituency. Items distributed include 400 bags of cement, 100 bags of rice and 3,000 pieces of textile materials. Others are 300 pieces of wrappers and cash of N2.5m for roofing to Mball church. The suspended lawmaker noted with appreciation the support of the constituency in rallying round her throughout the political travails, especially their presence in court during the legal hearing.

Fayemi’s wife solicits assistance for soup kitchens ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, has appealed to well-meaning citizens and philanthropists to contribute towards financing the food bank and soup kitchen programmes of the state. She said the

programmes, which offer free meals to people, were established to cater for the indigent elderly, people living with HIV/AIDS, widows and physically challenged persons”. The governor’s wife, who took pride in the programmes, described them as veritable initiatives to banish poverty in the state.

A porter carrying a goat during the New Year shopping at Oyingbo Market in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Ejigbo council budgets NI.7bn for 2014 MURITALA AYINLA

he Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development A r e a , L C DA , Ke h i n d e Bamigbetan has presented a budget of N1.7billion to the legislature for the 2014 administrative year. The budget estimate is higher than that of 2013 budget which stood at N1, 702,000,000. Presenting the budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation”, Bamigbetan said its broad objective is to consolidate and improve on mass oriented projects with an emphasis

on completion of all ongoing projects in the council. Giving a breakdown of the budget, the council boss said a total of N610m has been earmarked for the provision of infrastructure, which is 54.6 percent of the budget. According to him, the sectoral allocations for Agriculture, Rural and Social Development is 14,000,000,Works,Housing and Infrastructure will get N465,220,240,71,Comm erce,Finance,Supply and Co-operative will receive N100,000,000,Education takes up N10,000,000 while N6,000,000 and N5,000,000 have been earmarked for

Health and Budget and Planning respectively. Bamigbetan, said the council is poised to complete 16 different projects within the year which will include, purchase of 10 electricity transformers, completion of 2nd phase of the jetty and shopping mall project, grading and rehabilitation of 70 roads, provision of furniture to pupils and staff of public primary schools, computerisation of ward offices and payment of the $220 million loan obtained for construction of four roads. Responding, leader of legislature, Hon. Muri-

tala Tanigbola praised the council boss, saying the appropriation bill would be given a smooth and quick passage after all necessary legislative process. Bamigbetan who gave his administration pass mark said the council has made giant strides in providing capital assets and welfare programme to the people since 2008. He said the council’s performance provides incontrovertible evidence on the need to list Ejigbo LCDA as a bonafide local government so it can receive direct allocation from the federal government.

Community Mirror

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ethnic groups celebrate peace in Bauchi FRANCIS SUBERU

WITH AGENCY REPORT

A meat seller going to the market for New Year sales in Abuja, yesterday.

Police boss distributes food, drinks to detainees FRANCIS SUBERU

WITH AGENCY REPORT

he Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, has distributed food and drinks to 72 detainees undergoing investigation for various offences at the police headquarters in Lagos. Community Mirror gathered that the police

boss presented each suspect with a pack of cooked rice, malt drink and a bottle of water. He told journalists that the feeding was in line with the spirit of the season and part of his New Year celebration for them. He said: “We started this last year. We did it in line with the spirit of the season. We know that

some of the suspects had killed some of our men, but they are still under investigation.However, the fact that we fed them does not mean the law will not take its course on them”. Manko assured people of Lagos State of adequate security in the New Year and advised criminallyminded persons to repent. One of the suspects said

he was happy to receive food and a drink from the commissioner and urged people to keep away from crime. He said “crime is not good. The police in Lagos are effective. I advise people to keep away from crime.’’ All the suspects went back to their cells with their packs of food and drinks after the exercise.

Assembly to amend laws on council of chiefs

he Zamfara State House of Assembly said it was working to amend laws guiding the affairs of the Council of Chiefs to ensure its smooth running. The Majority Leader, Alhaji Salisu Tsafe said the laws to be amended include that of moving audit responsibilities of the council from office of the Director

of Audit of the council to office of the State AuditorGeneral. According to him, if auditing remains with the director’s office, it will amount to duplication of duties as such reports will still have to come to the office of the AuditorGeneral. Similarly, the lawmaker said the office of the

secretary of the council should be occupied by an indigene with vast working experience. He also said that henceforth, secretary of the council, who may not be a traditional title holder, must be above 60 years of age. On the position of chairman of the Council of Chiefs, the legislator

said the status-quo had been maintained with the Emir of Zamfara as head. He noted that the Assembly had already handed over the matter to its committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and given 30 days to compile and submit its report to the House.

