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Govt to initiate NEITI Act’s amendment UDEME AKPAN

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Vol. 5 N0. 1142

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rive by President Muhammadu Buhari administration to stamp out corruption in

the nation’s petroleum and other extractive industries may have been given a new push as plans are underway to initiate a legislative process that would enable the Nigerian Extractive

Thursday, June 25, 2015

NASS leadership:

Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, enforce implementation of its audit reports. Investigations by National Mirror confirmed CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Fish seller s on Broad Street PHOT O: SAMUEL

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‘High exchan business’ ge rate killing >47

King George Stadium, stillV Stadium, now Onikan draws football fans

Balogun market needs building control enforcement –Traders P.47

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Senate, Reps reject APC’s candidates Saraki prevents reading Oyegun’s letter Buhari, governors move to resolve crisis

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GEORGE OJI, TORDUE SALEM AND ROTIMI FADEYI

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he Senate and House of Representatives yesterday rejected preferred candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC, to fill the remaining leadership positions. In the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki halted a move by some APC senators to read a letter written to the Senate President by National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to effect the preferred candidates to fill the positions of

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Boko Haram: Govt to investigate Amnesty International allegation against P.6 military

12 states prone to flood in 2015 –NIHSA

TANKER INVASION IN LAGOS: Traffic standstill on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway caused by fuel tankers queuing to lift oil at Apapa, in Lagos, yesterday.

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PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Federal roads:

Reps probe $8bn shortfall in NNPC oil swap deal

Governors’ claims need verification ...urge FG to investigate incessant killings –Official P.4 Borno Assembly slashes Shettima’s aides to 20

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Ni i Nigeria: Rising debt profile and dangers of unpaid .3 salaries P.38


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Reps probe $8bn shortfall in NNPC oil swap deal TORDUE SALEM AND UBONG UKPONG

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ouse of Representatives yesterday said it will raise an adhoc committee to probe allegations of $8bn deficit in an oil exchange deal, struck by Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, with nine oil companies. The investigation will dwell on the crude oil swap contracts, to establish “that revenues from the nation’s extractive industries are transparently managed in accordance with global best practices.” The decision to probe the transaction was taken after the House adopted a motion by Hon. Michael Enyong (PDP-Akwa Ibom). The motion was titled: “Urgent need for a Forensic Investigation of the Contract known as ‘Refined Products Exchange Agreement or SWAP Contract’ between the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Oil Trading Companies.” Enyong, while presenting his motion, argued that 445, 000 barrels per day were awarded to the nine companies, namely, Sahara Group, Aiteo, Duke Oil, Mercurial, Glencore, Taleberas Nig.

Ltd, Etena Oil and Gas, Transfigura and Ontario Oil and Gas, through the Refined Products Exchange Agreement. According to him, Sahara Group, received 90,000 barrels per day, through an agreement with Societe Ivorienne De Refinage, Aiteo received 90,000 barrels, Ontario Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd received 30,000 barrels per day and so on. “While one barrel of crude equals to 159 litres, the 445,000 barrels awarded to the above companies per day, when multiplied by 159 litres would amount to 70, 755, 000 litres per day; whereas Nigeria consumes 40,000,000 litres per day,” the lawmaker said. He noted that the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, in its 2009-2011 and 2012 reports had ascertained that there was a staggering revenue loss of $8bn due to the discrepancy between the value of the crude oil given out and refined products delivered. He said in 2011, there was a shortfall of 500, 075, 32 litres of refined products by some companies, including Transfigura (173,786, 600 litres), Vitol (654,440 litres), Telaveras (152, 308, 878 litres), Aiteo Ltd. (193,046,590 litres) and Ontario Oil & Gas (180, 278, 732 litres). The lawmaker noted that the request for the investigation of the oil swap deal is in conformity with the

anti-corruption stance of the three arms of government of Nigeria, particularly President Muhamadu Buhari. He further spoke of the need to ensure transparency and accountability NNPC in the management of the revenue accruing to the nation from crude oil, particularly in the prevailing circumstances where the major end user of Nigeria’s crude, the United States of America, has discovered alternative energy source. The Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara ruled on the motion after commenting that it was an important motion. He also said an adhoc committee would be set up to commence the investigation. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday

decried the incessant gruesome murder of innocent citizens in the country, urging the Federal Government to take proactive steps to address the menace. The House’s resolutions followed motions brought by some members under matters of urgent public importance, at its plenary. Istifanus Gyang, from Plateau State, had brought a motion on the violent attacks by gunmen on the people of Barkin Ladi/ Riyom federal constituency, which he represents. The House noted that the violent attacks had become frequent, regretting that 22,000 people were already displaced in the areas, according to report by the state’s Emergency Management Agency. Condemning the killings,

the House urged the Federal Government to direct the Special Task Force, STF, to be more decisive and proactive in arresting the terror attacks and recover occupied territories. The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to profile and classify the attacks as acts of terrorism and direct the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to investigate and prosecute the attackers. In a related motion brought by Hon. Shehu Garba on the urgent need to investigate the attack and murder of innocent villagers at Katsak in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna state, the House noted that the attacks which led to the death of 10 persons on the night of June 16, were barbaric and unprovoked.

The House noted with concern the failure of security agencies to investigate, uncover and punish the perpetrators of the heinous acts, which it said had become a source of worry. Similarly, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai had brought a motion on the brutal killing of two indigenes of Ogume and Afor communities of Delta State by herdsmen. Ossai in his motion sought to have the House constitute an ad-hoc committee to visit the communities to commiserate with members of the bereaved families. However, the House noted the reported attack and the Speaker ruled in favour of a motion referring the matter to the House Committee on Police when constituted.

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) during a meeting with APC governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday night.

Senate, Reps reject APC’s candidates CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Senate Majority Leader and the deputy, as well as Senate Whip and its deputy. Odigie-Oyegun had on Monday, forwarded a letter to the Senate President, containing the choice of the party for the four principal offices of the senate yet to be filled. The party, in the letter, nominated Senators Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), as Senate Leader while George Akume (Benue North West), was recommended for the post of Deputy Senate Leader. Others are; senator Olushola Adeyeye (Osun Central), nominated for the position of Chief Whip and Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South) as Deputy Chief Whip. With yesterday making

it two days that the letter had not been read, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa (APC Lagos East) rose under a point of order at the plenary and sought to compel the Senate President to read the letter to the hearing of every one. Ashafa came through order 15 of the Senate’s standing rule that deals with matter of breach of personal privileges’ He argued that the refusal of the Senate President to read the letter or give it consideration in anyway within the last 48hours in the face of the Senate not having the needed principal officers in place yet, glaringly shows that a breach of his privilege had been committed. He also cited order 28(1), 29(1), 30(1) and 31(1), which states that principal officers

of the senate from the Leader, down to the Deputy Chief Whip shall be nominated from the party with majority seats in the senate. Ashafa said: “A letter that was written by the chairman of our great party, the largest party in Africa, the APC, was sent here and by the special grace of God, we expected that that letter which has been received in your office, with due respect, would be read in order to see to the resolution of the party’s leadership tussle. “Mr. President, by virtue of the privilege of being one of the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and coming from our party, I believe that that letter should have been read to the hearing of all Senators here present. Perhaps that will be the

solution to the leadership tussle in the Senate.” Surprisingly, Ashafa’s request was opposed by another APC senator, Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), who through a counter point of order urged the senate to ignore Ashafa’s request. He said: “I am proceeding on the same order 28 just to offer explanation. By the popular rules of interpretation of documents that has been agreed by parties, the ordinary letters and words used must be given their effective meaning. “With your permission, I am going to read sir: ‘There shall be a Majority Leader of the Senate. The Majority Leader shall be a Senator nominated from not by.’ What this seems to do is to debar the internally dis-

placed side from nominating the majority leader and to confer it on the All Progressives Congress, which incidentally happens to have the highest number in the 8th Senate. “So with due respect, the point of order raised by my bosom friend and brother, Ashafa, even goes further to explain the raison d’être, as to why the president shall not proceed to read that letter allegedly sent to this chamber by the All Progressives Congress, and therefore, we should go ahead with the functions and exercise of this Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on what we have accepted as majority party, that change is the platform that we will ride to move this country forward. So, I

urge that this matter cannot stand.” Ruling on the two point of orders, Saraki sustained that of Ibn Na’Allah and overruled Ashafa. He said: “I have listened to Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Na’Alla and in going by our rules and in going by what I said earlier, I would just note what Senator Ashafa has said. I think we will leave the matter for now and in that case, I rule Ashafa out of order.” Saraki had earlier foiled a second attempt by Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara South) to relieve Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu of his office. Saraki reminded Marafa that yesterday was the second time he was making CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

NEWS

L R: Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi; Insurance expert, Mr. Paul Cooper; broker, Africa/ Middle East Global Specialist Aerospace, Mr. Hugo Hill and Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, during the visit of Arik re-insurers and brokers to the airline’s office in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Coordinator, Enforcement and Compliance, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Mrs. Queensley Seghosime; Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Samuel Ogungbesan and Coordinator, Modernisation, FIRS, Mr. Osy Chuke, during the 131st meeting of the Joint Tax Board in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Regional Manager, ARM Pension Managers, Mr. Tunji Olabode; Managing Director, Pension Academy, Mr. Gbitse Barrow and Managing Director, Mr. Wale Odutola, during interactive session with pension desk officers in Abuja , yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L–R: Managing Director, Vetiva Fund Managers Ltd, Damilola Ajayi; Head of Investments, Oyelade Eigbe; Head, Equity Biased Funds, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd; Efe Omoduemuke; Doyen, Willie Sam Ndata; Head, Product Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dipo Omotoso; Portfolio Manager, Lotus Capital Ltd, Mr. Ndako and Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, Shuaib Audu, during Exchange Traded Funds forum at the Exchange, yesterday.

National News

FG roads: Governors’ claims need verification –Official C laims by governors that Federal Government owes them for roads they constructed on its behalf need to be verified, a top official in the Federal Ministry of Works has said. The official, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday, also said some states that got approval and carried out rehabilitation of some federal roads in line with approved guidelines might have been paid. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The guidelines are very clear; but some governors refused to adhere to them. “Many of them embarked on rehabilitation without prior approval by the Federal Government. “Federal roads are different from other roads and there are specified standards, which they must meet. But the governors refused to follow due process. “They cannot expect the Federal Government to pay for jobs, which it did not grant

approval and which are not up to standard. “In many cases, the socalled rehabilitation work does not measure up to the huge financial claims some of the governors are making. “I can tell you that the states that got approval of the Federal Government and carried out rehabilitation according to regulations have been paid.’’ A circular on implementation of the guidelines signed by Yayale Ahmed, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was made available to NAN yesterday. The official stressed that the guideline, which implementation took effect from August 1, 2010, according to the circular, was still in force. The circular, entitled ‘Guidelines for the Execution of Federal Government Projects by State Governments and Reimbursement of Expenditure,’ lists requirements for the rehabilitation of federal roads.

The document specifies that “the road for which the state government intends to intervene must be a federal road, duly gazetted and with identifiable route numbers. “State governments intending to carry out any rehabilitation works on federal roads must obtain prior approval from the President through Federal Ministry of Works. “The road to be rehabilitated must be designed and must comply with the Federal Highway Specifications and Standards. “There must be strict compliance with the Procurement Act 2007 (Sections 17, 18,&19) in the planning, organisation and evaluation of tender and award of the road contract.’’ It further stated that a joint team comprising representatives of the federal and state governments had to supervise every stage of rehabilitation project. The document added that a special project audit team headed by the Minister

of Works with the DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Public Procurement, should verify the claims of the state government before processing.

“Joint supervision and certification of each stage of the works executed on the project must be carried out with the Federal Ministry of

Works engineers in the relevant State Field Office before submission of same to the Federal Ministry of Works for processing.

continue to import rice when vast amounts of paddy rice of comparable quality produced by poor hardworking local farmers across the rice belts of Nigeria are being wasted and ignored? “What will it take for these importers to stop the importation and instead go into processing these locally produced rice? Why are these importers not utilising the vast expanses of arable land for rice cultivation instead of taking the easy route of importing rice?” Emefiele queried. He said by resorting to importation Nigeria is creating jobs for other countries by ignoring local production.

He said: “Naira will continue to depreciate when all we do as a people is to import everything from ordinary geisha and toothpicks, to even eggs.” He said these were some of the fundamental reasons behind the bank’s recent announcement. The CBN governor said the policy change is in line with his long-held believe that Nigeria cannot attain its true potential by simply importing everything. He said despite Nigeria’s relatively impressive GDP growth rates over the past seven years, there seems to be an absence of a corresponding reduction in unemployment or poverty.

CBN clarifies exemption of items from forex window UDO ONYEKA

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entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday said the huge amount of money the country spends on importing items that can be produced locally have become a significant drag on the Foreign Exchange Reserves. The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, stated this while making clarifications on the forex window exemption for some items. He said the often-quoted N1.3trn, which is what the country spends on average importing rice, fish, sugar and wheat every year, is alarming and discourages local production. “Why should the country


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Govt to initiate NEITI Act’s amendment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that efforts are being made by the Federal Government to draft and subsequently forward an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage with a view to legally empowering the agency to enforce the recommendations of its audit reports such that culprits will be appropriately sanctioned. A top Presidency source, who confirmed the development in a telephone interview but pleaded not to be identified in print, said government is aware of the limitations of NEITI. “The agency can prepare and produce authoritative audit reports. But it cannot enforce compliance because of lack of legislation. “This is why it has become imperative to work with the National Assembly to ensure that a new legislation is made to support its operations,” the source said. He said the agency had not been able to compel indicted parties to comply with its reports in the past because the legislation that sets it up did not cover enforcement, hence the inability to carry out enforcement function under the NEITI Act 2007. The source pointed out

that during the 2015 financial year, NEITI will initiate actions aimed at overcoming this challenge and strengthening the enforcement of recommendations from its audit reports. Specifically, he confirmed that government would pursue the amendment of the NEITI Act 2007 to include enforcement and sanctions by the National Assembly. Meanwhile, NEITI under its 2015 work plan has indicated its readiness to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and the police as a short term plan to ensure effective regulation and enforcement before the eventual passage of the amendment Act. It stated: “The Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, TUGAR, is a research, monitoring and evaluation unit setup and housed by NEITI to respond to the critical need for a rigorous approach to policy-making grounded on empirical data collection and analysis; and in-depth country specific diagnostics on corruption and

related governance issues. “TUGAR’s activities build synergy in the works of various agencies and provide a link and synergy with activities of non-state actors. “In addition to the main mandate, TUGAR activities in 2015 will seek to facilitate remediation, enforcement and cooperation between NEITI and other anti-corruption agencies. “To ensure effective im-

plementation of the work plan in line with the core objectives and the strategic objectives of NEITI, the work plan will be monitored and reviewed regularly. “Responsible Departments will monitor the plan regularly, while the NEITI Secretariat will undertake a monthly review of the implementation of the work plan.” The agency maintained that weekly/bi-weekly meet-

ings of the management will create an opportunity for Departments to provide update on the implementation of the work plan while the quarterly meetings of the NSWG will review implementation and authorize changes where needed. It stressed that evaluation of the implementation will be based on the monitoring indicators as outlined in the detailed plan for implementation of specific activities,

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with July set as mid-year review date. While identifying capacities of personnel to ensure full implementation of the Document Management System, DMS, for organisation, knowledge and documentation as crucial to the work plan, NEITI also stated that IT Systems/Infrastructure Improvement would be developed to support Audit Automation and Social media communication.

President of the Senate, Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left) with President, Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Senate, Reps reject APC’s candidates CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the same move to remove Ekweremadu but from a different approach, stressing that the senate cannot afford to revisit such an issue, which it had already dealt with on the first day of its inauguration on June 9. Rising under a point of order and citing sections 110 and 3(e)(1) of the Senate standing orders, Marafa first observed that the senate standing order 2011 had been surreptitiously reviewed and a new one dated 2015, is now in circulation. He sought to know when and how the rule was reviewed, insisting that there was never a time, to the best of his knowledge, as a member of the 7th senate, that the red chamber ever embarked on such a review. He argued that section 3(e)(1) of the 2011 rule provides that an election to fill the office of the Deputy Senate President, just like that of the Senate President, should be conducted through an open voting. According to him, con-

trary to that provision, the election that brought Ekweremadu to office was conducted by secrete voting, on which basis, Marafa called for the voiding of that election and the removal of Ekweremadu. While opposing Marafa’s arguments, Ekweremadu went memory lane to remind the lawmaker that since the inception of the current democracy in 1999, each senate had always come up with its own new rules. That, according to him, is why every four years, the senate comes up with a new rule, the last being that of 2011. He explained that the reason behind such a practice was because of section 64 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which voids all further actions and practices of the senate at the expiration of its four year tenure. Saraki in ruling Marafa out of order cited section 53(6) of the senate standing order, which states that, “It

shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the senate has come to a conclusion during the current session, except upon a substantive motion for recession.” In the House of Representatives, the North-central and South-east caucuses of APC lawmakers also rejected the nominees of the party into the vacant positions of the four principal officers. APC had in a letter to the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, nominated Femi Gbajabiamila (South-West), as the House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa (North-West) as Deputy House Leader and Mohammed Tahir Monguno (North-East) as Chief Whip and Pally Iriase (South-South) as Deputy Chief Whip. But the caucuses were miffed by the sharing formula of the party. They insist that the two caucuses cannot be sidelined in the appointments of principal positions of the House.

Leader of the North-central caucus, Ahman Aliyu Pategi (Kwara) said in a press conference that the region was not consulted despite the party’s position that the names were collectively arrived at. Pategi, who said Northcentral caucus has over 50 APC members in the House, alleged that they were never consulted by the party in its decision to zone the positions. He said it has been the tradition of the House that after the election of the speaker and his deputy, other zones fill in the remaining principal offices, to represent all the six geo-political zones in the country. Similarly, the only two APC members from the South-east, Chike Okafor and Chukukere Austin, kicked against the position of the party in the sharing formula. The duo, from Imo State, said they were surprised at the way the party threw away the spirit of equity and fairness in ceding the

remaining four positions to regions that have already secured high offices in the House. Meanwhile, APC governors yesterday urged the leadership of the National Assembly to respect the decision of the party on key positions in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Speaking with State House Correspondents after the governors met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed-door at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday night, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha said the National Assembly leadership should accommodate other members as suggested by the party. Okorocha said: “We met with Mr. President; we are worried by what is happening at the National Assembly. We felt we should rub minds with Mr. President and also to commend him on the steps he has taken so far to address the issue of the economy of the nation which is literarily in

shamble. “The meeting we had with the President is more reassuring showing that there is light at the dark end of the tunnel.” Speaking in the same vein, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole said senators should adopt the position of the party, which was the platform on which they were elected “We are not just a collection of individuals. We are a political party and when the party has spoken we must listen. Otherwise, if it was a game of individuals like golf then individuals can go their ways. I think it is very clear at this point that the party has the responsibility to keep the system going. “So we as progressive governors we have listened to the president and we have discussed extensively and we are clear that the party’s position should be supported by the senators. This is the way it should be and we should start on a note of working closely,” he said.


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Boko Haram: FG probes AI’s allegation against military

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he Federal Government has constituted an investigation into the allegations leveled against the Nigerian military by Amnesty International. This is contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria,NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja. Lolo, in the statement, described the allegations leveled against the military as ‘’serious”.

‘’Due to the magnitude of the allegations, the President Buhari-led government is looking into the report with a view to establishing the fact of the matter. ‘’The government has, therefore, instituted an investigation and assures that there will be no coverup,” he said. The permanent secretary also said that the military, conscious of its constitutional mandate, had undertaken an ongoing investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing by its

personnel. Lolo said the military, in line with its training, ensured the highest level of professionalism by its officers in the conduct of its operations. He pointed out that the Nigerian military operations, both internally and internationally, had earned it well-deserved respect. The permanent secretary, however, said that consistent with the State of Emergency imposed on the three states worst-hit

by Boko Haram, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the military had some powers. According to him, the state of emergency empowered the military to arrest, interrogate and detain any civilian actively involved in terrorist activities. ‘’In Nigeria, as in other regions where terrorists have unleashed their evil acts without respect for morality, extreme measures are sometimes required to contain extremism.

‘’It is a well-known fact that Boko Haram respects no laws at all, including sacred religious laws that the group claims to cherish. ‘’We find it nonetheless very worrisome that Amnesty International has yet to comment on the horrendous, mindless and ruinous activities of Boko Haram.” Lolo noted, however, that ‘’indeed, the victims of Boko Haram’s despicable activities deserve justice and sympathy”. According to him, the

Federal Government is deeply concerned about the rights and the safety of all Nigerians adding, “it will ensure that the culprits are brought to book. ‘’In the meantime, the government of Nigeria reaffirms its unflinching commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms. ‘’In this regard, Nigeria will continue to work and count on the support of its neighbours, as well as its international partners’’.

12 states prone to flood in 2015 -NIHSA

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igeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, on Wednesday warned that 12 states might experience high flood this year. Director-General of the agency, Dr Moses Beckley, gave the warning at the presentation of 2015 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja. Commenting on highlight of the report, Beckley listed the states as Niger, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kogi and Benue. He said probable risks areas in the country had been classified into: high risk, medium risk and low risk flood areas. He listed River Basins of Sokoto-Rima, NigerBenue and Anambra as those that might experience high flooding. Beckley also said that local areas in Shinkafi, Biase, Chikum, Munya, Bukuru, Bonny, Etiosa among others might experience moderate flooding. The director-general said that Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Lagos are expected to experience coastal flooding due to the rise

in sea level and tidal surge. He urged Nigerians to put in place responsive measures that would help in reducing flood hazards. According to him, the call is necessary because human activities are majorly responsible for recurrent flood in the country. Beckley said the devastating effect of flooding would greatly affect socioeconomic development. The director-general said that with timely and proper responses, Nigerians do not need to worry about the rains. He recommended that all stakeholders should begin immediate public enlightenment on the need to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuses and wastes. Beckley also urged all stakeholders to begin immediate maintenance of hydrological structures in the country, saying this would go a long way to reduce disaster risk. He also called for the immediate evacuation and relocation of people living in the flood-prone areas and waterways to further mitigate against any eventuality.

L-R: NAICOM’s Director (Inspectorate), Mr. Barineka Thompson; Deputy Commissioner For Insurance (Technical), Alhaji Mohammed Kari; NICON Insurance Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Bayode Samuel; Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel (Middle); Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration), Mr George Onekhena; NICON Insurance’s Acting Executive Director (Finance and Administration), Mr. Stephen Ojo and NAICOM’s Director (Authorization and Policy), Mr. Pius Agboola, during a visit.

Rivers council chairmen say Wike plans to divert allocation DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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he 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State yesterday alleged plans by Governor Nyesom Wike to order diversion of the June 2015 federal allocation for the councils. This is as they threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over

the governor’s plot. The council chairmen accused the Governor of instructing the Accountant General to divert the federal allocation meant for the councils for this month. State Public Relations Officer of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, All Local Government of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Eyiba, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said

the reason for the alleged directive from the governor was unknown to them. Eyiba, warned that apart from the EFCC, council chairmen in the state had resolved to take the matter to other relevant bodies with a view to nip it in the board. He said: “We are also aware that the Rivers State Government under Wike has given instruction, though not written, to the

Accountant-General of the state to divert the FAAC allocation meant for the 23 local government councils for this month. ‘’The reason for this instruction is not known to us. We have resolved to take this unpopular instruction to the appropriate quarters should they go on with their plans, including petitioning the EFCC and related agencies,” Eyiba said.

Glo leads in subscriber acquisition drive –NCC

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ational Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has credited indigenous telecoms operator Globacom with driving the growth witnessed in the Nigerian telecommunications industry in the last 12 months.

According to figures released by the bureau, quoting the Nigerian Communications Commission’s 2015 first quarter report, Globacom recorded the highest number of new subscribers in the country with 1.63 million telephone users joining

the network from May, 2014 to May, 2015 to bring its total subscribers figure to 30.03 million. It stated that the monthly growth rate in GSM subscriber figure since May 2014 averaged 0.95 per cent, with Globacom driving the

growth. NBS added that the greatest increase was recorded in December 2014 at 1.97 per cent and the lowest in July of the same year at 0.43 per cent. “The growth in subscribers was mainly driven by Globacom, which recorded

an average rate of 1.45 per cent over the period, closely followed by Etisalat with 1.37 per cent and Airtel with 1.29 per cent, while MTN recorded the lowest average monthly growth in subscribers at 0.44%,” the NBS noted in its report.

In terms of contribution to the economy, the report said the telecoms sector in real terms recorded a growth rate of 5.26 per cent in the opening quarter of this year with a contribution of N134 billion to economic output.


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Elumelu tasks African govts on entrepreneurship ….explains benefits of $100m Pan-African initiative TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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igeria’s leading investment and entrepreneurship advocate, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday urged African governments to improve existing business environment in their countries as a policy imperative to achieve the economic turnaround of the continent in the years ahead. Giving the charge at a media briefing on planned take-off of the Bootcamp training for the first batch of 1,000 PanAfrican entrepreneurs by the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, TEEP, scheduled for July this year, Elumelu explained that pulling Africa out of economic underdevelopment doldrums required a public-private collaborative approach. According to him,

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

while the private sector comprising entrepreneurs could provide financial and other capacity building support for entrepreneurs, the governments must of necessity create enabling policy environment, particularly through business-supporting fiscal policy regimes, to achieve the goal of growing the economies, create jobs and lifting millions of Africans out of poverty trap. The seasoned banker explained that the TEEP was borne out of the need to provide funding and mentoring support for 1,000 start-up panAfrican businesses on a yearly basis for the next 10 years with a view to positioning them at the vanguard of the current drive for entrepreneurship-led and private sector-driven turn-around of Africa.

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FG assures of well-equipped civil service …says restriction on overseas travel has saved cost OMEIZA AJAYI AND REGINA OTOKPA

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n order to realise electioneering campaign promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government has assured of its resolve to develop a wellequipped civil service. Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, disclosed this yesterday during a session with civil servants in commemoration of Civil Service Week in Abuja. According to him, a Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Training Programme, SMAT-P, has been put in place to equip civil servants with basic skills and knowledge needed to discharge their duties in a more professional, knowledgeable, competent and effective manner. He said his office having identified the need to build the capacity of the civil service across board, developed the SMAT-P in

partnership with reputable international training organisations and worldclass experts. He said: “The curriculum and training material for the scheme have been fully developed in partnership with the Management Development Institutes, both local and international training experts. The OHCSF is currently receiving nominations from MDAs for commencement of the programme in July 2015.” Kifasi further noted that given the dwindling economic resources in Nigeria, and the need to encourage the in-country capacity building, a circular had been issued restricting foreign trainings and trips by public servants. “Specifically, the circular stated that most training activities should now take place in Nigeria and that attendance at the foreign events should now be at no cost to government. The effect of the circular is that there has been a drastic reduction

in the number of requests for permission to travel abroad. “This has saved government a lot of money in the short time that it has been in force and has

the potential of growing locally based training at home. The OHCSF has embarked on some key initiatives that have the potential to reposition the civil service in particular and the public service at large.

Why we didn’t return our official cars –Ex-Rivers commissioner MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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ormer Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samson Parker, yesterday disclosed why some executive members of the former administration went with their official vehicles. Parker told journalists in Abuja that the administration of ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi gave the cars to cabinet members upon assumption of office to manage with their individual funds while in office, which he said was the reason they went with the cars after expiration of their tenure. He said: “The people

in Rivers State and my friends know me, I don’t drive bullet-proof car; I drive myself. Till today, I drive myself. I used official car. The official car I had is with me. It is now my personal car; it was converted to me as mine; you know there is this thing we call transport allowance. When you come into government, instead of paying you transport allowance every month, you go and buy fuel, you collect money to do similar things, the executive said, ‘it is your car; go and do whatever you like with it. If you smash it, it is your business. Go and do whatever you like with it.’ I don’t know whether they call it monetisation.”


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Obaji cautions SSANU on proposed strike

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ormer Education Minister, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, yesterday urged the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, to embrace dialogue rather than strike in resolving its current agitation. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that members of the association had staged a peaceful protest over what they described as threat to staff primary schools. SSANU’s Western Zone protest was in reaction to a

March 5 circular, allegedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Education to universities, to remove staff schools from their payrolls. They said the new development was aimed at privatising the primary schools and laying off staff, who are part of the university system. As such, the association vowed to shut down universities nationwide, if the decision was not reversed. Obaji told NAN in Lagos that though SSANU’s argument was reasonable,

it should rather dialogue with the Federal Government to resolve the issue peacefully. “Universities are places where knowledge is imparted and people saddled with such responsibilities have families; some, very young families, and their children would need to attend school. “Do not forget that most of these universities are situated some kilometers away from the main city. “And it is expected that these lecturers, in order to

perform optimally, should live on campus. “In most places outside the shores of this country, universities are built and provided with all the various institutions, such as health centres, schools, churches and mosques. “That makes up a community, to cater for the immediate needs of lecturers and students. “Now, if you say you cannot cater for some of these things because they do not operate directly in the university system,

then, I think it is really not justified,’’ she said. According to her, what the Federal Government normally does to its universities is to give them subventions, even though they are federal institutions. She said the universities do not normally get the required amount needed to run them. She urged the government to encourage both the lecturers and the students by providing an enabling environment for teaching, learning and research. National vice-president of the association, Western Zone, Mr. Alfred Jimoh, told NAN that until government is able to con-

vince SSANU of its plans, the staff schools remain part of the system. According to him, members of the association had in 2013, written a letter to the government, explaining why it would be a wrong decision to take. He said there was nothing wrong in having a staff school in place to cater for the needs of children of lecturers and other workers within the university community. Jimoh said until government comes up with a more superior argument against SSANU’s plan, the staff schools of all federal universities in the country remain integral part of the system.

LP urges FG to take over Osun, Benue administrations

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L-R: Group Director, Strategy, Heirs Holdings, Dr. Wiebe Boer; CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir, and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation/Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, during a press conference announcing boot camp for 1,000 entrepreneurs from all Nigerian states, and 51 African countries, under The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, in Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos opposes Sexual Offences Bill 2014 Francis suberu

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agos State government yesterday faulted the Sexual Violence Offences Bill 2014, saying provisions of the bill ‘trivialises sexual assault against Nigerian children and would encourage the crime instead of reducing it. Briefing journalists at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, said the bill seeks to introduce a strange defence based on the innocent act of a child (referred to as deceit) and belief of the perpetrator that a child is above 18 years when he commits the act of defiling a child. He also faulted Section 10 (5) of the bill, which provides for the sum of N20,000 for the offence of indecent

assault, saying no amount can ever be sufficient for the victim. This, Lawal said, would serve as a shield for perpetrators to escape justice, adding that there should be no excuse for anyone to assault, defile or rape a child under the guise of ignorance or deceit. The state government, which faulted the bill under the aegis of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, described the Sexual Offences Bill 2014 as offensive, obnoxious, inconsistent and likely to increase incidences of sexual abuse in Nigeria. According to him, the provisions of the bill are apparently inconsistent with the interest and welfare of children and contradicts the Child’s Right Act. Pedro said: “Section 7(5) of the proposed bill provides that: ‘It is a defence

to a charge of defilement of children under the section if (a) It is proved that such a child deceived the accused person into believing that he or she was over the age of 18 years at the time of alleged commission of the offence: and; (b) The accused person reasonably believed that the child was over the age of 18 years. “Section 1 of the Act stipulates that in every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions or service, court of law or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.” Pedro, who is also a solicitor-general explained that the paramount objective of the Child’s Right Act is to promote, protect and uphold the rights of every Nigerian child irrespective of age,

adding that a person below 18 years old is a child under our legal system and therefore most times exempted from liability on the ground that these persons may not understand the nature/consequences of their act. He therefore argued that there should be no statutory defence for sexual offence against a child on the ground of purported deceit by the child and belief of the offender that the child was above 18 years, suggesting that the defence on the age should be completely expunged from the bill. Pedro, who also picked hole in the introduction of gang rape and joint trial of the perpetrators in the bill, said the idea would be problematic at the prosecution stage, adding that separate trial of sexual offenders is the generally stipulated rule except as provided in section 155.

ational secretary of Labour Party, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, yesterday told the Federal Government to take over the administration of Osun and Benue states because of inability of the governors to pay workers. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Osun and Benue states are among states owing workers salaries. Ajulo’s suggestion came on the heels of a call by Justice Oloyede Folahanmi, a judge in Osun State, urging the state’s House of Assembly to impeach Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Deputy, Titilayo Tomori. The judge in a petition to the lawmakers said the duo ought to discontinue in office because of their inability to pay workers. He also urged the Assembly and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate allegations of financial recklessness against Aregbesola, Tomori and others. In a statement issued in Lagos, Ajulo, who is also founder and chairman of Egalitarian Mission for Africa, said the Federal Government should not shy away from taking over administration of the two states. He argued that the inability of the governors to pay workers contravene Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution. “The situation is very unfortunate; it is inexplicable

and I am more particular with what is happening in Osun State. “Imagine owing workers up to eight months’ salaries and going to nine months, while some are owed 12 months’ pension. “This is worrisome; the situation is worse than Boko Haram insurgency and I won’t hesitate to say the situation in Osun and Benue states calls for declaration of a state of emergency,” Ajulo said. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has confirmed receipt of a petition to the Assembly by Justice Oloyede, urging it to impeach the governor and his deputy. Salam said the assembly acknowledged receipt of the petition and will write the petitioner, adding that no action can be taken because of the ongoing strike. “We will send a copy of the petition to the governor for his defence. We will deliberate on it by the time the strike is over,” Salaam said. The Speaekr disclosed these while responding in a telephone chat with National Mirror. According to him, the Assembly would write the governor to defend himself based on the allegations raised in the petition. On June 23, the three tiers of government shared N409 billion from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Fish sellers on Broad Street PHOTO: SAMUEL

INSIDE

‘High exchange rate killing business’ >47

King George V Stadium, now Onikan Stadium, still draws football fans

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Broad Street Diary

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Lagos Island and tourism centres T ourism has been defined by scholars as travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family or business purposes, usually for a limited duration. Although many associated tourism with international travels, however, the truth is that tourism may be associated with travel to another place within the same country. The World Tourism Organisation, WTO, defines tourists as people “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes. Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. It can be domestic or international. International tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country’s balance of payments. Today, tourism has become is a major source of income for many countries of the world, as it has implication for the economy of both the source and host countries, in some cases being of vital importance. According to the WTO, tourism has suffered decline as a result of a strong economic slowdown of the late-2000s recession, between the second half of 2008 and the end of 2009, and the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus in some Asian countries. However, it is gradually recovering. Receipts from international tourism (the travel item in the balance of payments) grew to US$1.03 trillion in 2011, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 3.8 percent from 2010. International tourist arrivals surpassed the milestone of 1 billion tourists globally for the first time in 2012, the same year in which China became the largest spender in international tourism globally with US$102 billion, surpassing Germany and United States. China and emerging markets such as Russia and Brazil had significantly increased their spending over the previous decade. Looking at tourism within the Lagos Island metropolis which spreads across multiple islands and peninsulas, there is no doubt that Lagos Island has some most eye-catching landmarks which can go for a world –class tourists’ attraction. While most of these landmarks are man-made, other are nature creation, but they are must-sees for tourists and visitors. Some of the must see tourism attractions within the Lagos Island axis are; National museum: It is located at Onikan, Lagos. The museum showcases traditional and Nigerian arts. The National Museum tells about the culture and history of Nigeria as it houses ancient sculptures and artifacts from the different Nigerian tribes and

peoples. The National Museum, established in 1957The museum established in 1957, comprises of statuary carvings traditional symbols of power like carved ivory, royal staffs and royal crowns, archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. The museum opens everyday except Sundays between 9am to 5pm. It has archaeology, ethnography and traditional arts in its collections. The museum which is very popular in the city of Lagos also has a collection where Adire from Abeokuta are been displayed and also a crafts village where crafts works are been performed and are sold at a certain price. Items that can also be found include the bullet riddle car in which Late General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1976. The Lekki conservation centre, Lagos is one of the best places in Lagos Island. The centre covers about 78 hectares around Lekki peninsula close to the Lekki lagoon and Lagos lagoon. It consists of a swamp and savannah habitats. The nature park was founded in 1990 by the Nigerian conservation foundation, the resort has a tree house where visitors can have a panoramic view of the centre, picnic area, children playground, swamp for crocodiles, aquatic flora and fauna, bird hide, open grassland for bushbucks, giant rats, mongooses, endangered species like snakes, crocodiles, squirrels, duikers and hogs, and also auditorium for lectures and seminars. The centre has an oval hall where visitors are allowed to look at pictures of different species of animal and plants displayed in a glass stand. Freedom Park in Lagos is a UNESCO Heritage Site, it is a memorial park for diverse social events and recreational entertainment and is a located in downtown Lagos Island. The Park is a memorial leisure site dedicated for conserving the Lagos colonial heritage and history of the Old Broad Street prison. The park which opens on daily basis was built to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians as it was the site where prominent Nigerians like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Herbert Macaulay and others served their jail term. Facilities in the park include open Air stage, court yard, souvenir shop, museum complex, skeletal cells, food courts, Wole Soyinka Art Gallery to mention of few. Some of the popular events in Freedom Park include Felebration 2014, Lagos Heritage week 2014 to mention of few. Kamp Ikare is one of the places to have a pleasure of home away from home, it is situated on a stretch of Lagos coast near Ikare village which you can only get

there by boat. The resort has fully air conditioned bungalows with different facilities like the KAMP Kabin, KAMP Krib, KAMP Kot, Maimi style lounge area to mention of few. At Kamp Ikare, you enjoy home-made foods and you wake up to sound of the ocean. Talking about the most popular beach in Lagos, BAR BEACH is the main beach in Victoria Island Lagos. Bar Beach has been recorded the most visited beach in Lagos State especially during festivals. People usually come to visit the beach in and out the country. In the beach you have the opportunity to ride on horses, swim, play beach football, ride on a boat, canoeing, archery and picnic activities. NIKE ART GALLERY is one of the notable tourist centers in Lagos, the gallery is situated at

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2, Elegushi Road, Ibeju Lekki Lagos, it opens Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays. The gallery features the whole panoply of Nigeria arts, different arts from Nigerian artists are ply for view in the gallery. The gallery was founded by Chief {Mrs.} Oyenike Monica Okundaye. Eko tourist beach resort offers premium comfort and relaxation, it gives an affordable recreational place for visitors to relax, unwind and meditate. The resort is located along the Lagos –Epe expressway. It maintains hours of uninterrupted power, the beach is also called AKODO BEACH has a serene swimming beach. It has the Atlantic Ocean bordering it which gives it a serene beach with coconut grooves and it is argued that AKODO BEACH is the most orga-

Freedom Park

The National museum, Lagos

Some of the artifacts at the musium

nized beach in Lagos. It has well appointed chalets, amusement parks, a serene swimming beach, furnished rooms and suites therefore providing a conducive ambience for communing with nature. WHISPERING PALMS BEACH RESORT BADAGRY is located in IWORO, Badagry local government Area of Lagos State. It is located around the lagoon and typifies the beauty of the areas cool Atlantic breeze, silica sands, palm trees and chirping birds. It features hotel and accommodation and leisure facilities. An experience at HERMITAGE GARDEN RESORT is a comfort away from home; the resort is a secluded resort on the unscathed Lekki/Ajah peninsular area of Lagos which is a tourist and vacation destination.

