Thursday, october 15, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG woos investors in renewed energy sector CHIDI UGWU AND UBONG UKPONG

Igali

Vol. 5 N0. 1222

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called on investors in the power sector to shift emphasis towards environmentally friendly alternative sources of power gen-

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirro ronline.ne t

Thursday, October

15, 2015

Campos Square,

9 Lagos.

PHOTO: YINKA

ADEPARUSI

eration in order to protect the ecosystem. The president, who gave the charge at the opening ceremony of Nigeria Alternative Power Expo (NAEE CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Why Lagos Island residents are emotionally attached to Campus Square P.10

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N150

Ministerial screening

Senate confirms Fashola, Kachikwu, Ngige, 15 others PIB: Nigeria losing $15bn annually –Kachikwu Fashola makes case for state police

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he Senate yesterday confirmed 18 out of the 36 ministerial nominees sent to it by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Those who were confirmed included the ten nominees who were screened by the Senate on Tuesday and the eight others screened yesterday. The eighteen nominees

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President Muhammadu Buhari (right) receiving a souvenir from visiting commander of the U.S. Africa Command, Gen. David Rodriguez, in Abuja, yesterday.

Synagogue tragedy: Lagos vows to get justice for victims

PHOTO: NAN

...as Ambode pledges enforcement of coroners’ veridct

Again, gunmen abduct Bayelsa monarch, shot police corporal

P.5 P.49

APC igniting violence in Kogi, Bayelsa guber elections –PDP P.15

Inflation rate rises to 9.4% in September P.4

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

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Senate confirms Fashola, Kachikwu, Ngige, 15 others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

who are now ministers designate are Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Dr. Osagie Ehanire. Others are Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Amina Ibrahim Mohammed, Engr. Suleiman Hussaini Adamu and Ibrahim Usman Jibril. The rest are Babatunde Fashola, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachukwu, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, Barrister Solomon Dalong, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Senator Hadi Sirika. The Senate, however, deferred the screening of the former Governor of Rivers, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Barrister Adebayo Shittu. In the case of Shittu, there was no explanation for his absence at the Senate yesterday for his screening even though his name was listed as the ninth nominee for screening in the Senate order paper. Regarding Amaechi, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had explained that the screening was not possible because the report of the Senate committee on Petition, Ethics and Privileges, which investigated the petition against the governor by the Rivers State-based Integrity Group was not ready for consideration and adoption. It is hoped that the report would be made available by the committee today for consideration and adoption before the commencement of today’s screening exercise. The screening of the rest ministerial nominees continues today The Senate, again, commenced yesterday’s screening with an exclusive session during which the lawmakers reviewed the previous day’s exercise and adopted the procedure to guide the day’s exercise. Meanwhile, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachukwu, has put the amount the country is losing annually for its inability to sign the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law at $15 billion. Kachukwu explained that lack of the law did not give foreign investors in the

oil and gas sector enough confidence to bring in the required resources to invest and grow the sector. He stated that the nation must not necessarily wait to pass the PIB holistically, but to start somewhere by passing the law as deficient as it appears and later take it back to the parliament for amendment as implementa-

tion is in progress. The GMD made this disclosure yesterday when he faced the Senate in the process of his screening as a ministerial nominee. Regarding the vexed issue of fuel subsidy, Kachukwu was however not definite on the Federal Government’s position on the matter, especially

whether or not government would eventually withdraw the subsidy and when, or whether government would eventually retain it. He nonetheless explained that President Muhammadu Buhari was equally as worried as most Nigerians on the matter, noting that the greatest concern of the president was that the mat-

ter should be extensively analysed so that any eventual decision on the matter would be such that would serve the best interest of Nigerians. Kachukwu further explained that there was a continuing dialogue on the issue of fuel subsidy with the president each time an opportunity in that area oc-

curs because of the president’s determination to take the appropriate decision that would serve the interest of the greatest Nigerians on the matter. He said the immediate priority of government was to determine the actual cost of the subsidy and what constitutes the corruption CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari; President, African Studies Association of African (ASAA), Prof. Lungisile Ntsebeza and the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Toyin Falola, during the International Conference of ASAA in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG woos investors in renewed energy sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

2015) in Abuja, noted that there was still a substantial power deficit both in generating, transmitting and distributing adequate power to meet the actual needs of the country. Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, the president said the need to emphasis on clean energy was to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change which had already manifested in the country, assuring that government was committed to establishing a level playing ground, with encouraging policies and incentives. “We are also developing infrastructures to ensure environmental sustainability and internationally accepted standards to light up more homes and businesses with Renewable Energy. “We will continue to promote Renewable Energy programmes that will integrate the objectives of all, inclusive green economy and

attract financing partners like development banks, international development agencies and other financial options for supporting the transition to a cleaner Energy in Nigeria,” he said. According to the president, the NAEE 2015 was a platform that captured the massive potential of Nigeria’s renewable energy investments, adding that the annual was the right place for an investor to engage future partners and also understand the ample opportunities available in the Nigerian power sector because of the caliber of experts participating in the expo. Also speaking at the occasion, the Ambassador of France in Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, recalled that over the years, both Nigeria and France havd partnered in the area of power projects, stressing that his country granted $170 million to the federal government in 2013. According to Gauer, in 2009, the Nigerian government assigned the French company Vergnet to estab-

lish a wind farm of 10 MW in Katsina State for more than 20 million euros. He said the farm, with 37 windmills, should start producing and be connected to the grid in the beginning of next year, 2016. He added that Vergnet also initiated another project of solar power in Osun State. The ambassador stated that the photovoltaic power station of 13 MW which costs 35 million euro should soon be connected to the grid in order to inject 19 000 MW per hour per year. He added that Nigeria power sector was one of the three priority sectors identified by the French Development Agency (the AFD) in its 2014-2016 strategy in Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria was also one of the first African countries targeted by the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. In a related development, the House of Representatives yesterday, resolved to probe the processes and

sale of all aspects of power assets in Nigeria by the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE. Accordingly, it approved the constitution of an AdHoc Committee for this purpose, to determine if there were malpractices and misconduct in the exercise, and also whether appropriate value was got for money and determine if any person breached the rules and the law. The decision followed a motion brought by Chike Okafor on the need to investigate the alleged non-transparent and fraudulent sale of power assets by the BPE. The lawmaker noted that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, had since been disengaged from generation, distribution and transmission of electricity in line with the privatisation policy in the power sector. He further noted that in fulfilment of the driving force behind the privatisation of the federal government’s interests in

the PHCN, the BPE set the process for the sale of the Power Assets in Nigeria and eventually sold the assets to 11 Distribution Companies and 12 Generation Companies. Okafor noted also that the process of sale of the assets fell short of the prescribed criteria set down by the enabling law guiding the activities of the BPE in the privatisation process and also not in tune with international best practices. He expressed worry that there was an apparent lack of due process in the alleged payment of 23million Dollars on contract award to Manitoba Hydro International of Canada to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN for three years. He said he was conscious of the need to ensure that the sale of the power assets was done in accordance with the privatisation rules and in such a manner that would benefit the Nigerian people. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

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L-R: Saturday Editor, National Mirror Newspapers, Ms. Gbemi Olujobi; General Manager, External Relations, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG), Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke; Managing Director/ CEO, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Sunday Olajide; Head, Media Relations, NLNG, AnneMarie Palmer-Ikuku and Acting Daily Editor, Mr. Ben Memuletiwon, during NLNG visit to Global Media Mirror Ltd in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

L-R: Logistic Officer, Center for Policy Advocacy Leadership Development, Mr. Olorunipa Seyi, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and Director, Mobilization, CPALD, Mr. Otitoleke Richard, during a meeting between BOI and Center for Policy Advocacy Leadership Development on Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Sir Col. Michael Akanji; President, Rotary Club of Egbeda, Rotn. Barr. Francis Famoroti; his wife, Rita and former president of the club, Rotn. Jerry Aigheyisi, during the investiture of Rotn. Famoroti as the 13th president of the club, in Lagos at the weekend. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