he diverse ethnic and multi-religious groups of Yelwa, Kagadama, Gwallameji and Lushi of BirshiMiri District, Bauchi, all in Bauchi State have celebrated six years of peaceful coexistence. Community Mirror gathered reports that the programme was organised by the Muslim and Christian Youth Movement for Peace in conjunction with BirshiMiri Concern Citizens Forum. Report has it that the communities are home to diverse ethnic groups including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Idoma, Fulani, Seyawa, Jarawa and Ninzom, among others. In his speech, chairman organising committee of the programme, Mr. Yusuf Kumsu, explained that the event was organised to celebrate six years of peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups. Kumsu said that since the religious incident of December 2007 that led to loss of lives and destruction of property, the people had learned to live peacefully through dialogue and consultations. He, however, commended the state government for setting up a reconstruction committee which swiftly rebuilt houses, worship centres and other places affected by the crisis. “Today, we are celebrating six years of peace, being the efforts of the people oriented government, whose primary concern is to protect the lives and property of everyone”, he said. The Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda expressed joy for the lasting peace in the state in spite of the current security challenges affecting neighbouring states. Yuguda commended organisers of the event as well as religious and

community leaders for the initiative,even as he said the efforts are crucial to the quest for lasting peace and called on other communities to emulate them. He said Bauchi with 55 ethnic groups through various inter-ethnic and religion forum had learned to live with one another so as to move the state forward. “Without peace, no nation will move forward. Therefore, we will continue to ensure that the existing peace in the state is sustained for any meaningful development to thrive,’’ he said. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Inter-Religious Affairs, Alhaji Salisu Barau, said that the event was a justification for creating the ministry with the main task of ensuring unity among the different religious groups. He said the ministry had so far received 15 invitations from the international community seeking to understand the state’s peace building initiative. Similarly, the Chief Imam, Yelwa Central Mosque, Malam Muhammad Bako said the communities experienced six years of peace because they agreed to do away with hostilities. Represented by Ahmed Shamsuddeen, the Liman of Habu Mosque, Kagadama, Bako said no religion preaches violence. “We have embraced peace and agreed to live with one another irrespective of differences because we can never move forward if we continue to kill one another in the name of religion. Without peace, even the practice of religion will become impossible,” he said. Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, Rev. Lawi Pokti, assured the governor of the communities’ determination to maintain the lasting peace in the area.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Palestinian ambassador to Czech Republic dies in blast

(By 2020), I think Japan will have completely restored its status and been making great contributions to peace and stability in the region and the world. –JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, SHINZO ABE

South Sudanese rebels arrive in Addis Ababa for ceasefire talks

outh Sudanese rebels arrived in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa yesterday to thrash out details of a ceasefire to end more than two weeks of bloodletting that has threatened to plunge the world’s newest state into civil war. The U.N. envoy to South Sudan, Hilde Johnson, said government negotiators were also on their way, with both sides under mounting pressure from regional and Western powers to reach a deal. The White House has said it would deny support - vital in a country the size of France that still has hardly any infrastructure more than two years after secession - to any group that seizes power by force. Both sides have agreed in principle to a ceasefire but neither has indicated when the fighting would stop and mediators are concerned that fighting around the flashpoint town of Bor will scupper the talks even before they begin. South Sudan’s defence minister said government forces were battling rebel fighters 11 miles south of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, which has untapped oil reserves and was the site of an ethnic massacre in 1991. “There will have to be a fight because they want to defeat the government forces,” Defence Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk told

A United Nations armoured vehicle passing displaced people walking towards the U.N. camp where they have sought shelter in Malakal, South Sudan, on Monday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Reuters from the capital Juba, 190 km south of Bor by road. Rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar seized control of Bor on Tuesday after tens of thousands of civilians had fled. The Addis Ababa talks will focus on finding ways to roll out and monitor the ceasefire, the East African IGAD bloc that is mediating the talks said, to end the fighting that has killed at least 1,000, unsettled oil markets and raised fears of the conflict spilling over in a fragile region. “We don’t want to expose the people of South Sudan to a sense-

less war,” South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin said on a government Twitter feed yesterday. South Sudan’s neighbours, Washington and the United Nations played a central role in negotiations that ended decades of war with Sudan to the north and led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and have been scrambling to stem the latest violence. South Sudan holds the thirdlargest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa after Angola and Nigeria, according to BP, but remains one of the continent’s least devel-

oped countries. President Salva Kiir has accused his long-term political rival Machar, who he sacked in July, of starting the fighting in a bid to seize power. Machar has denied the charge, but he has taken to the bush and has acknowledged leading soldiers battling the government. Clashes between soldiers erupted on December 15 in Juba. The violence quickly spread to oil-producing areas, dividing the country along the ethnic lines of Machar’s Nuer group and Kiir’s Dinkas.