– Imoleayo Fatunase


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Again, gunmen invade Ikorodu, rob banks Francis Suberu

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hree weeks after robbers attacked and looted two banks in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, another gang invaded Ogolonto area in a robbery spree involving five banks. According to eyewitness accounts, the heavily armed men stormed banks in the area around 8am and succeeded in carting away unspecified huge sums of money. The robbers were said to have shot sporadically into the air to scare people away before gaining access into the banks. It was gathered that the robbers came in three SUVs, which they burnt before escaping in speed boats via nearby Majidun River. While the invasion was on, some courageous residents of the area alerted men of the Lagos State

South West

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Police Command, who, we learnt, responded swiftly and went in pursuit of the robbers. However, many of the disappointed residents, who felt terrorised by the robbery, urged the police in Ikorodu to live up to their responsibilities. The residents said rather than face tasks they were employed for, the police go about seeking young boys donning bags to harass and arrest them indiscriminately just to extort money from them. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ken Nwosu, said the police upon being alerted quickly swung into action, adding that men of the state police command were on the trail of the robbers. He assured Lagosians of adequate security, saying they should not panic as police are on top of the situation.

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Varsity to introduce kiosks at airports …graduates 104 first class

Saidat Alausa

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ovenant University, Ota, Ogun State, plans to establish interactive kiosks, which offers self-service in the area of hotel, accommodation, transportation, telecommunications and tourism in major airports in the country. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, disclosed this yesterday at a world press conference to announce ac-

Ayo

tivities for the institution’s 2014/2015 convocation ceremony at the university. According to him, with the device, visitors com-

ing into the country would not be stranded for want of information and communication upon arrival in the country. He said the device, which would be deployed in three major airports in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt, is available in most developed countries, adding that Nigeria should not be left out. Listing events for the convocation, Ayo said there would be a convocation lecture to be delivered by

former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission at 9am and an industry partnership luncheon at midday. On Friday, there will be convocation ceremony for the award of first and higher degrees and presentation of special awards and prizes where a total of 104 first-class would be graduated. A total of 1,315 undergraduates and 135 postgraduates will be graduating at the ceremony.

Two remanded in prison custody over N465.7m fraud Matthew Irinoye

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ustice Lateef LawalAkapo of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday remanded two men at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons for defrauding two individuals to the tune of N465.7million. The defendants, Yerima Suleiman, 57, and Uwem Antia, 55, were taken into custody due to severity of the fraud and following the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The defendants, who were arraigned on a fourcount charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence and forgery, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The presiding judge adjourned the matter to November 9 for trial, adding that the accused persons should be remanded at Kirikiri Prisons pending hearing of their bail applications. Earlier, counsel to EFCC, Mr Gbolahan Latona, informed the court that the duo conspired to commit the offence on February 5 in Lagos.

Latona said the accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N465.7million from one Mr Dennis Ale, and Mrs Gladys Aginwa, under the pretext of giving them the dollar equivalent, which was $2.2 million. He said to facilitate the fraud, an acknowledgment receipt dated February 6, purported to have been made by Ale, one of the complainants, was forged by the defendants. According to the antigraft agency, the crimes contradict Sections 1(3), 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 as well as Sections 5(2), 363(1) and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Arase

L-R: Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade; former military administrator of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd) and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, during the 12th Gbolarumi Annual Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

N68.7m theft: NBC manager’s trial adjourned till July 27 Wale Igbintade

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rial of Mr. Olubusoye Adedeji, a former manager with Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, bottlers of CocaCola, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, EbuteMetta, for alleged stealing has been adjourned till July 27. Adedeji is alleged to have stolen N68,703,480 million from the company’s coffers. The accused was arraigned before the court by men of Department of Criminal Investigation, Panti, Yaba, Lagos State Police Command, on a twocount charge of conspiracy and stealing. The offence, according to the prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, is punishable under sections 409 and 285(7) of the criminal

laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. At the resumed trial yesterday, the prosecutor informed the court presided over by Chief Magistrate I. O. Adelaja, that the representative of NBC, who is the complainant, was not in court. He subsequently urged the court for a very short adjournment. But the accused through his lawyer, Mr. Tunji Adeyemi, urged the court to strike out the criminal case against him. He argued that the prosecution, which had pressed charges against him for over two months, had failed to go on with the trial. But Chief Magistrate Adelaja adjourned the matter till July 27. The accused, a former Plant/Logistics Manager of NBC, with others now

at large, according to the police allegedly committed the act between June 2011 and June 2014, while acting in his capacity as manager. A police source stated that the heinous act was revealed after a forensic audit was conducted on the company’s account, adding that following the revelation of fraud, the company’s management handed over the accused to the police for prosecution. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges upon his arraignment in April, and consequently admitted to bail in the sum of N2million with one surety in the same sum by the presiding Chief Magistrate. Count one of the charges reads; “That you Olubusoye Abayomi Ayodeji, 40, and other now at large, be-

tween June 2011 and June 2014, at Nigerian Bottling Company, Iddo House, Lagos, in the Lagos magisterial district, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 409 of the criminal laws if Lagos State of Nigeria, 2012.” Count two of the charge reads; “That you Olubusoye Abayomi Ayodeji, on the same date, time and place, in the aforesaid magisterial district, while in the employment of NBC Limited as Acting Plant Manager/Logistic Manager, at Apapa, did steal, conspired to steal the sum of N68,703,480 million, property of NBC Limited, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 285(7) of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2012.”


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Ikpeazu places self on half salary to pay workers’ salary arrears George Opara ABIA

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overnor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has decided to place himself on a half salary and also resolved to cut his travelling allowances by 50 per cent until the unpaid salaries and allowances owed workers were cleared. Ikpeazu disclosed this yesterday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the swearing-in of new Head of Service, HoS, Dr. Vivian Uma.

He said he was pained by the development and promised to do everything to ensure that salaries and allowances of workers in the state were systematically cleared. Similarly, the governor has also called on other appointees in the state and public office holders to follow his example, stating that it is necessary to cut down on the cost of governance. He described the appointment of the new HoS as a milestone and that the appointment was part of his government’s desire to reinvigorate the civil service.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Lawmakers dismiss petition against commissioner-nominee

… 2 others fail to recite National Anthem Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday threw out a petition submitted against Senator Emmanuel Onwe as commissioner-nominee by one Mr. Matthew Anuma from Ikwo Local Government Area on ground

that the petitioner’s allegation, claiming that the nominee was not a Nigerian by birth, lacks merit and should be discarded. The House, after due consideration and debate on the validity and eligibility of the petition, said the senator’s nationality is never in doubt, knowing that he was born in

Nigeria and has never denounced his nationality even though he lived in England for some years, then came back, contested for a senatorial seat and won, adding that based on this fact the petition lacks merit. The House however regretted the inability of two commissioner-nom-

inees to recite the National Anthem but cleared Senator Onwe, former Speaker, Barr. Augustine Nwankwoagu, Prof. John Ekeh and former member, House of Representatives, Barrister Elizabath Ogbaga, among 17 other nominees who were qualified to become commissioners.

EU rates South East lowest in PHC implementation Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

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uropean Union Support for Immunisation Governance in Nigeria (EU SIGN) project, yesterday, revealed that the South East geo-political zone rates lowest on its scorecard on the implementation of State Primary Health Care Development Agency, SPHCDA, as at June 17, 2015. Team leader to the Technical Assistance, EU SIGN Project, Dr. Goli Lamiri, said during a one-day sensitisation workshop with the policy makers in the health sector, National Primary Healthcare Development agency and participants from Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra states in Awka, that the criteria adopted by the National Health Act and Primary Health Care system for which government agencies must develop effective quality primary healthcare, PHC, in the grassroots were used in assessment of the states’ performance. “The criteria include a strong management and governance system, effective legislation, funding of the PHC, minimum service package and mobilisation of human resources required to deliver services to the communities,” he said. Dr. Lamiri further stated that the team was in Anambra, to support the South East in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to establish and strengthen the

PHC boards in the three states of Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra for the common good of the people and the PHC system. In his presentation, the director, planning, research and statistics of the NPHCDA, who represented the executive director, Dr. Ado Mohammed, stressed the need to bring the PHC under one roof as a way of streamlining their activities and ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness. “Bringing PHC under one roof is a strong instrument for effective service delivery in Nigeria and it will be easier for states to be in total control in terms of allocation of resources, implementation and monitoring. If PHC is allowed to be in multiple lines of authority, it will lead to waste and multiplicity of efforts,” he stressed. Earlier in his address of welcome, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, said their visit to Anambra State would help government kick-start the implementation of the functions of the agency in the state, pointing out that the Anambra State legislature passed the bill into law in December 2014 and that Governor Willie Obiano assented it in January this year. Akabuike noted that any state that establishes the agency would enjoy one per cent of the consolidated revenue and be in better position to access loans and assistance from donor agencies - the World Health Organisation, World Bank, European Union and the UNICEF, among others.

L R: Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo , AIG Investments, Force Headquarters Abuja, Chintua Amajor-Onu and President, Africa Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and Director General/CEO, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Joseph Odumodu, during the closing ceremony of Africa Standardisation Seminar in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

Soldier robs house boy to pay sick wife’s bill George Opara ABIA

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soldier attached to the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State, Lance Corporal Itugbu Augustine Omorodion, who was arrested last Friday for robbing a 21-yearold house boy, Ebuka, of N250,000 in Aba, has blamed the devil and lack of money

for his action. Lance Corporal Omorodion was said to have been given ‘pass’ by the army authorities at Ohafia when he said he needed to go out of the barracks to source money to pay the hospital bill of his sick wife. Omorodion, who hails from Edo State, was said to have, instead headed for Aba where he had, at about

3.00pm, armed with a dagger, robbed the house boy of his master’s N250, 000 that he was taking to the bank. Following the alarm raised by the boy, some residents of the area where the incident took place apprehended the fleeing soldier, beat him into a pulp and tied his hands and legs before he was rescued by mobile policemen on patrol.

Tribunal strikes out 2 APGA cases in Enugu

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tate and National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Enugu yesterday struck out a petition filed by Mr. Anthony Nwafor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for nonappearance. Nwafor was challenging the declaration of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, by the Independent National Electoral

Commission, INEC, as winner of the National Assembly Nkanu East/West constituency election on March 28. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Michael Edem, ruled that since the petitioner had failed to appear before it, the petition should be struck out. Edem, therefore, awarded a cost of N20,000 in favour of the respondent.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the respondent, Mrs, Justina Offiah (SAN), said she received an application by the petitioner’s counsel to withdraw the petition before the tribunal’s judgment. ``I feel that the petitioner lost interest in the case,” Offiah said. But counsel to the petitioner, Mr. P.M.B. Onyia, declined comment on the tribunal’s decision.

A source hinted that Omorodion, in admitting the crime, said it was not intentional but that he was pushed by the devil and lack of money to pay the hospital bill of his sick wife, and begged for forgiveness. According to a reliable source, “the soldier left Ohafia for Aba on ‘pass’ in order to source for money before he fell into the temptation of collecting the money from the sales boy who was going to deposit it in the bank for his master.” The soldier who was badly injured by the mob, was taken to an hospital by the police before his colleagues came to pick him from the area command in Aba for possible court marshalling. Military sources said that apart from the job of the soldier being on the line, he may face possible prosecution as his act was deemed a disgrace to the military.


Thursday, June 25, 2015

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he March 28 presidential election has been described severally as the freest and most acceptable election in recent times in Nigeria. As already known, it brought about the change in power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All progressives Congress, APC, and with President Mohammadu Buhari firmly in charge of the government. However, barely three weeks after the inauguration of the APC-led government, it has been hopping from one crisis to the other, suggesting that things may have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold. Winning election is one thing, but managing the success is even a harder project. In the last three weeks, the nation has had to endure with the slow pace of governance with virtually no key appointment made with the exception of the media and protocol team. It is expected that key offices like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the Chief of Staff, CoS, as well as the Principal Staff Officers, PSOs, would have been in place at least a week after inauguration. Barely a week after assumption of office, the President sought and got the approval of the National Assembly for the appointment of about 15 Special Advisers, SAs, yet, nothing has been done since then. Few weeks ago, it took the personal intervention of the President to avert what could have turned to bloodshed over an incongruous security arrangement where the Aso Villa personnel attempted to forcefully take over security charge of the President not minding the prevailing arrangement which has been on course since Buhari became the President-elect. Then came the attendant crisis following the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly and the crack which it left in the unity of both the legislators and the party. This crisis has gradually eroded the peace in the party and has also brought about an internal insurrection which led to the call for the resignation of APC’s National Working Committee, NWC, by elders of the party including the governors. All attempts to resolve the bickering have hit the brick wall and there appears to be no peace in sight. However, the forced meeting of the two Senate Presidency contestants, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan, seems to be the sign of hope but that hope turned out to be a hoax on Tuesday as they could not agree on the appointment of other principal officers of the upper chamber.

APC and the truce path APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Monday dragged Saraki and Lawan to a peaceful reconciliation meeting held at his Asokoro residence. Though, no official statement was issued after the meeting, but a source who witnessed the reconciliation effort said that both Lawan and Saraki embraced each other. But it does appear that nothing cheering came out of the diet as subsequent development suggests. House of Representatives’ Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and the Deputy Speaker, Suleiman Yusuf Lasun, were also sighted leaving the private residence of OdigieOyegun. Earlier in a statement, Oyegun had assured Nigerians that the party was working hard to resolve the crisis that had rocked it in recent times, to pave the way for the fulfillment of its campaign promises to Nigerians. He said: “The party has reached out to all interested parties, and when the National Assembly resumes… Nigerians will see one harmonious, happy APC family. We owe it to our party, our teeming members and supporters and indeed all Nigerians who reposed so much

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Politics

APC and crisis of managing electoral success

After the electoral feat posted by the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the 2015 general elections where it defeated the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party has been enmeshed in crises, especially after the inauguration of the President Muhammadu Buhari government on May 29. OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, OMEIZA AJAYI and UBONG UKPONG highlight these crises and how they have impacted on the party and the nation.

Buhari

Oyegun

confidence in us by voting us into office to quickly put the unfortunate incidents of the recent past behind us and forge ahead.” The insurrection and call for Odigie-Oyegun’s resignation. Barely a week after Comrade Timi Frank, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, claimed that he was speaking on behalf of other disenchanted members of the party leadership by calling on Odigie-Oyegun to resign, eight APC governors on Tuesday also brought the request closer after a meeting with the National Chairman. Chief among Odigie-Oyegun’s sins, according to APC sources, was his taking sides during the Senate

leadership squabbles, the ‘mock election’ as well as his inability to consult widely before taking decision that has now negatively affected the party. Other sins of Odigie-Oyegun include the alienation of the nPDP structure and the pandering to the proBola Ahmed Tinubu or the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN camp, even when the camp’s contribution is less in measure than the nPDP. Comrade Frank said: “When they were taking their decision, they didn’t consult anybody. When they were taking their decision, there was no unity. Despite that, we have the National Chairman who should have been able to consult the larger picture of the party. You can see the way the party, including the National Chairman was speaking even before the elections; it shows clearly that he had totally taken sides, which wasn’t meant to be. I understand that when he took some of those decisions that clearly the National Chairman even told Hon. Dogara and others that they did what they did based on pressure. I beg to say that in this century, APC as a party does not need a chairman that will succumb under pressure.” “I can say from the position of the chairman, it seems some certain leaders of the party have cornered him. From his actions, from what he demonstrated before Nigerians, you should know that there is some handful of people influencing him from somewhere. We need a chairman that can be firm on his own position and we as party members will support once that decision is going to be favourable to Nigerians and not any individual. After the election, when I saw my chairman

All attempts to resolve the bickering have hit the brick wall and there appears to be no peace in

sight. However, the forced meeting of the two Senate

Presidency contestants, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan, seems to be the sign of hope but that hope turned out to be a hoax.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14


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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 coming to accept defeat by accepting Senator Saraki and Hon. Dogara, I felt that after doing that, he should have resigned because it came too late.”

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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APC and crisis of manag

The controversy over APC’s real leader One of the real issues in the crisis is the understanding in some quarters that former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu is the leader of the APC and not necessarily President Buhari. APC National Publicity secretary, Lai Muhammed, recently said that President Buhari is not the leader of the party, but rather that he is a product of the party. This statement, which is a byproduct of the belief in the SouthWest, has strained the relationship between Buhari and Tinubu. Neither Tinubu nor Buhari has made any comment. Mohammed has also not denied the statement. However, Mohammed’s deputy, Frank said there is need to ask Mohammed who the leader of the party is, “if he does not recognise the President as the leader, in my own view, it is his business. Whether the President is the leader of the party, the figure whom Nigerians or party members will hold responsible for the failure of our party is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not any individual. So if Mohammed, who is my direct boss could come up to tell Nigerians that the President is only a product of the party and not the national leader of the party, then he should be able to tell us who the national leader of the party is. We have seen that even in then PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan was the leader of the party. If in our own case the President cannot be the leader of the party, he should tell us who the leader is then.”

Saraki’s emergence as Senate President and PDP connection 49 PDP senators delivered Saraki as the Senate President against the APC’s preferred candidate. The same clique also forced Ike Ekweremadu on the APC-dominated Senate as the Deputy Senate President. Saraki was a PDP governor for eight years and was later elected into the Senate in 2011 on the platform of the PDP. He has continued to enjoy the comradeship of the PDP and this has been a source of worry to the ruling APC. Since the emergence of Saraki and Ekweremadu, the PDP has suddenly found its voice and has continued to rub it on the APC how naive it is politically. But the reality is that if APC continues to deny Saraki the needed legitimacy, he would have no option than to fall back on his PDP allies. Odigie-Oyegun also agreed that PDP is gaining from the crisis in APC, when he said: “There was no doubt that when you have problems, your opponent will seize the opportunity to rise up. What is important is how quickly we put our acts together and get all these behind us and move forward strongly. Some of these setbacks, no doubt, will give the other side the opportunity to laugh, but it is temporal and usual wherever you have human beings.” Tinubu’s role in the ensuing confusion Tinubu is widely regarded as the national leader of the APC. Although, there are many other “national leaders” in the party, his role in ensuring the success of the party at the polls cannot be disputed. However, many pundits have often accused Tinubu of trying to arrogate too much importance to himself. To these analysts, the former governor of Lagos is over-rated politically. His role in the National Assembly leadership crisis is still a subject of debate. As a man whose foot-soldiers allegedly dominate APC NWC, he was said to have ensured that the party kowtowed to him as to the choice of Senate President and House Speaker. Tinubu, it was, who mobilised support for Senator Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to be adopted as the party’s candidates for the Seante Presidency and House speakership. He was so vehement in his resolve to see the duo through that many began to allege that he had a sinister motive.

Tinubu

Saraki

Unfortunately, many political actors were determined to teach him a lesson for his role in disrupting the zoning arrangement of the PDP in 2011 at the House of Representatives.

home state, Edo, turning their backs on him, as well as his inability to reconcile the factions, his days are numbered.

Oyegun’s dilemma Following the emergence of Senator Saraki as Senate President and Dogara as Speaker, House of Representative, the crisis in the party further heightened as they were not the anointed candidates of the party. Odigie-Oyegun as APC National Chairman is believed to have taken many decisions. APC had earlier rejected the emergence of Saraki and Dogara as leaders of the National Assembly saying the action of the new National Assembly leaders and their supporters amounted to treachery and disloyalty. The party had favoured Senator Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the Senate Presidency and the House speakership respectively. Although both Saraki and Dogara have assumed leadership of the National Assembly, members of APC NWC have insisted that senators who went contrary to the decision of the party in the choice of the leadership of the legislature would be sanctioned. In order to ensure that the party does not experience further crisis, Odigie-Oyegun had on June 12 after meeting with Buhari disclosed that the party has decided to recognise Saraki as Senate President saying he was duly elected by his colleagues in the Senate. The APC National Chairman said the party would have to live with the reality regarding the leadership of the National Assembly. He had said: “What has happened is within the APC family and we are sorting it out within the family. People say they are going to court which is their right, but as a party we are looking at everything and we are coming out strong.” Meanwhile, the future of Odigie-Oyegun as APC National Chairman is hanging, as opposition to his leadership is daily growing. With the governors, including that of his

However, many pundits have often accused Tinubu of trying to arrogate too much importance to himself. To

these analysts, the former governor of Lagos is

over-rated politically.

Call for Ekweremadu’s resignation Some members of the APC believe that one sure way of resolving the leadership crisis in the Senate is for the Deputy Senate President, Ekweremadu to resign from office. Those who are behind this line of agitation believe that the APC being the party with majority membership in the Senate ought to constitute the entire leadership of the red chamber. They opined that it is wrong for PDP as an opposition party to form part of the leadership of the Senate, especially since PDP did not in any way accommodate the opposition parties in the leadership of the Senate throughout the 16 years the party ruled the country. Members of this school of thought also argue that in the election that threw up Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President, he was not able to secure two-third absolute majority of the 108-member Senate or even simple majority because only about 54 senators voted for him. They also maintain that the Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA, Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa, should be sanctioned for not delaying the process of the election in the Senate to enable APC senators who were scheduled to hold a meeting with President Buhari join their colleagues for the election. Those who are opposed to the arguments of this school of thought argue that the Senate rule does not specify that two-third majority of senators must constitute the number to elect any of the presiding officers or indeed simple majority of the Senate. What the rule states according to them is that one-third members of the Senate (which translates to 37 senators) are enough to form quorum for the business of the day to commence, including the election of the presiding officer. The only time the senators are required to constitute two-third majority is when any of the presiding officers is to be impeached. Also, the opponents maintain that there is no place in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the rule of the Senate where it is stated that the party with the majority number of senators should constitute the leadership of the Senate. Secondly, the call for sanctioning of the CAN, Maikasuwa, according to political pundits, is inappropriate because the letter from President Buhari to Maikasuwa to proclaim the Senate was very specific that the exercise should take place at 10.00 am of that Tuesday, June 9. There was no counter letter from the President to the CNA to the contrary.

Saraki’s diplomatic shuttle Following the controversies trailing his election as Sen-


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

ging electoral success

Lawan

Dogara

ate President, Senator Saraki has embarked on diplomatic visits to some past leaders of the country and some APC chieftains as a strategy to seek support and legitimacy. So far, the Senate President has visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, amongst others. When Saraki met with Obasanjo, he was accompanied by Senators Ahmed Yerima, Andy Uba, Tayo Alasoadura and Danjuma Goje. Others in his entourage were a former National Secretary of the PDP and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and a former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Kawu Baraje. Emerging from the meeting two hours after, Saraki acknowledged that there is crisis in the APC, given the controversy that trailed his election as Senate President and his counterpart at the lower chamber, Dogara, as Speaker. He explained that the leadership of the party was already addressing it, saying: “As you can see, things are moving smoothly. Be rest assured that all that would be put behind us very shortly. We are very confident about that.” Talking about the team’s visit to Obasanjo, Saraki said they had come to pay homage, seek his advice and blessing because of his immense value to the country. According to Saraki, “I am here with some of my colleagues to pay homage to him, to seek his advice, to get his blessing and also to consult. We all know President Obasanjo’s value to this country and we are here to tap from his wisdom, knowledge and experience.”

the situation they were left in by the previous administration. However, the crisis in the party may also be contributing to the delay in the appointment of the ministers as the leaders of the party are still trying to resolve the crisis to ensure smooth take off of the Buhari administration.

Delay in constitution of new cabinet The delay in the constitution of the new federal cabinet has also been attributed to the crisis in the party as Buhari’s government requires harmonious relationship within the party for its success. With almost four weeks into the life of the administration, an early resolution of the crisis in the party as well as cordial relationship with the National Assembly leadership would ensure smooth screening and approval of the ministers to be appointed by the President. During his visit to South Africa, Buhari had disclosed that he was not in a hurry to appoint his ministers because of the late submission of the handing over notes by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He said: “I am not in a hurry to get ministers. I want to get ministers after at least I have seen this report, so that I don’t have to appoint a minister today and sack him next week. “I don’t know why people are so anxious to have ministers, but eventually we will have.” Buhari further said audits were currently being carried out in various government departments, particularly in the finance and petroleum ministries to try and establish

Crises: Dooms predictions fulfilling? About 27 months ago, sometimes in February 2013, when APC was formed, there have been predictions and prophecies of dooms over the imminent collapse of the mega party. Been the result of an alliance by Nigeria’s four biggest opposition parties - the ACN, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, the parties were merged to take on the then ruling PDP and unseat it at all levels of government, with the country’s presidency as primary target. The PDP was apparently uncomfortable with this move and went on to wish it death on arrival, with all manners of predictions. In spite of all, the party went ahead and received approval from the nation’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on July 31, 2013, to become a political party and subsequently withdrew the operating licenses of the four previous and merging parties. In March 2013, two other associations – African Peoples Congress and All Patriotic Citizens – also applied for INEC’s registration, adopting APC as an acronym, a development widely interpreted to be a move to thwart the successful coalition of the opposition parties, ahead of the 2015 general elections. The PDP was alleged to be strongly behind that move to ensure the collapse of the planned merger. However, on November 25, five of PDP governors, Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers; Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto; Rabiu Kwakwanso, Kano; Murtala Nyako, Adamawa and Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara, announced their decision to join the APC. On December 18, 2013, 37 out of the 208 PDP members in

the crisis in the party may also be contributing to the delay in the appointment of the ministers as the leaders of the party are still trying to resolve the crisis to ensure smooth take off of

the Buhari administration.

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the House of Representatives also defected to the APC. The defection was contained in a letter read by the then Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, on the floor of the House bringing APC’s total to 174. On January 29, 2014, 11 PDP senators, among whom were Saraki, Mohammed Ndume, Danjuma Goje and Abdullahi Adamu, also defected to the APC. The senators communicated their decision to decamp to the APC in a letter addressed to the then Senate President, David Mark. These made the PDP to believe that the party was truly doomed for destruction, insisting that the APC was a party of strange bed fellows, who were destined for sharp disagreement and subsequent breakup. About June 16, 2013, a PDP chieftain and former senator in Oyo state, Lekan Balogun, had predicted APC’s collapse. This was in less than a week after the APC submitted its documents to the INEC for registration. He dismissed the coming together of the opposition parties to form the APC as a “mere marriage of convenience.” He reportedly said: “The union will not last. The motive behind the formation of APC is self-serving. The leaders are being driven by self interest and unbridled ambition. So the union is bound to collapse. “Why could they not agree on the composition of the leadership structure? That is to tell you that they are not likely to agree on more sensitive issues that will surface as time goes by.” On December 23, 2013, the PDP-led Presidency of Jonathan, through his SA on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, had predicted the collapse of APC. He said: “The APC boat is destined for the Red Sea and in fact, I remember that when we went to Israel, we prayed to God to remove all the people troubling Nigeria. So, by what is happening now, I believe that God is working quietly to gather these people.” Rivers state PDP, had also predicted, when former anticorruption chief, Nuhu Ribadu, returned to PDP, Jerry Needam Special Adviser, on Media to state PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, on Friday, August 22, 2014, said: “The PDP notes that from every indication, particularly with the latest dumping of the APC by its pioneer members, including Femi Fani Kayode, Ibrahim Shakarau, among others, the likes of Governor Amaechi will be left alone in the wrecked ship, believing it will only be wise for him (Amaechi) and his negligible few co-travellers to swallow their pride, apologise and seek readmission into the PDP.” Lagos PDP chairman, Tunji Shelle said: “From what I can see in the merger and registration of APC, all of them are strange bedfellows. They will start fighting one another over positions, opportunities and party structures. At the end of the day, sharing of offices will polarise them and ideological differences will divide them. And if the centre cannot hold, everybody will go back to his own tent. That is what I see happening to APC between now and 2014, not even 2015.” A former National Chairman of PDP, Bamanga Tukur, had dismissed the APC as an unserious party, when he said: “There is a desperate political coalition in the country now known as the APC; whose stock in trade is insults, attacks and lack of decorum because the party and her members have nothing to offer the people of Nigeria, except only a desperate plan to take over power at all costs.” Beginning with its 2014 national convention in Abuja, where national officers of the party were elected, to the presidential primary in Lagos, the party has been in disarray as key leaders and members were angry at the internal party politics, where leaders and candidates were handpicked and imposed on them, leading to their exits from the party. While grappling with this, the APC again, decided to impose the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives as well as their principal officers and committee chairmen on the federal legislators, which has remained a major cause of the ongoing crises in the party. Equally, the delay in announcing ministerial nominations and appointments of other key cabinet members and functionaries of government, were also attributed to the of lack of internal democracy in the party. Thus, political watchers believe that with all these continuing, the fulfillment of the predictions for the imminent fall of the APC was just by the corner, unless the party cleans up its Augean stable early enough.


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Kwara APC suspends Saraki’s associate Wole Adedeji ILORIN

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wara state All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday suspended a close associate of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and former Secretary to State Government, SSG, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Saka Cook Olododo from the party. He was suspended along with another member, Alhaji Tunde Saad for one year each. They were suspended for unspecified alleged anti-party activities during the last general elections, according to a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Sulyman Buhari yesterday. Sixteen other APC members were also suspended along with Olododo and Saad. The sixteen were allegedly placed on six months’ suspension each.

They included: Mr Mashood Dauda, Mr Oba Sulaiman Asude, Mr Lukman Adeloyin, Alhaji Wahab Tobe, Mr Sa’ad Yero, Mr Iyanda Olori, and Alhaji Amuda Bembe. Others were Alhaji Amuda Musbau, Mr Zafi Saka Adanla, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adanla, Alhaji Abdrahaman Sa’ad, Alhaji Saliman Rasak (Rasaki Pupa), Hon. Raimi Akanji, Alhaji Baba Alata, Alhaji Raufu Asude and Mr Fatai Olodo. All the suspended members, according to Buhari are APC members from Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state, a development which he said followed the “recommendations of an Investigative and Disciplinary Committee, IDC, chaired by Alhaji Dare Garba, which probed the anti-party activities allegations against the affected members.

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Tribunal frowns at INEC’s delay in releasing necessary documents Williams Attah GOMBE

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he smooth proceeding at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Gombe is being threatened by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following its non release of necessary documents which the tribunal ordered during its last sitting. The tribunal has therefore expressed dissatisfaction with reasons given by

INEC and does not regard its efforts at releasing the documents as best, thus forcing it to issue another order. The new order became necessary when the tribunal received renewed calls from some counsels appearing for some petitioners that they were unable to access necessary INEC documents which they needed to prosecute their petitions at the tribunal. It was therefore a surprise to the tribunal that

the matter was still lingering unresolved during its last sitting. The complaint lodged by lead counsel to Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, defeated All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial candidate in the last election in Gombe State, Adeniyi Akintola, SAN and Barrister Sam Kaugbo, counsel to Alhaji Ja’afar Abubakar of ADC brought the matter alive. Akintola told the tribunal that apart from having

paid over N1.5 million that he was charged by INEC for the necessary documents, he has not had access to the documents. Embattled INEC counsel at the tribunal, Barr Isiaka Mudi Dikko argued that Adeniyi, along with other counsels had received some of the documents, explaining that the ones being complained about are bulky and INEC would require not less than seven days to reproduce them and this was not an easy task.

Jonathan’s kinsmen reject Dickson’s second term bid •Vow to vote him out in 2016

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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espite appeal by former President Godluck Jonathan to party leaders in the state to work with the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson, his kinsmen from Ogbia, Local Government Area, at the weekend rose from a crucial meeting and resolved to work against the second term bid of Dickson. Meeting under the aegis of Ogbia Joint Initiative, ODJI, Jonathan’s kinsmen also denied a statement endorsing Dickson, credited to Jonathan. Jonathan had in one of the meetings held in his country home Otuoke, to resolve the crisis rocking the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, asked party members to support Dickson. But ODJI, in a communiqué after the meeting, signed by its President and Secretary, Rev Godstime Godson and Mr David Inengite, respectively, said: “The ODJI commends Dr. Jonathan for being a statesman but advised him not to involve himself with the politics of endorsing failed politicians.” It called on the people of the state to see the forthcom-

ing election as a common sense revolution, accusing Dickson of marginalisation, claiming that the current government sited no project in their area. They advised the people to participate fully to vote out the current administration, insisting that they would no longer cast their votes for a candidate with a track record of non-performance. The listed the barriers for Dickson’s reelection as numerous abandoned projects, high level of deception by state officials, lack of developmental ideas and inability to create employment opportunities.

L-R: Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Tanko Al-Makura (Nassarawa), during a press briefing after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday night.