L-R: President-elect, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Mr. Nosa Omorodion; President, Mr. Chikwendu Edoziem and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Ofoma at media briefing in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Inflation rate rises to 9.4% in September Tola Akinmutimi

he nation’s Composite Price Index, CPI, which measures the prices of goods and services for the month of August rose marginally to 9.4 per cent (year-on-year), up from the 9.3 per cent it recorded in the preceding month. The CPI report published yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, indicated that the Headline index rose slightly as a result of higher Food and non-food divisions comprising, Alcoholic Beverage, Tobacco and Kola; Clothing and Footwear; and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels divisions, among others. The NBS stated that while the Muslim holiday period may have contributed to higher food prices,

the Food Sub-index as a whole recorded a marginal increase, increasing by 10.2 per cent (year-onyear) in the month under review from 10.1 per cent in August. It noted that prices rose in major categories such as Bread and Cereals, Meats, Fish; and Oils and fats groups. The Fruit, Vegetables, and Potatoes, Yams and Other Tubers groups have however held constant or grown at a slower pace for three consecutive months, ultimately weighing on the index. However, the agency stated that the advances recorded by the “All Items less Farm Produce” or Core sub-index increased at a marginally slower pace in September relative to August, increasing by 8.9 per cent in the month (year-on-year), from 9.0 per cent rate in

August. According to the NBS, the Core sub-index was weighted upon by slower increases in multiple groups and or divisions in particular; garments, Fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, Hotel Accommodation services, and other services in the Communication and Miscellaneous Goods and Services divisions. It stated: “On a monthon-month basis, the pace of increases of the Headline index has held constant for the second consecutive month at 0.6 per cent, the lowest pace recorded this year. Non-food divisions which weighted on the index include Housing Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels; Communication, Education and Miscellaneous Goods and Services. “In September, the Ur-

ban index edged higher, increasing by 9.5 per cent (year-on-year), up by 0.3% points from 9.2 per cent in August. On the other hand, the Rural increased by 9.3 per cent in September from 9.4 per cent in August. “On a month-on-month basis, the Urban index edged higher from 0.6 per cent in August to 0.7 per cent in September, while the Rural index increased at a slower pace for the fourth consecutive month, increasing by 0.5 per cent in September from 0.6 per cent in August”, it added. The Bureau reported that the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ended September over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 8.7 per cent, marginally higher from the 8.6 per cent rate recorded in the preceding month. Similarly, it pointed out

that the corresponding 12-month year-on-year average percentage change for the Urban index increased marginally from 8.6 per cent to 8.7 per cent, while the corresponding Rural index also edged higher to 8.6 per cent in September from 8.5 per cent in August. Expatiating on the ‘Food Index’ trend during the month, the Bureau reported that while the Muslim holiday may have contributed to higher food prices, the Food sub-index as a whole recorded a marginal increase by 10.2 per cent, from 10.1 per cent recorded in August. On advances recorded by the “All Items less Farm Produce” or Core subindex which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce, the agency reported that prices increased by 8.9 per cent in September, marginally

lower from the 9.0 per cent rate recorded in the preceding month. It reported further that on a month-on-month basis, the Core Sub-index increased at the same rate for three consecutive months at 0.6 per cent with the largest increases recorded in Books & Stationeries groups as a result of the start of the new school year, Household textiles, Glassware, Tableware and Household Utensils; and Shoes and Other Footwear groups. The Bureau however noted that prices eased in the Liquid Fuels for Personal Transport, Housing rents, and garment prices amongst others with the average 12-month annual rate of rise of the index was recorded at 7.6 per cent, representing 0.2 per cent points higher from the twelve month rate recorded in August.

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Synagogue tragedy: Lagos vows to get justice for victims WALE IGBINTADE

Federal High Court in Lagos is set to hear the suit filed by two structural engineers that supervised the construction of the collapsed building within the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN premises. In the suit which is before Justice Ibrahim Buba, the plaintiffs Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, are asking the court to nullify the coroner’s verdict on the collapsed building delivered on October 19, 2015. The respondents in the suits are the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Attorney General of Lagos State and the coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe. It will be recalled that 116 lives of Nigerians and foreigners were lost in a building collapse disaster at the Synagogue Church on September 12, 2014. There were local and international calls for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution to give justice to the victims. After over a year of legal twists and turns initiated by the Synagogue Church, the Coroner’s inquest into the building collapse disaster delivered a ruling which amongst other things indicted the Synagogue Church of all Nations for criminal negligence and recommended that it be prosecuted. Shortly after the Coroner’s verdict, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, pledged to enforce the verdict to the letter vowing to seek justice for the victims of the disaster no matter the circumstances. He ordered the law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest the indicted persons and enforce the verdict. But in a move to forestall the enforcement, the indicted engineers approached the court seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights to fair hearing, human dignity and personal liberty as provided under Sections 34, 35 and 36 of

the Constitution They claim that the Nigerian Police, Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) and the Lagos State Government (Respondents) will act upon the Coroner’s findings by proceeding to arrest, investigate and/or prosecute them for criminal negligence. The plaintiffs had in their motion on notice, sought among other prayers, a declaration that “the findings and recommendations of the 4th respondent as contained in the 4th respondent’s verdict dated 8th July, 2015 as they relate to the applicants’ indictment for prosecution for criminal negligence and recommendation for prosecution for criminal negligence are invalid, null and void and of no effect, whatsoever.” They are also urging the court to declare that the Lagos CP lack the power to act on the Coroner’s verdict to investigate or prosecute them. They asked for a perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Attorney General or any officer under his authority from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings against the applicants on the basis of the findings and recommendations of the coroner. The indicted engineers are therefore seeking for a nullification of the Coroner’s verdict, perpetual injunction restraining the Nigerian Police from arresting or interrogating them, perpetual injunction restraining COREN from causing them to appear before any investigatory or disciplinary panel. The Lagos State government has filed a counter affidavit and preliminary objections to the suit contending amongst other things that Synagogue Church were granted audience at the Coroner’s Court and availed the opportunity of tendering their depositions and making oral evidence and that the Coroner did not issue a “judicial indictment” on the applicants but made recommendations that the applicants be investigated and if

found culpable, prosecuted for criminal negligence. Lagos State also filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection on grounds that the Synagogue’s Engineers’ complaints are a challenge

to the Coroner’s verdict and not for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights and the court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate over the suit since the respondents

are not agencies of the federal government. Meanwhile, sources at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice disclosed that in line with Governor Ambode’s pledge to the

citizens, the government would pursue the enforcement of the Coroners verdict until its logical conclusion to ensure the victims of the disaster get justice.

L-R: Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Gidado Tahir; Executive Secretary, BASAME, Bauchi State, Yalwa Abubakar and President, Nigeria National Council for Adult Education, Prof. Fatima Umar, during the Annual National Conference of the Nigeria National Council for Adult Education tagged: ‘EKO 2015’ in Lagos, yesterday.

FG woos investors in renewed energy sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Meanwhile, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, has urged electricity consumers across the country to take the initiative to engage their service providers. Amadi said the engagement between necessary to close the communication gap between electricity service providers and their customers. Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, in a state-

ment said the directive was against the backdrop of barrage of complaints that the Commission receives from consumers which should have been addressed at the service providers’ level, in line with the Complaints Handling Standards and Procedure. According to the statement, Amadi made the call at a Public Consultation for the review of tariff application by the distribution companies, which the Commission is subjecting to further reviews.

According to him, distribution companies were given a uniform template for tariff application, part of which was for them to consult with customers before submitting same to the Commission. He pointed out that in considering the tariff, the Commission shall work with the Discos to minimise the disparity in tariff between the tariff classes amongst the Discos. The regulatory agency’ spokesman noted that the directive followed earlier

information by the Commission’s helmsman, who informed that the reports of the Discos consultation were on the websites of the individual Discos and on NERC’s website. According to him, the Commission was duty bound to ensure that only the right cost was passed to the customer. This is even as the Commission is committed to finalise approval of the tariff review applications by the end of October.