Priest freed in Cameroun arrives back in France

French Catholic priest freed in Cameroun nearly seven weeks after being abducted has been welcomed back to France by President Francois Hollande. Hollande shook hands with

a smiling Fr Georges Vandenbeusch after his arrival at an air base near Paris early on New Year’s Day. He paid tribute to the “bravery” of the cleric, who was abducted from his parish by gunmen and

Fr Vandenbeusch (right) was welcomed by President Hollande (centre) at Villacoublay air base

moved to Nigeria. Nigeria’s Islamist group Boko Haram said it had abducted Fr Vandenbeusch, who was seized on 17 November near Koza in northern Cameroun, close to the border with Nigeria. Six other French nationals remain in captivity in Mali and Syria. The 42-year-old priest, who was also met by relatives at Villacoublay air base, expressed “great joy” at returning home but said people should remember the other hostages. Earlier, he told reporters in Cameroun: “I am in great shape, very grateful to all those who worked to free me.” Fr Georges Vandenbeusch disembarking from a plane in

Yaounde, Cameroun, 31 December Clean-shaven today, Fr Vandenbeusch had grown a beard while in captivity Captivity had been a time of “terrible boredom, sadness and anger because I’m very fond of the parish where I worked”, he said. “I was under a tree for a month and a half,” he added. His two main guards spoke a local language and no English, he explained, and he had had no access to reading materials or radio. In his former parish of Sceaux, near Paris, bells rang out on Tuesday to celebrate his release. “This church prayed for him a lot,” Marie, a 45-year-old worshipper, told a news agency. “Every day, candles were lit. You had to believe in it.”

WORLD BULLETIN

Nigeria concludes repatriation of citizens from Saudi Arabia

The remaining 131 deportees out of 518 were transported home, Abdulazeez Dan-Kano, an official of the immigration service in the ministry of foreign affairs, was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Dan-Kano said all the 518 deportees arrived in the country in six batches between Dec ember 25 and December 31. He appealed to Nigerians still hiding in slums in Saudi Arabia to embrace the benevolence of the federal government and return home. Dan-Kano said the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia had since begun sensitization campaign on the need for proper documentation of Nigerians who were legal residents in the country. He said most of the deportees were Nigerians who travelled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, but stayed there at the end of the exercise in search of greener pastures.

Egypt’s Christians pray for peace after months of unrest Egypt’s Christians rang in the New Year yesterday with prayers for peace after months of unrest, but expressed no regrets over backing the military’s overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 86 million people and constitute the largest Christian community in the Middle East, have long complained of official discrimination and feared attacks by radical Islamists. After security forces violently dispersed two pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo in August, setting off clashes in which hundreds of demonstrators were killed, Islamist mobs unleashed their fury on Copts, setting fire to homes, shops and churches, mainly in central Egypt. But Copts interviewed this week stood by their decision to support the massive protests demanding the ouster of Morsi, who many Christians feared was trying to transform Egypt into an Islamic state.

Three explosions at hotel in Somali capital –Witness A third bomb exploded on Wednesday outside the Jazira hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, about an hour after two earlier blasts. A Reuters photographer at the scene said the bomb had been planted inside a car that was being searched by security forces. “First we heard a big crash and the security forces immediately opened fire,” said Abdullahi Hussein who lives 300 meters behind the hotel. “After a few minutes another explosion took place and there was more gunfire.” There was no immediate word on casualties.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

EU tries to calm fears of Bulgarian, Romanian exodus

The European Union sought to calm fears in countries like Britain, France and Germany that they face a mass influx of Romanians and Bulgarians following the lifting of restrictions yesterday, a change that risks fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe. From January 1, seven years after their countries joined the EU, Bulgarians and Romanians are free to live and work anywhere in the 28-nation bloc without applying for work permits. The long-planned change has caused alarm in wealthier EU countries, where right-wing politicians and media are telling people to brace for a flood of southern Europeans who will take jobs from locals, strain public services and scrounge off the welfare state. “Benefits Britain Here We Come! Fears as migrant flood begins,” said the tabloid Daily Express in a front-page headline yesterday. With continent-wide elections to the European Parliament due in May, the scare about ‘benefit tourism’ provides ammunition for rightwing parties like France’s National Front, the Dutch Freedom Party and Britain’s UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Lebanon arrests head of Qaeda-linked group

Lebanese troops have arrested the leader of the Al-Qaeda-linked group that claimed a double suicide bombing at the Iranian embassy in Beirut in November, the defence minister told a news agency, yesterday. Majid al-Majid, the “emir” of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, “was arrested by the intelligence services of the Lebanese army in Beirut”, Defence Minister Fayez Ghosn said, without specifying when the arrest took place. “He was wanted by the Lebanese authorities and is currently being interrogated in secret,” the minister added. Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry also confirmed that Majid Mohammed Abdullah al-Majid, a Saudi citizen, was on a list of 85 suspects wanted by the kingdom.

Erdogan rallies Turks to thwart plot against nation’s success

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan urged Turks to rally around him in fighting what he termed a dirty plot by foreign-backed elements targeting “the bread on your table, the money in your pocket, the sweat of your brow”. “History will not forgive those who have become mixed up in this game,” Erdogan said in a televised end of year address devoted almost entirely to a corruption investigation he says has been engineered in police and judiciary to undermine his government and sap its influence in the Middle East and beyond. Police raided offices and homes and detained businessmen close to the government and the sons of three ministers on December 17. Erdogan responded by purging some 70 officers connected with the inquiry and blocking a second investigation into big infrastructure projects promoted by Erdogan.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Palestinian ambassador to Czech Republic dies in blast