Osun tribunal: Fadahushi opens case Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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sun State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday opened its case before the panel hearing matters relating to the March 28 National Assembly poll in Osun East senatorial district. Senator Babajide Omo-

worare of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, but the PDP candidate, Prince Francis Fadahunshi is contesting the result of the poll before the tribunal. Opening its case before the Justice Benedict Kanyip-led panel, coun-

A’bom guber: Tribunal gives INEC 10-day

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he Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for Akwa Ibom, sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to move all polling documents and results sheets used for the April 11 governorship polls from Uyo to Abuja within 10 days. Tribunal chairman, Justice Sadiq Umar, gave the order yesterday in Abuja, in a ruling he delivered at the resumed sitting of the tribunal. News Agency of Nigeria,

NAN, reports that the Justice Umar-led-three-man tribunal is sitting on a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidate, Umana Umana. Umana and his party are asking the tribunal to nullify the election of Emmanuel Udom of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Justice Umar said the tribunal judiciously exercised its discretion in granting Umanna’s application that the polling documents, results sheets and other materials used for the election be moved to Abuja.

He also directed that the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security for INEC while moving the election materials from Uyo to Abuja. He also gave Umanna and his lawyers 14 days within which to inspect the election materials when they arrive INEC headquarters in Abuja. Justice Umar also ordered the police and the State Security Services to jointly provide security to Umana and his legal team when they are carrying out the inspection of the election materials.

sel to the petitioner, Mr. Nathaniel Oke, SAN, led three of the witness in evidence-in-chief. Rasheed Salami, from Ilesa West Local Government area of Osun, who served as PDP agent in Ward 1, unit 002, claimed he was chased out of the polling booth, adding that he only collected result of the poll at the ward collation centre from a security agent. Oke, then presented certified true copy and duplicate form EC8A containing results of election for the ward and upon admission of the documents by court, they were marked exhibits P1 and P1a. Under cross examination by counsel to 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, Omowoware, APC and INEC, Mr. Wale Afolabi, Jibola Basiru and Olorunfemi Olalekan respectively, Salami admitted not signing the election results.

He also admitted mix up in his statement on oath, when he swore with Holy Bible but was said to be a Muslim. Another witness, Abiodun Olaleye, of Obembe Estate, Kajola Street Imo, Ilesa, adopted her written deposition and claimed alteration in the result of poll in her unit. Under cross examination, she said Form EC8A containing results of poll in the area was signed by her. When asked to add the number of votes scored by parties at the poll as stated on the result sheet, she said the number was 259. She however insisted that the number of voters on the day in the unit where she served as PDP agent was 265, while 267 voters were accredited. Another witness, Sunday Iyiola, from Onigbogi unit 1 and 2 in Atakumosa East Local Government said election did not hold in the area.


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The plight of neglected Nigerian workers CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

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his is a trying period for Nigerian workers, especially those in the public sector. It is on record that that Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kogi. Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers and Zamfara among other states, owe their employees salary arrears of at least six months. Many Federal Government workers are suffering the same fate. This is a problem the present Federal Government inherited from the last administration. Nigeria, with a population of about 173 million people, majority of whom are talented, boasting of the largest economy in Africa and recipient of trillions of petrodollars from her rent economy within the past few decades, leaves many in wonder why any seasonal reduction in income should always spell doom for the country. Why should the present drop in the in the price of crude oil in the international market hurl the nation into such an economic strait that governments at the centre an states cannot pay workers’ salaries months after months? The

answer is bad governance. The country has suffered unrelenting periods of mismanagement of resources, woeful planning, financial recklessness and deep-rooted corruption. Last Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari bemoaned this saddening state of affairs when he told reporters that his predecessor left for him an empty treasury, thus hinting that Nigerians should not expect any turnaround miracle so soon. Buhari had said: “This culture of 100 days is bringing so much pressure, with treasury virtually empty, with debts in millions of dollars, with state workers and even federal workers not paid their salaries.” A non-governmental organisation, SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has already dragged state governments and Federal Government to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through a petition complaining grievous breach of fundamental rights of Nigerian workers. SERAP stated in its petition that it “is seriously concerned that several state governments and the Federal Government of Nigeria are failing and/or refusing to pay workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements, amounting to billions of dollars in arrears. “SERAP contends that the failure and/or refusal of state governments and Federal Government to pay workers’ salaries and allowances and pensioners’ entitlements is a clear violation of the right to work recognized by various ILO instruments and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. The right to work is essential for realizing other human rights and forms an inseparable and in-

ONLY A SEGMENT OF THE WORKFORCE COULD BEAT ITS CHEST FOR PRIVILEGED MEMBERSHIP OF THE

‘GAINFULLY EMPLOYED’ CLUB herent part of human dignity.” The position taken by SERAP can hardly be faulted against the background of the now familiar profligacy of the ruling elite right in the face of the impoverished masses. Even under this dispensation, it was recently announced that Nigeria’s newly inaugurated National Assembly will receive a whopping N9 billion as ‘wardrobe allowance’! This is not among other mouthwatering allowances like ‘furniture allowance’ and ‘car allowance’. And of course, this is outside their normal gargantuan salaries that have fetched them the reputation of the highest paid (some researchers say second highest-paid) legislators in the world! Why should Nigerian workers continue to suffer while there is massive profligacy in other areas and by other people? But the culture of maltreatment of the worker predated the present tragedy. Even if the owed salaries are paid, it would do very little to improve the lots of workers. By and large, the conditions of workers in this country have always been very far from what they should be. They are still a

long shot from what even an average capitalist system could offer. To start with, most of our laws on labour are archaic, and what is more, even the so-called archaic provisions are poorly enforced with the resultant negative impact on the industrial sector. Conditions of employment in many Nigerian organisations are still appalling with a good number of employers cashing in on high employment rate to shortchange workers. Only a segment of the workforce could beat its chest for privileged membership of the ‘gainfully employed’ club; majority of the workers are on subsistence mode, working laboriously to keep bodies and souls together. The so-called organised private sector is even worse as many employees under multifarious contracts of employments are exploited and denied conventional workers’ rights. This is not to talk of the culture of casualisation, which seems to be soaring even in the otherwise strong institutions like banks. Whereas under the International Labour Organisation’s treaty to which Nigeria is signatory, the rights of workers, otherwise known as labour rights are comprehensively well-enunciated and protected. Nigeria should not renege its obligations under this treaty. The present administration surely has to do more to ease the misery of Nigerian workers than just paying the accumulated salaries. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @Ketesco

Ndigbo, Buhari and Ekweremadu reemergence LAW MEFOR

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he claim by some revisionists that the re-emergence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President would rob the South East of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) slot is a fallacy of the first order. The intrigues visiting the appointment of the SGF have been public knowledge since the declaration of Muhammadu Buhari as President-elect nearly three months ago. Fact is while President Buhari is said to be well-disposed to appointing a South Easterner as SGF, there are some reactionary elements who insist the office should go to another part of the country. Such dark forces are determined to make nonsense of the President’s “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody” governance philosophy proclaimed at his inauguration last May 29. A dissection of that declaration clearly reveals a President who has put election and electioneering behind him and assumed his rightful status as the father of the nation. Buhari clearly understands that given our diversities, a Nigerian President has a duty to ensure equitable representation and development. Yet, some people, who aim to be members of the new cabal, believe the President belongs to them and must do their bidding. One understands that it is not only the SGF that such people are after; they also want National Security Adviser,

THE RE-EMERGENCE OF EKWEREMADU IS NOT TO BE SEEN AS A CONCESSION FROM THE APC; IT WAS INCIDENTAL…

Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, etc. They believe that by holding all the command positions they would be certain they have the Presidency. But since 1999 and three presidents’ interregnums, such offices are never concentrated in any one part of the country. The warped argument of some who believe the South East should get nothing stems from what they describe as poor electoral fortunes of the ruling APC at the last presidential poll in the East. Though the party could not produce a senator from the zone or many votes for President Buhari, at least, it controls a state (Imo) and produced two members of the House of Reps. So, it is yet another misleading notion to claim that the APC has no representation in the East at all, even though it does not compare to zones the party had a good electoral showing. Since the South East has been tipped all along to produce the SGF, it still stands to reason the concession be retained and actualised. Once or twice, the name of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was pub-

lished on the APC Situation Room site as having been appointed the SGF and once or twice it was pulled down presumably, due to pressure from such forces, which believe there is no reason to give the eastern zone such position. These same forces have latched on the re-emergence of Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President, to further argue that the South East has gotten enough. This argument is incurably defective on several grounds. One, the South East produced the SGF even when it held the position of Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives under the last National Assembly. Two, the position of Deputy Senate President is a representation in another arm of government and does not in any way make for representation in government, where executive decisions are taken and where the interests of the country’s zones ought to be protected. Furthermore, the absence of South easterners in visible positions will further weaken the APC in the South East. Many who have toiled for the party in the zone need something to show for it, lest their people conclude that there is nothing for them in the new ruling coalition. This last point is so fundamental if the APC hopes to make an inroad and have a good showing in the zone in the 2019 general elections. It is equally important to point out that the re-emergence of Ekwerema-

du is not to be seen as a concession from the APC; it was incidental and as such the South East has not gotten anything yet from the APC government and the party shouldn’t pretend that the zone has been settled. It was a position given by senators of the Federal Republic to their fellow senator based on Section 50 of the Constitution. Contrary to this warped reasoning, the APC elements should rather thank God for the cool-headed and maturity of Ekweremadu, the fatherly mien of Senator David Mark and the patriotism of PDP senators. Otherwise, in the circumstance that the leadership of the 8th Senate emerged, they could have taken both if they so wished. And the heavens wouldn’t fall. As stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, the South East, along with the states of the five other zones, are expected to produce a minister each. Even this will not assuage the bad feelings to follow the failure of the zone to produce the SGF on account of the reemergence of Senator Ekweremadu. Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic psychologist and journalist, wrote via lawmefor@gmail.com and can be reached on 08037872893 (SMS ONLY) 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.


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Editorial

Thursday June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

As Muslims honour Ramadan

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ast Thursday marked the beginning of yet another month of Ramadan, a period the Muslim Ummah the world over demonstrate their individual piousness with all possible sincerity. Perhaps, more importantly, it is a period the relationship between the Muslim faithful with Almighty Allah and the Muslim faith is revered the most with unrivalled respect. As has been the tradition, the coming of the season is heralded with a buzz of felicitations from the nation’s leaders - spiritual and temporal - and across religious divides. In Nigeria, Ramadan offers Muslims a yearly opportunity to seek greater closeness and dedication to Allah; on the one hand; and on the other, accommodate fellow mortal humans with demonstrable love. Spiritual activities and related rewarding engagements - exceptional commitment to prayers, vigils, offerings, gifts, fellowship and bonding across all Muslim faithful peak during the period. Indeed, Ramadan is widely acclaimed as the blessed month when the holy book, the Quran, was revealed; while Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Majesty when the Quran was first revealed) is acknowledged as being more valuable than 1,000 months (83 years and 4 months). Our thinking, therefore, is that

the Ramadan month equally presents a rare opportunity not just for self renewal and rededication to Allah, but for reflecting on the state of the nation and the contributions of the Muslim Ummah and its leadership towards addressing the numerous challenges confronting the country. We reiterate that the opportunity is not limited to Muslims alone, but to all other groups. All Muslims with genuine concern for the well-being of the nation need to sincerely use the period to thank Allah for the special grace He showered on Nigeria throughout the 2015 political transition period, and pray fervently for the nation’s overall good health, unity, survival and peaceful co-existence. Nigeria in recent decades has remained a huge study in motionwithout-movement. Portions of the country are strife-torn; and others hounded by insurgency, large scale criminality, restiveness, mass unemployment occasioning widespread poverty, destitution, frustration and desperation. The nation’s predatory political leadership since 1999 when Nigerians freed themselves from the yoke of military dictatorship has also made spittle difference in infrastructure provisioning and growing the economy. This will help highlight the economic quagmire the nation is now enmeshed in because of falling oil

June 25, 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Internal Emergency in India. This refers to a 21-month period in 1975 – 1977 when unilaterally had a state of emergency declared across the country. Officially issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352(1) of the Constitution for “internal disturbance”, the Emergency was in effect from June 25, 1975 until its withdrawal on March 21, 1977.

IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT A LOT OF THE AFFLICTIONS THAT USHERED IN LAST

YEAR’S

RAMADAN…

WERE STILL TRAILING THE COUNTRY prices. It is so pathetic that about 24 states cannot meet their salary obligations to their workers, some for seven months or more. During last year’s Ramadan fast, the message from the Presidency said: “The President seizes the opportunity of the commencement of the Ramadan fast to reassure the entire nation that the Federal Government continues to work tirelessly to curb insurgency, terrorism and other criminal acts which have caused insecurity in parts of the country. He urges Nigerians not to succumb to despair, but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus, decisiveness and collective support for the Armed Forces and security agencies, the country will ultimately overcome the evil agents of sectionalism, sectarianism and international terrorism who seek to disunite the nation”. Nigerian Muslims were admonished to rededicate themselves in fuller measure to

ON THIS DAY

June 25, 1982 Greece abolished the head shaving of recruits in the military. Head shaving is the practice of shaving the hair from a person’s head. At different times and places, people have shaved, all or part of, their heads for very diverse reasons: practical, convenience, low maintenance, religious, cultural, or aesthetic - so a shaven head has widely varying connotations depending on the context.

the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, equity, honesty, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged which the Holy month promotes. From President Muhammadu Buhari’s message to Muslims last week, however, it was obvious that a lot of the afflictions that ushered in last year’s Ramadan, and many others he made no reference to, like the nation’s economic woes and hunger in the land, were still trailing the country. “As we make collective efforts to bring to a permanent end to the menace of the Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin countries, let me use this auspicious occasion to appeal to our misguided brothers to drop their arms, embrace peace and seek a better understanding of Islam during this Holy period and beyond”, Buhari said. But lest we forget, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), being a highly respected embodiment of the Muslim faithful leadership in Nigeria, should be vociferous and firm in not just condemning but fighting many of the ills plaguing the nation. A lot of the social and economic dislocations and political turmoil drawing the country back demand a very strong NSCIA voice and the unrelenting prayers of the Muslim Ummah, certainly not a passing glance.

June 25, 1998 In Clinton v. City of New York, the United States Supreme Court decided that the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 was unconstitutional. The Line Item Veto Act of 1996 Pub.L. 104–130 enacted a line-item veto for the Federal Government of the US. But its effect was brief due to judicial review. The bill was introduced by Senator Bob Dole on January 4, 1995, cosponsored by Senator John McCain and 29 other senators.


Thursday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Education Today Challenges of over-population in Nigerian varsities

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Tunbosun Ogundare

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hen the management of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC),Yaba, Lagos, last week, ordered the final year boarding students, currently writing their NECO examinations to vacate their hostel and be coming from home to write their remaining papers, some parents condemned the decision, saying it was not only illtimed but also improper. The school sent the students packing on Tuesday for allegedly refusing to comply with the rules and regulations of the college. But parents who opposed the decision argued that the management should have identified and punished only the erring students and not include the innocent ones. They argued further that considering the Lagos chaotic and stressful traffic situation, the students’ performance in the exam may be affected, somehow, apart from additional expenses the development would equally cause them. But the school principal and director, Rev. Chris Ugorji while confirming the development, told National Mirror that the decision was taken in good faith and in the best interest of the students. He explained that he had nothing to gain personally as a principal and as a father for taking the step if not for the fact that the students had suddenly become uncontrollable just because they have a few weeks more to leave the school. “They did whatever they like. One would be surprised seeing somebody who is writing terminal exams playing around. They didn’t

Why FSTC expelled SS3 students from hostels – Principal Says FG approved decision

The main entrance of the college

Ugorji read anymore. And when we tried to caution them, they would tell us that they were no more our students but NECO candidates. Some even boasted that they were sure of passing their WAEC or NABTEB exams which they had written earlier and that NECO exam was not all that important to them again. “They didn’t want to fol-

Non-inclusion of private universities in TETFUND’s mandate criminal —VC 22

Igwilo low the rules and regulations anymore. They left their hostels at will. They went to dining hall at their own pace. And to make matters worse, they defecated indiscriminately in their hostels and damaged the ceiling and chairs and many other school property. They also discoloured the wall with substance suspected to be

Adeeko

Eke

shoes polish here and there. “They were just behaving as if they had nothing again to do with the school. The males among them were even asking us to release their girls to them. All these are indications that they just wanted to go home and we could no longer tolerate such behaviour, more so, as it is beginning to have negative impact

on the junior students. If something worse than these happen, the same parents who accused us now would be the first to blame us and that is the home truth. So, we love them and care for them. It is just that they don’t want to be under the control of the authority again,” the principal further explained. He however noted that

Tension in Kogi varsity over VC’s appointment 20

even at that, the situation did not just get to this intolerable level, as the school authority had held an emergency meeting with the parents of all the SS3 students 10 days earlier where they were fully briefed about their children’s strange behaviour. The meeting, according to the principal, also had the SS3 students, the HODs, subject and form teachers in attendance. “And there was a resolution at the forum that every parent should talk to their children and encourage them to be of good conduct not only in school but outside the school as well. There was also a resolution to sanction any of them that erred. But CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

‘How LASU students raised money to fight fee hike ’ 20


20

Education Today

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SSCE: Niger promises candidates with 8As scholarship Priscilla Dennis MINNA

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he Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has approved the establishment of two special primary schools in each of the 25 local government areas in the state in order to meet UNESCO’s standards at every aspect. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba made this known in a statement, stressing that the number would be increased in future. He explained that the governor had promised that government would give scholarship to study abroad to any final year secondary school student who is indigene of the state and score distinctions in eight subjects in the senior school certificate examinations. He also disclosed that emphasis would be given to science students who performed well but are short of the eight distinctions, adding that their own sponsorship would be in Nigeria. The measure is aimed at giving the students from the state qualitative and sound education which is the bedrock of any meaningful development. Arguing that what government needs is practical and not theoretical solution to the falling standard of education in the state, Dooba noted that the governor was ready to invest heavily in the sector being the greatest source of empowerment and foundation for human development of any society.

Massive turnout for Maltina Teacher of the Year Award

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s entries for the newly launched Maltina Teacher of the Year Award draws to a close, organisers say they have recorded a deluge of entries as teachers rush to meet the deadline. Reports from entries collation centres nationwide indicates that scores of secondary school teachers are enthusiastically submitting entries for the coveted award. This is coming even as Kufre Ekanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc, has hinted that collection and submission of entries may be extended to give opportunity to every qualified teacher to compete for the prize. The initiative is under Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, a corporate social arm of Nigerian Breweries to reward outstanding Nigerian teachers who have developed innovative strategies and teaching techniques as well as contributed to the advancement of the sector. . Ekanem however stated that interested candidates could obtain hard copies of entry forms from designated collection and submission points scattered all over the country as contained in flyers, posters and other below-the-line advertising materials being circulated across the country. He added that candidates can also download the application forms from the Maltina website, www.maltina-nigeria.com, complete the application and upload to the site or return a printed copy of a completed entry form via the company’s postal address: Nigerian Breweries, P.M.B. 12632, Marina, Lagos.

From 4th (L-R:) Regional Coordinator, West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) for Root and Tuber Crops Project, Dr. Justin Pita; Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Abegunde; Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Prof. Charles Ayo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Abioye and Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Charles Ogbulogu and other participants during the launch of WAVE at Covenant University, on Monday.

Tension in Kogi varsity over VC’s appointment Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

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he appointment of a new ViceChancellor for Kogi State University, Ayingba has thrown the university community into tension. National Mirror gathered that the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hassan Isah who was reappointed for second term in 2011 would be expired this October and shopping for his successor had commenced with newspaper’s advertisement announcing the vacancy for the post. The state-owned university which in the recent times faced crisis of unpaid allowances that led to its closure for almost three

months due to workers’ strike may soon be in the news again as the succession process is said to be brewing another internal crisis if not immediately nib in the bud. Sources told National Mirror that the issues of marginalisation, tribal sentiments and mistrust in the Kogi State politics are already playing decisive role in who becomes the next VC of the 15- year- old university. It was gathered that several conditions had been put in place so as to weed out many candidates vying for the position to favour a particular ethnic section of the state. It was also gathered that another condition is the scheming out of candidates above 65 years old from the race despite the fact that 70 years is a retirement age for lectur-

ers in professorial cadre in Nigerian universities. Those who are not satisfied with the development argued that since the university belongs to all segments of the state it should be playing a unifying role by giving every interested candidate for the seat and other major offices equal opportunity in the selection process rather than reserving a particular position for the dominant ethnic group. They therefore used this medium to call on the visitor to the university and governor of the state, Capt. Wada Idris (retd) to use his good offices in ensuring that due process is followed in the appointment of the next VC and other principal officers of the university.

Why FSTC expelled SS3 students from hostels —Principal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 the situation only grew worse and became a norm among them,” he stressed. Interestingly, Ugorji, who is also a cleric, noted that all the major stakeholders of the school including the Federal Ministry of Education were carried along on the issue with the hope that the students would change. Attesting to the Principal’s claim are both the boarding house masters, Mr. Venture Ezeonye and Mrs. Augusta Eke for boys’ and girls’ hostel respectively. They reaffirmed that the students had become lawless indeed. “Even when they were supposed to be sleeping, they would be playing games and making phone calls for several hours despite the fact that the use of personal phone is outlawed in the college,” Ezeonye added. Another major stakeholder, the Chairman of Parent-Teacher Association of the college, Mrs. Oby Igwilo while confirming several appeal made to the students, expressed surprised that the situation turned worse. “I expected them to have changed for better at least for the sake of the emergency meeting we held together on 6th of June. So, it is depressing that there was no improvement and they worsened the situation by destroying the school property. That attitude is totally unacceptable,” she stated. Igwilo, who disclosed that she was out of Lagos on that Tuesday said she received several phone calls from her colleagues complaining that the school had driven out their children without allowing them to write their exams.

“I quickly called those I could easily reach on phone to help me find out what was happening before I called the principal and later came around to see things by myself,” she explained. Using this medium to caution parents to always clarify issues before jumping into conclusion, Igwilo also appealed to them not to leave the training of their children in the hands of their teachers and schools. According to her, parents have their own roles to play in bringing up a child to excel in academic and in manners including attending PTA meetings and monitoring of their activities. “But many parents leave all these responsibilities for the schools and teachers, which is not good enough if we truly love and care for these children,” she concluded. Sharing the same view, the deputy director, Inspectorate division, Federal Ministry of Education, Lagos Office, Mrs. Rita Attah confirmed to National Mirror that the ministry was aware and in full support of the happenings in the college, including the withdrawal of the outgoing students from their hostels. She said the students’ behaviours, from all indications, have shown that the management had no option than to ask them to vacate their hostels since they had chosen to live independent life. “That they went to the extent of destroying government property made the matter worse. Unity colleges nationwide are set up with a mandate to produce well-rounded students. The students who will be very sound academically and in character. We set the

pace for the states’-owned model schools to follow and we cannot allow any student to draw us backward. So, the management took a wise decision,” she said. The National President of the alumni association of the 67-year-old college, Chief Adebayo Adeeko also shared this view, saying the high standard the college is known for over the years must not be depreciated. He told National Mirror that he was not happy to hear that the outgoing students were behaving in such unruly manner just because they would soon finish their studies, noting that such attitude was totally strange during his days in the college. National Mirror’s investigations however confirmed the unruly behaviour of the SS3 students from some of the students themselves. A male science student who did not want his name in print told National Mirror that their belief was that since they had almost completed their studies, there was no need to be subjected to a regimented lifestyle again. “And those of us who destroyed chairs and chalk board as well as drawing some funny objects on the wall saw all those things as fun,” he noted. He however disclosed that he was not part of the ‘game’ as his parents, just like a few others, had withdrawn him from the hostel when the exam was approaching, to enable him concentrate fully on his studies. “So, I have been going from home to write my exams whenever I have papers and that started from early April with WAEC exams and I like it that way,” he concluded.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Amosun tasks varsities on policy-driven researches

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State and guest speaker, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko; Director, Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Lagos Prof Anthony Killa; public analyst, Mr. Henry Boyo and Executive Director, Conscience Nigeria, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju during the CIAPS’s organised round table, tagged: “Fuel subsidy: A closer look” held in Lagos, last Friday.

Saidat Alausa

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overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has charged researchers and scholars in the nation to embark on researches that would tackle the challenges of food security and safety in the country. He gave the charge during a programme at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, recently. The programme, which was in partnership with the International Life Science Institute, University of Ghana, Legon was themed: “Food safety for nutritionists and other professionals.” He noted that this year’s theme for the World Health Day, “From Farm to Fork,” highlighted the global concerns for food safety, amplified the emerging threat from food-borne diseases and showed that there was still the need for concerted efforts at stemming the menace of food-borne diseases in the society. The governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Daisi Odeniyi, stated that there had been an increase in the upsurge of food-borne diseases due to the consumption of contaminated food items which could result in sudden death, because the basic principles of hygiene were not followed, while producing such food items. He said that there was the need to educate people on the dangers of eating unwholesome food, adding that the state Ministry of Agriculture regularly inspects abattoirs to certify that they were fit for the processing of meat for human consumption. According to him, residues and fruits were also subjected to laboratory analysis too. “From the results, it was found that a reasonable number of foods being consumed were not up to standard, hence the need to train and retrain food vendors and others, to address unhygienic food processing procedures.” The Programme Coordinator in Nigeria, Prof. Folake Henshaw, stated that food safety had become an important issue in the global arena as the emerging threats to food safety include chemical, biological and physical hazards, therefore, the need for volumes of scientific knowledge to be disseminated to practitioners and operators along the chain. Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Prof. Lateef Sanni, said the programme was in line with the university mandate.

Amosun

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Corps member organises excursion for students Kemi Busari

CORPS MEMBER, KADUNA

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s part of his personal Community Development Service (CDS), a corps member serving in Kaduna State, Mr. Busari Kemi has taken his students on a journalism excursion. The excursion train which had more than 50 students on board took off from the school premises of EHCOWS Discovery Academy, Kaduna and traversed the radio and television stations of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. At the television station, the students were received by Mr. Musa Muhammad Lawal who took them round major departments of the station including control room, library, studio, editing suit, newsroom and graphics. Briefing the students on how the gadgets work, Lawal said the process of transmission was quite simple and occurs within few seconds.

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he American University of Nigeria, Yola has created new study-abroad windows to enable highly motivated students seek experience and active responsibility beyond Nigeria. AUN President, Dr. Margee Ensign, spoke about these opportunities, open from September 2015, during a recent information session organised to throw more light on the programmes of the Global Liberal Arts Alliance (GLAA), an alliance of 27 liberal arts universities, including AUN, in 15 countries. The Great Lakes Colleges Association, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, coordinates GLAA activities and projects and was instrumental to its formation in 2009. The Alliance’s programs are financed with the support of the Endeavor Foundation and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. The opportunities include a minor in Globalization Studies, a Global Scholar Programme,

He stated that “every department must work together in order to create just a single picture or video you watch at home.” According to him, “transmission process starts from the studio where audio and video is been sent to the control room. At the control room, some distortions will be effected on the voice before it is been sent to the transmitter which carries it directly to the mast and finally to your various homes.” The students were held spellbound at the sight of the drawings at the graphics department. Mr. Jonathan Dauda, the head of the department said the unit was in charge of the pictures been televised. “All of you watch cartoon, animations, and several other pictures at home, this small graphics room takes care of all these,” he told them. He encouraged them to give their studies a deserved attention so as to become somebody including journalists in future.

The fun and education continued at the newsroom where the station’s manager of News and Current Affairs, Mr. Peter Yaro was engaged in an interview session by the students. Yaro advised them to be good ambassadors of their school and anywhere they may find themselves in future. After a quickrefreshment,the students got ready for the second part of the excursion at the radio station of the Kaduna State Media Corporation. (Capital Sound) They were received by a good number of the staff who took them round the news,programmes and engineering departments of the station. The students were also granted interviews to be aired on several of the station’s programmes and given the opportunity of making shout out on a live programme. Speaking on her experience, the editor-in-chief of the school’s press club, Fareedat Muhammad said the excursion was a lifetime

experience for her and other students who went. In his remark, Kemi Busari who is the coordinator of the school’s press,quiz and debate clubs said the motivation is borne out of interest to impact on lives. ‘I have always sought to get this opportunity of imparting the little God has bestowed on me to the younger generation. I had the opportunity of being part of several press clubs in my days at school and participated the many quiz and debate competitions,so I think its just a payback time for me’ ‘The major reason for organising the excursion is to avail the students the needed exposure and see how the profession is being practised in reality. In the end,we achieved our aim;many of them told me that they will like to be a journalist in future’ Kemi also hinted that the excursion is part of his personal CDS which is a cardinal part of the national youth service.

AUN announces new oversea studies’ opportunities and another window open on the platform of Association of American International Colleges & Universities (AAICU), a leadership organisation whose members provide responsible delivery and quality assurance of American higher education outside the US. Under the first two, students will spend a year abroad in two

different universities that are GLAA members. “All three programmes prepare students for leadership and personal effectiveness in our interconnected world through a study of topics of global focus that transcend national borders,” Ensign said. She emphasised that although the programmes are

hosted by the International & Comparative Politics Department in the School of Arts & Sciences, they are open to all students who are interested in an immersive study of real-life global problems. She noted that students from AUN would not have to pay any extra tuition fees to participate in any of the programmes. L-R: Deputy ViceChancellor, Adeleke University, Ede, Prof. Ibikunle Tijani; Vice Chancellor Prof. Oluwole Amusan and Registrar, Ven. Olusegun Ojo, during a press conference on the university activities held at the institution, recently.


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Education Today

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Lagos schools hold MSSN Day Falomo Junior and Senior High Schools in conjunction with Ireti Junior and Senior Grammar Schools, both in Ikoyi, Lagos last week held 2015 Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria Day. It is an annual event where students share knowledge about Islamic religion and interact among themselves for mutual co-existence. The event is captured in images alongside that of the Falomo Junior High School ‘One-Day Principal’ held earlier.

Members of the society from both Falomo Junior and senior High Schools and their counterparts from Ireti Junior and Senior Grammar Schools.

Amir, Ireti Senior High School, Bro Rasheed Salami reading Quran.

Member, programme’s organising committee, Mr. Rasheed Ibrahim (middle) flanked by invited students under Education District 3.

Matron and officers of the society from Falomo junior and Senior High Schools and Ireti Junior and Senior Grammar Schools at the event.

Principal of Falomo Junior High School, Alhaji Aderemi Adedigba handing over his office key to the ‘One-Day Principal’ of the school, Miss Vodunu Stella

Audience at the event.

‘One-Day Principal,’ Miss Vodunu Stella (left, sitting) and principal, Alhaji Aderemi Adedigba(2nd left) with other members of staff of the school.


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Education Today

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Challenges of over-population in Nigerian varsities “T oday, June 22 2015, the first semester examinations for year one students in my department came to a successful end, with all the anxieties and hypertensions accompanying it. It was the most difficult examination that I have ever conducted since assuming appointment as a lecturer in this university over thirty years ago”. These were the comments of a colleague during a discussion at the end of the first phase of the first semester examination which involved the year one students. Why so much upheaval about an examination which was supposed to be part of the routine job definition of the university teacher? But in all honesty, nothing is routine or normal in the Nigerian university system anymore! In the face of dwindling fortunes of public universities in Nigeria, a damning report by the NEEDS assessment committee set up by the federal government to evaluate the state of the nation’s public universities, and a crippling strike by the academic staff union of Nigerian universities (ASUU), the government of the day had proceeded to increase the admission quota into universities against all expectations. This act which was believed to be politically motivated and unpopular with the university administrators and workers alike was enforced under the threat of sanctions-on-default by the then supervising minister of education barrister Nyesom Wike. The National Universities Commission just looked on! That was about a year ago. Since then the conditions in the university system has worsened. Power supply seems to have vanished and water taps have run dry in the laboratories. The inventory of basic laboratory equipment and consumables has since dwindled to unimaginable levels. Lecture halls now overflow with students, and lecture hours have been extended, albeit unofficially to Saturdays in the absence of venues during the normal working days of the week. Many students do not come to classes because they cannot cope with the jostle for seats. Laboratory classes have also suffered greatly under the highly elevated students’ population. Some foundation classes in biology, physics and chemistry have mushroomed from

Lecture halls now

overflow with students, and lecture hours have been extended, albeit unofficially to Saturdays just about a thousand candidates to over three thousand, and servicing departments are groaning under the heavy responsibility placed on their shoulders. Multiple streams of laboratory class are run by often exhausted and disgruntled laboratory staff in a single day. Many practical classes do not hold because of inability to squeeze them into the available space and time. The emphasis shifts to attendance rather than learning. Twenty to forty students are allocated to a single microscope in the biology classes. Only one student is allowed to view the object, that is, if power permits, while the others record what he claims to have seen. And then the student is not allowed to even adjust the microscope for fear he may “spoil” it! I have once witnessed a zoology practical class with the instructor dissecting some specimens with about 200 students standing nonchalantly by! But at the end of the day, the students answer “present”, submit wonderful reports and are awarded excellent grades; but they have learnt nothing,

practically. This is an important consequence of the avoidable explosion in the population of students in Nigerian universities. Then the examinations arrive! The examiners have to find space for over 250 regular year one students and often unknown number of repeaters popularly known as “carryovers”, up from less than 150 in the previous years. Meanwhile, the available spaces can only accommodate about 160 candidates, that is, if you can find seats! Two options are often available; source for additional venues and seats, or allow the students to seat shoulder to shoulder and accept the uncontrollable examination malpractice that would follow. Unfortunately, many examiners settle for the second option, and turn blind eyes to the high incidence of examination malpractice that follows. The first option is often much more traumatic for students and examiners alike. In the scramble for additional examination venues, there are often clashes, between students, between examination officers, between personalities, principalities and powers from different departments and sometimes tempers rise to near boiling point. At the end of the day, a decent outcome may be achieved, though at great cost to both students and staff; exhausted and exasperated! What happens when these students progress to higher levels, with smaller classrooms that can scarcely sit a hundred students even when packed like sardines? How are they expected to attend lectures and learn in the process? Four or five years on, they would be in the final year classes and be expected to carry out laboratory based research projects. With no knowledge gained from previous practical classes, no space, and no equipment or reagents in the laboratories, how will they perform this feat? The political gimmicks cannot continue; the system is collapsing! Admission quota for the 2015/2015 session must be based strictly on the carrying capacity of the respective institutions, while we think of ways to clean the mess on ground. If as it were, the National Universities Commission has lost the will to function, then we must look beyond it!

Ugwuanyi lauds NOUN for boosting varsity admission UNILAG VC bags award Saidat Alausa

Tunbosun Ogundare

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he Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has promised to consolidate on the legacies of his predecessor, especially in the area of bringing education to the door steps of the people of the state. The governor who stated this while playing host to a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in his office last week, said Enugu State would leverage on the uniqueness and mandate of the university for the benefit of the state. He described education as one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and a key focus of his electioneering campaign, adding that the visit by NOUN delegation would provide the opportunity to fulfill one of his numerous electioneering promises. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, who led the delegation, thanked the governor for believing in the mandate of the institution. He said NOUN had come to make education easy for all through its easy access and simple learning techniques, adding that its flexibility and affordability made it the university of first choice for those hitherto denied admission into conventional universities.

Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Vincent Tenebe(left) presenting souvenir to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State during the institution’s courtesy visit to the governor in Enugu, last week..