Senate confirms Fashola, Kachikwu, Ngige, 15 others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

component of the scheme as well as the actual daily consumption of the product, which has been an issue of raging controversy. He explained: “There was a lot of fraud that went to the subsidy. We are all alarmed at the rate of subsidy, particularly the president. Our immediate concern is to find out the actual cost of subsidy. We are both determined that at a time something has to happen to it. If you don’t handle the matter well it will cause a lot of problem.” Commenting on the issue of the refineries and the importation of oil, Kachukwu described as disgraceful the fact that Nigeria as an oil

producing country is still importing finished products from abroad and pledged government’s plans to halt that trend in the nearest future. He disclosed that upon assumption of office as the GMD of NNPC about six weeks ago, he gave a directive to all the heads of the four refineries in the country to ensure that the refineries were brought on stream within 90 days. He stated that contrary to media reports that the refineries were operating at 60 per cent capacity, the truth of the matter was that so far, the refineries which were currently in operation were operating at 25 - 28 per

cent rate, which is far below the global standard of 90 per cent. He disclosed that it was only the Port Harcourt refinery that was only currently running at 60 per cent installed capacity, but that there were plans to raise it to 75 very soon. The GMD reported that the Warri refineries was just about coming up now, even as he disclosed that the Kaduna refinery would soon commence operations with the repair of the ruptured pipeline that supplied crude to the place. He regretted that in the last ten years, there had never been any proper maintenance of any of the re-

fineries in the country and pledged that if any refinery was not able to refine at 60 capacity in the least, such a refinery would be sold or privatised. Kachukwu dispelled the rumours currently making the rounds in the country and which he said was responsible for the noticeable fuel scarcity that government was about to reduce the price of fuel pomp price to N53, stressing that, “There is no plan by government to reduce the price of PMS to N53, it’s Amal rumour.” Reacting to a question by Senator George Akume whether he would be willing to answer to National CONTINUED ON PAGE 52>>

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

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We’ll end Boko Haram by December, Buhari insists Rotimi Fadeyi Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he remained confident that by the end of this year, Boko Haram’s ability to attack, seize, ravage and hold any Nigerian territory would have been completely obliterated. A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari spoke at an audience with Commander of United States Africa Command,

General David Rodriguez. The President noted that with greater support from his administration in terms of improved training, equipment, logistics and welfare, Nigerian Armed Forces were now well positioned to meet the December deadline which they have been given to end the Boko Haram insurgency. Buhari used the opportunity of Rodriquez’s visit to restate his appreciation for the support of the United States regarding Nigeria’s efforts

to overcome terrorism and insurgency. “We must thank the United States of America for sending training teams and equipment to us. The positive results of our collaboration are evident. “Structured attacks by the insurgents have reduced and by the end of the year, we should see the final routing of Boko Haram as an organised fighting force,” the President said. Buhari, however, appealed for greater cooperation from the United States in securing the

Gulf of Guinea through which stolen Nigerian crude oil is shipped abroad. Decrying the severe revenue losses which Nigeria suffers from crude oil theft, Buhari said his administration was determined to end the criminal practice and would welcome more support from the international community in this regard. In his remarks, Rodriguez told the President that he was in the country to strengthen Nigeria/United States

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, addressing the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit Group on reforming the public institutions to ensure competitiveness and accountability, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NLNG train 7 on course – Eresia-Eke Udeme Akpan

takeholders in the nation’s multi-billion dollar Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, have expressed their determination to take a Final Investment Decision, FID on train seven. The decision to take the FID is said to be based on the importance of the project as a major source of foreign exchange generation. General Manager, External Relations of the company, Mr. Kudo Eresia-Eke who confirmed the development during a courtesy call to Na-

tional Mirror in Lagos yesterday maintained that the FID will be taken in the nearest future in order to place the project on the path of sustainable execution. Eresia-Eke, who attributed the delay partly to lack of funds, said a few years back, a barrel of oil used to go for over $100. He said currently, a barrel is below $50, meaning that stakeholders who need funds to invest earn less than what they used to earn in the past. He indicated that the train remains a viable and feasible project as

the completion of other trains has culminated in the massive export of LNG to many nations. The general manager said construction of trains one and two was started in late 1990s in order to produce commercial LNG for export. He said this was followed with the construction of trains three, four, five and six under what has come to be known as NLNGPlus. According to him, with six trains currently operational, the entire complex is capable of producing 22 million tonnes per annum of LNG, 5mtpa of LPG and condensate

from 3.5 billion standard cubic feet per day of natural gas intake. The company that mops up gas that would have otherwise been flared, declared in the last 15 years, over $13bn in dividends to shareholders, paid over $18bn on gas purchases from oil producing companies, of which the Federal Government owns 55 per cent in 2014. The nation’s, total earnings from NLNG is now over 70 per cent, comprising of 49 per cent dividend, 30 per cent CIT, and other taxes. Besides LNG, EresiaEke maintained that

military relations, and also explore further options for assisting the Multinational Joint

Task Force, MJTF, established by Nigeria and her neighbours, to fight Boko Haram.

Reps probe SURE P, transport ministry over rail rehabilitation Tordue Salem Abuja

ouse of Representatives yesterday expressed readiness to investigate activities of the Ministry of Transport, Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, SURE – P, Nigerian Railway Cooperation, NRC, and all contractors handling rail project rehabilitation from 2010 to 2014. The resolution to embark on the probe came after the House had endorsed a motion sponsored by Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi entitled: “Nneed to investigate the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigeria Railway Corporation on the award of contracts for rehabilitation of railway tracks, maintenance of bridges and procurement/rehabilitation of coaches and locomotives and locomotives from 2010 2014.” Ahwinahwi in his lead debate had submitted that rail rehabilitation has made little progress despite the huge amount committed by government. “The level of performance with respect to the 463km Port - Harcourt - Markurdi rail track rehabilitation of the eastern line with the total sum of N19, 963, 752, 330 and out of

the company remained committed to the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG which is also known as cooking gas for domestic use. The company started supply of LPG to domestic market in 2007 when the demand for the product rose significantly. The timely intervention assisted to reduce the price of LPG from N7,000 to N3,500 per 12.5kg cylinder. The company also signed sales and purchase agreement with off-takers and is now committed to deliver 250,000 tonnes of LPG into the Nigerian market

which the NRC has paid N4, 017, 054, 841, 00, while SURE - P paid N5, 594, 021, 377 and only about 3km of ballast has been done with 400km left undone and the total money released so far is N9, 611, 076, 218. “The Abuja - Kaduna rail project had $841m as the project cost, out of which the China EXIM Bank provided a loan of $500m with about 25 per cent of the project completed when the entire project was envisaged to have been completed in 2014,” he said. According to him, the Lagos to Jebba track rehabilitation project was awarded at N12, 293. 390. 000 with the payments made so far at N11, 699. 999, 218 without any tangible work done. He added that the same also goes for Jebba to Kano track rehabilitation which had a contract sum of N12, 169. 237. 337 with payments made to the tune of N10, 337. 023. 111. He argued that the investigation is important because with the billions sunk to upgrade the railway transport system, there has been little or nothing to show for it as the locomotives and coaches running on the nation’s tracks are still a relic of modern railway transport.

annually. Responding, Managing Director of National Mirror, Mr. Sunday Olajide thanked Eresia-Eke for the visit. Olajide, who took the team on a guided tour of the company, said the newspaper has a competent team of journalists to gather, process and deliver information in both its print and online media. He said of the six modern printing machines, three had been installed in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo to print simultaneously, thus ensuring that the newspaper is delivered to readers in all parts of the nation.

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Immigration boss warns officers against illegal repatriation Olusegun Koiki

igeria Immigration Service, NIS, personnel attached to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos have been warned against engaging in illegal repatriation of foreigners from the country. Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A, Lagos, Mr. Musa Maza gave the warning yesterday at MMIA during his maiden tour of facilities at the airport. Maza warned that any officer caught in illegal repatriation of foreigners without following due process would be severely sanctioned by the authority, stressing that the Zone would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any

of its staff. On the issuance of Visas to citizens of Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Maza insisted that the three months agreement within the States must be sustained by all officers unless such a traveller requested otherwise. He also urged them to desist from making frivolous demands from travellers especially first time travellers, declaring that anyone caught in the act would be shown the exit by the service. He said: “I know that some of our officers may be indulging in illegal repatriation of foreigners, especially when such have an issue with their employers without following the due process.