he Palestinian ambassador to the Czech Republic, Jamal al-Jamal, was killed by a blast in his Prague residence yesterday, police said, ruling out a terror attack. “With regret, we confirm this information (on his death) provided by the emergency services,” Prague police spokeswoman Andrea Zoulova told a news agency. “The evidence the police has doesn’t suggest anything like a terror attack or that a specific person would set up a system with the intention to hurt or kill anyone,” she added. Daniel Langer, surgeon at the Prague military hospital to which Jamal was taken, told Czech television the ambassador had suffered devastating “head, belly and chest injuries following an explosion.” Jamal, who took office in October, had only recently moved to the new residence on the northern outskirts of Prague. The Palestinian foreign ministry said the blast occurred on Wednesday morning as Jamal “was opening an old safe which had been brought from the previous embassy (building) to the new one.” “Minutes after opening the safe the explosion took place, causing serious injury to Ambassador Jamal who was taken to hospital and operated on,” the ministry said in a statement.

Jamal succumbed to his injuries in hospital

Zoulova said the blast was probably caused by an anti-theft system on the door of the safe. “We cannot rule out mishandling the device. The victim has died so it will be harder to prove the cause,” she said, adding the police were also searching a building next door which also belongs to the Palestinian embassy. Quoting sources close to the police investigation, the Novinky.cz news site said the police had found “a significant quantity of weapons and explosives” in the building. “I cannot confirm this infor-

mation right now,” said Zoulova. “Emergency services treated a 56-year-old man who suffered very serious injuries and was taken to Prague’s military hospital in an artificial coma,” spokeswoman Jirina Ernestova said shortly after the blast. “A 52-year-old woman was taken to another hospital because of smoke inhalation and a stress reaction,” Ernestova told a news agency. Embassy spokesman Nabil alFahel told Czech radio that the ambassador’s entire family had been in the residence when the blast occurred.

Dubai 2014 firework display breaks world record

ubai shattered the world record for the largest ever pyrotechnic display on New Year’s Eve with a show involving more than half a million fireworks, Guinness World Records said yesterday. “Ten months in planning, over 500,000 fireworks were used during the display which lasted around six minutes, with Guinness World Records adjudicators on hand to confirm that a new record had been set,” the Guinness website said. The display spanned 94 kilometres (58.4 miles) of the Dubai coast, which boasts an archipelago of man-made islands and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, Guinness said. Enough fireworks were launched in the first minute of the display to break the previous record, set by Kuwait in 2011 with an hour-long show of 77,282 fireworks. The main displays took place at Burj Khalifa and the luxurious Atlantis hotel located in Palm Jumeirah, one of three palm-shaped islands. US firm Fireworks by Grucci designed the display, Guinness said, using 100 computers and 200 technicians to synchronise the pyrotechnics at a reported cost of around $6 million (4.3 million euros). Dubai boasts the world’s tallest tower, its largest man-made island and one of the world’s busiest airports. It set its latest record in May last year with Dubai, Princess Tower, recorded by Guinness as the world’s tallest residential building.

Justice Sotomayor blocks Obamacare contraception mandate

nited States’ Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, has issued a temporary injunction preventing the government from requiring a group of nuns to comply with the contraceptive mandate included in ‘Obamacare.’ The mandate took effect at midnight. President Obama’s besieged Affordable Care Act has suffered another setback with a US

Obama

Supreme Court justice issuing a temporary injunction late Tuesday preventing enforcement of the law’s contraception mandate against a group of Roman Catholic nuns who provide care to low-income elderly patients. Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued the injunction, late on Tuesday, shortly before the ACA mandate was set to take effect at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

It proved to be a busy evening for Justice Sotomayor, who also considered a stay request from Utah officials in a case involving same-sex marriage, while also presiding over the famous ball drop in New York City’s Times Square in the final countdown to the New Year. “It is ordered that respondents are temporarily enjoined from enforcing against applicants the contraceptive coverage requirements imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” Sotomayor wrote in her brief order. She gave the Obama administration until Friday at 10 a.m. to file a response. At issue is a controversial provision of the ACA that requires employers to provide their workers with health insurance that offers a full range of free contraceptives, including drugs that some religious adherents believe cause abortions. More than 90 lawsuits have been filed by corporations, non-

profit groups, and religiousaffiliated organizations seeking to block the contraception mandate. The groups say the requirement that they pay for workers’ access to such contraceptive methods violates their sincerely held religious beliefs. The Obama administration exempted churches and other religious organizations from compliance with that aspect of the law. And after objections, the administration created an optout provision to help insulate a wider range of religious-affiliated groups from the mandate. But that has not satisfied many religious objectors. Among them is the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged in Denver. In September, the group filed a federal lawsuit complaining that on Jan. 1 it would be subject to the contraceptive mandate and thus potentially liable to pay millions of dollars in fines to the Internal Revenue Service for failure to comply with the government’s demands.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Dealing with cabal, our major challenge in 2013 –Acting gov

the people of the state that the government had almost overcome the problem of the ‘cabal’ having succeeded in forming the state executive council. “Our major challenge in 2013 was the cabal which tried to hijack the machinery of governance

using the name of Suntai. “I can assure the people of the state that I will not fold my hands and allow any individual or group to hijack the state. “We have now appointed commissioners and formed EXCO and set for a better 2014,” he said.