Prof. Tenebe, in a press release by the university’s spokesman, Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin, said NOUN had strong clientele in the military, para military, the National Assembly as well as prisons where it has produced graduates. He said the school had also produced graduates in other areas of hu-

man endeavour who can compete with their colleagues in other conventional universities. Prof. Tenebe however solicited the support of the state government in spreading the gospel of Open and Distance Learning offered by the university.

i c e - C h a n c e l l o r, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Rahamon Bello was last Thursday, conferred with award and certificate of credence as National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Outstanding Vice-Chancellor of the Year. The ceremony took place at the university. Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Tunde Babawale, during his opening remark congratulated NANS for the uncommon transformation witnessed on such a special day and for deeming it fit to honour the vice-chancellor by their own will which serves as a tonic and catalyst for him to keep on with the good work. The Vice President of NANS, Tosin Ogunkuade, said the largest student movement in Africa that constitutes all universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology in Nigeria thought it wise to reward the VC for his lead-

ership acumen towards resuscitation of students’ union activities in the university. It will be recalled that the institution’s Student Union proscribed in 2005 was resuscitated early this year. While responding, Prof. Bello thanked NANS executives under the leadership of Mr. Tijani Usman, for bestowing such an adored honour on him but also stated that the bigger appreciation should go to immediate Past Dean, Student Affairs Division, Prof. Olukayode Amund, who initiated the process and his team as well as students who made the process worked out. Prof. Bello assured NANS that the management would always see to the welfare of students.

Bello


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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Caleb University boosts students’ entrepreneurial skills Tunbosun Ogundare

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s a way of preparing the students in line with employment reality in the country, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State recently organised an entrepreneurial training programme for its students. It was a four-week event tagged: “Youth Empowerment Solution” with no fewer than 100 active participants. During the intensive workshop programme which was run for four consecutive Saturdays in the month of May begging on 2nd, students were able to learn the skill required to do well in their choice vocational trades. These include handmade bags and shoes, photography, event coverage and decoration as well as baking, among others. The university believes that the training scheme will prepare the students not only to be self-reliant but also to be job creators and not job seekers after graduation. In a related development, the architectural students of the institution also joined their counterparts and practicing architects from Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects to showcase their talents in drawing and models.

UNILORIN SUG swears-in new officers Abimbola Ridwaanullah

200L, ISLAMIC STUDIES, UNILORIN

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he University of Ilorin staff and students recently converged at the university auditorium to inaugurate the newlyelected students’ union leaders who will paddle the affairs of the Student’s Union for the 2015/2016 academic session. The inauguration ceremony was graced by principal officers of the university, led by the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniy Ambali, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ijaya. In his welcome address, titled: “Memorable Day,” the VC congratulated the immediate past administration led by Yakubu Ishowo on their success in discharging their functions in different capacities. Also, while congratulating the new officials on their electoral victory, he encouraged them to carry the students along as they start their tenure “winning elections is easier than managing thousands of students. Roll your sleeves and get to work; the university is ready to support you.”

The 200 level medical students of UNIBEN shortly after the outreach, recently.

UNIBEN undergraduates educate pupils on healthy lifestyle Eddy Uwoghiren

300L MED AND SURG,UNIBEN

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hristian Medical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS), University of Benin chapter last Friday sensitised students at Owinna Primary School, Iduowinna Benin City, on issues pertaining to their health, especially good oral hygiene. One of the organisers, a 200-level student, Ese Udi counseled the pupils to take their bath regularly, always

wash their hands before and after eating, cut their nails regularly, walk about with shoes and wear clean clothes. He further told them to avoid taking drugs without doctor’s prescription and report any symptoms of ill health to their parents rather than concealing them. Janet Ogbonna on her part spoke on career choice, encouraging the pupils to study hard to be able to be great in future. “Read your books, obey your

teachers, obey your parents, desist from truancy and hold on to God in your daily activities,” she counseled. Earlier, Mission Secretary of the class, Winner Chukwu, said the annual outreach was an opportunity for the students to enlighten pupils on health issues, career and the gospel of Christ. “As medical students, we know that people fall ill because they have not been properly enlightened. We also know

UNILAG student wins National Maths contest Saidat Alausa

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he quest of University of Lagos, Akoka to remain ahead of other universities nationwide has continued to yield positive result as the university added another feather to its cap. Although, the university finished fourth in team event at the 7th National Mathematics Competition for University Students (NAMCUS), it emerged overall winner of the mathematics category. The competition, which took place between April 19 and 25, 2015, at the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja saw a total of 100 students representing 25 universities with UNILAG winning one gold medal, one silver and two bronze medals. The laurel-winning final-year students of mathematics were Kareem Kazeem, who emerged first in individual category; Kehinde Mosope, won silver while the duo of Oruje Yusuf and Seidu Abiola came home with bronze medals. They were tested in Algebra, Complex Analysis, Real Analysis, Functional Analysis and Differential Equations.

The Head of Mathematics Department of the university, Prof. Samuel Ajala alongside leaders of the delegation, Dr. Osilagun and Dr. Akinfenwa all congratulated the students on the feat and advised them not to rest on their oars but keep blazing the trail in their desires to put the uni-

that if the children are taught health tips, they will relay the message to their parents.” The campaign which had in attendance no fewer than 40 medical and dental students also featured presentation of gift item to the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Taiwo Ogbebor. Some of the students who spoke with Campus News described the event as memorable, adding that it will go a long way in helping the students to live healthy lifestyle.

versity on the world map for laudable performances. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Rahamon Bello and his two deputies:Prof. Babajide Alo (Academic and Research) and Prof. Duro Oni(Management Services)and some other principal officers of the university witnessed the award ceremony.

Head of Department, Mathematics, University of Lagos, Prof. Samuel Ajala (middle) with leaders of the delegation Dr. Osilagun and Dr. Akinfenwa and representative of the university at the 7th National Mathematics Competition for University Students (NAMCUS) held in Abuja, recently.


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Buhari asked to involve ‘How LASU students raised money to fight fee hike’ students in decision making Nurudeen Yusuf is the immediate past President of Students’ Union of Lagos State Yomi Ayeleso

300L, BUS ADMIN AAUA

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he President of Students’ Union Government, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko,(AAUA), Ondo State, Olukayode Ogunade has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to involve students in decisions bothering on education sector. He said when students were carried along on issues concerning them; the better it would be for the education sector. Olukayode, in a statement which he tagged “Agenda for Buhari” said educational institutions in the country currently lack the required funds to put in place a conducive learning environment, thus the need for the new government to provide and made available more

funds and grants in the sector through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and other agencies. The student union leader stated that, university workers in the country are under motivated and this he said has affected their level of efficiency. He advised the government to pay attention to workers welfare; mode and process at which promotion is being done among the workforce in the institutions should be reviewed. Olukayode further urged the government to expose both the teaching and nonteaching staffs to acquire new knowledge in their various fields through constant trainings in and outside the country. Lamenting the rate at which Nigerian students fall victim of violent attacks in the various campuses, he

Don cautions Nigerians on kidney disease Eddy Uwoghiren

300L, MED. AND SURG, UNIBEN

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o you wish to live long? If yes, then, there are some basic things you must do. First you must watch what you eat, exercise regularly, reduce salt intake in your food, and avoid buying unprescribed drugs. In additions, you should avoid using herbal drugs, watch your obesity level, do not smoke and desist from using bleaching creams. When next you visit your doctor, do not leave his office until he does a urinalysis test for you to ascertain if you are having problem with your kidneys. These were the advice from a professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologists at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Evelyn Unuigbe while delivering the 158th Inaugural lecture of the University of Benin, last Thursday. In her lecture titled ‘He gave them for your Purification and Good Health: Protect those amazing Kidneys of Yours’, she revealed that

Acute kidney Disease (AKD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) were leading causes of death worldwide. The Professor also said that while AKD was treatable, CKD was untreatable and manifests late. She revealed that bulk of patients always come to the hospital late which makes handling CKD difficult. Revealing that inadequate equipment, little funding for research, lack of public awareness and poverty were among factors militating against management of CKD, she called on the government to step up to the challenges of addressing the problems. In her recommendation, she called for proper community awareness, lifestyle modification for Nigerians, regular consultation, legislation of laws to make dialysis and kidney transplant subsidised. Dean of the School of Medicine, Prof. Moses Momoh commended the lecturer for the lecture saying that inaugural lectures shouldn’t be seen as a ceremonial event only but one which provide an opportunity to learn.

University (LASU), Ojo. He is in 500 level, studying Law. He speaks in this interview about his tenure and his current effort to become the South West Coordinator for the National Association of Nigerian Students. Excerpts:

and if we can scorn riches of bondage and pain, and do not chastise the courage to take charge. This can be made possible if we maintain absolute neutrality on partisan issues that border on political party affiliations as provided in article 2, paragraph 9 of the NANS constitution.

You just completed your tenure as President of LASU Students’ Union, why do you want to coordinate the affairs of the South-West students? You will agree with me that our great union- NANS- is at crossroads. We pride ourselves as the most ideological zone. Yes! It is a beacon of hope, but in recent time, we have not lived up to these great expectations. The dreams of our founding fathers that inspired the best of the unionism have been smothered. Today, thousands of our students have looked away in disillusionment and frustration. Our leaders have failed to provide an enabling environment for the best in us to thrive. The minimum acceptable standard of leadership should be for the need to improve the general level of intellectual culture of the Nigerian society, starting from the most basic form of education up to the higher institutions, guard jealously the charter of demands and protect against victimisation of an average Nigerian student. With the invaluable experience that I had garnered as the president of LASU Students’ Union- my intentions are to restore the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerian students. To achieve this, we must return NANS back to the campuses. I intend to offer a responsible and responsive leadership. NANS used to be ideologically inclined, especially in the South West, but over the years, it has derailed, what do you think could have caused it and how it can be addressed?

Yusuf

NANS was a superstructure erected on leftist ideology to serve as an alternative to the Nigerian people. The foundation was not an accident, but as a result of exposure of the founding fathers as intelligentsia of the society and members of the ivory tower. Just as the Obafemi Awolowo and the likes were spurred to fight for Nigerian independence, they secured liberty for the students’ movement and laid the foundations for the best students’ union practices. They built the most vibrant students’ movement, created the institutions and defended their ideologies. The aspirations have been smothered by some kleptomaniacs who were bereft of ideas. Then, wheat mixed with the chaffs. Consequently, NANS is misrepresented and vilified. However, change is inevitable if we can sort the saints from sinners, the hideous from hero and patriots from pawns. If we can access issues far from deep pockets, and no sum our finger entwine, no perk our conscience stain

Vice President, National Association of Nigeria Students, Tosin Ogunkuade (left) presenting certificate of credence to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, as NANS outstanding ViceChancellor of the year in the university, last week.

What do you think you are coming to correct if elected as Zone D coordinator? I am coming to address the issue of betrayal of trust. I signaled that Nigerian Students had been nourished by egregious broken promises. So, I understand the skepticism, the sheer envy and the parochial sentiments. We will adhere strictly to the principles of bearer of trust, avoid the pitfalls of fame, hunger to praise fear of loss, and thereby retain that kernel of truth, that singular voice within each of us to ramify us of our deepest commitment. I must mention that the solidarity of the union is broken and in dire need of synergy. The disconnect between the NANS leadership and the students will be a thing of the past. So, I am coming to restore the hopes, yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian students in the South West by reiterating the tenet of unionism, which is, activism. During the LASU fee hike, what made you to be determined or were you sponsored by the opposition? Let me quickly clear the fact that LASU fee hike struggle was never sponsored by anybody. If there is one person or group of persons laying claim to the glory of that generational struggle other than LASU students, I challenge them to a public debate. The struggle was self-financed by LASUites. How did raise money for the struggle? We took to the road to beg money from motorists and commuters to print banners, hire DJ, and cook foods and so on. At that time, we were just like a pipe to give direction to the will of the people. And we thank God not to have failed in that regard. That was why the seemly impossible was achieved- the total reversal from more than 1,000% increment. The union under my leadership worked with the principle of optimal determinism to ensure that injustice was fought to the finish. Though we were persecuted but decided to fulfil the generational task.


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

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AST month’s edition of The Nigeria Political Economist published by a friend of mine, Ken Ugbechie, welcomes us this week with just three blunders: “Majority (A majority) of the applicants who pleaded anonymity said….” “…they are processed into yarn and fabric and re-exported back to Africa.” Yank off ‘back’ in the interest of lexis and structure. “Before now, I thought loans are (were) procured to finance projects….” The next entry is THE NATION ON SUNDAY of May 31: “May 29, 2015: Scattered, cautiously optimistic reflections on an (a) historic turning point.” “…at (on) the occasion” “BPP’s antidote against (to) corruption” “Lawan group stages walk out (walkout) in Senate, threatens court action” How did they ‘threaten’ court action? They planned litigation! “…sound health and all round (all-round) favour in every area of your life.” (Full-page congratulatory advertorial by the Bayelsa State Government, DAILY SUN, June 11, Page 4) “Okowa, wife, others defy heavy downpour to atten Kumuyi’s crusade” ‘Downpour’ is impliedly heavy and, as such, does not require any intensification, adumbration, amplification, padding or inflection. “Tribunal will recover Abia stolen mandate, APGA chieftain assures” Who did the stalwart assure? “Tourism: Time to get our act right (together) This is a fixed expression. “May God grant you the fortitude to bear the loss as her soul rests in perfect peace.” (Full-page condolence by Christopher University, Mowe, DAILY SUN, June 11, Page 46) Is there imperfect peace? ‘Peace’ does not need any qualification—except ‘graveyard peace’. So, let the woman’s soul rest in peace. Perfection is for the living. If you live an Ochendo-like life while here, no amount of prayers or wishes can change your hellish destination! “Police invades (invade) Blatter’s office”

A, not an, historic event

“The emerging reality tells a lot of story (stories) about the famed Buhari-Tinubu rapprochement.” And informally: lots of (many, preferably)stories (not story) Let us welcome Jimi Disu of Front Page News Analyses, Classic FM, June 9: “If it is a secret ballot….” ‘Balloting’ is essentially a secret affair. This way: if it is a ballot “…there is (are) going to be people….” The official magazine of the Nigerian Communications Commission, The Communicator, goofed in its JanuaryMarch 2015 edition: “…but its challenge is with the telecommunication networks that flaunted (flouted) it (sic) regulations.” “Ayade slams waste collection (waste-collection firms” “European warships rescue 5,900 migrants off Libya (Libyan) coast” “19 companies beat NSE filing deadline amidst (amid) extension” ‘Amidst’ and ‘amongst’ are relics of Elizabethan English!

FEEDBACK

“I could not find ‘decampment’ in the dictionaries available to me”.—KOLA DANISA (07068074257). It sounds as if Baba Sala (Alawada), or Gringory is talking in the City Hall! Good grief! “To decamp”, meaning (1) to leave quickly, secretly or without ceremony, to run away or to flee, e.g. The thieves had decamped by the time the police came; or (2) to leave a camp/camping ground or to break camp”, is a verb. Its corresponding noun is “decampment”, which means (1) the act of decamping and (2) a quick departure. – WORLD BOOK DICTIONARY (page 536; Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (page 213) and THE NEW INTERNATIONAL WEBTSER’S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (page 331). You cannot find “decampment” in New Method Dictionary by Michael West, which I used in standard one in 1950!

Non-inclusion of private universities in TETFUND’s mandate criminal —VC Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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rofessor Olawale Gideon Amusan has described as almost criminal, the unwarranted discrimination against private universities in the disbursement of research grants to tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Speaking with newsmen at Ede, Osun State, Amusan who is the Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede said managements of private universities are angry and fill cheated for being denied what he described as their right especially when the bulk of the fund were being raised from the tax paid by private institutions and parents of students of the institutions so denied. According to him, the Federal Government should subsidise the finances of private universities nationwide for assisting it to pro-

vide education for teeming admission seekers in the country. On achievements of Adeleke University, the vicechancellor said all the 13 programmes which were visited recently by the accreditation team of the National Universities Commission were accredited adding that while

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eight of the programmes got full accreditation, five got interim accreditation. He disclosed that the university is running a programme in law that is approved by both the NUC and Council of Legal Education following their resource assessment visit to the university.

Professor Amusan, who stated that the university is a non-profit making university said apart from charging the lowest fee among its equal, the proprietor is sponsoring about one quarter of the students through his non-governmental organization ‘the Springtime Development Foundation.

L-R: Assistant Head Teacher, Local Government Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs. Elizabeth Akapo; pupils of the school; Managing Director, Nielsen West Africa, Mr. Lampe Omoyele and Social Mobilization Officer, Public- Private Partnership, Ikeja LG, Mrs. Aina Lanre during handing over of the refurbished library by Nielsen to the school, recently.

Martins Oloja celebrated my birthday last year, and you, Ebere, celebrated my birthday this year. May your days be long (Amen). (BAYO OGUNTUNASE/08056180046) RETIRED Brig.-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia was quoted as saying on Page 38, Sunday Vanguard, May 31, that “you will excuse me if I say anything in favour of Buhari because there is ‘espirit de corps’ (team spirit) between us”. The interviewer should note the correct spelling of “espirit” (esprit without the first ‘i’ please). A fact is something known to be true. If not, it is a falsity or untrut. Undisputed in ‘undisputed fact’ in Wordsworth of February 1 is unnecessary. Also, THE NATION, February 1, Page 5, reported that a jet owned by a Nigerian clergy (cleric or clergyman: clergy is plural) was seized in S’ Africa.” Those who sell things in the black market are not ‘black marketers’—they are black marketeers’ (double ‘e’) (KOLA DANISA) Note this mistake in THE NATION ON SUNDAY of June 7, 2015, Barometer Page 2: “He proceeded to muscle (muzzle)…and others inside.” (Contributed by Dr. AYO GBADEYAN, UNILORIN, 08116846128) Media Gaffes & Essays I have received many enquiries about the availability and accessibility of my recently launched book entitled Media Gaffes & Essays (Plus other interventions). It is not snobbishness that I have not responded to most of those short messaging services that have been coming in torrents, but the decision to do a global response via this column. We printed just a few copies for presentation and discovered thereafter that the printer muddled up the package. It became imperative to reprint the entire book. Having bungled it the first time, we are now exercising circumspection in order to get it right. Once the book is ready, it would be massively communicated via multimedia platforms to all those desirous of it very soon. I did my best to ensure that the book will be error-free as much as possible (Mr. Oguntuanse prefers ‘as hard as possible’). I

Students: LASG, firm to partner on culture consciousness Saidat Alausa

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etermined to embolden and sustain Nigeria’s cultural heritage and education, Fountain-3, a business planning, information communication technology company, has announced its strategic partnership with the Lagos State Government to increase culture consciousness among Nigerian students. The event, scheduled for September and to be held at Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture in Ikeja is tagged: Culturefest 2015 with no fewer than 1,000 participants expected from across the six education districts of the state. Being the maiden edition, guests will be thrilled by the Lagos Children and Youth, Arts and Cultural Education. Other activities will include cultural competition and display of Nigeria’s rich multi-ethnic native attires by

participating children. Commenting on the motivation behind the initiative, the Business Planning Manager, Fountain- 3 Technologies, Mr. Francis Martins in a release disclosed that the project is conceived towards the goal of protecting Nigeria’s culture through education, fun and practical display of skills. “Fountain-3 Technologies is motivated by the belief that our local cultural heritage should not go into extinction but should rather evolve with the advent of globalisation as a mixture, retaining salient values for posterity.” He added that the programme is a bold step to preserve Nigerian cultural heritage. Highlights of the event would include creative and performing arts as children will act series of drama sketches and playlets that depict their perspectives of Nigeria’s culture past, present and future.


Business Thursday, June 25, 2015

E-Taxpay payment… promoting transparency in Tax 30 payment system

Broadband Access: Daunting challenges undermining penetration drive

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Beer brand spurs ultimate quest in new TVC

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Telecoms sector’s output drops to 8.38% in Q1, 2015 ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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he contribution of the telecommunications sector to the total economic output of the country dropped to 8.38 per cent or N1,344,489.25 million (about N1.344 trillion) in the opening quarter (Q1) 2015, down from the 8.46 per cent average contribution it recorded last year. Even then, the latest report on the sector by published by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday indicated that the sector recorded a real growth rate of 5.36 per cent in the quarter under review, a rise of 0.61 percent points from the 2014 average growth rate of 4.75 percent. The report stated that it was the second time in four years that the sector would be recording a negative performance, noting that the only negative yearly growth rates were recorded in 2011, with the lowest rate reaching - 6.45 percent in the third quarter. According to the Bureau, the following quarter saw the highest rate record of 8.67 percent, which has not been matched to date stating that the share of telecommunications in real GDP has fluctuated between a relatively narrow margin between 2010 and the first quarter of 2015, peaking at 9.32 percent in the first quarter of 2010, and reaching a low of 7.68 percent in the third quarter of 2012.

The NBS report further observed that the annual averages have shown steady marginal declines from 9.03 percent of real GDP in 2010 stating that it declined to 8.68 percent in 2011, with marginal declines of 0.04 percent points in 2012, 0.07 percent points in 2013 and 0.11 percent points in 2014. In addition, the report stated that the Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, continued to dominate mobile subscription with 98.34 percent of the total, followed by CDMA with 1.54 percent of the total, whist fixed wire and wireless make up 0.09

percent and 0.04 percent respectively. Also, it disclosed that a total of 143,057,324 subscribers were registered with GSM technology to the four networks of MTN, Etisalat, Globacom and Airtel as of April 2015. It stated that MTN dominated the number of subscriptions, with 61,218,803 subscribers or 42.84 percent of the total, followed by Globacom with 21.00 percent, while Airtel was third most dominant at 20.48 percent putting Etisalat in the fourth position with 15.69 percent . The agency stated that since

May of 2014, monthly growth in GSM subscribers has averaged 0.95 percent, with the greatest increase recorded in December of 2014 at 1.97 percent and the lowest in July of the same year at -0.43 percent. However, NBS pointed out that the growth in subscribers was mainly driven by Globacom, which recorded an average rate of 1.45 percent over the period, followed by Etisalat with 1.37 percent and Airtel with 1.29 percent, whilst MTN recorded the lowest average monthly growth in subscribers at 0.44 percent.

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ruck drivers appeared have defied an earlier directive by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, to vacate the roads in Apapa in the face of worsening traffic gridlock on the roads that is gradually paralyzing economic activities in the area, especially in the nation’s two biggest cargo seaports, the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex.

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

Dana Air

L-R: President, Africa Organisation for Standardisation / Director General Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Joseph Odumodu; Deputy Managing Director, Standard and Quality Agency of Cameroon, Mrs. Chantal Andely, and Secretary General, of ARSO, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, during the Opening Ceremony of 2015 African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSON), Prersident’s Forum in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Apapa gridlock worsens as tanker drivers defy Lagos’ directive FRANCIS EZEM

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The Governor had in addition to the vacation order also set up a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello with membership drawn from Association of Maritime Truck Owners, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry LCCI and many other critical stakeholders in the maritime industry. In what appeared a defiance of the order of the governor, the truck drivers both on the Mile 2-Apapa end, which connects the Tin Can Island and the Ijora end,

which connects the Logos Ports Complex, the truck drivers have taken over the roads, thus making the entire area chaotic and seemingly lawless. Investigations show that the gridlock, which temporarily disappeared last week following the issuance of the relocation order has suddenly resurfaced and now stretches from the top of Mile 2 Bridge to the Tin Can Island end of the road to the Creek Road end thus making the impassable. The situation is not different

on the Ijora axis, as the gridlock stretch up to Eko Bridge towards Lagos Island and Funso Williams Avenue toward Iponri, thus making the entire area chaotic. Most other motorists comprising private and commercial buses as well as bike riders popularly called ‘Okada’ now resort to driving against the traffic, as they would not wait for hours on end before getting to their places of work or business, which normally would not take more than 10 minutes.

Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

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


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Business News

Thursday, June 25, 2015

World Bank sets up Commission on poverty SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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he World Bank has inaugurated a new Commission on Global Poverty that is saddled with the responsibility of analyzing the scourge of poverty on a worldwide scale and recommending how best to mitigate its devastating impact on the people and global economies. Announcing the new Commission, the Bank’s Chief Economist, Kaushik Basu urged the the Commission to come out with a report on how to mitigate extreme poverty and enhance new Purchasing Power Parity, PPP. Specifically, Basu urged its members to find ‘’best ways to measure and monitor poverty around the world and help the World Bank Group achieve its twin goals and also track other forms of poverty and deprivation’’. The Commission, chaired by Centennial Professor at London School of Economics and a Fellow

of Nuffield College, Oxford University, Sir Anthony Atkinson, is composed of 24 leading international economists. It is expected to compare different global exchange rates to assess household consumption as well as real income in US dollars, since nominal exchange rates do not accurately capture differences in costs of living across the global. He said: “We want to hold the yardstick constant for measuring extreme poverty till 2030, our target year for bringing extreme and chronic poverty to an end’’. “Furthermore, poverty has many other dimensions and it is unacceptable in today’s prosperous world that so many people suffer such deprivations. The Global Commission will advise us on other dimensions of poverty that the Bank should collect data on, track, analyze and make available to policymakers for evidencebased decisions. “We expect the Commission report to be influential not only for our own work on poverty but also

in shaping global research and policymaking on this most important challenge of our times”, Basu added. In 2014, the World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim announced the Bank’s commitment to two goals that would direct its development work worldwide. The first was the eradication of chronic extreme poverty, defined as those extremely poor people living on less than $1.25 PPP-adjusted dollars a day, to less than 3 percent of the world population by 2030. The second is the boosting of shared prosperity, defined as promoting the growth of per capita real income of the poorest 40 percent of the population in each country. This year, UN member nations are expected to agree in New York to a set of post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, the first and foremost of which is the eradication of extreme poverty everywhere, in all its forms.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EFCC arraigns two for hacking into bank’s internet network MATTHEW IRINOYE

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC yesterday arraigned two men for allegedly attempting to hack into the internet network of Enterprise Bank Plc. The suspects include Ola Lawal, Abass Ajide while the third person Olumide Kayode was said to be at large. The defendants who were arraigned before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, on a four count charge offence bordering on conspiracy to defraud, felony, stealing and forgery pleaded not guilty to the four count charge. EFCC counsel, Mr. Seidu Atteh, said that the suspects conspired to defraud Enterprise Bank and hacked into the bank’s network with their laptop computer, router model and grabber/key logger to obtain the

MainOne lauds ICT sector post-rebasing growth ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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Managing Director, New Horizons Systems Solutions, Mr. Tim Akano (left) and Vice Chancellor Covenant University, Prof. Charles K. Ayo, during the renewal of partnership on international IT and e-business skills certification at the university campus in Ota, Ogun State, recently.

password of key operations staff through the Central Processing Unit (CPU). He said the defendants aimed to access the network of the bank without authority to conduct fraudulent transactions. Atteh alleged that the defendants wanted to access the CPU to conduct fraudulent transactions and transfer unauthorised money into other accounts. He also alleged that the second defendant, Ajibade forged a Certificate of National Diploma purportedly issued by the Polytechnic, Ibadan to one Ajibade Abass Rotimi, with matriculation number 029511. He said offences were committed on July 10, 2014 within Ikeja Judicial Division. According to him, the offences are contrary Sections 323, 361(1) (e), and 409 and punishable under Sections 285(1) and (363)(1) of the Criminal Laws No. 11, Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

he contribution of the ICT sector of the economy is responsible for the post rebased GDP era growth, from a percentage growth of 29.04 percent to 51.59 percent Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, who made the disclosure during just concluded Commonwealth Broadband Forum organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation in Abuja said that the sector was a job creator, adding that broadband growth is an enabler for creating employment and increasing Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Opeke while examining the role of a national broadband policy in driving the nation’s

GDP the contribution of the ICT industry in Nigeria said that the GDP rose from 5.6 percent to 8.69 percent due to the role of broadband. Represented by Mr. Temitope Osunrinde, she said that the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission had made significant achievements with the National Broadband agenda specifically with licensing of Infrastructure and Spectrum Companies, the Nigerian Research and Education Network and the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF. Osunrinde stressed the need for sustaining the policy initiatives introduced to promote open access and manage spectrum more effectively to continue to drive economic growth.

Airtel flags-off N200m Recharge & ‘Hit A Million’ promo ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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irtel Nigeria, has launched a new consumer promo tagged ‘Recharge & ‘Hit A Million’, which will produce 60 millionaires over the next 60 days. Over the duration of the promo, the Telco will reward millions of its customers with cash prizes worth over N200 million;

ranging from N1m daily prizes, N100,000 hourly prizes and N5,000 cash prizes as well as lots of free airtime and SMS. The promo is anchored on a point-based system where customers will accumulate points to increase their chances of winning by performing any network based mobile telephony activity ranging from a recharge, voice call, data browsing session, SMS, or VAS deductions. Every day, the first mobile

telephony activity gives the customer five entry points into the promo while subsequent recharges ranging from N100 to N1000 can attract as much as 50 entry points. Each of the activities carries specific number of entries into the raffle draw, so the higher the number of entries earned, the higher the chances of winning. Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa, explained that the promo symbol-

izes Airtel’s brand promise of enriching Nigerians to realise their potentials. He said: “Everyone is a winner in the Recharge & Hit A Million promo, which is our own way of saying thank you to our customers and rewarding them for being on our network. He added that the company has engaged the services of a renowned firm in systems, processes and applications audit to supervise the draws and prize

redemption processes in a bid to further demonstrate transparency and sustain Airtel’s wellknown credibility in conducting consumer promotions that is in line with set regulations over the years. He, however, encouraged customers to ensure their phones are on and available at all times to increase their chances of receiving surprise calls from Airtel, and this could be anytime of the day.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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ARSO to seek AU’s support on foreign goods influx

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frican Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has expressed its readiness to enlist the support and cooperation of African Union (AU) to prevent further invasion of Asian companies into the African markets. The President of the organisation, Dr. Joseph Odumodu who spoke during the segment of an Interactive Session with Business Community of the ongoing ARSO forum, said that the increasing inflow of foreign goods to the Nigerian market, in particular, was partly responsible for the collapse of the manufacturing sector. Odumodu, who is the Director

General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), also explained that efforts were underway to organise a conference on packaging for the nation’s small and medium enterprises. According to him, one of the reasons why the country has been made a dumping ground is the fact that most of the locally produced goods often fail to compete favourably with the imported items on account of poor packaging. He said since the challenges facing businesses in Nigeria is the same across the African continent, it beholds it to unite to fight the common enemy desperate its economy and throw its people into

poverty and unemployment. Odumodu said: “There is a correlation between the rise of certain companies in Asia the fall of manufacturing sector in Africa. For instance, in the last twenty years that has been steady decline in the manufacturing input in Nigeria as a result of the influx of foreign products. “The challenge is that with the rise of certain companies in Asia, they started invading our country slowly and today we are suffering. We are suffering because our children cannot find places to work; we are suffering because our companies have closed down or shrunk. We are suffering because

poverty level in Africa is on the rise while some people are having the ball. “What we are saying is that it is not a battle only one country can solve, it is a battle that Africa can battle as a group. And that is why we are presenting these issues before our colleagues and we have resolved to get through to the AU to ensure that certain countries that are invading Africa stop. We need to stop them now; otherwise Africa will not make progress”, he added. On plans to promote small businesses in the country, he explained that the agency had concluded plans to organise a conference for

them with a view to educating them on the proper packaging methods. “SMEs have a challenge with packaging and as a way of helping them; we are organising packaging conference for them, especially for those who are in foods sector. One, they need to know what to be used to pack their foods that will be save and last longer. “Again, the essence of what we are doing is to show that the challenges that SMEs have are the same across Africa. It is not Nigeria challenge, but that of the entire Africa and collectively we will fashion out ways of addressing it,” Odumodu added.

ECAN threatens legal action over Abuja Disco’s tariffs review plan CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

E L-R: Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), Mrs. Efua Edeh; Chief Executive Officer, Hod Consulting, Mrs. Simi Nwgogugu; Oare Ehiemua of African Capital Alliance; Vice-President, African Capital Alliance, Mr. Steve Iwenjora and Ogedi Onyeama of African Capital Alliance, during the launch of Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) Alumni Association in Lagos, recently.

Court lifts order on FRC’s NCCG public hearing UDO ONYEKA

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he Financial Reporting Council, FRC, of Nigeria, FRC, said that the court has granted it leave to hold public hearing on the proposed National code of Corporate Governance, NCCG. This is sequel to vacation of exparte injunction by Justice O.E Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, restraining FRC from proceeding with the public hearing on an earlier scheduled date. According to a statement by FRC, the court vacated the order following its concurrence with the objection of the counsel to FRC Dr Fabian Ajogwu,SAN, “The Public hearing was scheduled to start on May 19, 2015 before the injunction obtained by a group of shareholders who objected to certain provisions in the draft NCCG. “The Public hearing will now hold in Lagos on June 30 for public and private sectors and July 2 for Not-For-Profit organisations respectively”, it said.

When adopted, the new National Code of Corporate Governance will replace the six existing codes adopted by different bodies-the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN,Nigeria Deposit Insurance Cor poration,NDIC,National Insurance Commission, NAICOM,Pensions Commission, PENCOM, Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC),Corporate Affairs Commission,CAC,and Nigerian Communications

Commission,NCC. While the above codes lack legal backing, the proposed National Code of Corporate Governance according to FRC will have legal powers and be sanctionable. The benefits of the National Code of Corporate Governance if adopted among others include the followings: increased management credibility, transparency in financial management, more disclosures and better investment decisions and more long-term investments among other benefits.

lectricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has called on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to stop any further move to review upwards the electricity tariffs within its area of operations. In an objection notice by the ECAN which is contained in letter dated 17 June 2015 and signed by its National President, Barrister Chijioke James, which was addressed to Abuja Distribution Company, the association threatened to commence a legal action against Abuja Disco should the latter insists on going ahead to increase tariff. ECAN stated that it had already complied particulars of infractions by Abuja Disco awaiting its refusal to stay action with regard to its intention to review upwards the electricity tariff `in the region. According to letter, the objection letter became necessary after an emergency meeting of ECAN convened to deliberate on Abuja Discos’ public notification in a national newspaper on June 12, 2015, and titled: Notice of intention to review tariffs as mandated by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission (NERC). Parts of the letter which was obtained by National Mirror in Abuja, reads “After the emergency meeting of ECAN convened to deliberate on your public notification as caption above, ECAN wishes to register its objection to your intention to review tariffs upwards at this stage and time on the following grounds: “That the constitution and the electric power Act 2005 which you relied on gives a discos responsibilities to the consumers upon which they can rely on to review tariffs as prescribed by relevant laws. That your persistent refusal to discharge your responsibilities to our consumers within your jurisdiction makes it unjust, inequitable and impossible for you to rely on and or involve the provisions of the law to take advantage of our consumers within your jurisdiction” It also noted that part of the obligations of the distribution company was among others, to provide meters for the consumers which it has failed to achieve, adding that over 50 per cent of the consumers in the area are yet to be metered hence it company relies on estimated billing system which customers have kicked against.

GOtv signals extend to Epe, Ijebu-Ode ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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Otv coverage in Lagos and Ogun states received a boost recently when its signals went live in Epe and Ijebu-Ode. This move signifies that more Nigerian households can now access quality entertainment at an affordable price.

New subscribers can get a GOtv decoder including one month subscription to GOtv Plus bouquet for N2,900 only. To receive optimal signals, GOtv subscribers are advised to make use of the outdoor antenna (GOtenna) which is sold for a stand alone price of N1,600. GOtv offers two bouquets: GOtv Plus for a monthly subscription of N1, 800 and GOtv Value for N1,200 monthly. With the addition

of ONTV Max on 11 June, GOtv Plus subscribers now have access to 42 international and local channels while GOtv Value provides a total of 28 channels. GOtv’s channel line-up includes: AfricaMagic Family, AfricaMagic Yoruba, M-Net Movies Zone, Telemundo, Zee World, Discovery World, SuperSport Select, Al Jazeera, CNN, MTV Base, Soundcity, Disney Junior, Nickel-

odeon, JimJam, Islam Channel, Faith Channel, and more which gives families a great selection. “The extension of GOtv services to Epe and Ijebu-Ode means that more residents of Lagos and Ogun states can now have unforgettable television viewing experiences with crystal clear pictures and quality sound,” said the GOtv public relations manager, Efe Obiomah.