“I want to appeal to you that if you are doing that, you should desist immediately. “Also, ECOWAS citizens visiting this country should be given the required three months as recognised by law unless if such a traveller requests for fewer days. “However, officers are not expected to make phone calls while on duty and I want to appeal to you to be cautious when discharging your duties because any form of mistake will not be allowed by the Zone.” He however, promised to be fair in coordinating events in the zone, but emphasised that he would be resolute in order for the campaign promises of the Federal Government to be

actualised. Maza also promised to tackle some of the challenges in the command and disclosed that the Zone would soon meet with the Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in order to propel the command forward. Earlier, Comptroller of Immigration, MMIA Command, Mrs. Chizoba Dibi disclosed that about 50 officers from the command were recently trained on fraud detection by the American Embassy. Dibi lamented several challenges bedeviling the command such as inadequate office space, operational vehicles, funding, even as she declared that the hajj camp at the MMIA, required complete

overhauling to rid it of touts and touting activities. In her statistics, she explained that five foreigners

were repatriated between January and September, 2015 while one stowaway was returned from abroad.

Nigeria receives $6bn in foreign direct investments annually

igeria receives an average of $6bn in Direct Foreign Investments, FDI, inflow annually. A Director in Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Mr Amos Sakaba, disclosed this in Lagos at a media chat organised by Olisa Agbakoba Legal Services. He said statistics on FDI inflow showed that Nigeria still ranked as one of the leading FDI destinations in the world. Sakaba was speaking against the backdrop of the 2015 World Bank Doing Business Report which ranked Nigeria 170th out of 186 countries surveyed on enabling business environment. He said the report could

not have been a true reflection of the Nigerian situation, stressing that the country was daily been inundated with enquiries by prospective foreign investors. Sakaba said a group of French investors had just visited the country to explore investment opportunities, while there were still others currently in Abuja. He said NIPC had designed many initiatives to lure foreign investors into the country, one of which was the granting of Pioneer Status to some startup companies. The NIPC director said his organisation had granted pioneer status to about 450 companies since NIPC was established 16 years ago.

FG plans ban on rice importation in two years Rotimi Fadeyi Abuja

C L-R: Governors, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Willie Obiano (Anambra), moderator, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, other governors, Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), during a ‘Conversation with State Governors’ at the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Aregbesola, Ajimobi, Obiano seek regional integration Chidi Ugwu Abuja

overnors from the southern geopolitical zone yesterday advocated for regional integration and economic co-operation amongst states of the federation. Speaking at the sub-national session of the ongoing 21st National Economic Summit, NES, Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Willie Obiano (Anambra), took turns to buttress the need for states to return to the good old days of regional integration for better and faster development. Speaking at the summit, Aregbesola noted that states

in the country are atomized and can hardly make much impact individually. “The comparable advantage of the south western part of Nigeria is the fact that we have Lagos State where by its location there is a huge concentration of people that can serve as a market for agricultural produce from the hinterland, so we have worked hard in developing the potentials of our people for modern agriculture.” Governor Amosun emphasised on the importance of regional integration and cooperation. He said: “Over 50 per cent of the middle and lower cadre of the work force in Lagos State live in Ogun State; they put pressure on

us in Ogun state but pay their taxes to Lagos State government. “But in the area of IGR, of course we are leveraging on our proximity to Lagos and I hope that they are listening now so that they will continue to pay us all our dues.” While concurring with his colleagues, Governor Ajimobi said his government was taking advantage of the strategic location of the state to create a logistics centre. He further disclosed that what his government is doing about regional integration is to look at best practices. “Our IGR is very low, about N1.2bn monthly and we have looked at what La-

gos State did and within a span of 10 years the state was able to move its IGR by more than 500 per cent. What we did was to take some staff of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and install them in Oyo state,” he said. On his part, Governor Obiano, while harping on the importance of cooperation amongst states for accelerated economic development, said his government is working with Enugu State in the area of coal development. According to him, Enugu State has coal in abundance. He also hinted that his government is working with Delta state in the area of waste management.

hairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari yesterday said the Federal Government would ban importation of rice into the country in the next two years. Yari spoke shortly after a meeting on the new policy on agriculture and food sustainability held at the Presidential Villa. Speaking with State House correspondents, Yari explained that discussion at the meeting focused on how to boost rice production and put in place, policy to ban its importation.

According to him, Nigeria has the human resources as well as arable land to grow rice and even be self sufficient. Yari said: “In the next two years, we will not need to bring rice from outside Nigeria. We are going to ban it. “It is only in Nigeria, a country of millions of people, that there is no food security.” He stated necessary support would be given to the policy to ensure that the country becomes self-sufficient in food production in the next two years. Yari disclosed that about nine states are going to be engaged in massive rice production in order to stop importation.

PUBLIC NOTICE DA BIGBEN CARE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Henry Hunjo - Chairman 2. Pastor Joshua Gbenupo Sunday. - Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Anthony Vinuyon Williams - Secretary 4. Mr. Yetongo Aina Agbaosi - Assistant Secretary 5. Mr. Whenayon SundayAgbaosi. - Financial Secretary 6. Mr. Patrick Ganiyu Ojikutu - Social Secretary 7. Mr. Ahisu JohnKosoko. - Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To build a society where everyone can be positively empowered to discover and explore their human capital potential without fear of limitation of any kind. 2. To intervene in the process of ensuring access to education for young and old especially orphans and women. 3. To promote social, cultural and linguistic awareness for the purpose of integration. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

South West

Governance difficult without taxes —Aregbesola Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

sun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said the need for the state to be less dependent on its rather insufficient monthly share from the federation account, has made it important for people to pay taxes. Beside, the governor noted that the nation has reached a stage where nothing works without taxes as the allocation to the state remains insufficient to cater for the numerous government obligations. He said the development Osun has seen in the last five years of his administration can only be sustained, even in the face of the dwindling resources from the federation account, if people support government by paying taxes. The governor stated this during the 1437 Hijrah, the

New Year Calendar celebration of Muslims at Osogbo Government Technical College. He said despite all odds, his administration has been able to pilot the affairs of Osun as expected, adding that the state cannot remain over-dependent on federal allocation as there was an urgent need to be independent as an autonomous state. “Payment of tax is a civic responsibility of all adults. We enjoin our people to see reasons in our agitation as we promise that their tax will continue to work for them,” Aregbesola stressed. Speaking further, Aregbesola, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Isiaka Oyetola, said Hijrah celebration was very significant to Muslims and that any serious government conscious of good governance will see the need for the promotion of neutrality and balance among all the existing religions.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

ransmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has approved the extension of 330KVA transmission line to boost supply to Ekiti State. Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr Ayodeji Adesua, said the company had also approved two 132/33 KVA lines at AdoEkiti and Ifaki-Ekiti for adequate power supply to the state in addition to the existing 132/33KVA transmission station at Omisanjana. Adesua told journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that the state government had allocated land for the project while necessary surveys and documentations on the allocated land were ongoing. He said the state government had been mediating between some communities in the state

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Ekiti gets approval for 330kva, 132kva lines

Fayose that were disconnected for non-payment of their electricity bills and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, saying such had been yielding results. This was as the state government said it had

given a six-month reprieve to about 5,000 people who had built houses on government land in Olorunsogo and Olorunda areas of Ado-Ekiti to regularise their titles to the land. Commissioner for Lands, Prince Taelolu Otitoju, said such people are to pay N100,000 per plot on the vast expanse of land belonging to the state government. Listing the achievements of his ministry, Otitoju said squatters on government land in Olorunsogo and Olorunda were given the concession following appeal to the government. He, however, said the

government would no longer condone indiscriminate development and erection of structures without due approval. To also guard against fraudulent practices in the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, Otitoju added that the portraits of applicants would now be embossed on the certificates. Otitoju said: “Over N100 million has been recovered from debtors at Irewolede Estate, AdoEkiti and the Ifaki Estate has been opened up and will soon be allocated. Also Wemaboard Estate is to deliver 250 houses along Iworoko Road and we are not relenting”.