araba State Acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, has identified those he described as the ‘cabal’ trying to hijack the machinery of governance in the state as his major challenge in 2013. He said the ‘cabal’ tried

to hijack the government by dropping the name of ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai. The acting governor said this in Jalingo, the state capital yesterday during an interaction with journalists. He, however, assured

DANJUMA WILLIAMS,

Criminal gang kills two in Gombe

GOMBE

olice in Gombe have confirmed the gruesome murder of a popular Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youth in the state, Alhaji Adamu Yusuf yesterday night by yet to be identified criminal gang. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Gombe State police command, Fwaje Atajiri, the criminals in their numbers attacked the residence of Alhaji Adamu in Checheniya area of the town around 11:45pm on

Tuesday and killed him with dangerous weapons. He said further that when one of Alhaji Adamu’s neighbours by name Mallam Usman Makama, heard the about fracas going in his house, he came out and was shouting for help from neighbours when the attackers pounced on him and instantly killed him too. He said another neighbour, Abubakar Yayajo, who also came out on hearing the commotion, sustained serious inju-

ries and is now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital after he was attacked too. Though no arrest has been made yet, but the PPRO described the incident as unfortunate and assured that investigation into the gruesome murder was ongoing. He warned perpetrators of such dastardly act to desist or face the wrath of the law as the police would not fold its arms and allow some miscre-

ants disturb the prevailing peace being enjoyed in the state. While calling on the general public to cooperate with the police by furnishing them with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits, the PPRO also promised that anyone who could give a clue on the perpetrators of the act will handsomely rewarded while the issue will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Suntai returned to Nigeria on Aug. 25, 2013 after 10 months of medical treatment abroad after a plane crash in Yola. Umar defended the state government’s inability to pay former Gov. Jolly Nyame his severance allowances. He said the former governor failed to send a bill to the state assembly to pass a law enabling the state to pay former governors in all the 10 years he was at the helm of affairs as chief executive. “I have sent a bill to the state assembly to make a law allowing the state to pay former governors their entitlements and the law makers are yet to complete work on the document. “Nyame failed to do that during his time, but I have played my part, remaining that of the assembly,” he said. Meanwhile, the acting governor said his loyalty to his ailing boss, Gov. Danbaba Suntai, was consistent and unshakable. Umar, who made the disclosure in his New Year broadcast in Jalingo, said he was only holding brief for his principal, pending the time the gov-

ernor fully recovered and was capable of resuming full duties as governor. He said: “As a loyal lieutenant, I will continue to hold brief for my boss by staying focused on his master plan for the development of our dear state. “My resolve to do so is borne out of the need to ensure continuity and completion of the set goals and objectives within the life span of the current administration, started about seven years ago.’’ The acting governor listed some of his achievements to include the completion of work on Jalingo-Sunkani-Garba Chede Road and the completion and inauguration of Takum General Hospital. Others, he added, include the connection of Suntai Village, the governor’s country home, to the national grid, as well as the state’s House of Assembly Service Commission Complex. He said ``it is to the credit of the current administration that local government workers are now enjoying a new minimum wage and we were able to pay September salaries of workers without federal statutory allocation.’’

Katsina justifies N5bn new Govt House JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Olakpe (right), presenting an award to the Best Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the year, Mr Saleh Ibrahim, Laranto Police Station DPO, at the Police Officers’ End of the Year Party in Jos yesterday.

IG donates to families of slain policemen INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

n the spirit of Christmas and the New Year, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has donated food items to the widows, orphans and immediate families of slain policemen that were murdered in the Boko Haram insurgency. Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, the inspector-general of police, who was represented by the Commissioner in charge of welfare at the Police Headquarters, Mr. Yakubu Usman, said the gesture was to assist the families of

the slain officers and men of the force to celebrate the New Year festivities in grand style. He said: “The gesture is also to send a message to the families of the slain policemen that the IGP and the entire force have not forgotten them and that they are still dear to our heart.” While assisting the representative of the IGP, the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Alhaji Tanko Lawal, thanked the IGP for coming to the aid of the families of slain policemen, adding that the gesture will go in a long way in assisting their families and also show them that they

are still part of us. He said the IGP and the command are working hard to settle all the entitlements of those killed during the insurgency, stressing that they are free to remain in the barrack but that are free to leave on their own if they so desire. Lawal also commended the state governor, Kashim Shettima, for always coming to the aid of the command by assisting the families of the slain policemen. He assured the widows and families of the deceased that part from their entitlements, a lot of welfare assistance such as dead benefit, pension and heroes grant will soon be

given to them. Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a widow, Malama Maimuna Mamman, thanked the IGP for the gesture and prayed Allah to reward him and continue to guide him. She urged the IGP and the state police command not to forget them at the time of their need as they have children that needed to be educated, pointing out that the IGP should facilitate the immediate settlement of their entitlements and to also allow them to continue to stay in the barracks, as according her, some widows had been sent out of the barracks already.