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Taxation

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

E-Taxpay payment… promoting transparency in Tax payment system E

lectronic-Taxpay is an online selfservice tax payment system which gives taxpayers the opportunity to pay their taxes through their banks’ online payment portals. It is an initiative of FIRS in collaboration with Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS). It is meant to facilitate payments of taxes from the comfort of taxpayers’ offices or homes. Taxpayers can pay using the electronic channels provided by their banks such as the banks’ internet banking platform, branches and mobile banking platforms. Conditions to be met by taxpayer before using e-Taxpay platform • Register and obtain your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) • Have an account with any bank of your choice and subscribe to the internet banking function of your bank. • Have ufficient funds in the account to cover the tax liability/transaction. Steps to take to make payment through e-Taxpay platform Having registered and received a TIN, an active internet banking account and sufficient funds, then; • Decide the channel to use; • If you decide on internet banking channel, log on to your bank’s internet banking platform e.g. GTBank Online Banking, FirstOnline, etc; • In the case of GTBank Online Banking, select the “Payment” option in the menu; • Then select “NIBSS E-Bills payments” under the “Payment” option; • Select the account to debit from, to continue; • Once inside the NIBSS E-Bills payments, select “New Request” to start a new payment. This will take you to the NIBSS platform; • Then select “FIRS e-Taxpay” from the displayed list services that the NIBSS platform provides, in order to start the tax payment in particular; • You then enter your TIN (FIRS/ JTB-TIN) or the TIN of the taxpayer you want to pay for; • Click “verify” to validate that the TIN belongs to the taxpayer making the payment; • A pop-up will appear with the TIN details. If ok, then go to the next stage; • Select the tax type (e.g. Company Income Tax, Pre-Operation Levy, Value Added Tax, etc.); • Enter the amount to be debited (tax sum being paid); • Accept service charge for the bank (if applicable); • Confirm that all the information provided are correct and valid; • Submit the request.

Ogungbesan

After a successful transaction, the system will generate an ‘e-acknowledgement’ which can be printed online, or sent to a specified e-mail address. The ‘e-acknowledgement’ is a confirmation of the transaction of payment of tax to FIRS which would be presented to FIRS field office for the issuance of statutory

FIRS receipt to the taxpayer. A TAXPAYER SHOULD PLEASE ENSURE THE ‘eacknowledgement’ IS SUBMITTED TO THE TAX OFFICE OF DOMICILE TO GET A GOVERNMENT TAX RECEIPT FOR THE PAYMENT MADE. Real time notifications: The platform also notifies the taxpayer and FIRS through SMS alert and real time email. FIRS can view payment transactions and reports online, in real time. Tax types that can be paid using the eTaxpay channel: e-Taxpay can be used to pay all tax types and levies collected by FIRS. They include: • Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) • Education Tax (ET) • Companies Income Tax (CIT) • Value Added Tax (VAT) • Personal Income Tax (PAYE for residents of FCT and non-Residents) • Withholding Tax (WHT). This requires a schedule to be uploaded on the platform; • National Information Technology Development Fund Levy (NITDEF) • Capital Gains Tax (CGT) • Pre-Operation Levy (POL)

• Stamp Duties (SD) and late filing penalty Documentation required when the taxpayer wants to pay tax: • Compute tax payable • Fill the relevant self-assessment forms • Prepare the relevant schedules • Make the payment (CIT/PAYE/ WHT/VAT). Benefits of using e-Taxpay • Promotes transparency in tax payment system; • Boosts taxpayer confidence and trust in the tax system; • Promotes voluntary compliance by taxpayers; • Convenience, time and cost saving for the taxpayers as they can do it themselves within the confine of their offices without going to the banking hall. • The platform is safe and secure. Security of the e-Taxpay Platform The e-Taxpay service is safe and secure. The e-Taxpay platform leverages on the security measures provided by the service channels of the banks in addition to that of NIBSS and FIRS.


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Broadband Access: Daunting challenges undermining penetration drive Frantic efforts have been made by government and investors to improve broadband internet access in Nigeria. However, investigations showed that there are daunting challenges yet to be addressed despite achievements by government in the developmental agenda’s implementation. ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN, reports.

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aunting challenges in the Nigeria’s telecommunications operating environment are likely to hamper industry stakeholders’ efforts in the actualisation of the 30 percent broadband penetration set by government for the country by the year 2018. There is a professed jubilation that the nation is on the pathway of excellent performance as far as broadband penetration is concerned but investigation showed that so little has been achieved when compared with what obtained in the global economies, whose telecoms expert labelled Nigeria as the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa. Industry analysts believe that although there has been some level of achievements in respect of broadband penetration, there are still many areas to be covered by government and investors to extend the frontiers of the ICT asset to rural communities in the country. One of these is the huge infrastructure gap that needed to be bridged to facilitate speedy drive of the national development agenda. Speaking at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), Broadband forum 2015 held in Abuja, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah expressed satisfaction that the present level of broadband penetration had impacted on the economy. Juwah, who was represented at the forum by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi, cited education, health care provision, energy management, security, and information dissemination as areas in the economy wherein broadband services have had positive impact on the nation. He, however, admitted that there wasthe lack of a robust fixed network infrastructure that should be rapidly developed to provide universal broadband services required for a coordinated national approach. Juwah stated that efforts have been

Juwah

Wilshere

made to address the challenge saying that one of such was the crafting of a National Broadband Plan covering the period 2013 to 2018. The policy and regulatory strategies for accelerated broadband infrastructure development was thus articulated taking due cognizance of the unique conditions prevailing the country.” The Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ATCON, has noted that the quest for broadband penetration seemed to have left bulk of the nation’s citizen in the rural areas out of the broadband quest by the industry saying that presently most Nigerians in the rural areas do not have access to the internet. The association stated that where that is present, the speed and stability of the connection is far below international standard. Secretary-General of CTO, Prof. Tim Unwin, disclosed at the CTO that that is an area where government and the private sector need to focus on. He said at the forum in his welcome address that government officials and policy makers should put all hands on the deck if the nations within the Commonwealth must harness resources to make broad-

band available to their citizenry especially in the un-served and underserved. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, said that broadband remained the catalyst for achieving a knowledge based economy saying that it potentially influences the entire economy as a general purpose platform used as a key input across various sectors ranging from health, commerce, education, banking” amongst others. According to him, the economic impact of broadband penetration has been found to be quite impressive, noting that World Bank studies showed, quite conclusively, that in low and middle-income countries, every 10 percentage point increase in broadband penetration accelerates economic growth by 1.38 percentage points indicating the need for the world over to do everything possible to ensuring the roll out of broadband infrastructure. On the present state of broadband penetration in the country, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said that nothing had be done yet by government and their agents to address the challenges of broadband penetration.

NIGERIA HAS UNDERPERFORMED IN THE AREA OF BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT IN COMPARISON TO ITS

PEERS. NIGERIA’S MOBILE BROADBAND PENETRATION STANDS AT 10.1 PERCENT WHILE THE AVERAGE

FOR PEER COUNTRIES IN AFRICA IS 30 PERCENT.

PEER COUNTRIES HAVE AN AVERAGE SMARTPHONE PENETRATION OF 26 PERCENT WHILE NIGERIA’S SMARTPHONE PENETRATION AVERAGES 12 PERCENT

He said that the Ministry of Communications Technology and the NCC must put in place policy and regulatory interventions to address challenges affecting broadband development in Nigeria. According to him, in the telecommunication sector revenues and profits go to one operator while others struggle to survive noting that it is largely responsible for the broadband investment deficit and resultant low broadband penetration in Nigeria. Willsher pointed out further that the presence of several struggling operators, many of whom are barely active, in an industry the size of Nigeria’s, was indicative of serious underlying issues with value distribution across the industry. He said that the concentration of 70 percent industry EBITDA and probably all of the industry’s net profit in one operator is to the detriment of the rest of the industry. “Nigeria has underperformed in the area of broadband development in comparison to its peers. Nigeria’s mobile broadband penetration stands at 10.1 percent while the average for peer countries in Africa is 30 percent. Peer countries have an average Smartphone penetration of 26 percent while Nigeria’s Smartphone penetration averages 12 percent”, he said. He called for tailor-made regulations to enable unprofitable operators compete more favourably in order to attract a greater share of the currently lopsided value in the industry. According to him ‘it is perfectly normal to have asymmetric regulation in a market where one operator holds the sort of market share and significant market power – and pertinent to ask is whether Nigeria can learn from the success of other markets in restricting dominant players in the interests of the industry and the country at large’. The industry player said that if struggling operators can extract a better share of industry value, they would be better positioned to increase their broadband investment which will drive broadband development in the country. While identifying inadequate spectrum support broadband deployment as a key challenge in the provision of broadband services, he suggested that mobile broadband was clearly Nigeria’s best route towards achieving its broadband coverage objectives given the high cost associated with fixed broadband. The Etisalat chief lamented that the most valuable coverage spectrum was under-utilised with the sub-optimal use of the 800MHz spectrum and the delays being experienced in the freeing up of the 700MHz spectrum, saying that accounts for Nigeria’s inability to meet the June 2015 deadline set by the ITU to migrate from analogue to digital broadcasting.


32

Info Tech

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Tech Box Asus ZenFone: Don’t judge this phone by its cover

ATCON seeks due process in 900MHz, 700MHz spectrum bid STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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he Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to commence proper bidding process for the sale of the pending nation’s 900MHz and 700MHz spectrum. President of ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, who made the call when executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, visited the ATCON Secretariat to present him an award, said that he believed that the purported sale of the spectrum to some investors was a rumour. While noting that the industry is in dire need of spectrum to meet the target 2018 date of 30 percent broadband penetration, Ajayi expressed doubt about Nigeria’s capacity to meet the broadband penetration target given the current attitude of government towards the drive. Describing the telecoms in-

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f you’re looking for something a little more powerful with a slightly better camera, the ZenFone 2 is worth considering. The Asus ZenFone 2 at first looks chunky and feels cheap, and the user interface reminds one of all the annoying ways companies take advantage of Android’s open nature. The Asus ZenFone 2 is a solid, study smartphone, but compared to comparably-priced devices from the likes of Huawei and Xiaomi, it’s so…PC looking. It’s like Asus took some of the materials its used for its cheaper laptops and pasted it onto an Android device. Underneath the backside cover is a bunch of ports and things, but no removable battery. The ZenFone 2’s back panel is

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dustry as vibrant, the industry expert pointed out that while the insurance industry, which has been operating several years is still growing at a rate of .05 per cent, telecom’s industry growth rate is eight per cent yearly. He called for more efforts towards growing e-Services in the public sector of the economy as a strategy for growing the use of broadband in the country noting that there is low deployment of broadband services in Nigeria. According to him, the broadband penetration status is an opportunity for the new administration to make impact on the telecoms industry, stressing that Right of Way for fibre optic cable issue within the country is still unresolved. He urged the new government to eliminate multiple taxation from the industry, provide local content opportunity and make it easy for Nigerian companies to participate effectively in the sector based on the need for big Nigeria players in the industry.

While calling on the government to accelerate the broadband plan, Ajayi advocated that government should give room to local investors to play leading role saying that broadband is crucial to national development. The ATCON President assured that he would promote the interest of the Nigerian students by working with his colleagues in ATCON and the industry to forge a strong telecoms industry and Nigerian student partnership. He pledged that ATCON will setup a portal where its member companies will post their internship offers and where Nigerian students can post internship request. He added that ATCON will also facilitate request for field trips from Nigerian students to its members saying that the organisation is also willing to give support to workshops and seminars that are telecoms related noting that the support will come in the form of resource persons and logistics.

L-R: Head of Philips Group Communications, African Region, Radhika Choksey, General Manager, Consumer Lifestyle, West Africa, Chioma Iwuchukwu-Nweke, General Manager, Philips Lighting, West Africa, Felix Darko, and Head of Marketing, Philips Lighting, Africa, John Westermayer at the Philips “Buy Original” media round table in Lagos.

removable. It features dual SIM card slots and a MicroSD slot. The battery is tightly nestled underneath the slots, so it isn’t removable. At least you can tack on a neat Asus-made folio case or other backings to customize the phone to your liking. The ZenFone 2 has a nice looking 1080p display. The 1080p display has great viewing angles for watching videos and reading ebooks, though you can tell that it has its quirks. The ZenFone 2’s built-in colour calibrator to play around with the display’s colour settings. The ZenFone 2 comes in two configurations: a 2GB of RAM version with a quad-core 1.8GHz processor (and Intel Atom Z3560), and a 4GB of RAM version with a quad-core 2.3GHz processor (Intel Atom Z3580).

Ericsson to manage Smile’s 4G/LTE operations

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lobal telecoms vendor company, Ericsson has been engaged under a five-year multi-country managed services agreement to manage Smile Communications’ 4G/LTE networks across all operations in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This is the first 4G/LTE managed services contract signed in SubSaharan Africa. According to information made available to National Mirror by the Ericsson Nigeria in Lagos, the global vendor company will provide a fully managed end-toend service that includes network operations, performance, optimisation, field support and maintenance for Smile’s LTE networks

in Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria and later in the Democratic Republic of Congo . Group Chief Operations Officer of Smile Communications, Mr.Tom Allen, said: “We regard Ericsson as more than a vendor, we are long term partners focused on delivering on the Smile promise to be the broadband provider of choice in Africa and to ensure that our customers fully benefit from the internet world”. He said that the managed services contract extends Ericsson’s relationship with Smile in Nigeria, where Ericsson is Smile’s sole vendor for 4G networks adding that the agreement also leverages Ericsson’s more than 15 years of experience in managing multi-

vendor, multi-technology networks in Tanzania, Uganda and the DRC. President Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Fredrik Jejdling expressed delight over the agreement saying that Ericsson is excited to be delivering this service to Smile as it further extends its partnership with the operator in the region. ”Bringing with us our expertise as global HSPA and LTE leaders, this partnership enables Smile Communications to focus even more on the core business of delivering superior products and services that cater to the needs of its subscribers, whilst at the same time improving operational cost efficiency”, he said.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, June 25, 2015

33

Government Technology

Leaders not ready for digital age, says report ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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s the world moves faster towards an era where everything will be digitalised and economies will be largely data-driven, reports suggest that business leaders are not fully ready for the digital age. Studies conducted by EMC indicated that the world was moving towards an era in which nearly every element of life will be data-driven and individuals as well as corporations will sell, donate and trade information on open exchanges. The study also revealed that Information will be communicated and absorbed through multiple human senses and that customers will be able to better control their own privacy through new tools adding that in this new world order, value will shift from products and services to the information they generate. The new study titled: The Information Generation: Transforming The Future, Today, conducted by Institute for the Future and Vanson Bourne on behalf of EMC, explored the impact of a growing global community of digital citizens.

It stated that individuals were always connected and engaged online and have the world’s information at their fingertips adding that they also view the world very differently. Based on input from 3,600 Director-to-C-Suite business leaders across 18 countries, the study indicated that new expectations of these individuals and identifies the fundamental business attributes critical for organisations to successfully compete and thrive in this new landscape. It also refelcted that 96 percent of business leaders surveyed believed new technologies have forever changed the rules of business while 93 percent reported that recent technology advancements were resetting customer expectations, and nearly all say this will accelerate over the next decade. The top reported customer expectations are faster access to services, 24/7 and “everywhere” access and connectivity, access on more devices, and a more unique personalised experience. The polled business leaders agreed that essential requirements for any business in this information driven era include, predictively spot new opportu-

nities in markets, demonstrate transparency and trust, innovate in agile ways, deliver unique and personalised experiences, operate in real time. At the same time, the sampled population agreed that very few have thoroughly embodied them. Specifically, when asked whether they address these attributes both very well and company-wide, only 12 percent said they can predictively spot new opportunities, 9 percent innovate in agile ways,

14 percent demonstrate transparency and trust, 11percent deliver personalised experience, and 12 percent operate in real-time. Commenting on the study, Chief Executive Officer of EMC Information Infrastructure, David Goulden, said that information generation demanded more from the organisations they interact with saying, “businesses ‘born of the cloud’ are driving this shift in expectations, and mature businesses must redefine themselves

to adapt and remain relevant.” Goulden explained further that “it’s critical that his organisation systematically explore the longer-term implications of an age in which information is at the center of everything we do, continual lyre-conditioning us in ways we still have yet to imagine. The world’s most informationsavvy organisations if they ready themselves will lead one of the most significant transformations in history.”

L-R: Multimedia Personality; Olisa Adibua; PR & Communications Manager, OLX; Uche Nwagboso and OAP Dan Foster during the recently held OLX gives back dinner at Pattaya Restaurant Victoria Island, Lagos.

Financial Technology

BlackBerry simplifies mobility for business STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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lackBerry has assured customers that its cloud-based enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution, BES12 Cloud, would facilitate communication mobility for businesses. The BES12 Cloud, which has been certified through the HP Helion Ready Program makes it easy for means customers that want their software solutions to “just run” on HP HelionOpenStackto select BES12 Cloud as their EMM solution for use with HP HelionOpenStack. Vice President, Cloud Go to Market, HP, Mr. Steve Dietch said that the HP HelionOpenStack is based on open source cloud technology, providing many business advantages, from reducing costs through economies of scale and decreasing to avoiding vendor lock-in and preserving workload portability saying that it is also the common architectural foundation for the HP Helion Network, for which BlackBerry is the first EMM vendor. The HP Helion Network is an

ecosystem of service providers, value-added resellers, independent software vendors, and other partners that will collaborate with HP to build, sell and deliver public cloud/virtual private cloud services based on HP Helion technology. Comprising smaller communities, such as Cloud28+, the HP Helion Network also offers hardware vendors and solution providers

both a way to test and certify their products with HP HelionOpenStack and become a part of HP’s expanding partner ecosystem. The HP Helion Network works collaboratively to meet the needs of customers rather than being owned and operated by any single vendor. As part of this ecosystem, BlackBerry can offer enterprise customers looking to leverage HP

HelionOpenStack real value from their hybrid IT environments. Dietch said: “BlackBerry’s enterprise portfolio and global presence reinforce HP and the Helion community’s commitment to creating an open ecosystem of leading IT vendors.” He added that this program allows customers to confidently deploy HP HelionOpenStack in

mixed environments with hardware and software solutions that are certified and supported. BES12 Cloud makes mobility easy for businesses. BES12 Cloud makes managing devices, apps and data simpler with a cloudbased EMM solution that is secure, flexible and simple to deploy and easy to use.

adding that this has been made possible through Opera’s Sponsored Web Pass, which allows operators to package their data in a user-friendly way. At the click of a button, users can get online and explore what the mobile internet has to offer. A first-of-its-kind initiative in Africa, Naij.com is sponsoring a massive one million days of internet for subscribers on the MTN network between from June 17th whereby MTN users will be able to activate their free day of internet and will be able to browse all websites using Opera Mini. Country Group Head at Naij.

com, Goke Olaegbe, said that his company was committed to providing engaging online content for Nigerians, we’re thrilled to also provide them with a day of mobile internet saying that the partners are working together to boost Nigeria’s mobile internet usage He described the initiative as unique because of the over 20 million Opera Mini users in the country, 140 million MTN subscribers and more than 12 million monthly Naij.com readers, saying that the partnership is an opportunity to bring mobile users online for the first time.

Opera users in Nigeria hit 20m

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atest statistics from Opera, one of the world’s leading internet web browsers, has disclosed that its users have reached 20 million. Vice President, Africa for Opera Software, Mr. Richard Monday, made the disclosure in Lagos during the flagged off partnership with MTN Nigeria and online news portal, Naij.com He said that considering the massive growth of online citizens in the country and with many more eager to be online, Opera decided to partner with both organisation to bring more Nigerians online by offering one million

days of free internet access. He said: “Connecting more people, wherever they are and helping them to do more with their data will always be in the forefront of what we do at Opera. Partnerships like this are key to achieving our goals.” Although the offer is presently limited to subscribers on the MTN network to access the surfers will use the Opera web browser by logging first into the Naij.com portal. According to all the partners in the initiative, the intention is to bring free mobile internet to Nigerians via the MTN network


34

Global News

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

firms do brisk business in U.S. says Takata vehicle recall Chinese Venezuela despite idle factories size includes double counting F U .S. auto safety regulators said on Tuesday their estimate for the millions of vehicles affected by the Takata Corp (7312.T) air bag recall will likely be revised because cars with two front air bags were double-counted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has come under fire for failing early on to catch the defective Takata air bag inflators, as well as faulty ignition switches in General Motors Co (GM.N) vehicles. Both high-profile recalls pushed the agency into the spotlight. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind told the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday that regulators are waiting for automakers to provide information including the number of Takata inflators that must be replaced more than once. Rosekind cited his agency’s underfunding, low staffing and lack of authority as some lawmakers criticized NHTSA. “You’ve got too many complaints and not enough people,” he said. “It’s just overwhelming.” Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, said NHTSA’s problems will not be solved purely with additional resources. Rosekind said he would provide a list of 44 changes

Takata airbag

the agency is implementing to improve effectiveness, and Congress needs to give NHTSA more power to compel recalls. The Obama administration said last month it was doubling the number of vehicles involved to nearly 34 million, making the Takata recall the largest in U.S. history. But a Reuters analysis found the number could prove to be less than half that. Rosekind, who testified at the same hearing as representatives from Takata, automakers and the Department of Transportation, said

on Tuesday there are about 34 million defective inflators in 32 million vehicles on U.S. roads that need to be replaced. “It is important to note that this number is an estimate and will be refined,” he said. “We know that there are almost certainly vehicles that are counted twice.” Takata air bag inflators can deploy with too much force and spray metal shrapnel into passenger compartments. They have been linked to at least eight deaths and more than 100 injuries.

BlackBerry shares fall on software revenue uncertainty

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lackBerry Ltd (BBRY.O) (BB.TO) shares fell on Tuesday on uncertainty about what drove growth in the company’s crucial software segment in the first quarter. Shares were off 1.1 per cent after jumping in premarket trading as BlackBerry earnings report touted a 150 per cent increase in software and licensing revenues. But the result was clouded by uncertainty over the source of the revenues. BlackBerry said two licensing deals, with Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) and a second, unnamed company, made “significant con-

BlackBerry

tributions,” but did not disclose the terms. It was also not clear how much the deals could boost revenue in future quarters. “When the headline hits, you say ‘wow they really blew out that software number, good for them, they’re starting to get some traction.’ But, of course, it’s not truly $137 million because there is some licensing in there,” said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis. “The real number we care about is much less.” On a conference call, analysts grilled executives on the performance of its software business. Chief Executive Officer John Chen

ive years after Chinese home appliance maker Haier agreed to build a $912 million factory in Venezuela, its washing machines and refrigerators are almost the only ones available in the country’s department stores. Those appliances, however, are not made in Venezuela. They are instead imported from Haier factories in China and paid for through an oil-for-loans deal dating from 2007 under which China lends cash and is repaid in crude and fuel. The cost of leaving Haier’s facility idle is primarily borne by Venezuela’s socialist government, because its construction was bankrolled with $800 million borrowed from China. While most foreign firms are being battered by Venezuela’s currency controls and product shortages, Chinese companies like Haier are doing brisk business thanks to cooperation deals that give them privileged access to the OPEC nation’s economy but leave business risks in the government’s hands. The Chinese loans - some $50 billion since 2007 - have shored up Venezuelan finances at a time when low oil prices have prompted default concerns and effectively shut the country out of global capital markets. But Venezuela is struggling to make good on promises that Chi-

China President, Xi Jinping

nese financing would spur new industries and reduce its century-old dependence on the oil industry. China, on the other hand, has won a steady supply of oil for its economy and lucrative contracts for its companies to export goods to Venezuela, sometimes in the shadow of China-backed factories meant to produce those very goods locally, a Reuters review of dozens of official Venezuelan documents found. Bus-maker Yutong sold $353 million worth of buses upon agreeing in 2013 to help build a factory, which today consists of a patch of cleared land dotted with construction equipment. Heavy machinery firm XCMG closed an export order of $745 million after agreeing in 2011 to help build a local facility, the location of which has not been determined.

Greek offer to creditors stirs angry backlash at home

promised to follow up with more details. Quarterly revenue totaled $658 million in the quarter ended May 30, slightly lower than the prior pereek lawmakers reacted riod, but software and technology angrily on Tuesday to conlicensing revenue more than doucessions Athens offered in bled from a year ago to $137 million. debt talks and parliament’s deputy Analysts and investors have been speaker warned the proposals concerned about BlackBerry’s abilmight be rejected, puncturing opity to grow software revenue as it timism that a deal to pull Greece transforms itself from a hardwarefocused company to more of a soft- back from the abyss might be sealed quickly. ware and services provider. Euro zone leaders welcomed “I’m obviously quite pleased new budget proposals from Athens with the quarter. We have some on Monday as a basis for further very good achievements,” Chen negotiations to unlock billions of said on the call. euros in frozen aid and avert a deBlackBerry announced the Cisco deal in a separate statement on Tuesday, but said it could not disclose terms. The agreement is part of Chen’s push to license and monetize the company’s deep pool of patents, which it has built up over the years. BlackBerry has signed partnership deals with Wistron Corp (3231. TW) and Compal Electronics Inc (2324.TW), extending the company’s reliance on others for joint development and manufacturing of its devices as it aims for profitability in its handset business. The company already has a deal in place with Taiwanese electronics company FoxGreek PM, Tsipras conn Technology Co (2354.TW).

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fault next week that could lead to a Greek exit from the single currency area. Stock markets also cheered, with European shares extending the previous session’s sharp rally and climbing to a three-week high on hopes of a deal. But the euro fell on fears the plan would struggle to win approval in the Greek parliament. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who was voted into office in January on a pledge to roll back years of austerity in a country battered by recession, must keep his leftist Syriza party as well as his creditors onside for a deal to stick. Outspoken Syriza lawmakers voiced outrage at Tsipras’s offer to raise a range of taxes as well as pension and healthcare contributions, which threaten to further increase hardship on Greeks reeling from previous rounds of austerity. One lawmaker said the deal was tantamount to a “tombstone” for Greece. “I believe that this program as we see it ... is difficult to pass by us,” deputy parliament speaker and Syriza lawmaker Alexis Mitropoulos told Greek Mega TV.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Brands & Marketing

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Beer brand spurs ultimate quest in new TVC Television commercials hitherto serve as advertisement channels for products and services. But today, the art has been elevated; it now not only advertises and entertains, but also motivates. This is the story of the new Gulder TVC as captured by David Audu.

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learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. A famous line from the South African legend and former president, Nelson Mandela, who as a brave fighter and brand icon stood, fought and conquered racial segregation and librated his country from the clutches of apartheid. In today’s world challenges abound in different forms, and it takes individuals of courage and character to overcome. These challenges could be inform of the need to conquer fear, to overcome timidity or to grow over age long handicap. It was Hellen Keller who once said that life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Throughout history people that make things happen are people who dare. Without sounding being prejudiced to feminine values, some womenfolk have rightly made their mark in history; however, the world today is still a man’s world. Therefore, themes such as the quests to conquer a woman love against all odds are what still define a man from being a woman. But where these virtues are lacking even a man with a phallus could sometimes be called otherwise. Likewise, where a man feels inferior contrary to his masculine nature, masochism also demands that he rises above such limitation to be the real ‘man’. He who says it can be done has always been a hero and the ‘I can spirit’ has also always been the dominant strain of bravery, courage and accomplishment in life. It is these philosophies that Gulder Beer, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc., in its current television commercial draws upon in a shared ex-

HE WHO SAYS IT CAN BE DONE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HERO AND THE ‘I CAN SPIRIT’ HAS ALSO ALWAYS BEEN THE DOMINANT STRAIN OF BRAVERY, COURAGE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT IN LIFE perience to tell a story that is classic and universal, adventure and bravery. Gulder, through the television commercials, explore these themes of bravery, courage and intelligence to communicate the brands innate quality that men who identify with the brand are imbued with that quality and that’s stands them out. Challenges are for men, and real men overcome challenges. These messages were communicated in a story telling ad which illustrates the life impact of a brand and takes audiences on a journey that allows them to visualise what the product propels them to accomplish. The TVC goes beyond the usual product messaging and advertising

campaigns that many of us are wont to switch off from these days. Talking about story telling in advertising, communications expert, Lisa Barone, said “it works because it so naturally puts the focus on the consumer, not on your brand. As brands, we can use our stories to speak to our customers’ needs, wants, and desires and show ourselves in them; storytelling acts as that connector. “When you look at the advertisements that see the most viral success, almost all of them have this in common: they contain well-crafted stories that make people feel something. The tone could be humorous, sad, uplifting or eyeopening, but it almost certainly contains a clear story structure. The message of any commercial is to sell something, but people do not like being given sales pitches. Commercials crafted in the style of a story allow people to read between the lines and pick up the message themselves without having it hammered into them by repeated sales pitches Just show, do not tell. This is what the Gulder commercial demonstrates. This is amply shown in the characters in the commercial. The first story is a young man who in spite of being flamingly in love with a General’s daughter is afraid of going before his father in law and telling him how he feels about his daughter. The second is a young man caught between sitting back and receiving no positive reviews for his stellar performance in the office. He eventually grows up and became a man by walking up to his boss to demand his reward. In the third commercial, the guy was even mistaken for an attendant by a lady, but finally summons up courage, walked to the lady and

the rest is left for imagination. The messages that run through all the three commercials are that men have to be men. It is this quality of the true man that the Gulder brand stands for, and these stories are not told in the classic everyday hard selling ad that prods the consumer on what the brand can do but immerse the consumer to identify with the brand, to become the brand and conquer with the brand. One clear demonstration and prelude to where the brand was heading was the re-launch of the Gulder new bottle last year. Comments on the new bottle suggest the bottle was designed with strong grip features to appeals to the masculine character. The message of the bottle is to project a strong and futuristic beer brand for consumers, irrespective of gender, however. Speaking on the new bottle then, NB’s Marketing Director, Messrs Walter Drenth, had described the bottle as the most innovative in Nigeria. “What we have done is to take Gulder from a 1970 bottle and transformed it to a 2020 bottle. I can tell you that this is the most innovative bottle in the Nigerian beer market today”. Similarly, the new TVC is an extension of the brands desire to continuously endears it attributes to the consumers. For the brand, success is a state of mind and can be achieved by everyone. There are no superstars since everyone can become one in his chosen field and in his own right cultivating the right attitude. Another clear demonstration of the brand appeal and inspiration for success, especially, among youths was it continuous sponsorship of the Gulder Ultimate Search, GUS, which last year held its 11th edition. GUS projects the spirit of accomplishment and what the English Literary icon, William Shakespeare, referred to as “boldness be my friend”. The brand through the TVC also seeks to encourage the daring spirit, quests without limitations. Man is confronted with challenges every day, be it in the home, in the place of work and even in social relationships, as the young man who was mistaken for an attendant. The TVC stories subtly sell the propositions of strength, bravery, intelligence and daring which are the hallmarks of a real man. The commercial is the story of the man and the ability to overcome challenges. The brand’s big idea is “Becoming the Man you are meant to be”. This means that for the brand, there is “MAN” in every man and it only needs discovering for such to lead to accomplishments and conquests of fears, career and even the opposite sex, such as love. These and more the Gulder brand inspires through the commercial.


36

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Over 50% of Philips products in Nigeria fake DAVID AUDU

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he war against counterfeiting and fake products in Nigeria may be far from over as Royal Philips, makers of home appliances, has raised the alarm that more than half of its products in the Nigerian markets are imitations. The company lamented that the menace of counterfeiting had cost it billions of naira. Making this revelation in Lagos at the flagging off of the company’s Buy Original campaign, General Manager, Personal Health, Philips West Africa, Chioma Iwachukwu-Nweke stated that the campaign became imperative since counterfeiting had continued to pose serious concerns for consumers, local economies and brands that had worked assiduously to build their reputations.

She attributed the huge number of imitations of the company’s products, in recent times to the success and confidence it had built among the nation’s consumers which makers of such fake products fraudulently wanted to leverage on. Nweke said that the company, through the Buy Original Campaign would be sensitising Nigerians on the existence of fake products in the market, while giving them various tips on how to detect such fake products. In addition, he explained that the company would continue to collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies in the industry and other multinationals as a way of intensifying the campaign. According to her, one of the strategies the company had put in place to check counterfeiting included the introduction of hologram security

stickers for lamps and providing a unique 16 digit code validation code for all Philips Lighting products. She explained that this would go a long way in helping the consumers verify the authenticity of the company’s lighting products before parting with their funds. ‘The issue of counterfeit products has serious repercussions for consumers’ health and safety. Buyers are looking for the best deal and are not necessarily aware of the risks involved in purchasing a counterfeit product. ‘Protecting then consumer is our number one priority, so the Philips Buy Original campaign will not only allow consumers to easily identify a Philips original but empower them to take the necessary steps in reducing counterfeit trading in the country,’ she argued.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NIMN holds Evening of Tributes for late president

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he National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, has announced plans to hold an Evening of Tributes in honour of the institute’s immediate past president, Chief Lugard Aimiuwu, who passed on recently. The institute in a statement signed by its Acting Registrar, Mr. Sidney Ogodo, stated that the event which will hold at the institute’s corporate head office in Shangisha, Lagos, on Friday, June 26, would witness marketing practitioners and other stakeholders from within and outside the nation’s marketing environment coming to pay homage to the memory of the late NIMN boss, who many believed had succeeded in repositioning the institute and enhanced the status of marketing practice in Nigeria. While calling all marketing practitioners and other stakeholders to send in their tributes to info@nimn.com.ng before the

date, the institute added no efforts would be spared in ensuring that the memory of the departed NIMN boss remains etched in the sands of time. It will be recalled that Aimiuwu, who was President and Chairman Governing Council of the institute between September 2008 and August 2013, died at the early hours of Friday, April 17, this year at 68. The NIMN boss, who held a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and with the university prize for his academic performance, was also President and Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Management between 2003 and 2005. At a time, he was President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association and also chaired the UNILAG Development/Endowment Board for a period of five years. He was also a council member, University Governing Council between 2001 and 2005.

Appointment: NBC strengthens public affairs unit

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Brand Ambassador, Omo, Funke Akindele presenting the new Omo Fast Action 100g pack Chisom Njokwu Family, a resident of Atiba Street, Punch Estate, during the Omo Door to Door Knock held in Lagos, recently.

Google, MediaReach partner on brand marketing DAVID AUDU

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ediaReach OMD, West and Central Africa media agency, has aligned forces with Google Global Services Nigeria Limited over taking brand marketing in Nigeria to a new level. The alignment saw the two companies exchanging ideas on the survival strategies for different brands now that the players are faced with stiff competition not only in Nigeria but across the world. The agency, mediaReach OMD, and Google traded ideas on Thursday office in Lagos. Addressing members of staff of the two companies, at an event christened “Google Day”, recently, the Country Manager of Google, Juliet Chiazor, said it is imperative for any organisation that will survive to develop a strategic marketing campaign that can stand out in

the competitive market. She noted that customers are faced with a minimum of 2,000 marketing messages streamed on different communication platforms every day. Chiazor therefore said for any player to excel, its communication must be appropriate to target the right audience. She said innovation is at the heart of everything Google does and the company is aware of dynamism of different markets the world over. As a result, Chiazor said Google has different solutions that corporations anywhere in the world could use to achieve their goals in the target markets. Some of those solutions, according to her, are: Google Voice Search; Google Maps; Google Now; and Google Photo Sphere. She declared that television viewership is slowly declining as audiences are shifting online. Specifically, she stated that there is an increase of 60 percent of online video streaming that customers are

faced with. “Brand building elements still entail awareness and emotional engagement just as the case with traditional marketing platforms”, she said. Based on this, she advised that video should be seen as an integral part of brand building and should be used more in brand communication. Corroborating her view, Chief Executive Officer of mediaReach OMD, Tolu Ogunkoya, noted that there are still many players who are undecided about the relevance of digital brand marketing despite its importance in today’s marketing communication. “It is high time we decided to take active steps in the interest of our corporations”. Also speaking Patrick Gomes, the Chief Digital Officer of MediaReach OMD acknowledged that social media have very important roles to play in placing corporations ahead of competition in the market.

igerian Bottling Company Limited, NBC, has appointed Mr. Akomen Omijeh as Corporate Communications Manager while Miss Bisi Aweda becomes Communication Channels Manager. The duo have since assumed their new position. Akomen, who joined NBC from Cadbury, started his career in Cadbury Nigeria in 2001 and held several positions in the brand marketing unit of the multinational company. In 2008, Akomen moved to the Corporate and Government Affairs Team in Cadbury. He holds a first degree in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Lagos, specializing in

Marketing Communications. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Miss Aweda, prior to her recent appointment as Communication Channels Manager, was the Assistant Communications Manager in the Public Affairs Unit of NBC. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from Babcock University and an MA in International Marketing Management from Bournemouth University. “The new appointments are aimed at strengthening our capabilities and sharpening our focus on reputation management,” stated Uzo Odenigbo, Head of Public Affairs at NBC.

Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt: Etisalat extends deadline for entries

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elecommunications company, Etisalat, has extended the deadline for the entries of the 2015 Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt by one month. According to the company, the extension was due to high demand and positive responses from its customers nationwide. Speaking on the latest development, Director Enterprise Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada said the call for extension by the company’s customers nationwide was a testimony to the success of the initiative. Dada said, “Due to the positive responses we received from our customers, right from the first day we announced the second edition of this competition, we at Etisalat Nigeria decided to shift the deadline for the entries in order to ac-

commodate as many participants as possible.’’ To participate, he said, interested Easybusiness customers must recharge their Easybusiness line with N3,000, pay 3 months subscription upfront by dialing *345*3#, then text YES to 5885 to receive a unique code and URL to submit their business idea. Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt is aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria with grants, training, office equipment and expertise support to actualise their business ideas. The 2015 edition will see 50 entrepreneurs with brilliant business ideas rewarded with training and office equipment, while the top 10 entries will be rewarded with N2 million each at the end of the program.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Chivita boss lists benefits of products

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BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

The unique shopping environment and brand success

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Cross section of recipients of Airtel Channel Partners Award 2915 during presentation in Lagos, recently.

DAVID AUDU

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anaging Director, Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy, has restated the nutritional value of it fruit juice brand, Chivita 100% to Nigerian consumers. He stated this recently at a forum with newsmen in Lagos. He said the company places value on consumers and would ensure that they get nutritional value from the products. “We employ advanced technology in the production of fruit juice and ensure that it is packaged in hygienic and convenient form available anywhere. Our technological process ensures that the juice retains its natural fruity composition and quality. He said the company is confident that Chivita 100% would continue to delight and nourish our numerous consumers across Nigeria”, he stressed. A nutritionist, Dr Adeleke Adelakun, noted that “nutrition is a key enabler to meet almost every development goal for human beings, and we cannot over-emphasize the role that natural foods without artificial preservatives and refined sugars can play in achieving this”. He further stated that “Chivita 100% fruit juices are naturally nutritious and are usually fortified with nutrients

like vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D. They are considered a “nutrient dense” beverage because they contain far more nutritional value than other beverage choices per calorie” Speaking further, Adeleke noted that in an increasingly health-conscious world, many brands have risen to the challenge of meeting consumer needs with innovative solutions. “Today, it is gratifying to note that beverage manufacturers like Chi Limited, have made it easier for everyone to keep fit, by creating beverages that are simply healthy and affordable. In spite of stiff competition and uncertainties in the marketplace, Chi Limited has endured to build a formidable brand that is a huge delight to fruit juice consumers”. For Angela Maduka, a health and lifestyle expert, regular consumption of fruit juice helps to maintain a healthy mucus membrane, skin and good vision. “This is because oranges contain very good levels of vitamin A and other flavonoid antioxidants such which are known to have antioxidant properties. It has also been established that oranges are a good source of Bcomplex vitamins which are essential because the body requires them from external sources to replenish itself ” For a brand analyst, Emeka Nwobi, Nigerians traditional

consumption patterns are rapidly changing as more consumers are embracing fruit juices with innovative forms and flavours. “Many of the products achieving the highest growth rates are those riding on the seeming impact of taste for health obsessed juice consumers.

y creating its own store, a brand builds its own ecosystem. But more importantly it fully leverages human contact at every stage of the shopper’s experience: hospitality, care, engagement, reassurance, confidence, involvement, and local proximity. Examples of brands that started trading their goods via intermediaries and then created their own stores are numerous, including Sony, Apple, Lego, Nike, Nespresso,Hershey, and Microsoft. Sometimes only one flagship store is sufficient. The main objective is to create memories. The store has to alter a guest’s sense of reality through its effect on his or her experience ofspace, time, and matter. It must transform the act of buying into something much more interesting, thus demonstrating the real generosity of the brand. If you think that only big brands can afford such a privilege, there are many alternatives to it, including corners in department stores and mobile

kiosks smartly located. These “micro-stores” can create a unique brand environment ona small scale, but more importantly they will make direct interaction possible. For example, when the famous Ladurée French brand of macaroons decided to sell its products in Orly Airportin Paris, the store was designed with the brand’s tone and style in mind. The store or kiosk actually looks like an 18th century cart, from which travelers can select a last-minute gift or a treat to transform their dining experience up in the air. So what are we waiting for? It’s time to reinvent the way we sell by reinstating the indispensable human touch at every corner of our brands — delivering the promise, dealing with problems, establishing personal contact, and genuinely looking after people. Are you doing things differently? Kindly send reaction to Michael Umogun (Michael. Umogun@millwardbrown.com ) Millward Brown Nigeria.

Valmont potable water debuts DAVID AUDU

N

igerian bottled water market deepens recently as Giant Beverages Limited, a Lagos based beverage manufacturer, introduced Valmont brand into the market. The new product is coming with a new Sportcap offering described as the first of its kind in the industry. With this offering, the wholly owned Nigerian company, is bent on ensuring Nigerian brands join the league of international water manufacturing brands. According to the General Manager, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, the innovation is to ensure that mark of quality is stamped on the product from the onset to differentiate it from the pack and ensure it sets the pace in quality and packaging. “What we are doing is making a statement that Nigerians can produce quality product with packaging that can conform to the highest interna-

tional standards. This is why our Sportcap will make the difference.” “The water goes through our ultra-purification processes without being exposed to air until it enters our unique bottles, thus preserving its freshness and purity. It is called ‘Valmont’ for its strong, rich, luxurious and sophisticated background.” In order to make maximum market impact to meet consumer needs, the product comes in, 600ml, 750ml (Sportcap) and 1.5L 100 per cent recyclable plastic bottles. At a later point, it will also be available in750ml glass bottles sold only through high-end restaurants, hotels, international airlines and event outfits Giving additional information on the brand, Marketing Manager, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi explained that Valmont’s Sportcap “is the first in Nigeria and it is suited for on-the-go consumers because it is convenient and would not distract

consumers’ from other activities such as driving, walking, etc. Our glass bottle, which will also be the first in Nigeria when it hits the market, provides gourmet water to accompany gourmet food in high profile hotels.” Positioned as a lifestyle brand, it is buoyed by symbolic attributes like sophistication, class, appeal and uniqueness. The wholly Nigerian owned brand with the historic has Zuma Rock as its brand iconic. On why the Abuja situated rock formation was chosen as its brand icon, Mrs. Ogunyemi noted that “the intrigue of the rock is that it bears a ‘human face’ on its surface, and this for every Nigerian is an ultimate symbol of purity of nature. The freshness and natural purity of this cultural landmark is relatable to our Valmont. This is because our water is fresh and pure from start to finish. More importantly, it signifies that Valmont is a proud Nigerian brand.”


38

Insight

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria: Rising debt profile and P

resident Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said what the people in the immediate past Goodluck Jonathan government knew all along, but shied away from telling Nigerians the truth. “The country is broke,” Buhari revealed. From the centre to the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there are tales and cries of indebtedness. While the Federal Government and states where there are changes of power appear to cry more, states with subsisting leaders give different reasons why they are broke and have to borrow. The newly elected leaders rather than hit the ground running with their electoral promises are now more worried on how to offset the loads of wages and salary areas in their states. Worst of all, even President Buhari and the new governors are crying that they inherited empty treasury. Among those in serious distress is Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Bauchi State Governor ,Mohammed Abubakar among others. Ortom who has accused his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, of handing over an empty treasury, said the monthly allocation of the state has dwindled and the internally generated revenue completely zero. Speaking at the Government House Makurdi during the inauguration of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Targema Takema; the Chief of Staff, Terwase Orbunde; Head of Service, Iwanta Adaikwu and Special Adviser on Media and Information Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerzua; Ortom, said, “I met an empty treasury which if it is qualified, it can be put at 10 times minus zero. Now, the state needs over N350million to offset the April salary. The internally generated revenue is zero. This is because of backlog of debts, bond, salary, pension and gratuity arrears, as well as obligation to contractors.” Governor Lalong also said his predecessor in Plateau State, Jonah Jang, handed over to him an empty treasury, saying the former governor left a debt profile of N104billion, excluding more than five months salary arrears. Addressing judiciary workers led by the Chief Judge, Justice Pius Damulak, at the Presidential Lodge, Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Lalong said, “I found no kobo in the treasury. I only inherited a debt of N104bn, including the non-payment of seven months workers’ salaries and pension arrears as handover note.” It is the same story in Bauchi where the new governor, Abubakar, said former governor Isa Yuguda, left an empty treasury in the state, adding that the state civil servants have not been paid March, April and May salaries, while state and local government pensioners are being owed about N12bn pension arrears by the Yuguda-led government. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, in a statement before the presi-

The level of indebtedness of the Nigerian federal and state governments is very worrisome and alarming. However, EBERE NDUKWU reports that as the new administrations bemoan empty treasury handed over to them, the patience of unpaid workers may soon run out.

Osun State workers protesting over unpaid salaries

ACCORDING TO THE DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (DMO), THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS AN EXTERNAL DEBT STOCK OF

$6.445BILLION AND ANOTHER N7.9TRILLION DOMESTIC DEBT TOTALLING N9.19TRILLION, AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 dential inauguration on May 29 said, “Upon assumption of office, our government will be expected to raise about N4.1trillion to pay accumulated arrears of salaries at federal and state levels, oil subsidy debts, costs of debt servicing and other sundry indebtedness incurred by the outgoing administration. “When this is weighed against the massive depletion of national savings like the Excess Crude Account (ECA), additional huge debt of about $60billion USD and the sharp fall in crude oil prices in the international market, one can begin to contextualise the magnitude of problems that confront the incoming administration. “This has not taken into account huge amount of funds lost to crude oil theft on an ongoing basis through negligence and in some cases officially sanctioned corruption. Yet our people expect massive investment in infrastructure, public works to create jobs and cash transfer reliefs to ameliorate the harsh economic environment.” Not long ago, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo while speaking at a two-day Policy Dialogue on the implementation of the Agenda for Change organised by the Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, said that currently, Nigeria’s local and international debts

stand at US$60 billion. He said, “Our debt servicing bill for 2015 is N953.6bn, 21 per cent of our budget. On account of severely dwindled resources, over two-thirds of the states in Nigeria owe salaries. Federal institutions are not in much better shape. Today, the nation borrows to fund recurrent expenditure.” But, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), denying Osinbajo’s claim accused him of misrepresenting facts regarding Nigeria’s economy, particularly, the correct status of the country’s debt stock. Then Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, later said the total debt was $63billion, but explained that it represented state and federal debts, the bulk of it predating the Jonathan administration. According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the Federal Government has an external debt stock of $6.445billion and another N7.9trillion domestic debt totalling N9.19trillion, as of December 31, 2014. The debts are currently being serviced with N700 billion every year. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S& P), said the sovereign commercial and concessional debts of Nigeria and 17 other Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries under its rating services will reach about $393billion by the end of this year.

The global rating agency indicated that Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and 15 other Sub-Saharan Africa countries will borrow an equivalent of $56billion from long-term commercial sources in 2015. About $44 billion of the total commercial borrowings is expected to be raised in local currency, while about 29 per cent, equivalent to $17bn of the sovereigns gross borrowing is expected to be used to refinance maturing tong-term debts. The new borrowings are expected to push sovereign commercial debts by the SSA countries to $298bn by the end of this year. With this, the total commercial and concessional debt stocks are expected to rise to $393bn by the end of 2015, a year-onyear increase of seven per cent or $24bn. In this year’s budget, about N954billion or 21 per cent of the budget is allocated to debt servicing. About 94 per cent of the allocation or N894.6bn will be used to service domestic debts while N59bn will be used to service foreign debts. DMO indicated that Nigeria’s public debt stock stood at N12.06 trillion by March 31 this year while the sovereign domestic debts have risen consistently over the years to peak at N8.51trillion by the end of first quarter this year. Sovereign domestic debts rose from N5.623tn in 2011 to N6.538tn in 2012 and subsequently to N7.12tn and N7.90tn in 2013 and 2014 respectively. DMO’s external debt figures (without adding domestic debts) show Lagos as Nigeria’s most indebted state with $1.17 billion debt. It is distantly followed by Kaduna with $234 million debt, Cross River $142 m; Edo $123m; Ogun $109m; Bauchi $88m; Katsina $79m; Osun $74m; Oyo $72m and Enugu $69m. Least indebted states are: Taraba N4.56billion; Borno N4.61bn; Delta N4.85bn; Plateau N6.19bn; Yobe N6.25bn; Benue N6.62bn; Abia N6.76bn; Zamfara N7.11bn and Kogi N7.16bn.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, June 25, 2015

dangers of unpaid salaries

President Buhari decries empty treasury

Gov Ambode, Lagos most indebted state

OSUN STATE, ONE OF NIGERIA’S POOREST STATES, WHICH IS RANKED 9TH IN THE LIST OF THE MOST INDEBTED STATES IN THE COUNTRY ACCUMULATED ITS DEBTS WITH THE

N11.4BILLION

SUKUK WHICH MADE HEADLINES IN 2013 Investigation by National Mirror shows that most of the highly indebted states have accumulated debts through issuance of bonds. Osun State, one of Nigeria’s poorest states, which is ranked 9th in the list of the most indebted states in the country accumulated its debts with the N11.4billion Sukuk which made headlines in 2013. Many indigenes of the state today argue that the Islamic bond like several other debts, have not translated to development in the state, with several projects abandoned and workers’ salaries left unpaid for months. The Federal Government has also expressed concern over the rate at which states are borrowing. Last year, the FG directed Deposit Money Banks not to grant fresh loans to state governments unless they got approval and clearance from the Federal Ministry of Finance. Then Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, said the decision was not aimed at stalling the development efforts of the state governments, as alleged, but to protect them from excessive accumulation of debts. “The domestic debt profile of some states is scary. The states are so much in

Debt Management Office DG, Dr. Nwankwo

debt that only a small amount of their allocations get to them at the end of the day because most times money for debt servicing is removed from source,” he said while addressing participants in Course 23 for security agents at the National War College, Abuja. Yuguda said most of the states had been experiencing difficulties in servicing their existing debts and it would not be advisable to allow them take fresh loans. Rather, he stressed the need for the states to continue to look inwards for other sources of revenue to pursue their development programmes. Members of the National Assembly Joint Committee were also taken aback by the rate at which the country’s debt profile was rising, just like other Nigerians are shocked at the development. Then Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, lamented the continued shut out of private sector borrowers by government. “We are now aggressively borrowing in such a manner that the private sector is now being stifled as the government is now the only big spender in the economy. The private sector cannot access funds domestically and that means they cannot create jobs that is expected of them,” Bamidele said. In the September 17, 2014 Edition of “Bond Watch”, analysts at Dunn Loren

Merrifield, an independent full-service investment house based in Lagos, which provide asset management services in addition to cutting-edge research to clients, stated that at N7.1trillion in June 2012, Nigeria’s total debt was about 1.7 times its level in 2005, before the nation got debt forgiveness from its creditors, which include Paris Club in 2006. In an area report following the announcement of the second Eurobond, Dunn Loren contended that the development could take the nation back to the era of bloated international debt. The bond is part of efforts to significantly reduce the country’s high debt service payments in view of the prevailing high interest rates in Nigeria and in line with the Federal Government resolve to reduce domestic borrowing from the current N744bn to about N500bn in the medium term. Already, the 2012 debt level was reduced from N852bn, just as there are efforts to bring it further down to N500bn “in the medium term”. Rather than seeking to refinance domestic debt at about 12 per cent interest with the Eurobond, the Dunn Loren analysts advocated for a concerted approach to Nigeria’s economic management by both fiscal and monetary authorities. In similar vein, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its published, “Development in the External Sector”, noted that the nation’s external debt profile rose by 5.64 per cent from $5.67 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, to $5.99 billion at the end of March 2012. The report published by the CBN’s Economic Policy Directorate reported that the private sector external debt stood at $0.27 billion, down from $0.39 billion in the corresponding period of last year, and $0.44 billion in the 2011 fourth quarter. The growth in external debt in the period under review was blamed on additional loans incurred within the period, following which the CBN warned that “the continued increase in the public sector external debt may constitute a threat to the existing debt sustainability position of the country if future loans are not project-tied and self sustaining.” Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), in a statement by its President, Mr. Bobboi Bala Kaigama, lamented that while Nigeria celebrated with fanfare the external debt exit in 2005 under the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo, by December 2010, the external debt portfolio rose to $4.78 billion. According to the statement, “So, if the foreign debt regime now stands at $9.38 billion, it follows that external debt profile has risen by about 100 per cent in less than four years. This is very unfortunate more so when the impact of the foreign loans are not being positively felt by the generality of the citizens. Nobody should be carried away by the argument that the country’s debt stock is still less than 26 per cent of GDP, the so-called international standard. “The fact of the matter is that the country went through hell when its debt stock was about $35bn. We should therefore be concerned that we are going back to where we were before.”

39

According to TUC, although the DMO stated that part of the loan was injected into the power sector, there was nothing on ground to show that electricity supply had improved because as at May 2014, then Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, stated that Nigeria was generating 3,800mw for about 170 million population whereas experts estimated that Lagos State alone needed about 15,000mw. The TUC president faulted claims by Dr. Abraham Nwankwo that part of the loan was also used to finance roads including Abuja International Airport Road that had not been completed for years and organised labour, the civil society groups, and called other well-meaning Nigerians to rise up and ensure that the Federal Government stopped further foreign borrowing forthwith. He said, “We also demand that the Federal Government should curtail unnecessary expenditure, prune down the obscene emoluments of political office holders, and block other leakages through which billions of naira are looted from the treasuries leaving virtually nothing for capital development.” “We believe that if the enormous resources of the country are properly harnessed and prudently managed, there is more than enough wealth in Nigeria to go round and also build the type of societies we have in Europe, America and Asia.” Nigerians are concerned about how the federal and state governments will manage the debt situation, with many arguing that the Buhari led APC government should try and put measures that will stop borrowing or at least reducing their borrowing to a serviceable level. The citizens are waiting on Buhari to cut wastages so there will not be need to go for loans. The Federal Government need to look inward in creating more revenues by harnessing the non-oil sector, which has been neglected for long else, unemployment will continue to be on the increase since money borrowed were not effectively used for infrastructure building that could have attracted investors willing to create jobs. According experts, except stringent measures are taken, there is the tendency that most states of the federation with new administrations may end up servicing debts for at least the first two years in office. Most painful is that Nigerians hardly see the developments both at the state and federal levels for which these debts are incurred. Therefore, the intellectual community and those that understand the challenges of economic fundamentals should respond passionately to this challenge of getting the governments to be more responsive in the way they seek external loans. As many analysts believe, the situation is an evil trend that if not corrected may have ugly consequences both on the nation’s economy and peace of the country as workers whose salaries and wages are not being paid may get to a breaking point where they may decide to throw sense of rational reason to the wind.


40

Cocktail

Thursday, June 25, 2015

xx

Oddities

Massachusetts newlyweds win $15 million in lottery

N

ewlyweds from Cape Cod are planning to buy a house, pay off student loans and buy a truck after winning $15 million on an instant scratch-off ticket. Reports had it that Stacy and David Foster, of Orleans, who were married May 1, went to a store on Route 6 in Eastham on Saturday and asked for a $30 Supreme Millions ticket from a machine

behind a different register. The clerk told the Fosters the register was closed and said they’d have to choose a ticket behind an active one since ticket sales are tracked separately. The Fosters claimed their $15 million grand prize Monday and went home with a one-time payment of $9.75 million after taxes. The store will also receive $50,000.

Bent lorry slapped with parking fine, despite being parked halfway up a wall

T

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he fact that “Truck’s” wheels were parked in a no front wheels were parking zone was seemingly parked in a no parking enough of a reason to fine its zone was apparently enough creator €30. The installation, created of a reason to fine its creator . The back wheels of this as part of the 300th birthday impossible red lorry are celebrations of the city of Karlsruhe, is situated on the parked halfway up a wall. But this did not deter one wall of the Karlsruhe Weinoverzealous traffic warden, brenner house, near the Cenwho slapped Austrian artist’s tre for Art and Media (ZKM). Erwin Wurm’s new artwork with a parking ticket. Germans are seen as sticklers for rules, and the fact that “Truck’s” front Impossible: The “Truck” was slapped with a parking fine

‘I’m joining ISIS because animal charity took my cat’ G

overnments in the West are struggling to understand why its citizens are so desperate to join ISIS, the terror group that has carved a bloody path of terror across the Middle East. While there are many stupid reasons for defecting, few are more bizarre or moronic than anger over a cat being taken into care. However, this is what a 45-year-old Omaha man told others after the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) took his cat three months ago. Why did they take his cat? Because he was throwing it in the air and letting it drop. Omaha.com reports that a week ago the unnamed man missed his moggy so much he called the society and told staff he intended to “kill every

motherfucker” there and had plans to “gun them all down.” Following that, he threatened to “join the terrorist group, ISIS, to bring down the NHS and its employees,” Mark Langan, vice president of

field operations, wrote in court documents. A judge issued a preliminary order against the man, banning him from harassing staff. Last week he was charged with making terroristic threats, a felony

Rage: A man threatened to join ISIS over his cat being taken away

that could land him five years in prison. His bail was set at $25,000 and he will have to pay $2,500, to be released from jail. The man also faces trial on a charge of animal cruelty this month.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Equities dip 0.3%, supply of stocks heightens

N

igeria’s equities market yesterday sustained its downward trading trend as the All-Share Index (ASI) dropped by 0.3 per cent to close at 33,266.87 points. The depreciation on Tuesday stood at 0.01 percent. The decline was due to more supply of stocks for sale by short term inves-

tors. Similarly, market capitalization dropped by about N39 billion, representing 0.34 percent to close the at N11.356 trillion against N11.395 trillion while Market breadth closed negative as Neimeth Plc led nine price gainers as against against 42 losers led by UPL Plc. However, market turn-

over ended positively as volume of traded shares grew by 49.14 percent compared to the 25.18 percent decline recorded on Tuesday The financial services sector sustained its market dominance with transactions in the shares of WAPIC, FBN Holdings and Zenith. The sector traded a total of 194.2million ordinary

shares valued at N1.5 billion in 2,104 deals. A review of all sector indices closed negative with the exception of NSE Oil and Gas & NSE Lotus Islamic Index with daily gains of 0.09 and 0.10 respectively. Meanwhile, the negative Year to Date (YtD) performance of index now stands at 4.01 per cent.

U.S. stocks decline amid Greek debt talks U .S. stocks fell, halting two days of gains that brought equities near a record, amid declines in raw-material and railroad shares as Greek debt talks dragged on. Kansas City Southern and CSX Corp. dropped more than 2.9 per cent to drag industrial shares down. General Motors Co. slumped three per cent, while Ford Motor Co. gained after Goldman Sachs Group Inc. flipped its preference on the two. Netflix Inc. pared a rally of as much as 3.7 per cent after Carl Icahn said he had exited his stake. Apple Inc. added 1.3 per cent after positive comments from Morgan Stanley. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.6 per cent to 2,111.81 at 2:06 p.m. in New York, after earlier rising within 0.3 percent

of a record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 144.62 points, or 0.8 percent, to 17,999.45. The Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.6 per cent from an all-time high. “This is just a bit of a pullback because we’ve had a good run over the last few days, and there has been some nervousness that the Greece situation may not get resolved soon,” said Bill Schultz, who oversees $1.2 billion as chief investment officer at McQueen, Ball & Associates Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “Other than that, there’s a little bit of a lull until earnings next month.” Germany downplayed the chances of an imminent deal with Greece as Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s government rejected the latest terms set by creditors to unlock

bailout aid. The signs of fresh cracks between the sides damped optimism from earlier in the week that had sent stocks higher around the world. Revised data yesterday showed U.S. gross domestic product fell at a 0.2 per cent annualized rate, compared with a previously reported 0.7 per cent drop, assisted by a bigger gain in consumer spending. The harsh winter weather and port delays that damped growth at the start of the year have given way to increases in consumer spending and housing, bolstering Federal Reserve projections that the setback was temporary. Still, pockets of weakness remain as lower oil prices continue to hinder investment in the energy industry and

Fortinet, FireEye decline as Citigroup share gains ebb

F

ortinet Inc. and FireEye Inc., providers of networksecurity software, fell after a Citigroup Inc. analyst said he sees limited gains in the stocks. Fortinet dropped 3.2 per cent to $41.81 at 1:02 p.m. Wednesday in New York. It fell as much as 5.7 per cent to $40.77, the biggest intraday drop since January. FireEye slid as much as 4.1 percent to $50.67. Citigroup analyst Walter Pritchard cut Forti-

net’s rating to neutral from buy, while raising the price target for shares to $44 from $41. While Fortinet is gaining market share, Citigroup said it’s on less of an upward trajectory than industry peers Palo Alto Networks Inc. and Proofpoint Inc. Fortinet was also cut to neutral at Robert W. Baird & Co. on Wednesday. Pritchard said for FireEye to see gains in its stock, it must at least maintain its share of the standalone APT, or Ad-

vanced Persistent Threat, market -- which is now at 46 per cent -- through 2019. “We haven’t seen a market grow to the size we predict APT will become ($3.6 billion in 2019) with one vendor having this sort of share,” he wrote. FireEye benefits when customers use standalone APT, but that doesn’t fall in line with historical trends, Pritchard said in the research note. (Source: Bloomberg. com).

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 33,266.87 points Market capitalisation 11.36trn

Stock Updates GAINERS

a firm dollar restrains global sales. Fed Governor Jerome Powell said Tuesday the chances are about 50-50 that the U.S. economy will improve enough for the central bank to raise interest rates in September. Three rounds of Fed bond purchases and nearzero interest rates helped the S&P 500 more than triple during the six-year bull market. The benchmark index has gone without gains or losses of two per cent or more for the longest streak since February 2007. The gauge climbed last week by the most since April after the Fed signalled it won’t rush to raise rates, as officials hold out for more decisive evidence of an economic rebound. (Source: Bloomberg.com). Rate (%) Inflation

41

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

NEIMETH

1.34

1.45

0.11

8.21

SKYEBANK

2.43

2.55

0.12

4.94

MOBIL

153.31

158.85

5.54

3.61

VITAFOAM

5.49

5.63

0.14

2.55

ASHAKACEM

21.50

22.00

0.50

2.33

UNILEVER

45.17

45.50

0.33

0.73

UNITYBNK

2.53

2.54

0.01

0.40

OANDO

15.83

15.85

0.02

0.13

NESTLE

850.01

850.10

0.09

0.01

-

-

-

-

-

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UPL

6.50

CLOSING 5.90

-0.60

-9.23

NPFMCRFBK

1.07

1.00

-0.07

-6.54

CCNN

11.60

11.02

-0.58

-5.00

CAVERTON

3.60

3.42

-0.18

-5.00

JBERGER

52.39

49.78

-2.61

-4.98

CHAMPION

6.65

6.32

-0.33

-4.96

RTBRISCOE

0.81

0.77

-0.04

-4.94

BOCGAS

5.11

4.86

-0.25

-4.89

VONO

1.26

1.20

-0.06

-4.76

ETERNA

2.53

2.41

-0.12

-4.74

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.15

99.30

13.69

99.45

13.54

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.84

101.98

13.81

102.13

13.72

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.01

105.83

14.05

106.13

13.95

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.64

103.64

14.42

103.94

14.33

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.60

109.58

14.10

109.88

14.03

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.72

101.64

13.86

101.94

13.80

Closing Market Prices of June 24, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Sep-15

11.22

11.55

WAUA

270

USD

197

17-Dec-15

10.71

11.29

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.48

14.15

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

19.4583

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

16.1902

3M

17.4151

SDR

273

6M

18.5208

NIBOR

The Fixings of June 24, 2015


Capital Market

42

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037

Equities as at June 24, 2015 Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities)

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 10 15 25

Current Price 29.98 33.60

Quantity Traded 42,453 60,643 103,096

Value Traded 1,282,103.46 1,961,295.34 3,243,398.80

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 2.22

Quantity Traded 696,500 696,500

Value Traded 1,553,655.00 1,553,655.00

799,596

4,797,053.80

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000 13,810,845 180,284 13,993,129

Value Traded 3,760.00 900.00 39,650,500.77 7,586,023.62 47,241,184.39

13,993,129 Quantity Traded 20 20 Page Quantity Traded 1,103,855 1,103,855

47,241,184.39 Value Traded 106.00 106.00 12 1 of Value Traded 971,392.40 971,392.40

AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

48

Symbol CHELLARAM JOHNHOLT Daily Summary TRANSCORP UACN

Symbol ARBICO

No. of Deals 1 1 (Equities) 122 51 175 175 No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.95 0.94 2.86 42.00

Current Price 5.30

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.88

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 49.78

Quantity Traded 46,325,000 46,325,000

Value Traded 2,394,762,500.00 2,394,762,500.00

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 10.50

Quantity Traded 180,595 180,595

Value Traded 1,961,230.53 1,961,230.53

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 4,200 4,200

Value Traded 42,000.00 42,000.00

47,613,670

2,397,737,228.93

Value Traded 5,449,988.80 70,025,765.60 2,609,660.50

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Daily Summary of ESTATE 24/06/2015 UPDC as REAL INVESTMENT TRUST Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER GOODS BREWERIES PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

51

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW

No. of Deals 21 45 12

Current Price 6.32 163.40 19.07

Quantity Traded 862,340 428,549 136,950

Symbol NB

No. of Deals 126 204

Current Price 149.99

Quantity Traded Page 1,234,279 2,662,118

ICT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Value Traded 12 2 of 185,139,148.37 263,224,563.27

Quantity Traded 10,895 10,895

Value Traded 1,959,172.40 1,959,172.40

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 38 47 56 28 38 2 209

Current Price 4.06 6.80 33.57 3.56 8.10 0.50

Quantity Traded 667,956 909,392 377,263 525,700 766,030 1,700 3,248,041

Value Traded 2,682,414.55 6,221,030.18 12,789,420.11 1,850,205.00 6,362,905.05 850.00 29,906,824.89

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 22 33 55

Current Price 37.00 850.10

Quantity Traded 105,117 123,591 228,708

Value Traded 3,729,254.05 105,078,632.34 108,807,886.39

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 17 16 33

Current Price 5.63 1.20

Quantity Traded 208,281 313,980 522,261

Value Traded 1,150,800.41 377,416.00 1,528,216.41

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 36 44 80

Current Price 31.80 45.50

Quantity Traded Value Traded 12 Page 38,323,006.68 of 266,668 33,740,880 1,534,931,390.71 34,007,548 1,543,254,397.39

Personal/Household Products Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.© Published by P The Nigerian Stock Exchange UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037 FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC BANKon NIG.PLC. ActivityUNION Summary Board EQTY UNITY BANK PLC WEMASERVICES BANK PLC. FINANCIAL

Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Published byCONTINENTAL The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC REINSURANCE CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER15:15:37.037 INSURANCE CO. PLC. Printed 24/06/2015 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

593

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 141 DIAMONDBNK 24 ETI 72 FIDELITYBK 82 GUARANTY 249 SKYEBANK 91 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 19 UBA 141 UBN 32 UNITYBNK 53 WEMABANK 21

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1,948,681,060.75

Current Price 6.09 4.20 22.00 1.74 27.05 2.55 2.03 5.15 9.50 2.54 0.97

Quantity Traded 3,807,719 625,727 851,838 6,888,143 15,170,607 7,924,323 1,038,248 13,137,563 547,135 5,286,674 467,401

Value Traded 23,157,018.86 2,630,901.80 18,750,918.43 12,054,479.45 410,528,608.80 19,351,281.84 2,114,027.13 68,153,035.10 5,207,924.10 13,180,931.34 458,885.06

Value Traded 625,372,654.28 1,200,960,666.19

Symbol AFRINSURE AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST EQUITYASUR LASACO LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 1 23 24 5 1 1 2 5 1 39 4 3 2 74 (Equities) 185

Current Price 0.50 0.97 0.99 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.82 0.50 0.70 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 17,974,958 Page 2,080,843 3,500 1,000 1,000 1,000,000 1,241,557 1,000 4,403,279 53,720 51,100 700 34,482,186 61,296,843

1,750.00 500.00 500.00 500,000.00 3,659,741.00 500.00 3,117,641.14 26,860.00 25,550.00 350.00 17,697,892.01 44,059,538.91

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 4,862,949 4,862,949

Value Traded 4,905,169.49 4,905,169.49

Symbol ABBEYBDS ASOSAVINGS UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 1.25 0.50 5.78

Quantity Traded 100 200 Page 100 400

Value Traded 119.00 100.00 12 5 of 550.00 769.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 44 10 527 33 36 63 713

Current Price 2.80 4.00 8.01 3.00 27.40 1.40

Quantity Traded 4,628,821 95,882 31,842,567 589,828 641,692 3,299,131 41,097,921

Value Traded 12,655,894.06 383,228.00 257,131,529.03 1,772,639.54 17,677,430.07 4,637,331.93 294,258,052.63

194,287,590

1,544,184,196.22

Value Traded 1,000.00 16,934,999.26 12 42,092,255.50 of

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.82

Quantity Traded 6,000 6,000

Value Traded 10,380.00 10,380.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH

No. of Deals 1 11 17

Current Price 1.45 3.18 44.00

Quantity Traded 65,000 88,785 246,252

Value Traded 94,250.00 285,712.95 10,819,762.44

Page

6

of

98

Value of Shares(N)

Quantity Traded 2,509,780 1,760,057 47,521 4,717,395

Value Traded 3,563,695.60 2,567,552.73 102,188.15 17,433,161.87

4,723,395

17,443,541.87

Symbol NCR

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 11.02

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 5,211.00 5,211.00

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 0.50 3.34

Quantity Traded 26,000 500 26,500

Value Traded 13,000.00 1,590.00 14,590.00

27,000

19,801.00

Quantity Traded 151,361 107,110 12,005 369,459 50,531

Value Traded 3,293,249.50 1,143,934.80 467,599.65 4,085,291.30 8,748,628.50

5

Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 14 8 10 19 38

Daily Summary (Equities) BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM

Current Price 22.00 11.24 41.00 11.02 174.15

Symbol DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 2 2 44 137

Current Price 0.76 4.45 100.00

Quantity TradedPage 2,000 27,000 275,397 994,863

12 7 of Value Traded 1,560.00 126,090.00 27,565,579.85 45,431,933.60

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 22,600 22,600

Value Traded 37,290.00 37,290.00

1,017,463

45,469,223.60

139

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 4.86

Quantity Traded 484,911 484,911

Value Traded 2,356,667.46 2,356,667.46

Symbol ALUMACO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.75

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 1,474.00 1,474.00

485,111

2,358,141.46

Daily Summary (Equities)

8

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100

Value Traded 50.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price

Quantity Traded 100 Page

8

Symbol Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals No. of Deals 190 1 190

Current Price Current Price 15.85

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 3,091,693 100 3,091,693

Value Traded Value Traded 49,142,582.76 50.00 49,142,582.76

Symbol Symbol OANDO CONOIL

No. No. of of Deals Deals 190 19 190 26 71 No. of Deals 15 19 2 26 7 71 140 15 2 No. of Deals 7 20 140 20