Father of two found dead in Ibadan Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

ragedy has struck in Ibadan as the body of a young man in his late thirties has been found dangling with a rope on his neck in his room. The building, a onestorey structure located at Oke-Agala area of Mokola, Ibadan, where the incident occurred, was deserted by the occupants who complained of offensive odour oozing out from the room where the victim’s body is hanging. National Mirror learnt that the victim, a father of two, was a commercial driver who had separated from his wife and children. He was identified as Abass Adeniyi, a native of Oja’gbo, Ibadan in Ibadan North East local government area of Oyo State, by some of his co-tenants who described him as easy-going and a gentleman. Speaking with journalists, the landlord, Ibrahim Akanbi, said he saw the deceased last on Friday night, before discovery of the corpse on Monday. Another resident, who refused to mention his name, said the deceased came into the house as a tenant two months ago when he rented

a room. A police source at Mokola Police Station said the matter was reported at the station on Monday and that some policemen were dispatched to the scene to ascertain the alleged suicide. “It is unfortunate that a young man full of strength and promise could decide to take his life just like that. We are still investigating what might led to his decision to cut short his life. When our men got there, of course we discovered some items that raised some probing questions. As a matter of fact, we are still investigating,” said the source who is a senior police officer at the station. However as at the time of filing this report, the decomposing body of the deceased with his trouser on, was still hanging in the middle of his room. “It was expected that the body should be deposited in the mortuary, but we don’t know why the policemen who visited last Monday left without a word. The whole area is smelling. Since Monday some people who lived in this area cannot sleep in their houses because of the odour and fear. Please help us beg the police to do something now,” said a resident, Rotimi Amoo.

L-R: British Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Affairs and DFID, Mr. Grant Shapps; Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ray Kyles, and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Lagos House, Marina, yesterday.

FETHI doctors suspend four-month strike

Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

esident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, IdoEkiti, FETHI, have suspended their four months old strike. The doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, embarked on the strike following disagreement with the hospital management over payrelated issues. President of FETHI NARD, Dr Otutoaja Uzoma and secretary, Dr Ekun-

dayo Oladeji, said in a statement yesterday that although the hospital management led by the Chief Medical Director, Dr Lawrence Majekodunmi, did not meet any of their demands, they resolved to suspend the strike in the interest of the public. The doctors said they suspended the industrial action “having considered the industrial plight of the patients and that of Ekiti people and the relentless intervention” by prominent, well-meaning and senior citizens of Ekiti State in the prolonged in-

dustrial dispute. Among prominent Nigerians groups and individuals that intervened are the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA president, Dr Kayode Obembe; chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Oyebade and the entire members of the council; Chairman of Ekiti NMA, Dr. John Akinbote; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye; and Ekiti State governor. Among others, the doc-

tors are demanding immediate implementation of skipping for doctors as approved by the Federal Government in a circular from the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation dated December 19, 2013 which was further explained by another circular dated July 29, 2015. The doctors had also listed “immediate implementation of the new entry point for house officers with effect from January 2015 as approved and clarified by the Federal Ministry of Health in an explanatory note dated July 29.’’

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Campos Square, Lagos.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Broad Street Diary

he passion of Lagos Island residents for this famous historical monument cannot be overemphasised given people’s unalloyed affinity with the site. Perhaps, this could be part of what informed the former Lagos State Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to carry out the renovation of the cynosure. The Campus Square as it is fondly called, is located in the heart of Lagos Island surrounded by quaint looking, Brazilian pattern architectural structures, reminiscent of the pre-independence era of the late 18th century. As a matter of fact, the whole environment including a bus stop in the area has been named after this monumental site making it indeed something to write home about. Curiosity about what it is that makes this unique heritage so adorable to Lagosians, particularly Lagos Island residents, took Broad Street Diary, BSD, to this area to find out. In our quest to know, our BSD correspondent met with one of ‘’the sons of the soil’’ who gave us historical facts and background of the Campus Square and the adjoining communities. These are what he had to say; “I am Mr. Ayodele Pedro the son of the soil and former president of the association of the famous Carretta Carnival usually celebrated here and dates back to the year 1899. “I was president for five years between 1997 and 2001. The history of the Campus Square and the adjoining communities is an emotional one as it reflects our experience about the clinical era of slave trade. “During the period of slave trade, many Nigerians were inhumanly sold from Lagos, Nigeria to a place called Bahia Savado in Brazil where they were in slavery for many years. “After the abolition of the slave trades, the countries involved in the business mainly Britain, France, Portugal, Cuba and Brazil to mention but a few were ordered by their government to repatriate the African slaves back to their native countries. “However, because of the pact between the then Oba of Lagos in the person of Oba Akintoye and the British government, he the Oba, allocated the now Campus Square for resettlement to the “Emancipados” meaning repatriates from slave trade countries. “So, as it were, the Campus Square was the point where some of the Africans sold into slavery were returned after the abolition of the infamous slave trade from where some of them began to trace their ancestral homes. Incidentally, because the Emancipados were mostly African slaves from Brazil and other part of Europe

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why Lagos Island residents are emotionally attached to Campus Square

Campos Street, Lagos

and America, some of them who were not originally from Nigeria were repatriated among them, making the Campus Square environment possess diverse and consolidated cultures from across the world. But dominantly, Brazilian culture where the majority of them came from. This is why you have names among the locals here like Da Costa Salvado, Da Silvia, Pedro, Gomez and so on. “Campus Square was originally owned by Romano Campus, a Brazilian who was repatriated from Cuba to Nigeria where he had been sold earlier as slave “Hence, the christening of the place “Campus Square” from time immemorial, but the entire area is called Portuguese town Brazilian quarters which the native Yorubas call “Popo Aguda” till date. “Although, Campus Square can no longer accommodate big social events anymore because of its size, it is still preserved and used for events of its size as it is a sterling symbol and reminder of our past. “For instance the Eko Akete Grammar School close to the Campus Square used to be a cemetery popularly known as Ajele Cemetry

where prominent Lagosians such as Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther were buried before he was later exhumed for proper burial now at the CMS Cathedral Church Compound. “Other exhumed bodies were reburied at the Ikoyi Cemetery.” When asked about the contemporary social relevance of the Campus Square to the community, Mr. Ayodele Pedro said the Campus Square had always been noted and symbolic for its Carretta Carnival. “The Campus Square has always been noted for its symbolic Carretta Carnival which is one of the biggest cultural activities in this community that dates back to the year 1899. I was the captain leading the carnival for 3 years between 1986 and1989 respectively. “We also have another carnival known as Bumper Boi which represents the symbol of the neighborhood. “If you look at this environment, you will discover that, the green and yellow colour is prevalent among us here. “This is Brazilian colour reminiscent of the life our fore- fathers who lived in Brazil when they were sold into slavery.

“Looking around also, you will see some structures that are of Brazilian architectural extract all depicting the import of Brazilian culture and affinity with their tradition which repatriates back to Nigeria after years of slavery. On the security situation of the environment, he said; “This place is very peaceful primarily because many of us are educated people, we are classic individuals, we do not foment troubles like some area boys in the adjoining communities. “For example, there have been clashes close by among some street urchins popularly known as area boys for about two weeks now, but it does not get here, no matter how bad it is over there”. For Mrs. Fatimat Owoseni, a trader in the area, the value of the Campus Square is to her business is immense, as she enjoys patronage virtually every week as a result of social events usually held there. “People hold events such as naming ceremony, end of the year activities and other social activities here, while other people come here for relaxation and all these translate into boom in business for us.” –Omoju Busayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OBJ expresses brighter future for Africa Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

espite the various challenges facing Africa, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, expressed optimism for a brighter future for the continent, saying it is fast moving out of bad governance, corruption and shunning human rights violations which were typical of the post-colonial authoritarian regimes. He gave the assertion as one of the keynote speakers at the first international conference of the African Studies Association of Africa, ASAA, with the theme: “African Studies in the Twenty-First Century, Past, Present and Future”, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Obasanjo lamented the backwardness associated with Africa, blaming it on what he called “the stain and stench of slave trade, the cold war, poor governance which made some Africans to laud the good old days of colonialism, corruption and problem of human rights violations.” He, however, said those

South West

Thursday, October 15, 2015

vices which were commonplace during the reckless years of authoritarian regimes in Africa have significantly reduced. “The right to free speech, the right to express a different view point, the right to draw personal conclusions based on self-instituted research and to query certain cultural practices and beliefs are part of the huge liberty that the continent of Africa now boasts of,” he added. While using himself as an example of tolerance and institution of free speech as a catalyst for engendering socio-political development, he said: “If you visit the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, you will find thousands of archived newspaper comics and columns meant to spite and insult my person even as a sitting President. “No individual or group of people was ever queried or jailed or repressed in expressing this freedom. Rather, I encouraged them because I derived fun and pleasure from the humour as I know who I am and nobody needs to tell me who and what I am not.”