he Katsina State government has justified the construction of a new government house worth over N5 billion. The state government said the new complex gulped that much because the old one was temporary and had an old and unplanned structure. Also, it said the old government house was inherited from the past colonial administration with some adjustments made to accommodate past and present state governments. State Commissioner of Works, Abulaziz Kaita, who revealed this to journalists in Katsina, however, said that the N5 billion expended on the complex was not borrowed but sourced from interests accrued from investments in banks. Kaita said; “The need to construct the new govern-

ment house arose from the fact that the present one was a temporary, old, unplanned structure by past colonial administrators and the defunct Northern Region.” The commissioner added that the old government house was “only upgraded when the state was created in 1987.” He added that; “The current democratic dispensation and the unplanned nature of the structures informed the need to build a brand new one.” Kaita said the new government house has over 20 structures, including a governor’s residence and presidential quarters, and that the N5 billion was judiciously used in the execution of the project. Our correspondent reports that the new government house which has virtually been completed is expected to be commissioned later this month.

Insight

Thursday, January 2, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s industrialisation: Slaying The government of President Shehu Shagari built the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and other allied companies to fast-track Nigeria’s industrualisation. But WALE IBRAHIM reports that 30 years after the anticipated steel technological advancement has been bogged down by lack of political will and corruption.

Side view of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant

Billets for production

t the conceptualisation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant by the President Shehu Shagari administration over three decades ago during the Second Republic, it was not meant to be an abandoned project. It was rather meant to be the hub of industrialisation and rapid development of Nigeria. Development experts and economists emphasize that steel technology acquisition is key to industrialisation and modernity. Even countries without the raw

materials i.e. iron ore, like Japan still have steel companies to propel their technological development. Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources, including iron ore, but its steel plant built by the Russians has been bogged down largely by international politics and corruption, since the management of the company keeps changing from experts from rival global super powers. Today, the multi-billion dollars and 30-year-old plant cannot be said to have achieved the aims for

which it was established because of policy somersault. Although it was about 98 percent completed and ready to commence production, political instability, which has inadvertently affected operations of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), is also dashing Nigeria’s hope of becoming a leading player in the world steel industry, as the country still remains a dumping ground for finished steel products of other nations. Military incursion into Nigeria’s political governance, which truncated the Shagari government put a cog in the wheel of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, the National Iron Ore Company, Itakpe and other subsidiaries like the Oshogbo Steel Rolling Mill, Aladja Steel and Katsina Steel. These companies have not been the same ever since and have become epileptic without clear direction of what to do with them by successive administrations in the country. National Mirror investigations show evidence of efforts of insiders in government to ensure that the gigantic project which could have transformed the nation’s fortunes to becoming one of the highly industrialised countries is thwarted by either the unrealistic and bad policies of government, greedy powerful officials who want to take undue advantage of government or the

cabals who are working with external forces to frustrate all the moves to ensure that Nigeria’s dream to produce quality iron and steel in large quantity is not realised. But if there is political will, a functional Ajaokuta Steel Plant, National Iron Ore Company and allied subsidiaries would play a major role in propelling Nigeria to realise the objective of Vision 202020, the idea of becoming one of the best 20 economies of the world by 2020. It was however gathered that $1.2billion is required to revive the company that has become a clear example of a White Elephant proj-

ect. Part of this amount is N80billion the new management of the company says it needs to build the Blast Furnance, which is the remaining two percent component of the complex. Several questions arise: why has the Federal Government not been able to take the bull by the horns in the last 14 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, considering the fact that it took the Shagari administration only four years to build the plants? Why is Ajaokuta Steel Plant moribund after 98 percent of the project was completed and commissioned since 1983? Is Nigeria cursed or doomed not to get things right with reference to economic infrastructure that are collapsing daily? In an interview with our correspondent, a Lokoja-based public analyst, Mr. Gabriel Ajayi, condemned the lack of political will to complete Ajaokuta Steel Plant by successive administrations, both military and civilian, when it took the Shagari government only four years to put up major infrastructural facilities between 1979 and 1983. He particularly deprecated the inability of the governments to complete the Blast Furnace, which is the only remaining two percent and production hub of the complex. Ajayi stated that a recent Technical Audit of the various components of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant carried out by the Federal Government confirmed that the Plant is still intact, pointing out that if the government is sincere about the project, it should inject into it the required capital to complete the remaining two percent and leap-frog Nigeria into a serious developing country. A former Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Kogi and staff of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Comrade Ibrahim Obansa, identified several factors responsible for the non-completion of the