Current Current Price Price 15.85 41.00 2.41 187.99 Current Price 158.85 41.00 50.54 2.41 158.50 187.99 158.85 Current 50.54 Price 158.50 331.59

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 3,091,693 188,766 3,091,693 1,065,874

Value Value Traded Traded 49,142,582.76 7,672,214.47 49,142,582.76 2,615,412.27

160,087 Quantity Traded 48,887 188,766 110 1,065,874 7,167 160,087 1,470,891 48,887 110 Quantity Traded 7,167 18,705 1,470,891 18,705

29,488,425.83 Value Traded 7,730,100.56 7,672,214.47 5,282.20 2,615,412.27 1,145,310.93 29,488,425.83 48,656,746.26 7,730,100.56 Value5,282.20 Traded 1,145,310.93 6,248,832.14 48,656,746.26 6,248,832.14

No. of Deals 351 20 20 No. of Deals 3514 (Equities) 4

Current Price 331.59

Quantity Traded 4,581,389 18,705 18,705 Quantity Traded 4,581,389 132,200 132,200

Value Traded 104,048,211.16 6,248,832.14 6,248,832.14 Value Traded 104,048,211.16 101,794.00 101,794.00

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.77

Quantity Traded Page 132,200 132,200

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 12 2 14

Current Price 4.75 1.27

Quantity Traded 73,450 Page 1,300 74,750

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.52

Quantity Traded 371,030 371,030

Value Traded 193,095.90 193,095.90

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 4.07 3.75

Quantity Traded 10 4,500 4,510

Value Traded 40.70 17,100.00 17,140.70

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 10 14

Current Price 1.21 5.90

Quantity Traded 3,567 455,617 459,184

Value Traded 4,282.35 2,701,887.86 2,706,170.21

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 39,000 39,000

Value Traded 19,880.00 19,880.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 28

Current Price 2.08 5.01

Quantity Traded 35,649 233,050

Value Traded 71,754.00 1,166,540.71

Symbol

No. of Deals 32

Current Price

Quantity Traded 268,699 Page

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.42

Quantity Traded 782,027 782,027

Value Traded 2,674,532.34 2,674,532.34

84

2,131,400

7,309,576.34

3,656

310,339,314

6,119,289,219.52

Quantity Traded 4,300 4,300

Value Traded 6,450.00 6,450.00

4,300

6,450.00

Daily Summary of 24/06/2015 and Production OILExploration ANDas GAS Totals Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037 SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD SERVICES Exploration and Production Totals Automobile/Auto Part Retailers OIL AND TotalsPLC. R TGAS BRISCOE Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock R T BRISCOE PLC.Exchange © Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals SERVICES

Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037Totals Printing/Publishing Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC SERVICES

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Transport-Related Services

JAPAULOIL Daily Summary (Equities)

ETERNA FO Symbol MOBIL CONOIL MRS ETERNA TOTAL FO MOBIL MRS Symbol TOTAL SEPLAT Symbol SEPLAT Symbol RTBRISCOE

Daily Summary

Daily Summary (Equities)

Transport-Related Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Current Price 0.77

Value Traded of50.00 12

Value Traded 12 9 101,794.00 of 101,794.00 Value Traded 357,095.48 of 12 1,573.00 358,668.48

9

Value Traded 12 101,238,294.71 of

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Food Products Totals Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 3 3

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

ASeM Board Totals

Exchange Traded Fund Equity Activity Totals

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF EXCHANGE TRADED Published byNEWGOLD The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

12

Quantity Traded Current Price 1.42 1.45 2.23

No. of Deals 1

Courier/Freight/Delivery

Quantity Traded 31,284,099 87,029,477

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 43 22 3 97

Symbol

REDNigerian STAR EXPRESS PLC © Published by The Stock Exchange TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Current Price 19.90

2,104

OIL AND GAS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Activity Summary on and Board EQTY Energy Equipment Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals

Integrated Gas Services Petroleum Oil andand Petroleum Products Distributors OANDO CONOILPLC PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. CONOIL PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. ETERNA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. Exploration and Production TOTAL PLC. DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD SEPLATNIGERIA PETROLEUM Petroleum Products Explorationand andPetroleum Production Totals Distributors Totals

No. of Deals 254 1,179

Daily Summary

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Metals 15:15:37.037 Printed 24/06/2015 ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 Printed 24/06/2015 NATURAL 15:15:37.037 RESOURCES Totals

OILIntegrated AND GAS Oil and Gas Services Energy Equipment and Services OANDO PLC Energy Equipment and Services Services Totals Totals Integrated Oil and Gas

Symbol ZENITHBANK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

40,679,571

Quotation(N)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 177.20

Daily Summary (Equities)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC ActivityCEMENT Summary EQTY PLC CO.on OFBoard NORTH.NIG. DANGOTE CEMENT PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 12 12

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals CONSUMER GOODS

Symbol MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015 ICT Totals Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037

Symbol 7UP

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2015

No Of Deals

HEALTHCARE Totals

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Food Products--Diversified Printed 24/06/2015 15:15:37.037 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Company name

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Sector

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.50

3

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

3

4,300

6,450.00

3,659

310,343,614

6,119,295,669.52

No. of Deals 3 1 4 8

Current Price 10.57 2,262.00 15.42

Quantity Traded 102 Page 50 103 255

Value Traded 1,081.13 11 113,100.00 of 12 1,696.30 115,877.43

ETF Board Totals

8

255

115,877.43

ETP Activity Totals

8

255

115,877.43


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, June 25, 2015

43

Spotself app launched for Nigerian youths LEONARD OKACHIE

N

ew mobile experience for sharing pictures and meeting people, Spotself, which is designed for the youths in particular, has been launched in Nigeria. Spotself is an android app (and web app) for sharing and rating photos, like cool outfits, selfies and fun pictures and it is believed that it can be a major destination for meeting and interacting with people online. Speaking recently at the official launch of the app in Lagos, the Founder and CEO, Jens Mathiasson said the brand has some features that include: Meet, Explore, Messaging, Categories, Toplists and Rating. Mathiasson, who is an entrepreneur from Sweden from Sweden, revealed that Nigeria was chosen as the first and best choice for the launch because of her huge Internet penetration, adding that the country witnesses the fastest growth in social media usage. He stressed that he noticed through his good friend in Nigeria that everyone was taken by the idea of taking pictures, and ‘Selfies’ had actually become a Pop Culture. “As at December 2014 in a research carried out by African Digital Statistics it was established that Nigeria holds the highest number of internet users with a majority of them connected to the different social media apps that has been introduced into the Nigerian market. About 80% of the Nigerian youth are usually connected on at least

two of the social media apps and the whole 100% percent of them make use of the internet for everything from useful information to unnecessary tidbits”, he stated. He explained each of the features thus: “MEET: This is where the dating functionality of the app really comes to life. Here you get to view pictures of people who are single and interested in meeting new people as well and once there is a match between two people they will be notified and they can get ahead with communication. “EXPLORE: This feature of the app focuses on the photo sharing part of the functions of the app. Pictures of the people in the community are placed here according to cities and different categories and you can comment on the picture and also rate them. “MESSAGING: Apart from commenting and rating people’s pictures and vice versa, there is also the feature of connecting with people through personal messaging on the app. This is private and between the two users that are involved in the communication process. “CATEGORIES: These categories on the app are used in posting pictures and also in searching for pictures. This allows you to filter what you see and also allows you to give a particular tag to the pictures you upload on the app. “TOPLISTS: Because the app focuses on rating pictures rather than just liking them, there would be picture with the highest rates in the community and these are the pictures that go on the TOPLIST for the

A cross section of youths at the ICT serminar in Akure, Ondo State, recently.

day o r the

week. This f e a t u r e is also really good for competitions Spotself on Android because it makes it easier to pick winners as there is already a feauture of rating. “RATING: This feature on the app is where users get instant feed-

back on pictures posted. There is system of rating where you state how good or how not so good you think a picture is.” Also, Head of Marketing, Opeyemi Adetutu further explained that the understanding of the importance of social media to the Nigerian society informed the development of this new app, adding “the

idea behind Spotself is that Nigerians like to have fun, meet new people and loves to take photos. “Mathiasson has created several digital products before and in addition to this he works as a director in Schibsted, a large media company in Europe. Now he is looking into the existing market of Nigeria.”

1000 kids dazzle at Abuja City Athletics Joel Ajayi ABUJA

N

o fewer than, 1, 111 kids and youths drawn from 209 schools in the FCT participated in the first Abuja City Kids and Youth Athletics staged at the Abuja National Stadium at the weekend. Abuja City Athletics is an initiatives for empowering and helping the youths create a brighter future and to stimulate kids/youths’ interest in actively taking up sports, particularly athletics for recreation and profession instead of crime. It is also a Youths Athletics Classic, an offshoot of “Kids and Play”, after school sports initiative that offers kids and youths the opportunity to be engaged in athletic activities. Speaking with National Mirror, at the final day of the 3-day event, the organiser of the event, Mr. Mike Enahoro said the 1,111 kids participating in the event were drawn from 209 schools in the FCT. According to him, the programme was timely as “we don’t have any kids and youths focused athletics events special-

ly built for them. “We are looking at children from age 8 to 17 and I can tell you that we have kids on sub five in 50 meters, eight for eight, nine for nine years old and so on.” Enahoro said the event will be staged every 90 days in order to monitor the development of the kids, stressing, “We invited coaches to help identify kids with potentials who could be nurtured to go on to represent the country in the near future. “We are looking for children who love athletics and kids who are going to become elite athletes in the field of athletics.” There were some outstanding performances from the kids on Saturday where for instance, 13 years old Emmanuel Duru ran 13 in the 100meters. Meanwhile, as part of its resolve to remedy vital community needs, the Rotary Club Abuja has donated a borehole, to provide portable drinking water and constructed 8 units’ modern water system toilets, for pupils and staff of LEA Primary School, Tunga-Maje. Speak during the commissioning of the projects in Abuja,

...Rotary Club donates sanitary projects to school President of the club, Mr. Ezenwa Anummu said the gesture was the club’s support to ensuring a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. He explained that the projects were done from resources commuted by members with the support of like minds in line with the club’s objective of supporting communities. Anummu used the opportunity to appeal to teachers of the school to redouble their efforts in imparting knowledge and morals in the pupils, whom he affirmed are leaders of tomorrow. For his part, the District 9125 Governor of the club, Tolu Pmatsola noted that the club’s intervention covered basic needs such as education, sanitation, health amongst others. He explained that the club was a gathering of professionals and business men who are committed to helping communities and enjoined others with similar passion to join the club

for greater reach. Responding to the gesture, the Executive Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board. Alhaji Umar Barau said the club was fulfilling the dream of the FCTA policy through infrastructural development in the school. He appealed to other organisations that are progressive and humanitarian minded to also contribute to educational development.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs.Ugwanyi Christiana while thanking the club, recalled that it had in 2014 renovated two blocks of class rooms and provided 100 pieces of pupil’s furniture. The donations is part of the club’s programme of adopt a school with this year’s theme, ‘Basic Education and Literacy. ‘

A cross section of children at the Abuja City Athletics event.


44

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Finalists emerge at Fayrouz L’Original 2 Leonard Okachie

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n an interesting twist of event, Team Hai and Team MeddleLane emerged finalists of the Fayrouz L’Original Expression Show season 2. The two teams stood out in their presentation and style of the six teams that made it to the semi-final after the regional auditions in Ibadan, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Lagos. Held at the Tinapa Conference Centre, Calabar, Cross River state, the six semifinalists teams- Hai, MeddleLane, SCOG, FIB and Ombre were tasked to make pieces from elements of Fayrouz products. It witnessed presentations from all six teams who gave fantastic interpretations to the challenge of creating a collection that incorporates the physical elements of the drink including its label, tray, crown top and crate and with reference to eco fashion and the unconventional designer, Maison Martin Margiela. The Eco fashion task saw the teams thinking outside the box to impress the judges. However, it was Team HAI from Ibadan and Team Meddlelane from Lagos that impressed the judges more with their style, make-up, model and photography. While Team Meddlelane went for a feisty, edgy and sophisticated look, Team Hai explored the goddess look of Sin, the goddess

of the Sinai Island where Fayrouz gem stones can be found. They implemented the design with Fayrouz cans, crowns and bottles. The teams were judged on originality, creativity, synergy and most importantly, the interpretation of the task given. Speaking shortly after the competition, ace fashion designer, Kunbi Oyelese, who was one of the judges, expressed delight at the outcome of the competition. She said, “I’m pleased with the creativity of the semi-finalists. The six teams tried to interpret the task to the best of their understanding but the finalists were simply impeccable” The Senior Brand manager, Fayrouz, Nnnena Ifebigh-Hemeson also added her bit, stating her satisfaction at how the process was carried out and expressed her confidence in the judges’ choice of the finalists. “The semi-finalists presentation is an affirmation to the amazing talents these young ones posses. Their pieces were not only amazing but very creative too and I could see the judges were very impressed. As regards the results, the judges are grounded in their different fields, I have no doubts in my heart they made the best choice of the six”, she said. The finalists will now move on to Lagos to compete for the grand prize of four million naira after exclusive mentorship workshops by the Fayrouz L’Original2 jury.

410,000 corps members benefit from NYSC’s empowerment initiatives

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ational Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has disclosed that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Initiative embarked upon by the Scheme three years ago is bringing the expected result, as over 400,000 youth corps members have passed through the initiative. NYSC, also revealed that no viewer than 772 corps members have established verifiable thriving businesses in the country, thus contributing to the country’s GDP National Youth Service Corps Scheme in March, 2012 introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme with 32 hours of training during the 10 days orientation programme to inculcate spirit of self reliance among the corps members. However, the programme consists of trainings in 12 categories namely: Agro allied; Automobile; Construction; Cosmetology; Culture/ Tourism; Education; Environment; Film/Photography; Food Processing/Preservation; ICT; Landscap-

Corps members

ing/ Horticulture; Power and Energy. According to a release by the Department of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, of NYSC, over 410,000 cor ps members have undergone the training in the last three years. Out of this number, 772 of them have established verifiable thriving businesses in the country- thus contributing to the country’s GDP. The management of NYSC however, urged President Muhammad Buhari to do more towards funding well equipped Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centres across the 37 secretariats of the NYSC nationwide. It will be recalled that in his presidential inaugural speech, President Buhari noted that government would embark on vocational training, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition schemes for graduates along with the creation of Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme to create five million jobs by 2019.

Fayrouz L’Original 2 finalists and the judges.

Science for Kids

Why infants suck their thumbs

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ids suck their thumbs because it’s comforting and calming. Your preschooler probably practiced this habit while she was still in the womb and perfected it as an infant. Now she turns to her thumb when

she’s tired, scared, bored, sick, or trying to adjust to challenges such as starting daycare or preschool. She may also use her thumb to help her fall asleep at bedtime and to lull herself back to sleep when she wakes up in the middle of the night.

What to do about thumb-sucking

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on’t worry too. The American Dental Association says most children can safely suck their thumb – without damaging the alignment of their teeth or jaws – until their permanent teeth begin to appear. (Permanent teeth don’t usually start to erupt until around age 6.) Keep in mind, too, that not all thumb-sucking is equally damaging; experts say it’s the intensity of the sucking and the tongue’s thrust that deforms teeth and makes braces necessary later. Kids who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have dental problems than children who suck aggressively. Observe your child’s technique. If she sucks vigorously, you may want to begin curbing her habit earlier, say around age 4. If you notice any changes in her mouth or teeth, or if you’re unsure whether your child’s thumbsucking is causing problems, consult your dentist. If your child’s thumb becomes red and chapped from sucking, try applying a moisturizer while she’s sleeping. (If you apply it when she’s awake, it may just end up in her mouth.) Most children stop thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Some continue the habit longer, but peer pressure in school is often a very effective deterrent. Let it go. Punishing your preschooler or nagging her to get her thumb out of her mouth won’t help because she probably doesn’t even realize she’s doing it. Methods such as putting an elastic bandage on her thumb will seem like unjust punishment, especially because she indulges in the habit for comfort and security. Plus, pressuring her to stop may intensify

A baby sucking thumb.

her desire to do it even more. Try to wait it out. Children usually give up thumb-sucking when they find other ways to calm and comfort themselves. If your child tends to suck her thumb when she’s hungry, for instance, she’ll soon learn to simply open the fridge and look for something to eat or ask you for a snack instead. Source: Baby Centre


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, June 25, 2015

45

Why Nigeria failed to meet digital switchover deadline Govt will decide new date - NBC

Leonard Okachie

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s many continue to react over the Nigeria’s inability to meet the June 17, 2015 deadline of the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, to complete the implementation of their transition programmes from analogue to digital terrestrial television, the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC has assured Nigerians, however, that disappointing as this may be, it was not without a fairly good shot at success. Nigeria is among the 52 other African countries that belong to the Region One of the ITU, that have failed to meet the deadline. The June 17, 2015 deadline was set through international consensus by the ITU, in 2006, for every country to transit from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Since then Nigeria has worked assiduously to meet that deadline. Indeed, Nigeria had set for itself a deadline of June 17, 2012, and another on December 31 2014/January 1, 2015 set by ECOWAS and the National Council on Information respectively. Sadly, however, despite the efforts, the country has failed. Giving reasons for the failure, the Director, Public Affairs, NBC, Mr. Awwalu Salihu in a statement posted on the NBC’s official website, noted that the Commission had worked actively since 2006 to put all the building blocks of the transition in place, adding that the journey would have been completed if funding had been available. He maintained that the journey towards Digital Terrestrial Television has already started; stressing that at the moment Nigeria has reached about 20 per cent penetration of the 26m TV households (TVHH) in the country. Apart from funding, there were other reasons that hampered the transitions as explained by the NBC thus: “The Digital Switchover programme in Nigeria was a victim of unfortunate political developments in the country. “Following recommendations from a broadcast summit organised by the NBC, the government, in 2007, set up the Presidential Advisory Committee, PAC, to prepare the policy document that would guide the transition. Just after the submission of the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) report to government in December 2009, the nation was plunged into a crisis of succession resulting from the illness and eventual death of President Umar Musa Yar’adua. “Soon after that, the nation went into an election in 2011. Eventually, in December 2012, government issued a White Paper on the PAC report, approving

DG of NBC, Emeka Mba

the critical steps needed to achieve the Switch Over, including the setting up of the DigiTeam. “However, since then, government has not been able to provide the necessary funds to finance the activities of DigiTeam, to finance the Set-Top-Box rebate programme, to finance publicity and public enlightenment, to finance analogue transmitters buy-back programme, etc. With no money to operate the DSO budget, it was impossible to move beyond what the Commission had been able to achieve.” Nevertheless, the main penalty Nigeria will face consequently, according to NBC, is that analogue signals will receive no protection in the event of interference with or from digital signals from her neighbours, most of who are also unable to transit to digital. NBC shed more light on the consequences thus: “In the digital broadcast environment, digital transmitters are protected from interference from signals coming from analogue transmitters. Therefore the main consequence is that if our analogue transmitters should interfere with the signals of any digital broadcast in any of our neighbouring countries, we can be forced by the ITU to shut down our own analogue transmitters. “If, however, a digital transmission from any of our neighbours should interfere with any analogue broadcast in Nigeria, we do not get any protection. However, the chances of any of that happening are very slim since none of our neighbours is likely to meet the date.” Still on the effort of the NBC so far, the Commission revealed that it has worked with DigiTeam Nigeria to harmonise the minimum standards for Set-top-boxes and the transmission standards for all member states of the ECOWAS. Moreover, it said it has also completed the frequency re-planning and has successfully done the coordination with country’s neighbours and has selected a second Signal distributor, in addition to the default independent distributor to come out of the NTA. “We have licensed a Freeview signals aggregator; we have selected 11 successful companies to manufacture set-top

Digital broadcast studio

boxes in Nigeria and we have put in place the framework for the largest Freeview platform in the world. “We have also put in place an EPG/ STB control system to protect the investment of the local Set-top-box manufacturers. Our goal is to enable the evolution of a digital television ecosystem that not only transforms television, and broadcasting in general but also able to help bridge the digital divide, create jobs and grow our national economy,” the Commission claimed. The Commission has further assured Nigerians that it will only switch off Analogue signals when majority of Nigerians can receive digital signals.

It maintained that as soon as funds are available, it will, within 18 months conclude the final stages to the DSO which include the acquisition and local production of the Set-top-boxes, relocation of MMDS operators, buy-back of obsolete analogue transmitters and massive publicity. On the new deadline date, NBC said: “The Government will have to decide the new deadline. The Commission will, however, advise that from the moment the Commission is empowered to continue, it would reasonably need about 18 months to complete the transition to the final analogue switch off.”

‘Tech on Wheels’ debuts on radio Leonard Okachie

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weekly television tech show, ‘Tech on Wheels with CFA’ will hit the airwaves from the first of July, 2015 on the Family Love FM radio network. Family Love FM is the digital radio broadcasting arm of Multimesh Broadcasting Company. A family oriented station with qualitative programming that cuts across all age brackets providing entertainment, information and education for the entire family. According to the statement by the host, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (CFA), who is the presenter of a weekly Tech Trends on Channels Television, the programme has the potential of reaching millions of Nigerians weekly across the following cities; Port Harcourt and environs, Abuja and environs as well as Umuahia and environs. It is a 15-minute programme that will air every Wednesday as follows: 5.155.30pm on 97.7 Love FM Port Harcourt, 6:30-6:45pm on 104.5 Love FM Abuja, and 7:30-7:45pm on 103.9 Love FM Umuahia

The program will feature interesting, educative and inspiring segments such as: Digital Tips, Safety Alert and Everything Tech. The statement said: “The show is designed to be unique and inspiring and in line with the CFA style of not being extremely techy – it’s the kind of show anyone, geeks and non-geeks, can tune in to and enjoy. “It is our belief that this new programme designed to complement Tech Trends on Channels TV will add more value and further deepen IT knowledge in Nigeria.”

Agbata


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Govt promises to revive Triumph Newspapers

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

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ano State Government has promised to revive the Triumph Publishing Company which was closed down by the immediate past administration of Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso. The newly appointed Commissioner of Information, Malam Mohammed Garba, gave the assurance on Monday while

speaking with members of staff of the ministry on assuming duties in his office. NAN reports that the company publishes Triumph, Albishir and Al-Fijir Newspapers. Garba said the company was still listed in the line of media establishments owned by the state and nothing would stop the government from reactivating it. He assured staff of the ministry that he would work toward promoting their welfare, urging them to give him the necessary support and cooperation to achieve the desired objective. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Garba Musa, used the occasion to highlight some of the pressing challenges of the ministry that needed urgent attention. Musa urged all members of staff and those working in various agencies under the ministry to give the new commissioner the necessary support and cooperation to enable him succeed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Road to MAMA club tour hits Lagos Stories by leonard Okachie

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ith less than a month to the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), an all-star line-up of MAMA nominated artistes is to headline MTV Base’s latest Road to MAMA party. The pan-African party tour, crisscrossing the continent in the build up to MAMA awards in July, kicked off in Durban before heading for Lagos. Road to MAMA Lagos, an off-the-hook club night and celebration of Africa’s musical evolution, will take place on Friday 3 July at The Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel, 6-8 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. Headlining the gig are Song of the Year and Best Hip Hop nominee Olamide, Yemi Alade (nominated for Best Female and Song of the Year), Phyno (Best Hip Hop), Lil Kesh (Song of the Year), and Iyanya (Best Collaboration). As an added treat, Tanzanian artiste Diamond Platnuzm will be showing off the moves that earned him three nominations (Best Male, Best Live & Best Col-

laboration). Rounding out the evening with some hot deck action will be DJ Neptune, DJ Xclusive & DJ Caise. Doors for Road to MAMA Lagos open at 9:00PM. Tickets will be available at www.afritickets.com priced N5000 (standard tickets only). A small number of tickets will be available at the door at the Federal Palace Hotel on 3 July.

Senior Vice President & MD, Viacom, Alex Okosi

Media Abroad

Thailand to ‘teach journalists how to ask questions’

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hailand’s military government has said it will hold a meeting for 200 local and international journalists to teach them how to ask “constructive questions” and “not distort facts”, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported. “There has been no order from any of my bosses, but it is my duty to build healthy relationships and mutual understanding with the media,” Army Signal Department Commander, LieutenantGeneral Suchart Pongput, told the newspaper. According to the article, Suchart said the idea for a meeting between police, soldiers, and reporters came about after conflicts between officials that were caused by journalists’ questions. “We just don’t want such things to happen again,” he was quoted as saying. Al Jazeera has not yet been able to ascertain whether its journalists will be among those invited to the meeting. Thailand’s military dictatorship, which celebrated its first year in power on May 22, has been quick to stamp out dissent. Hundreds of protesters and vocal critics of the regime have been arrested in the past year while local media has become increasingly censored and self-censored. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief when he came to power, has long had an icy relationship with the media. On repeated occasions, Prayuth has lashed out against the media and threatened to shut down critical outlets, while earlier this year he said that he would probably “just execute” journalists that “did not report the truth”. While he later wrote it off as a joke, in an interview with Al Jazeera he insisted that: “The media needs to be reformed. I have to advise them. I have to tell them

what they can and what they cannot do.” Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, called the upcoming meeting a “tactic of intimidation”. “It’s quite clear that the [military government] doesn’t understand the concept of a free press and that the only news that they like is the news that follows their line,” he said. “[It’s] a regretful and sad state of affairs [that] a country, which five or 10 years ago we probably would have said was most free in Southeast Asia in terms of media, has been dragged so far back.” Source: Al Jazeera

Thailand military government addressing journalists.

BBC to spend £100m to improve diversity

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BC diversity adviser Lady GreyThompson has said the BBC may have to spend £100m on better reflecting the make-up of its audience and called for executives who fail to embrace change to be fired. The former Paralympian is a member of BBC director general Tony Hall’s diversity action group, aimed at improving the corporation’s disabled and black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) representation. Following a campaign led by Lenny Henry, another member of the BBC’s action group, the corporation announced new diversity measures last year, including a £2.1m fund intended to help BAME talent. Grey-Thompson said the BBC may have to end up spending 50 times that amount. “Money helps and it does matter. If all we had at the BBC was £2.1m, I’d be going ‘that’s not enough’, but it’s how you can pull in those other budgets and how you can be creative,” she told a Royal Television Society event in London on Monday. “If you were going to ring-fence an amount, it would probably have to be £100m,” she said.

“It’s not just about money, it’s got to be about shifting attitudes, and if people don’t deliver, you have to give them an ultimatum and say: ‘This is not good enough.’ “How come in this day and age there are still people who pretend diversity doesn’t exist or are able to hide from it? Ultimately … I’d fire them, but I’d fire lots of people. “People are able to hide behind discrimination – against disabled people, against women – are able to hide and discriminate in lots of ways and there has to be a point where we say: ‘Do you know what, this is not good enough, we just don’t want someone like you in the organisation.’ I would be much tougher.” Asked if she was talking about people at the BBC, Grey-Thompson said: “There are people everywhere, it’s not just the BBC. I’ve met some really really good people, I’ve also met some people who have said: ‘I need to do better, I need help’, and that’s a good start. It exists in every organisation I have come close to.” Grey-Thompson said diversity at the BBC had “got immeasurably better but it’s not as

good as it needs to be. We need to do things much quicker than we have been doing in the past. The BBC should be leading the way. It is a big organisation, it has the ability to change, to do things differently”. Tunde Ogungbesan, the BBC’s head of HR for diversity, inclusion and succession, said the £2.1m BAME fund would be an annual spend by the BBC. Source: theguardian (UK)

Lady Grey-Thompson


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

B Shoppers’ S

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Guide

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s the nation continues to groan over the poor state of the economy, traders at the popular Balogun market on Marina, Lagos, are lamenting low sales, thanks to high exchange rates. Broad Street Diary, BDS, observed that large crowd moving in and out of the market, as well as buyers interacting with sellers at the market. However, despite the large influx of people, traders in the popular Balogun market said they are not reaping the fruit of the huge turnout. One of the traders at the market who deals in textiles materials who simply identify himself as Dayo, at Kubis Fabrics, told BSD that market is still dull compared to what it was this time last year. Being one of the biggest dealers in lace fabrics with three branches spread across Balogun Street, one would think

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, June 25, 2015

47

‘High exchange rate killing business’ that Kubis Fabrics will be immune to low sales. But Dayo, the sales representative thinks otherwise. He told BSD that market is very dull, even at their shop. The reason for the low turnover, according to him, was as a result of the low purchasing capacity of the people in the face of souring cost which he attributed to high exchange rates. BSD also observed that prices of some lace fabrics are very high as some materials which used to sell for N20,000 now sells for N25,000 and those that goes for N40,000 now goes for N45,000. According to Dayo, this increase in prices is due to the exchange rates of the naira to other foreign currencies. Juliet, who deals in leather particularly shoes and bags seem to agree with Dayo on the reason for the high cost of commodities. According to her, the rate of exchange

is seriously affecting the price of shoes and bags. “The Italian bag that normally sells for N15, 000 previously, now sells for N25,000 those that sells

for N10,000 now goes for N15,000. She however, said that despite the high prices of goods, customers can be assured that they are getting quality products.

Traders at Balogun market

However, traders at the market said they hope that as the new government of president Muhammadu Buhari settles down to work, the new

government would firmed up the naira, so that prices of goods and services in the country will be within the reach of the common man.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Balogun market needs building control enforcement –Traders

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he Lagos Central Business District can be described as the commercial nerves centre of Lagos State, if not Nigeria as a whole. The business district hosts the headquarters of some corporate organisations while it also hosts billions of naira in commerce activities of the country which can only rivalled by Aba city in Abia State and Onitsha in Anambra State. However, the Lagos Business District suffers an estimated loss of over 50 billion naira annually as a result of fire incident in the Balogun markets and other adjoining markets and there could be no doubt that fire outbreaks in Balogun market and other markets within the Central Business District has become not only a recurrent decimal, but a huge and avoidable economic loss to the nation’s traders. This is beside the irreplaceable loss of life and the unquantifiable emotional and psychological trauma that accompany such losses. It is against this background that traders and market operators in Balo-

gun market in Lagos Island were unanimous in proffering solutions towards tackling frequent fire outbreak in the market. This year alone, between the months of January and April, there were four recorded fire incidents in Balogun market alone, with each turning millions of naira worth of goods into ashes. The early morning fire outbreak in Balogun on Monday January 11, according to sources claimed goods worth over 30 billion naira. Reasons for the rising cases of fire outbreaks, especially at that period of the year, were Harmattan, with its dry and severe winds. Again, the use of generators and optimisation of space without consideration for eventualities such as fire outbreaks, according to experts, constitutes a serious problem. Vincent Okeke sells ladies wares at the back of Victory Plaza along Martins street in Bolagun. While lamenting the frequency of the fire incidents in the market, he told National Mirror that, often, the major causes of fire in the market is the preponderance for every

shop owner to have his own source of power, the generator, as most of the times the public electricity is none existent. Okeke said while the issue of power is being addressed by the plaza operators who have teamed up to provide a central generator, the need for them to embark on educating traders to have fire extinguishers as first aid in every shop would help. But he also pointed out that most of the market fire incidents started at midnight when probably nobody would be around to notice it in time. To this, Mr. Uche Amadi, the chairman of Eko Plaza traders association on Davies Street in Bolagun, observed that some of the fire incidents could be traced to careless attitude of some of the traders and operators. He explained that some of the fire incidents could have been averted if due diligence were taken by those managing it to ensure that causes of fire items such as personal generators are avoided for general generators which will be put off when closing in the evening.

H e also advised that electrical switches over are put in neutral positions before leaving the market, while advising market managers to ensure that no illegal wires are left unattended to. “If there are group generators, which will be switched off at closing time and traders made to switch of the lights before leaving the market, cases of fire incidents would be greatly minimised, except where people deliberately set market on fire for rea-

sons best known to them, and we have seen it happen before but we cannot report such things since it will be difficult to prove, but we have seen it happening,” he said. Relating his personal experience, he said he had been severely and economically affected by the various fire accidents in the Balogun market, starting from 2012. Coroborating Amadi’s views on how to avert future occurrence, Segun Obatayo, the manager of Bode plaza,

also on Martins street, said from investigations, high electrical voltage at night when traders have gone home, were mainly responsible. He therefore advises that government should ban individual generators and compel plaza owners to provide generators so that it could be monitored when the market closes. “Through the market associations traders will be persuaded to always switch off their light.

–David Audu

Lake street residents cry out over filthy environmental

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esidents of Lake Street, one of the streets off- Oke -Olowogbowo Street in Lagos Island have called on the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, and the Lagos Island Local Government to come to their rescue over man-made environmental degradation in the area. Speaking with the National Mirror yesterday, one of the residents who simply identified himself as Mr. Lukman Olatunji, said that several houses

within the Lake street are without toilet facilities or their toilets filled and have now resorted to channelling their waste through pipes into the public gutter which makes the area unhealthy for living as the odour oozing out of the area are virtually becoming unbearable for human habitation. Apart from piping their defecation into open public gutter, Lukman said that many of the inhabitants have formed the habit of folding their defecation

in nylon and polythene bags and throwing it into the main road at night an attitude he said, is threatening the area with cholera epidemic. He urged the appropriate agencies of government to urgently come to their aid to avoid diseases spreading, as a result of the negligence of some landlords which he said, may negatively affect other law abiding residents in the area.

–Matthew Irinoye


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Broad Street Diary

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Onikan stadium

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

King George V Stadium, now Onikan Stadium, still draws football fans

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he oldest stadium in Nigeria is located on the Lagos Island. Onikan Stadium, which presently serves as home ground for two football clubs, City of David (COD) United and Stationery Stores, was built in 1930. Both clubs play in the Nigeria National League (the second division of Nigeria league). The stadium, which was originally known as King George V Stadium and later Lagos City Stadium, is now known as Onikan Stadium. According to an ex-international, Joe Erico (aka Jogo Bonito), Onikan Stadium witnessed great matches like the FA Cup, league games and was the home stadium of Lagos teams most notably Stationery Stores, First Bank and Julius defunct Berger FC. “It is the oldest stadium in Nigeria with a capacity of not less than 6,000 people. If I can recall correctly, the original stadium was built in 1930 and six years later named after King George V. Between 1963 and 1973, it became known as the Lagos City Stadium,” Erico reminisced. The present Onikan Stadium was renovated and reopened for football and cultural activities in the 1980s. In March 2008, the stadium was banned for use for the rest of the season by the Nigeria Football League when a pitch invasion injured many members of the Warri Wolves after a scoreless draw with First Bank.

AT THE BACK OF THE C COVERED STAND FEW VENDOR VENDORS NOW

SELL CANDIES, SOFT DR DRINKS IN PLASTIC BOTTLES AND SOME PASTRIES

Erico recalls that Stationery Stores FC held the ace at Onikan and drew fans to football matches involving it than any other clubside had ever done. And the team has assumed such stature several years after it went into limbo. “Out of the two clubs that play their home games at the Onikan Stadium now, Stationery Stores have brought the ever-busy Lagos fans out of their homes again to see beautiful soccer. Since the Flaming Flamingoes (as Stores FC is fondly called by fans) came back to League Football in Nigeria, every Stores home game at the Onikan Stadium has turned to a carnival of some sort. The Onikan Stadium also hosts the office of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA). Speaking further on the small edifice that attracted football lovers from all walks of life, Erico maintains that

there isn’t much on offer within the stadium. “At the back of the covered stand few vendors now sell candies, soft drinks in plastic bottles and some pastries. You have options to fill yourself outside of the stadium. Just a walk away from the stadium, there are restaurants that offer local dishes for between N500-N1000 ($5-$10).” He reiterates that the comeback of Stationery Stores has brought renewed life to Onikan Stadium. “The Lagos club nicknamed ‘Adebajo Babes’ or ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ has a massive support from the grassroots level. Before the darling team of Lagos came back to league football in Nigeria, COD United FC just couldn’t command the presence of encouraging fans at the stadium. Although they are a new club, the “White Lions” tried to always make

the Onikan Water Front lively. A few hours to kick-off, the DJ entertains the fans with good music while fans keep their tickets for the raffle draws which might earn them some good prizes if the ticket numbers were picked.” No doubt, with Stationery Stores back, Onikan Stadium has become a beehive of activities with fans wearing the colour of the Flaming Flamingoes during home games with everyone proudly flashing their white handkerchief. The energy level in the stands is a beautiful thing to watch. For first timers, it will be better for you to get into the stadium early if you want to sit in the covered stand. “Stationery Stores FC fans are a delight to watch”, Erico continued. “It’s more than just supporting a club and that shows in their attitude. When the supporters of Stores visit any match venue, they do so in high spirits. They play their part effectively to see their team, so that Stationery Stores FC may conquer any opposition. They make sure their presence intimidates the home or visiting fans as the case may be. They come in large numbers chanting ‘Up Flaming, Up Stores, iyonio,’ and their signature is the white handkerchief. It’s tied around the hand or neck. They keep booing the opponent and cheer their team at every touch throughout the match,” Erico stated.