Lagos CP pledges to apprehend FESTAC banks robbers • As RRS nabbed notorious traffic robber in Mile 2 Dare Akogun

agos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni has vowed to stop at nothing to apprehend and bring to book the perpetrators of Tuesday’s banks robbery at FESTAC Town. In a statement in Lagos through the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Joseph Offor yesterday, the commissioner urged residents to go about their normal business. The statement said: “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State wishes to reassure the residents of Lagos of their safety and urged them

to go about their normal business. “Also he has vowed to stop at nothing in unraveling the perpetrators of this heinous crime.” Meanwhile, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, attached to the state Police Command, have nabbed a notorious armed robbery kingpin, identified as Timothy Ojomandu, at the Mile 2 area of the state. According to the police, the suspect, who is a native of Isseke Local Government Area in Anambra State is a dangerous criminal and a member of a three-man gang that have been terrorising motorists in traffic at Mile 2.

Nemesis, however, caught up with Ojomandu while trying to rob a truck driver, who raised alarm. Confessing to the crime, Ojomandu disclosed that he was only recruited into the group about two months ago. He said: “Our robbery gang was in the habit of stealing handsets and other valuables from pedestrians and motorists during the peak period of traffic congestion along the area. “I was a bus conductor before Victor Chibonwu, our gang leader, introduced me to the act of theft. On the fateful day, I, Victor and Richard went to Mile 2, looking for our would-be victims.

“On getting to the spot, we saw one truck fully loaded with cell batteries heading towards Ijora, and it was held up in the traffic. “I now got the opportunity to enter inside the truck from behind. I succeeded in removing one carton of the battery and passed it to my partner walking beside me, and in the process to pass another one, the driver showed up and held me tight by my trousers before he handed me over to the Police but my other colleagues were able to run away with one carton of the battery.” The suspect has been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, for further investigation.

NDLEA apprehends passenger profiler with cannabis at Lagos Airport Olusegun Koiki

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos said it has arrested a clearing agent working with Kenyan airline as a profiler over unlawful exportation of 3.1kg of cannabis to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The anti-narcotic agency stated that it detected the suspected dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis packed as gift items in a consignment of foodstuff meant for export as cargo shipment. A statement by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Ahmadu Garba as saying that the discovery was made when the suspect, Sumaila Enanche brought the consignment for preshipment examination.

According to him, NDLEA officials found three parcels of cannabis wellpacked as gift items weighing 3.1kg inside a consignment of foodstuff, which he brought for export to Dubai through Kenyan airlines flight. The statement declared that Sumaila before the arrest had two years working experience as a clearing agent at the Lagos airport and hails from Kogi State, but lives at Dopemu area of Lagos with his wife. In his confessional statement, Sumaila who allegedly said he worked with Planet Resources attached to Kenyan Airlines as a profiling agent confessed that his friend, who lives in Dubai asked him to send a bag of foodstuff to him. He said the bag contained garri, dried fish, seasoning and noodles, but lamented that he was later arrested when cannabis was discovered during search at the departure hall.

Executive Secretary, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Deaconess Modupe Ajibola-Ojodu (left), discussing with Amuwo Odofin Mile 2 Estate community leaders (from left) Chief Ade Owas; Alhaja Memunat Ajao, and Mr. Tunde Shobajo, during inspection of an ongoing drainage construction at Zone F, Mile 2 Estate, Lagos, yesterday.

Gridlock: Lagos moves against lawless motorists Francis Suberu

ue to recent traffic gridlock on Lagos roads, the state government has reiterated its commitment to ensure absolute enforcement of its traffic laws, saying lawless motorists found culpable would be prosecuted. This was disclosed yesterday during a joint press briefing addressed by Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Transportation, Mr. Seyi Whenu, Works, Mr. Ajibade Adebowale, Environment, Toyin Onisa-

rotu and Information Mr. Folarin Adeyemi as well as the General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Bashir Braimoh. The government officials said investigations by agencies of the state revealed that the increasing gridlock being experienced across the state is not unconnected with the misinterpretation of the instruction of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode when he said enforcement of traffic laws be done with human face and total courtesy. The permanent secretaries explained that the gov-

ernor’s instruction should not be misinterpreted as relaxation of enforcement, saying anyone caught violating traffic law would be prosecuted. Adebowale said: “The state government is not unaware of the traffic gridlock that is increasing in the state in recent time but most of the gridlocks are caused by massive construction and rehabilitation of roads that is going on and measures are being put in place to checkmate this. “We have also called on all the contractors to double efforts and ensure speedy completion of the roads so

that people would be not have to suffer and endure the hardship for long.” Also speaking, Mr. Adeyim; revealed that over 500 traffic offenders have been booked and fined so far, just as he said the state government through LASTMA would continue to ensure sanity and free flow of traffic. Folarin said: “On enforcement, I want to tell you that over 500 road traffic offenders have been ticketed till date. Officials of LASTMA are on the road enforcing the state traffic laws diligently. They are not disgruntled in anyway.”

South East

Thursday, October 15, 2015

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Ember campaign: FRSC mobilises 2,000 personnel, vehicles in Anambra Gloria Anaeze Onitsha

o fewer than 2,000 personnel have been mobilised for the ember months campaign of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Anambra State, a top official said. The Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Sunday Ajayi, told newsmen in Onitsha yesterday that over 1,000 regular marshals as well as 1,000 special marshals had been deployed for the campaign. Ajayi said that tens of patrol vehicles and motorbikes had been deployed; while others were still expected from FRSC headquarters in Abuja for the success of the campaign. He revealed that the corps was getting support from sister security agencies such as police, civil defence and the army by having combined road patrols and surveillance with them. He said the commission would use religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to take the

ember sensitisation to public places especially motor parks, worship places and communities leaving along major roads. `Well, if I tell you that now, I may be jumping the gun because I know that as I am calling for support here in Anambra, the national headquarters will not leave me to my burden. ``So, they are going to definitely redistribute staff during this period. ``But, we will not have less than 1,000 staff on ground in addition to Special Marshals (Volunteer Marshals). We have over 2,000 people getting ready to work for us during the Ember months’ campaign. `Then, we count on our stakeholders to support us. “`Then we are talking of stakeholders, we have other security agencies; we have the government that is the state government. “We have the religious leaders, traditional rulers, who would have one role or the other to play in sensitising the general public and ensuring that our efforts yield fruit,’’ he said.

Igbo leaders urge Nigerians to propagate our culture, tradition

ze Igbo Jibi of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Sunday Nwozor, has called on Nigerians, especially the Igbo to propagate the country’s cultures and traditions to protect their heritage as Africans. Nwozor made the call on Wednesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the gradual disappearance of Nigerian languages. ‘‘The culture and tradition that we grew up with was fast dying even with the present generation and he wondered what will happen in another 20 to 30 years’ time. ``Look around you and you will be appalled at the way our young ones look at you in awe when you ask them their names in your local dialect as if you are from Planet X. ``Most parents in their homes proudly speak English to their children forgetting that eventually these children will not even be able to utter a word in their dialect.

``Language is the basis of culture; it is the language that is used to teach culture and tradition, without it our heritage cannot be preserved,’’ he said. Nwozor said that as a traditional head, he took it upon himself to make his subjects cultivate the habit of speaking to their children in their indigenous language whether at home or elsewhere. ``The only way can we show that we are serious about propagating our tradition and not just paying lip service to the issue is to speak to our children in indigenous languages.’’ He called on parents to relate the stories about the history of their origin and home town to the children so that they would be well acquainted with their progenitors. In a separate interview on language, Mr Chukwu Emmanuel, an Igbo union leader, agreed with Nwozor that Nigerians had allowed modernisation to erode their sense of tradition.

Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission, Santiagio Fisas (left) and election analyst, Mr. Alexander Matus, during the presentation of final report on Nigeria’s 2015 general elections in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Tribunal upholds Ubah’s election, Ojukwu, other APGA candidates fail Gloria Anaeze Onitsha

ational Assembly election tribunal sitting in Awka on Tuesday upheld the victory of Senator Andy Ubah of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as winner of the March 28 senatorial election for Anambra South zone as declared by INEC. Ubah was dragged to the election tribunal by the senatorial candidate

Chris Njoku Owerri

ational Assembly Tribunal, Owerri has nullified the election of Senator Athan Achonu, representing Imo North Senatorial District having observed that the logo of Accord Party, AP, was excluded in the election. The annulment followed the petition of Accord Party, in suit No EPT/SEN/IM/2/2015, in which the party prayed the tribunal to nullify the March 28 Imo North senatorial election because its logo was excluded from the customized ballot paper used in the said election. In his judgment, the presiding judge, Garuba, observed that Mrs. Rita Ibemere and her party, Accord Party, satisfied every precondition for eligibil-

for All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, who filed the petition seeking to be declared winner of the said election. Delivering judgement late Tuesday, Justice Naya Aganaba, ruled that the petitioner failed to mention those he accused of committing electoral fraud in the course of the election. On the issue of the first respondent not being qualified to contest

election for not having WAEC certificate, the tribunal panel cited section 109 and 65A of the Electoral Act, and said that even a First school leaving certificate is enough qualification for any Nigerian citizen that is above 35years with a political party backing to contest National Assembly election. The panel ruled that the petition is incompetent in evidence. “There is no ground of malprac-

tices and it cannot affect the result of the election unless it is substantiated. The petitioner did not know the number of polling units in Ihiala,” the tribunal said. Earlier in the day, the second election tribunal had dismissed the petition brought by Emeka Ojukwu of APGA against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Chris Azubogu, who is an incumbent legislator, for lacking evidence.

Tribunal nullifies Okigwe Senatorial election over missing logo … Accord, APC supporters jubilate

Okoroacha

ity to stand for the Imo North Senatorial election. He noted that having proved to the tribunal that her party fulfilled all requirement for nomination and was duly registered to contest the Imo North senatorial election and that their chances at the election were jeop-

ardised by the wrongful exclusion of their party logo, the tribunal upheld the petition and accordingly nullified the election. The tribunal also ordered fresh election within 90 days. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC supporters hailed the decision of the tribunal to nullify the election, maintaining that the decision reflects the wishes and aspiration of Okigwe people, as the election, they insisted did not conform with the provisions of the electoral Act. Also, supporters of Accord Party and that of

the former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and the flag-bearer of APC in the March 28 Imo North senatorial elections, Benjamin Uwajumogu, took to the major streets of Owerri and Okigwe, after the judgment singing songs of jubilation, praising also the Accord Party and its leadership for remaining true to the aspirations of Okigwe people, even as crowd disrupted free flow of vehicular movement around the capital city. However, it was gathered yesterday that Senator Achonu has proceeded to Appeal Court to contest the judgment.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Seeking immunity for NASS leadership GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, OMEZIA AJAYI, TORDUE SALEM, UBONG UKPONG and IWAMBE DOOSUUR examine the issues at stake in the ongoing debate over the desirability or otherwise of legislating immunity for the leadership of the National Assembly in line with similar privileges being enjoyed by the executive.

he ongoing debate over whether or not to extend the immunity privileges being enjoyed by the executive to the presiding officers of the National Assembly appears to have added a new twist to the old debate on the contentious issue of immunity itself. Before now, the discourse had concentrated on the continuing retention of the immunity privileges for the executive arm of government. That the issue has again resonated in this new dimension no doubt, is an obvious fallout of the current trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki over alleged violations of his assets declaration while in office as the Governor of Kwara State some 12 years ago. The proponents of this new debate on immunity believe that the leadership of the National Assembly, like their executive counterparts, deserves the privilege to enable them concentrate on the effective discharge of the demands of their offices. Drawing from what happened to Saraki, where the number three citizen of the country had to be docked in the full glare of both the local and international community, this school of thought believes that such an action is capable of psychologically and mentally debasing such a highly placed political officer, and derail him from the proper discharge of his office. At the moment, only the President and his vice, as well as the Governors and their Deputies are the persons conferred with the privilege of immunity by Section 308 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The immunity privilege insulates the political officers from civil and criminal prosecution while in office. The logic behind this is that, such civil and criminal prosecutions, if allowed are capable of distracting the officers from effectively discharging the responsibilities of their offices, for which the citizens invested their votes. While the executive arm of government enjoys comprehensive immunity from civil and criminal prosecution, the legislature on the other hand is only entitled to partial protection by the law while within the precincts of the parliament and in the course of the discharge of their duties only. Section 308 of the constitution, which provides immunity for the President, Vice President, Governors and the Deputy Governors states that, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section- No civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; A person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; No process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued. Regarding legislative immunity for members of the National Assembly, it can be found under the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act. Section 3 of the Act entitled, “Immunity from proceedings” provides that, “No civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against any member of a Legislative House in respect of words spoken before that House

Saraki

Dogara

At the moment, only the President and his vice, as well as the Governors and their Deputies are the persons conferred with the privilege of immunity by

Section 308 of

1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the

or a Committee thereof; or in respect of words written in a report to that House or to any Committee thereof or in any petition, bill, resolution, motion or question brought or introduced by him therein.”

Any need for political office holders to enjoy immunity? The issue of immunity for political office holders as provided for under section 308 of the Nigerian 1999 constitution has generated heated arguments, controversies and debates. For a nation like Nigeria where political office holders had been called to question on the issue of corruption, stealing and abuse of office, there had been intense clamour for the removal of the immunity clause from the constitution. Those who are

calling for the removal of the immunity clause are of the opinion that it encourages and promotes corruption and therefore give room for bad leadership which the people they are to serve don’t deserve. Their argument is based on the fact that political office holders came into public positions through the mandate of the people and therefore are expected to hold the positions in trust for the people and be accountable to them. It would be recalled that former President, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua when he assumed office in 2007 had called for the removal of the immunity clause, saying nobody in the country deserves the right to be protected by law when looting public funds. Yar’Adua hinged his argument on the fact that the immunity granted public office holders promote corruption. The views of Yar’Adua was further reinforced and supported by Ibrahim Shekarau when he was Kano State governor. He must also have seen reasons for the removal of immunity to ensure that public office holders are made to be accountable even when in office. However, many others who are in support of the retention of immunity clause have argued that, removing the immunity clause would allow those holding political offices in the country to be distracted from performing their statutory roles with frivolous and unnecessary litigations. They are also of the opinion that removing the immunity clause would open up opportunity for political office holder who has not performed to the expectation of the people to have excuse that his performance was hindered because he was distracted by litigations which put him under pressure and did not allow him to funcCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Thursday, October 15, 2015

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Seeking immunity for NASS leadership CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 tion optimally. However, Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution does not prevent investigation of any political office holder while occupying office. Even where any of the political office holder protected by immunity is found wanting in the discharge of his duties, there are provisions in the constitution to ensure checks and balances through impeachment of such public officer by the legislature if they commit offences considered impeachable. While Nigerians would have to decide whether or not to remove the immunity clause from the constitution, many people believe that public office holders should not be allowed to do what they like while in office to the detriment of the generality of the people. The power it is said belongs to the people who put them in positions and not to the political office holders who are expected to serve and discharge the duties attached to their offices in the overall interest of the people and the nation.