NIGERIA IS BLESSED WITH MINERAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING IRON ORE, BUT

ITS STEEL PLANT BUILT BY THE RUSSIANS HAS BEEN BOGGED DOWN LARGELY BY INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND CORRUPTION, SINCE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY KEEPS CHANGING FROM EXPERTS FROM RIVAL GLOBAL SUPER POWERS.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, January 2, 2014

the Ajaokuta Steel Plant albatross steel complex, which include lack of political will on the part of successive federal administrations, corruption and international politics. Though Obansa commended the move by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to revive the steel complex, he expressed skepticism that work would not stall again as in previous efforts to make the company productive. However, in line with government’s determination to realise objectives of Vision 2020 and to make Nigeria one of the growing industrialised nations, the need to revive the ailing Ajaokuta Steel Plant has been stressed. The company’s new Sole Administrator, Engineer Isah Onobere, told National Mirror that facilities and equipment at the Plant were not obsolete, stressing that the ASCL which was established with the aim of fast-tracking Nigeria’s industrialization and was commissioned in 1983, but has not been utilized optimally. Onobere, however, explained that the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan has been working round the clock to ensure its completion, stressing that four plants have been completed, remaining the Blast Furnace that requires about N80billion to complete and begin production. He pointed out that the legal tussle that trailed the cancellation of the concessional agreement between the Federal Government and Global Infrastructures Limited since 2007 has been stalling commencement of work at the steel plant. While highlighting plans of his new management team to revive the project, the sole administrator stated categorically that Ajaokuta Steel Plant is not obso-

Chief Joseph Onobare

lete as some stakeholders ignorant of steel technology want Nigerians to believe. “Let me quote from the recent technical audit conducted by the Ukrainians who inspected the plant; the situation of the Steel Plant’s equipment and facilities is satisfactory. Mechanically, the steel plant equipment and facilities are generally in good condition,” Onobere said. He further explained that in 2011 the World Steel Statistical Year Book put the total crude steel production in 2010 as 1.4billion tonnes, out of which 1.04bn tones were produced through Blast Furnace Technology, which is an average of 74 percent of total steel produced globally. “There is need to educate the good people of Nigeria that the Blast Furnace Technology of steel making adopted in Ajaokuta is the best method through which large volumes of steel are produce in the world today. Based on this I have held series of consultations with staff and sensitized them to brace up for the task of starting up operational activities in some key selected areas of the plant that we can put into operation.” Onobere who was very optimistic, highlighted the merits of a completed and operational Ajaokuta Steel Plant to include mass employment generation with a target of 15,000 direct employees and about 500,000 indirect unskilled labour force in the downstream and upstream industries and services. Other advantages of a functional Ajaokuta Steel Plant are facilitating technological growth, acquisition of technical expertise, providing input for infrastructural development, adding value to Nigeria’s natural minerals that abound and untapped all over the country, foreign exchange earner, great

TODAY, THE MULTI-

BILLION DOLLARS AND 30-YEAR-OLD PLANT CANNOT BE SAID TO HAVE ACHIEVED THE AIMS FOR WHICH IT WAS ESTABLISHED BECAUSE OF POLICY SOMERSAULTS. Governor Wada

Abandoned Blast Furnace

opportunity for varied capacity building, positive march towards the realisation of Vision 20-2020, poverty reduction, wealth generation and economic diversification . During the recent Good Governance Media Tour of the Plant, the Sole Administrator told the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, that $1.2 billion was required to complete the plant which was earlier scheduled to have been completed in 1986. He explained that several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) had been signed with a view to reviving the steel company, adding that repair works on the Light Section Mill, the Wire Rod Mill, the Metallurgical Training Centre, the Low Pour Fuel Oil storage tanks and the Thermal Power plant were ongoing. The abandonment of the multi-billion dollar steel project was attributed to the delay in payment of the contractor handling the revival of the complex, M/S TPE, which led to backlog of debts incurred. The contractor was said to have left site in 1994 out of frustration before the Global Infrastructures Limited

contract was signed two years later in 1996. It was gathered that another contractor handling civil works at the complex was stopped in 2004 when M/S SOLGAS was incorporated as the first concessionaire. In 2005, another concessionaire, M/S Global Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (GINL), was chosen. National Mirror learnt that in the process GINL used up spares they met on ground without replenishing the stock and finally left when late President Umaru Yar’Adua revoked the concession agreement in April, 2008 amidst accusation of asset stripping and poor handling of the installed equipment. This led to litigation against the Federal Government. The FG set up an Interim Management Committee before appointing Onobere sole administrator in 2012 to manage the ASCL and National Iron Ore Mining Company. Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, who is passionate about the completion of the gigantic project located in his state, has however, asked that the Ukrainians that carried out the technical audit, should be retained to help

in actualising the federal government’s hope of revitalising the ailing ASCL and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company. Wada made the call when he received the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Valeril Vasyliev, who paid a courtesy visit. The governor expressed optimism that the reactivation of the ASCL would not only boost Nigeria’s industrialisation, but also create employment opportunity for the youths, noting that the state would collaborate with the Ukrainian government in the development of agriculture and solid minerals in the state. Ambassador Vasyliev said the purpose of his visit was to seek economic relations with Kogi in view of the abundant natural resources in the state. A Lokoja-based human rights activist and Director of Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Comrade Idris Abdul, told our correspondent that for the Ajaokuta Steel Company to be resuscitated, the Federal Government must show total commitment with political will to make it work, so as to propel the muchanticipated industrialization.