–PAUL EREWUBA


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South South

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Edo civil service to absorb casual workers

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do State government has commenced regularisation of appointments of its casual workers. Head of Service, Jerry Obazele, who disclosed this yesterday in Benin, said the gesture was extended to workers in Edo Youth Empowerment Scheme, Edo YES. He told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that two committees had been constituted to determine the number of casual workers recruited by past administrations. “Governor Adams Oshiomhole has directed

that the casual workers and Edo YES workers be screened and absorbed into the state civil service. “To this effect, two committees were constituted. “One of the committees is to take stock and screen EdoYES staff, while the second will attend to the casual workers recruited by past administrations,” the head of service said. According to Obazele, the committees have started work and in a matter of weeks the workers would be interviewed, with those qualified getting appointment letters.

Rights group welcomes dismantling of military checkpoints Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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xecutive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Oghenejabor Ikimi, has described the presidential directive dismantling all military checkpoints across the country as a welcome development. In a statement by the group yesterday in Warri, Ikimi said the decision was one of the best President Muhammadu Buhari’s government has taken since assuming office on May 29. He said: “It is indeed an aberration for soldiers, who are trained to defend our territorial integrity and ward off external aggression, to be engaged in maintaining internal security. We believe the duty of maintaining law and order, and internal security in a country lies with the police as policemen/ women are trained to be civil to the populace while discharging their statutory duties of maintaining internal security. But the soldier’s training and orientation is to kill.” According to him, “little wonder the nation had in the past experienced cases of extrajudicial killings of innocent Nigerians at various military checkpoints nationwide and in the hands of security outfits like the police/military

joint patrol teams set up by various state governments to maintain internal security in their various states. “These police/military joint patrol teams often consist of police, army, navy and air force personnel who have acquired different trainings and orientations. The above arrangement was not only a chaotic one that took the lives of many innocent Nigerians in the process under the guise of ensuring internal security, but same was pure madness.” Besides many of the military checkpoints across the nation being death traps, Ikimi noted that innocent Nigerians were on daily basis harassed, maimed and sometimes subjected to various kinds of corporal punishment at these checkpoints. “Furthermore, many motorists and commuters were on a daily basis subjected to excruciating pains at these military checkpoints as they are held up for several hours in traffic, which soldiers who had no training on traffic management created. “We however call on the Federal Government to properly fund, train, retrain and equip the police as we believe that the Nigerian Police if given all the necessary support are capable of maintaining law and order, and ensuring internal security,” Ikimi stated.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Taiye Haruna and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during a special meeting on revenue generating agencies at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

IYC condemns bombing of N’Delta in search of pirates Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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jaw Youth Congress, IYC, umbrella organisation of Ijaw youths worldwide, yesterday condemned the military for random bombings of the Niger Delta people under the guise of arresting sea pirates. President of IYC, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, said this at IYC headquarters, Izon House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while receiving officials of Niger Delta Youth Forum, NDYF. He, however, asked the military authorities to devise a more workable approach to fishing out criminals in the region instead of bombing entire communities in search of sea pirates. He said, “Unfortunately,

the military (I do not know if they are doing eye service), in recent times there are series of bombings of the region to fish out pirates. The Nigerian Navy is there, a lot of money is spent on the Navy. There are lots of blockades in the waterways, yet pirates and kidnappers still have their way, abducting people on the main routes manned by the military. “I think there is complicity. So, this pretext of looking for pirates and bombing randomly is not acceptable to us. We see it as a ploy towards bombing people in the Niger Delta region. “We are saying that inasmuch as we condemn criminality in the region, the approach as experienced in the recent weeks is not acceptable because there are

statutory organs - the Joint Military Task Force, and the Navy that have been funded over the years to secure the waterways. But when we begin to bring in the Air Force, then there will be colossal damage and at the end of the day our innocent communities will suffer for it.” He, however, implored youths of the region to desist from actions that would give the military excuse to continue the bombing that had commenced in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. Eradiri added, “So, if you’re a kidnapper, don’t use our environment to kidnap, if you are pirates, leave the Ijaw environment because we do not want a situation where your activities, which are not sanctioned by our people, will bring calamities to the Niger Delta.

“I have been talking to many youths, we must give the current administration in the country the opportunity to express themselves before we begin to take them on their actions accordingly. “Unfortunately, if this bombing is one of their ways of maintaining peace in the region, it is a negative way.” The IYC boss also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to start off the amnesty office by quickly appointing a Coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, saying it was a key area of much concern to the people. Eradiri urged Buhari to demarcate the coordinator’s office from that of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, which was hitherto merged.

Activist seeks merger of police, FRSC, NCSDC Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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iger Delta activist, Omolubi Newuwumi, has restated the call to merge the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for effective security of the nation. Omolubi, who spoke against the backdrop on the recent call by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to dismantle

all road blocks across the country and return to the barracks, argued that the Nigeria Police lack discipline and integrity to perform effectively. Briefing journalists in Warri, Delta State, the criminologist equally called for the training and re-training of all operatives of the police, especially on discipline, integrity, weapon handling, management, and intelligence gathering. He also appealed to the authorities to engage graduates of criminology in secu-

rity matters, stressing that thousands of young men and women who read criminology and other securityrelated courses including conflict resolution, were being denied opportunity to serve their fatherland unnecessarily. He said, “These young graduates who read criminology and other related courses should be allowed to join the Nigeria police, and with more sophisticated training on intelligencegathering and information technology, the police will

fare better and be able to face any security challenge that confronts them. “There is also the need to move away from our analogue way of detecting and dealing with crime and security natters and embrace digital technology because it is a shame that many of our senior officers in the police force cannot operate computers. You will be surprised to go to a police station and see there is no light, no single computer or even typewriter, in this modern age of technology.”


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Citizens accuse Bauchi recovery team of high-handedness

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resident, Concerned Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance, Mohammed Danjuma, has expressed displeasure over operation of a public property recovery committee set up by the state government. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, he alleged that the committee had been using force through armed security agents to recover vehicles. “The government instructed security agents to forcefully recover vehicles that were legally allocated to former civil servants and former commissioners. “These are vehicles that have been with the beneficiaries for more than three years, with the approval of the former

governor,” he said. Danjuma expressed concern that instead of going through the courts, the government used armed security agents against the beneficiaries. According to him, such action may cause breakdown of law and order in the state. “There is an arm of government - the judiciary - which is supposed to adjudicate in such matters. “These beneficiaries have treasury receipts and other documents to back up their purchase of these vehicles,” he said in the statement. He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently wade into the matter to avoid disrupting the peace and order in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Borno Assembly slashes Shettima’s aides to 20

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orno State House of Assembly yesterday reduced the number of Special Advisers Governor Kashim Shettima sent to them from 40 to 20. Shettima had sent a list

of 40 nominees to the Assembly, but members approved 20. Speaker Abdulkarim Lawal, at the plenary session, said the reduction was due to the state’s financial situation, as well as to check

cost of governance. The motion for reduction of the number of advisers was moved by House Leader, Mohammad Zakari. In another development, the Speaker an-

nounced the appointment of Ayuba Wukawa, representing Hawul Constituency, as Deputy House Leader, and Audu Mustapha, representing Magumeri Constituency as Chief Whip.

N7.5bn fraud: Katsina Assembly sets up probe panel

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atsina State House of Assembly yesterday constituted an 18-member committee to investigate alleged misappropriation of N7.5 billion from the Local Government Joint Account. This was sequel to a letter sent to the legislature by Governor Aminu Masari, over the matter. The Assembly selected five members each from the three senatorial zones

in the state to serve in the committee. Alhaji Bello Abdu from Danmusa constituency was named the chairman, while Salisu Mani would serve as secretary. Alhaji Yusuf Jibril was made Assistant Secretary, while Isyaku Mani would serve as Legal Officer for the committee. The committee has two weeks to submit its report to the House.

Customs moves to meet N117bn target

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igeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday said it generated about N71million revenue from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states in May. Area Comptroller of NCS in charge of the three states, Ishaku Ahmed, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto. Ahmed said NCS had put in place sensitive security measures to prevent any form of smuggling in the areas. He said the command had taken steps to meet the revenue of N117 billion set for it for the 2015 fiscal year by headquarters of the service. Ahmed said officers at the border posts had been briefed on measures to be adopted in preventing smuggling activities.

“We have positioned our officers in all identified routes used by smugglers in our areas of jurisdiction in order to apprehend them for prosecution,’’ he said. Ahmed solicited the support of traditional rulers in the border communities to assist officers posted to their areas with intelligence reports that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of smugglers. He said prompt information about the movement of smugglers would enable officers of the command to come out with stringent security measures that would stop smuggling. “We are ready to meet with any smuggler at the battlefield, in our resolve to discharge our primary assignment diligently,” the NCS Comptroller said.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai; Comptroller of Immigration, Plateau Command, Mr. Raymond Akra-Jaja and Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. David Parradang, during the distinguished alumni lecture to mark the 40th PHOTO: NAN anniversary of University of Jos, yesterday.

Nasarawa plans compulsory campus lodging for female students IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

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asarawa State government yesterday said it will introduce compulsory campus hostel accommodation for female students of the state university, Keffi. Governor Umaru AlMakura revealed this during an inspection of a threeblock of 42-room hostel apartment under construction at the campus, even as he expressed dismay at how

female students parade the highways in the name of off-campus students. Consequently, he said his administration would work out modalities in this regard in the next few months. He also assured that all hostel structures under construction in the state-owned university would be completed soonest so as to accommodate all female students studying in the institution. To meet the target, AlMakura during the inspec-

tion tour charged contractor handling the project to fast-track work or risk revocation, adding that the state government was not owing any contractor. “There is no reason the work should not be completed within the time frame set because we do not owe the contractors,” he said. The governor therefore gave the contractors three months ultimatum to complete the job and hand over the project to the school authorities.

“I am not happy with the level of work because this job is of priority to the government of Nasarawa state, so I will come back next week to see the level of work done,” he said. Aliyu Sani, project officer of Kilbyte Service Limited, the firm executing the project, assured the governor that the job would be ready in two months, and attributed the delay to foundation work which according to him has been completed.

Community alleges killing of women by soldiers JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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eipang community in Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State yesterday stormed the NUJ Press Centre in Jos to demand justice over the killing of two of its members, including a nursing mother allegedly by soldiers. They narrated how men of the Special Task Force, STF, deployed to restore law and order in Jos shot

dead a nursing mother named Abishak Solomon. It would be recalled that two women were allegedly shot dead in Heipang by alleged soldiers from the Special Task Force on Jos crisis as the community protested the mounting of military checkpoint around the area. Spokesman for the community, Pam Choji, while addressing a news conference in Jos yesterday, said while some community leaders, who intervened

were discussing with the military authority, an order to fire was given. He said immediately the armoured personnel started shooting, strategically positioned soldiers wearing masks responded spontaneously with gun fire that lasted for 10 minutes. According to them, when the shooting stopped, some of the soldiers went after the women who ran into a nearby shop for safety, shot and killed both women and

inflicted injury on several others. “Mrs. Abishak Solomon, a nursing mother was brutally and callously murdered by one of the soldiers with her baby strapped on her back as she ran into one of the shops for safety,” he said. The community therefore called for a full investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the trigger-happy soldiers to book according to the laws of the land.


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North

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Kwara APC suspends Saraki’s associate WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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Bauchi State government workers during verification in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kaduna to take over Japan-assisted project A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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aduna State government has said it will take over the Japan-assisted N283 million Pampaida Millennium Village Project in Ikara Local Government Area, in December this year. Finance and administrative manager of the project, Elisha Tanuna, who spoke on behalf of the management, told journalists yesterday in Kaduna that Governor Nasir el Rufai has visited the project and was impressed with how such an amount could be managed to transform the infrastructure of a poor rural community. Tanuna explained that the project has raised

about 30,000 villagers from crippling poverty by improving their wellbeing. He said the Pampaida project has dramatically showed that a community of about 30,000 persons, which had no school, primary health care and good maternal mortality rate, among others, could actually be transformed into a modern community where all these services could be made available. Tanuna said: “When in May 2006, Professor Jeffrey Sachsin, Director, Earth Institute, Columbia University, who is also special adviser to the United Nations on Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and the late Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, flagged off the project, many peo-

ple were not sure if what was promised would be achieved. “Today, we are happy to say that with the financial assistance of Japanese government, which donated about $1.28 million, we have been able to show it is possible to actually make MDG model villages in which the poorest of communities live, to lift themselves out of poverty, improve their hygiene and sanitation, get educated and meet MDGs’ targets when supported with $100 per capita over a period of five years. “We will be handing over the Pampaida MVP to Kaduna State government to be managed by Ikara Local Government Council in December to serve as a model to be used in transforming the entire

council area. According to him, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has praised the project concept, saying: “These programmes are all pragmatic, result-oriented and scaled to the real needs of real people. And this is only the beginning. Today, I call on every country to look closely at this success. It is a case study of what is possible, even in the poorest places of the world.” Perhaps, to show his endorsement of the staff of the project, el Rufai last week appointed Dr. Clement Woje, who headed the multi-sector Pampaida MVP, as director general of Kaduna State Rural Development Projects in the Office of Kaduna State Deputy Governor.

Marwa tasks youths on support for Buhari

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s President Muhammadu Buhari settles down to the business of governance, former military governor of Lagos State, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has advised Nigerian youths to be patient with the President as he unfolds his agenda for the country. Addressing leadership of an All Progressives Congress, APC, youth group, APC-Volunteers, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja yesterday, Marwa said the President was working round the clock to address the numerous needs of the

country, adding that the needs of youths would definitely top his priority. Marwa also tasked the youths to show ingenuity by contributing their quota to the development of the country, noting that they have great roles to play in moving the country forward. “The President is definitely working round the clock to solve numerous challenges. As things take shape, his agenda for the country will be implemented and I believe that your concerns in terms of jobs and other needs would be addressed.

“Let us exercise a bit of patience and support him to succeed. I also want to advise you all to contribute your quota in any capacity. Nigerian youths are highly resourceful and the President needs your contributions,” he said. He assured the APC Volunteers of his commitment to continue to advance the needs of Nigerian youths, while accepting to be their patron. Speaking earlier, leader of the group, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose, who led other executive

members to the meeting, commended Marwa for heeding the calls of his numerous supporters nationwide to return to APC, which he helped to build. He expressed optimism that the youths, who look up to Marwa for inspiration and guidance, would benefit from his return to APC. Bamgbose assured that the group would come up with various initiatives to support the government of President Buhari, while urging the country to give him a chance to succeed.

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State yesterday suspended a close associate of the Senate President and former Secretary to State Government, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Saka Cook Olododo, from the party. He was suspended along with another member, Alhaji Tunde Sa’ad, for one year each. They were suspended for unspecified alleged anti-party activities during the last general elections, according to a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Buhari Sulyman, yesterday. Sixteen other APC members were also suspended along with Olododo and Sa’ad. The 16 were allegedly placed on six months’ suspension each.

They include Mr. Mashood Dauda, Mr. Oba Sulaiman Asude, Mr. Lukman Adeloyin, Alhaji Wahab Tobe, Mr. Sa’ad Yero, Mr. Iyanda Olori and Alhaji Amuda Bembe. Others are Alhaji Amuda Musbau, Mr. Zafi Saka Adanla, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adanla, Alhaji Abdrahaman Sa’ad, Alhaji Saliman Rasak (Rasaki Pupa), Hon. Raimi Akanji, Alhaji Baba Alata, Alhaji Raufu Asude and Mr. Fatai Olodo. All the suspended members, according to Buhari, are from Ilorin East Local Government Area . He said the action followed “recommendations of an investigative and disciplinary committee chaired by Alhaji Dare Garba, which probed anti-party activities allegations against the affected members.

Rename varsity after Danbaba Suntai, group tells Taraba governor JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

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chen Cultural Development Association in Taraba State, yesterday called on Governor Darius Ishaku to rename the state-owned university after former governor of the state, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, because of his contributions to the development of the state. Leader of the group, Makan Danduba Makan, who made the call in Jalingo while speaking with journalists, said Suntai deserved the honour because of his service to the state, adding that such a gesture would encourage others to contribute their quota to the development of the state. “Suntai established the state university in 2009 and nurtured it to where it is today. If not the unfortunate plane crash, which affected him, he would have done more. Apart from the structures he put in place before the crash, the state government has not built any new structure other than

the ‘TETFund’ projects of the Federal Government. “He is architect of modern Taraba. He has paid his dues by building roads across the state and embarking on people-oriented projects that would for years remain memorable in the minds of people of the state,” he said. The group added that Suntai deserved better recognition and not just the naming of a road in the state capital after him, as was done by his deputy, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, towards the end of their administration. He commended Governor Ishaku for his efforts in ensuring improvement in water supply in the state capital and urged him to be focused in his rescue mission in the state.

Gov Ishaku


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World News We are a nation that appreciates and recognises the rights of every individual and their freedom of worship. We will not allow any person to force on us a way of life that is not ours. –Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta

Pakistan heatwave death toll hits 800 Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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he number of victims of a heat wave in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province has passed 800, hospital officials said yesterday, as mortuaries failed to cope with influx of bodies. At least 780 people have died in Karachi, while another 30 deaths were reported elsewhere in the province. The Edhi Welfare Organisation told AFP that its mortuaries had received hundreds of corpses and the facility had passed its normal capacity, amidst criticisms that state officials have not done enough to stem the death toll. Yesterday was declared a public holiday by the administration in Sindh in the hope that people would stay indoors out of the sun.

A medic attending to a victim of heatwave in Southern Sindh Province, yesterday

On Tuesday as temperatures reached 45C (113F), Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, called for emergency measures, and the army was deployed to

help set up heat stroke centres. Meanwhile, temperatures in Karachi have dropped to 34C (93F), thanks to wind from the sea, although there is anger

among local residents at the authorities because days of power cuts have restricted the use of airconditioning units and fans.

Nuclear talks: Khamenei maintains hardline stance

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ran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has hardened his stance on the nuclear negotiations with world powers, with the deadline for a comprehensive agreement only days away. In a speech on Tuesday night, Khamenei insisted Iran would only dismantle its nuclear infrastructure if economic sanctions were lifted first. He also ruled out a freeze on research and development for 10 years, as well as inspections of military sites. The demands appear to undercut a framework deal announced in April. They could also limit the abil-

Khamenei

‘Why Mugabe supports ICC blackout’

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frican Union Chairman and Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe, is pushing for member states to pull out of the International Criminal Court as he and some of his colleagues are ideal candidates for prosecution, a former Zimbabwe cabinet minister, Gorden Moyo, has said. Moyo, who oversaw the State

Enterprises Ministry, told a public meeting in Zimbabwe’s second largest city Bulawayo yesterday that Mugabe had led the withdrawal move to avoid the dire implications. The meeting was organised by Bulawayo Agenda held under the theme, “Justice or Impediment Agenda? An appraisal of International Criminal Court:

Role and Implications of African Union “Mugabe and his cabal are ideal candidates for international criminal prosecution and that is why he has sent (Second Vice President) Phelekezela Mphoko to go around the country preaching to people that there was no Gukurahundi (ethnic cleansing in the Matebeleland

ity of Iran’s negotiating team to make key concessions as the self-imposed 30 June deadline approaches. As supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei has final say on all state matters. The so-called P5+1-the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany-want Iran to scale back its sensitive nuclear activities permanently to ensure that it cannot build a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its nuclear work is peaceful. Khamenei has repeatedly backed Iran’s negotiators amid criticism from hardliners and military leaders, but he has laid out a several red lines.

in the 1980s). “Mphoko is not doing this on his own, he is a proxy; he is just a messenger,” Moyo added. Vice President Mphoko torched a storm when he recently claimed that Mugabe was not involved in the 1980’s Gukurahundi killings, saying the attrocities were a western conspiracy.

SA court faults Bashir ‘cover-up’ A South African court has criticised the government for letting Sudan’s President, Omar alBashir, leave the country despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. The court asked the public prosecutor to investigate if the government had broken the law. Bashir, who had denied the ICC charge that he committed war crimes in Darfur, had gone to South Africa for an African Union summit and the government argued he enjoyed diplomatic immunity. He left the summit early, before the court could rule on this issue. Pretoria Judge Dunstan Mlambo suggested there was reason to believe that the South African government had committed a crime by ignoring the court order.

PM blasts Greek creditors Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, has criticised Greece’s international creditors for failing to accept his government’s latest reform proposals. He said yesterday that this never occurred with similar measures put forward by other states negotiating bailouts, suggesting creditors might not want a deal. There are also reports that Greece has rejected an IMF counter-proposal seeking more pension and spending cuts. Tsipras’ remarks came as he prepared for fresh talks to secure a debt deal. Greece must repay 1.6bn (£1.1bn) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of the month, or face default and possible exit from the EU.

Spy case: US envoy summoned France yesterday summoned the US envoy in Paris over claims that the US spied on President Francois Hollande and his two predecessors, according to French officials. Whistleblower website Wikileaks reports the US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac between 2006 and 2012. Hollande called the allegations “unacceptable” and is expected to speak with President Obama over the claims. The US said it would not comment on “specific intelligence allegations”.


Thursday September 4, 2014

No matter what, the future of world football belongs only to us the footballers and really no one else

Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sport

Eto’o nears Antalyaspor switch

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–Former Portugal international, Luis Figo

Mohammed, others get Friday deadline Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

C Musa Mohammed

Enyeama explains disciplinary no-show ...as NFF reconfirms Kaduna for Egypt match Joel Ajayi

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uper Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, has explained that he was not officially asked to attend a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disciplinary committee summon on Tuesday. The NFF feels that Enyeama was in breach of its code of conduct, following his “uncomplimentary remarks” about security in Kaduna ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played against Chad on June 13. “I respect my country and

those in charge of our football, which is why I find the whole thing strange,” Enyeama told BBC Sport. “As the captain I only raised our concerns about the venue before our game which didn’t go down well with the football authority. “I was told to apologise for my comments, which I did immediately and they told me that’s fine.” But the 32-year-old, who is the Super Eagles most capped player with 101 appearances, denies he failed to reply to messages from the NFF seeking explanation for his com-

ments. “I only received a letter to cautioning me about it (my comments) and to avoid a repeat of such,” he told BBC Sport yesterday. “Personally, as it was resolved in-house I thought that was the end of the matter. But I only found out about a disciplinary hearing in the media, but I didn’t get any letter to that effect.” But speaking with journalists after the Tuesday meeting, Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Chris Green, said the “committee has taken everything into con-

sideration and sent the recommendation to NFF. It is left to them to ratify it.” Green however, decried the noise in the media over Enyeama’s summon. “In fact, the case of Enyeama is supposed to be solved internally; that is why we want the matter to be dealt with internally, in-house, quietly.” Meanwhile, the NFF announced yesterday that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna will host the 2017 AFCON qualifier between the Super Eagles and Pharaohs of Egypt, scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

oach of the U-23 national team, Samson Siasia, has said that Flying Eagles captain Musa Mohammed, his team mate Taiwo Awoniyi and other fresh invitees must report in the Abuja camp latest tomorrow in line with the discipline posture of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Nigeria will face Congo on July 19 in Port Harcourt in the first of the two-legged encounter ahead of the African Championship for the Rio 2016 Olympics scheduled foe Senegal in December. Aside from Mohammed and Awoniyi, other invited Flying Eagles players based abroad are Savior Godwin, Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Yahaya, Dele Alampasu and Moses Simon. Siasia, who expressed dismay at the invited players’ attitude to the national call, warned that his patience had run out. “This attitude of is unprofessional,” Siasia fumed. “They had pleaded for a week to rest after they returned from the World Cup in New Zealand and I granted them. “It is more than a week now and they are not here.” The gaffer insisted that any erring player would be sanctioned heavily. “There is no going back on the deadline of Friday,” he maintained.

Enyeama


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Thursday, June 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why I quit Reds for MLS D

–Gerrard

eparting Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has listed his omission against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League as the moment he decided it was time to leave Anfield. He, however, settled for a 21-minute substitute appearance in the encounter which became a turning point in his decision to depart for the MLS this year. “It was Real Madrid and I wanted to play,” the 35-year-old said yesterday. “When I was told I wasn’t playing for the sake of the team, because of my relationship with Brendan I took it and I accepted it. “But I sat on that bench devastated because I wanted to play. It pushed me into making a decision

Gerranrd

to move on and try something different.” Gerrard won every major honour with the Reds except the Premier League title, and their near miss two seasons ago and the part he played in it still hangs heavy in his heart. His stumble, which spawned a chant for rival fans, helped Chelsea on the way to a 2-0 win at Anfield which derailed their championship run. “The slip happened at a bad time, it was cruel for me personally,” the former England midfielder added. “I still think to myself, ‘If I’d have got that league, it would have been the icing on the cake’. “But I’ve achieved a lot of dreams with a team that has never been the favourite. I’ve got good memories that will live with me forever.”

Berahino

Vieira okays Sterling chase

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anchester City’s Football Development Executive, Patrick Vieira, says it is understandable that the club is interested in Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling. City has had two bids rejected for Sterling, the latest worth £40million, with the Reds reportedly holding out for an offer of £50million. Sterling, 20, has rejected a new deal on Merseyside with two years left on his existing contract. “I think if you go down and ask 10 people what they think about him, I think nine would give you a positive answer,” Vieira said at an event in New York yesterday. “I would be part of the nine

people because he’s shown how good he is, how well he’s been doing at Liverpool. “If he is in the market, not just City would be interested in him.

“But that’s the first team and I’m not part of the first team, I work with the academy so I’m just giving you my opinion,” the former Arsenal captain added.

Berahino boost for Baggies

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Vieira

anagement of West Brom says it is confident striker Saido Berahino will recover from injury in time for the start of the new season. The England U-21 international was forced to withdraw from the European Championship in the Czech Republic after suffering a knee injury during training ahead of the side’s opening game against Portugal. The England medical team put the forward through tests

to assess the full extent of his ligament injury and scans show the problem is not as serious as first feared. “Saido has got a ligamentous tear of his knee which does not require surgery but careful rehabilitation for up to four weeks,” West Brom’s Performance Director, Dr. Mark Gillett, said yesterday. The Baggies kick off the new season with a home match against Manchester City on August 8.


National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, June 25, 2015

55

Bello U-15 Hockey gets date

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Eto’o

Eto’o nears Antalyaspor switch

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ampdoria striker, Samuel Eto’o, is close to a move to newly-promoted Turkish Super League side Antalyas-

por. The club confirmed yesterday that it had entered into an agreement with Eto’o but the deal had not been signed off just yet. However, the image rights of Eto’o in Italy still need to be sorted out.

“We have an agreement with Samuel. But we will solve other issues as soon as possible,” the Turkish club said. Sampdoria President, Massimo Ferrro, also believes that the 34-year-old Cameroonian is on his way out just six months after arriving in Italy. Ferrero described the departure of Eto’o as a man ready to “follow his heart

and his wallet.” Eto’o has enjoyed one of the most outstanding careers which have seen him turn out for FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton. He has also won two Africa Cup of Nations titles, one Serie A title, three Spanish La Liga titles, an Olympic gold and three UEFA Champions League trophies.

he 2nd Yusuf Bello National Under-15 Hockey Championship has been scheduled to hold at the Astro Hockey Turf of the Adokiye Aimesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt from July 27 to August 2. Event Coordinator, Sam Collins, said the invitational sevenday competition aimed to resuscitate the moribund late Brig. Gen. Bako U-15 championship after the grassroots hockey festival disappeared on the calendar. “This competition is coming from the backdrop of irregular youth hockey tournaments to keep the players in the sport,” Collins, a former Union Bank Men’s Hockey club player, said. “We are staging the event under the auspices of Rivers State Hockey Association through the Take Hockey to School Initiative in conjunction with Stich Proffer Multi-Solutions,” the coordinator added. “WE believe it will also engage and empower hockey players in secondary schools through training and competition,” he further said, stressing, “All states of the federation with U-15 male hockey teams will participate.” Winners will get cash prizes, plaques and trophies, while the most disciplined team, most valuable player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, best defender and most outstanding coach will get individual awards.

Rio 2016: Donor lifts Wheelchair basketballers

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member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ladi Adebutu Kessington, has announced his commitment to Ni-

Yakmut

geria wheelchair basketball team towards qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics. The Nigerian wheelchair basketball team will participate in the Olympics qualifier holding in Algeria in September.

Kessington said he would meet with officials of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF) soon to discuss modalities for his involvement in the team’s success. “I will support the team’s effort to make Nigeria proud as I believe participating in the Olympics will enhance the pride for our dear nation,” the businessman-cum politician said. Meanwhile, President of the NWBF, Bukola Olopade, has expressed appreciation to the philanthropist for the gesture, saying the athletes will reciprocate by securing the Olympic ticket in Algeria. “We specially appreciate Hon. Kessington for consistently identifying with the special sports athletes,” Olopade said, adding, “It is an indication that he is a true lover of sports development in Nigeria.”

Sule

Dedevbo invites Mary Saiki to Falconets

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onfluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja midfielder, Mary Saiki, has been handed the chance to fight for a spot in the Peter Dedevbocoached Falconets’ side as the national U-20 women team resumed camping in Abuja yesterday. The Attacking midfielder, who has been tipped as a future for the Nigerian women football, had caught the attention of Dedevbo when Confluence Queens visited Delta Queens at the Oleh Stadium in the Week 1 of the current Nigeria Women Professional League season.

Chairman of Confluence Queens, Mallam Abdul Sule, who reacted through the club’s spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, believes that the Edo-born player has the capacity to compete at the national camp. “It’s a good development for our club. Saiki is a good player, she is very mobile and has what it takes to challenge others for the jersey,” Sule said. “We wish her best of luck and hope she will give the club a good representation in the Falconets’ camp,” the former Super Eagles defender added.


WORLD RECORD

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

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1142 Thursday, June 25, 2015

Tinubu and the ‘Angazi’ metaphor I n one of my early school English textbooks, an interesting story I read still lingers in the memory. It was the story of Angazi, and I crave your indulgence as I adapt the story for the purpose of today’s discourse. It goes thus: A certain traveller found himself in a beautiful foreign city with amazing infrastructure and jaw-slacking edifices. When he got to a truly avant garde skyscraper he turned to a man standing nearby and asked: “Who owns this mighty building?” “Angazi,” the man replied. “Wow! Angazi!”, the stranger exclaimed. In another section of the city, he saw a truly eye-goggling car zooming past so regally and he could not help wondering aloud: “Who on earth is the owner of this wonder on wheels?” To his shock, a woman standing close responded, “Angazi!” The traveller gaped at the wom-

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ormer Wimbledon champion, Boris Becker, says tennis could be lacking big personalities in the near future if current top players Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal call time on their careers. Becker, who was a six-time grand slam, made this expression

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

an and exclaimed, “Angazi again! That man must be filthy rich!” Before the day ended, the tourist had seen hundreds of architectural and other money-made wonders - opulent shopping malls, theme parks, astounding cloverleaf-filled super highways, hotels etc - and each time he asked to know the owner, the response was the same: “Angazi!” As he returned to his hotel in a taxi, he got to a section where hoodlums were rioting and destroying property. Scared, he asked the taxi driver who could have caused the riot; and the frantic answer again was “Angazi!” He was still wondering how pervasive was the riches and power, and even notoriety of this Angazi person when he saw a crowd of mourners conveying a dead soul in an expensive coffin to a cemetery. He then received the shock of his life when on asking to know the name of the person in the coffin the answer was again, “Angazi!” “What a life!” our tourist could not help exclaiming. “This Angazi owned virtually this whole city but alas, all he has now is that piece of grave and the expensive coffin! So what’s the usefulness of his money now?” Our tourist only realized his folly and abject ignorance later that night when he returned to his hotel. As an alien in a city where a different language is spoken and which he didn’t understand, this tourist did not know that “Angazi” was not a name but a sentence meaning, “I don’t know!” All the people he had spoken to had really told him nothing, but his ignorance

NO ONE CAN DENY TINUBU HIS STATUS AS A MAJOR ARCHITECT OF THE PRESENT DISPENSATION betrayed him into making hasty conclusions! This is akin to the case of Citizen Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the impression of legions of impressionable Nigerians about him. In our nation’s political history, I stand to be corrected if I asserted that no other Nigerian has attracted as much popularity - some would say ‘notoriety’ - in the mind of Nigerians as Tinubu. Such is the power of his personal influence in contemporary dispensation that anything that happens in today’s polity, real or imagined, good or bad, outlandish or ordinary, must have the magical Tinubu touch. Even the foreign press have been bitten by the fast metastasizing Tinubu bug. If he’s not being called the Zvengali of Nigerian politics by prominent British newspapers now, he is being referred to as the Machiavelli of African politics by an American media giant then. Such is the immensity of the institutionalization of Tinubu’s might that anything befalling the nation, good or bad, is attributed to him. Indeed, in dissecting the architecture of this man’s near mythical influence one would find

that easily. Tinubu has become the unwitting cannon fodder of most political events, good or bad. No one can deny Tinubu his status as a major architect of the present dispensation. Challenge me, but I can safely say that his adroit, brave and near-suicidal stand against the PDP behemoth of those days made the APC revolution possible. Without the formidable structure he so generously availed the APC merger, the broom revolution that crumbled the seemingly invincible PDP would not have chanced. With such gigantic media might, coupled with near fanatical following in the key Southwest states and Edo, the union that birthed the APC largely owed its success to him. He thus deserved a high seat on the high table of the emergent order. However, like our fabled “Angazi”, Tinubu is tilting dangerously towards being credited with virtually anything that happens in the polity even when such attributes are blatantly erroneous. Tinubu must be wary of the incipient image of an unscrupulous power-grabber and ravenous money demon. Too often, he is being portrayed as a ravenous powerhungry cormorant which, on balance, is really not so. That is why this man of the moment must watch it. Rather than the thesis of his influence leading to an antithesis and ensuing bitter jealousy turning his many admirers against him, he should assume a more statesmanlike role as this dispensation grapples the arduous challenges of change. With an influence this colossal, I challenge Tinubu to assume his huge powers with more patriotic and statesmanlike zeal. It is clear that he can be a huge force in the making of a truly great Nigeria by transforming that power to more positive use. He can exploit the near-mythical image to inspire his party, the President and all Nigerians to overcome the nation’s nagging oddities. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Tennis: Boris Becker fears stars’ extinction yesterday against the backdrop of the youthful charisma and thrilling style that characterised his era when he regularly battled against a number of big stars as John McEnroe, Pat Cash and Andre Agassi, drawing huge crowds. “I think if Roger decides to quit

or Rafa is not coming back, it will be impossible to carry on with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray,” the 47-year-old Becker, who currently coaches Djokovic, said yesterday. “You have a young group of Australians like Nick Kyrgios and

Thanasi Kokkinakis who have good personalities and are interesting to watch. “But there’s a gap in between of players you don’t know anything about. I think in two or three years’ time, we will really have to be fearful of what comes.”

Becker

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