WORLD RECORD

Largest sleepover/pyjama party The largest sleep over/pyjama party was achieved by 1,626 participants in an event organised by Girlguiding UK in Kent, UK, on 8 March 2008.

N150

Vol. 04 No. 757 Thursday, January 2, 2014

Nigerians catching on with Brutal Truth Initiative

his is a season of frank talk, a healthy engagement among Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. People are ready to speak truth to power, and of course, power men have the right of reply. The ultimate intention is to heal the land of its multifaceted ills. We have recently witnessed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal’s disclosure of President Goodluck Jonathan’s assumed disinterestedness in the nation’s anti-corruption war; following on the heels of this were ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo letter to the President, chronicling his various acts of commission and omission, and of course, there was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s disclosure of inappropriate management of the oil sector by the NNPC. In one of the cases cited by the Speaker, the House had tasked its Committee on Avia-

Guest Bashorun JK Columnist Randle tion to probe the purchase of two BMW bulletproof cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) allegedly for the use of Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah. The committee, after taking testimonies from the minister and other officials involved in the transaction as well as the motor dealer, had submitted its report to the House. Although details of the report were not made public, it was gathered that the committee recommended the sack of the minister for authorizing the procurement of the vehicles at a cost of N255 million, which is above her approval limit. Besides, the antigraft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had signified their intentions to probe the procurement of the two cars. However, there were fears that the agencies might not be able to do a thorough job because of Oduah’s close relationship with the president. The minister, through her group, Neighbour 2 Neighbour, played a key role in the election of Jonathan in 2011. The president also set up a three-man committee, headed by the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) to investigate the transaction. The presidential committee had since submitted its report to the president, who has taken no action so far on the matter. The BTI took an entirely different dimension with BBC’s “Panorama” programme, which devoted prime time to the front page story in “ThisDay” of December 10, 2013, titled, Okonjo-Iweala: Economy is in danger without

WHILE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CREATED A TOTAL OF 1.6 MILLION JOBS IN 2012 …THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS ONLY CREATING WEALTH jobs. The thrust of the story was that the nation’s economy might be in a precarious situation if the private sector did not join hands with government to create jobs and reduce inequality in the country. She disclosed that while the Federal Government created a total of 1.6 million jobs in 2012 and another 431,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2013, the private sector was only creating wealth for a few people. “If the private sector does not create jobs the economy will be in danger. Only the top 10 percent of Nigerians are enjoying most of the growth in the economy unlike what is obtainable in the United States of America. We also very importantly need to take care of regional disparity and carry every region of the country along.” On the budget, the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy stated that “Budget is becoming more politicized these days. This should not be. Other countries have independent boards with professionals that determine benchmarks and prices. We cannot continue to subject a fundamental policy instrument to politics.” Observation well made.

Also on the inequality challenge and other problems facing the country, OkonjoIweala said steps had been taken to remove structural bottlenecks, improve business climate, reduce bureaucracy and fight corruption. She added that the Federal Government had built safety nets to assist vulnerable women, children, and the disabled in the country in 2014 and beyond. The days ahead will prove this. Nigeria is expected to partner KFW of Germany, IMF and the World Bank to create a development bank in 2014. This bank will enable the private sector borrow money for a 10-year period at reasonable interest rate. The federal government will also privatize the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Bank of Agriculture next year after restructuring them to become specialized banks. However, worried by the unemployment scourge in the country, the chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, urged FG to declare a state of emergency on youth unemployment like was done in the power and water sectors. According to him, “there cannot be any stability, peaceful environment and prosperity of any sort with this level of youth unemployment”. Expectedly, the fear of the ‘unemployment spirit’ is the beginning of wisdom for Nigerian state officials. The head of the Sokoto State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mahdi Muhammed Lawal, has blamed the high incidence of corruption in the country on the pervasive poverty and unemployment. What of those who are comfortable but indulge in corruption? Yes, corruption walks on four legs claiming victims in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria. Popular imagination is that wealth is concentrated in the hands of few individuals, while majority of Nigeria wallow in abject poverty. Only the growing culture of BTI offers hope for Nigeria. Bashorun Randle (OFR, FICAN), jkrandleintuk@gmail.com, is Chairman/CEO, JK Randle Professional Services, Ikoyi, Lagos

Sport Extra

arabükspor attacker Joseph Akpala has suffered a serious injury which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for up to six months, according to reports credited to the Turkish media. It means the 27 - year - old , who is on loan at Karabükspor from

Akpala out for six months German side Werder Bremen, will not play a single match again this season and is definitely out of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Akpala suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last weekend in the 3 - 1 loss to Sivasspor and had

to leave the pitch after 73 minutes. Akpala is not new to injuries; he suffered cruciate ligament injury last season at Bremen, which also limited his appearances.

Before his injury setback, he had netted 4 goals in 11 Super Lig games. He had just come back from injury to get into the groove again at his new side, starting in straight 11 league games and impressing coach Tolunay Kafkas.

Akpala

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