History of executive interference in NASS leadership Executive interference in all things legislative, started in 1999 when then President Olusegun Obasanjo was President. The first president of the Senate in the Fourth Republic, Senator Evan(s) Enwerem who emerged against the wishes of the President, like Senator Bukola Saraki was haunted to an early ouster, leading to the emergence of Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, another staunch rival of the President. Sen. Enwerem’s helmsmanship got the bashing of key members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who had earlier in a mock election, gone for Senator Chuba Okadigbo. Okadigbo who was annointed by majority of the PDP governors, with the party hierarchy in tow, had lobbied every Senator for their support and actually got it. But days before the leadership contest, President Olusegun Obasanjo moved against him and used the minority parties, the Alliance for Democracy, AD, All Peoples Party, APP and a sprinkling of PDP senators. In the end, Enwerem triumphed principally because Obasanjo backed him against the desire of the majority of PDP senators. Though in the case of Saraki, Buhari had refused to interfere . A last-minute move to force him into action after the PDP endorsed the All Progressives Congress, APC rebel candidate, Saraki was unsuccessful as the rebels refused to come for the meeting insisting that the president did not call the meeting. Enwerem’s stay in office was for barely five months before his removal by a majority of senators in November, 1999. That was the only one of two successful impeachment moves against any principal officer of the Senate in the Fourth Republic. It happened on the day that his backer, President Obasanjo jetted out of the country. And in came Okadigbo, who was himself removed in July, 2000. Okadigbo’s era was draped in melodrama, fireworks and legislative activism. Anyim Pius Anyim, who succeeded him, led a Senate that moved from subservience to a senate that tackled the president and almost impeached him. After a rocky Senate Presidency, in his departure speech, Anyim announced his decision to quit the PDP. After Anyim, a slavish loyalist to Obasanjo, Sen. Adolphus Wabara took the Red throne. Wabara was said to be Senate President even before his election as a senator was confirmed. For Wabara the Presidency of OBJ was squeaky clean. But when Wabara supposedly toyed with the idea of becoming the first Igbo President, his end came quickly. His fall was quickened by the uneven appropriation of Senate funds which led senators to revolt against him leading to his forced resignation in April 2005 after he was indicted in the Education Bribe for Budget scam. Senator Ken Nnamani, who replaced him as Senate President, perhaps led the most stable Senate of the era and when the life of the second Senate of the Fourth Republic came to an end it was no surprise he was touted for the vice-presidency. Senator David Mark emerged as

Ndume

Gbajabiamila

While Nigerians would have to decide whether or not to remove the immunity clause from

the constitution, many people believe that public office holders should not be allowed to do what they like while in office to the detriment of the generality of the people

the President of the Sixth Senate and became the first and only person so far to complete a four-year term as Senate President. Senator Mark’s resilience was because he avoided the banana peels, despite some of his shady outings to protect the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Past Senate Presidents Evan

Enwerem

1999 - 1999

Chuba Okadigbo

1999 - 2000

Pius Anyim

2000 - 2003

Adolphus Wabara

2003 - 2005

Ken Nnamani

2005 - 2007

David Mark

2007 - 2015

House’s resolution against external influences For the House of Representatives, it is logical for legislators to find a way of protecting the legislative arm of government, especially its principal officers, to ensure its true independence. Thus, the House at its plenary on Wednesday September 30, 2015, resolved to find a way of ensuring protection for the principal officers of the National Assembly. How this would be done, is one thing that is not yet clear to the public as immunity for certain public office holders has remained a function of the constitution. It was the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Leo Ogor, PDP, who brought the proposal to ensure protection for the Principal Officers of the national assembly. Although the main motion was about the celebration of the 55th Indepen-

dence of Nigeria, Ogor was rather worried that though it was worth celebrating, the national assembly was not going to be smiling because of the troubles it was facing from external influences that intend to frustrate its powers. He believed that democracy was in danger giving the unwarranted and incessant interferences in the affairs of the legislature by the Executive arm, in spite of the fabulous contributions of the legislature to the sustenance of the country and its democracy. Seeing the travail of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, in the hands of forces in the Executive and Judiciary arms, who were bent on rubbishing him out of office as a duly elected Senate President, Ogor successfully got the House to believe and resolve to evolve the measures for protection not only to them in the House alone, but also the Senate. He got the House to believe that what was going on with Saraki was not about him alone as a lawmaker, but it was a spite on them all as Saraki is the Chairman of National Assembly and number one lawmaker in the country, constitutionally positioning him as number three citizen of Nigeria. The logic is that the Chairman of National Assembly was suffering this travail in office because he did not have any form of protection in the constitution or any act of parliament. If he was covered by immunity clause like those in executive, then this would certainly not have happened. Although the proposal as carried by the House was that Speaker Yakubu Dogara should meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, to resolve all the outstanding problems facing the National Assembly, he was also to embark on a fact-finding mission to ascertain what led to the travails of the Senate President. Ogor had argued that in a civilian dispensation, the legislature was the foundation of democracy. He urged members to protect the legislative arm and fence off any external influence, as the onus was on them to protect the legislature in order to make it truly independent. These were his words: “Mr. Speaker, we have had issues and the legislature as an independent arm of government is under threat. “We have to protect our own. As an amendment to the motion on the Independence Celebration, I am proposing that the House takes a position to ascertain what led to the travails of the Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki. “We need to know what exactly is happening to the Chairman of the National Assembly. I am therefore urging the Speaker to investigate and report back to the House, after which we shall take a position on the issue.” Since the legislature does not enjoy immunity and it would take time to have it successfully enact a law to give such protection, it is believed that both Chambers would in no distant time agree on a common measure to protect the legislature against executive disrespects and defend it jealously as injury to one is certainly going to now mean injury to all.

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The position of the constitution on immunity? The constitution provides immunity from criminal proceedings, in favour of Chief Executives, that is to say, the Governor of a State, the Deputy Governor of a State, the Vice president of the federation and the President. That is constitutional immunity but in parliament, members of parliament such as Senators, members of the House of Representatives, House of Assembly members enjoy what they call parliamentary privilege; that is privilege from liability on account of whatever they say or do while in the legislature and that is the extent of their own immunity. Then for the Judiciary, you also have judicial immunity for whatever they do in the course of discharging their duties. They are not liable for whatever they say in their judgments or whatever they say in the conduct of judicial proceedings. So, for the three arms of government, each enjoy immunity of some sort but the only people who have immunity from criminal prosecution like I mentioned earlier are , the Governor, Deputy Governor, Vice President and the President. That is the position of the law. Whether the immunity clause should be extended to principal officers of the National Assembly? I don’t think that is the best idea, the immunity they have from statute. Immunity which is conferred by statute is enough to enable them discharge their duties; I do not think that immunity from criminal constitution should be extended to the principal officers of the National Assembly. That will be taking it too far. Views on Saraki’s trial over assets declaration? He’s been brought before the tribunal already and the arraignment has come to be so whatever it is should be decided by the tribunal. On whether it is right for the charges

Politics

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Parliamentary privilege is lawmakers’ own immunity –Kalu A professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu, in this interview with DOOSUUR IWAMBE, opines that immunity clause should not be extended to principal officers of the National Assembly. to have been filed without an incumbent Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The office of the Attorney General is an office and not a human being that is what the Supreme Court said. The office of Attorney General is an office created by the constitution, so as long as crimes were committed, so also will crimes be prosecuted. There is no law that says if there is no physical Attorney General, then criminal prosecution must stop. I believe that is a misconception.

Kalu

Immunity which is conferred by statute is enough to enable them discharge their duties;

I do not think that immunity from

criminal constitution should be extended to the principal officers of the

Assembly

National

Would Saraki’s prosecution not be viewed as vendetta given the fact that the assets declaration was done about eight years ago? Time does not run against the State, even if it takes two hundred years the state is always at liberty to vindicate offences that are committed against the State. That is the position of our law. There is no law that stipulates that if you commit an offence today, it must be prosecuted today. The only thing is that the accused this time, that is the Senate President belongs to the category of what they call politically exposed persons. So, because he holds high political office, there will always be suspicion about motives but in Criminal Law, motives are irrelevant. If the allegation is that you committed an offence, the accused persons must be given an opportunity to defend themselves that is the position of the law.

Guber elections: APC inciting violence in Kogi, Bayelsa –PDP Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC of inciting violence in Kogi and Bayelsa states with a view to causing confusion and to frustrate the electoral process and possibly impede the forthcoming governorship elections in the states. The PDP said the APC,

having realized that it does not have the support of the electorates in the two states, especially given its unpopular candidates, is now employing devious machinations, including violence to terrorize the people, disrupt and eventually truncate the elections. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement on Wednesday said the imprints of the APC could be felt in the sudden mili-

tancy in Kogi as well as the growing cases of political violence in Bayelsa ahead of the November 21 and December 5 governorship elections in the two states respectively. The party said, “the APC has perfected a heinous plot to inject crisis in Kogi and Bayelsa, ostensibly to frustrate the electoral procedures within the constitutional time- frame, so as to prevent PDP candidates, Governors Idris Wada and

Seriake Dickson from being re-elected into office”. “We invite Nigerians to note that the build up to the militancy in Kogi has been long started by the APC and its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who has been fouling the state’s political environment with hate and inciting utterances, including threats to lives of PDP supporters and perceived political opponents. “Intelligence informa-

tion available to us indicates that the APC has been training and arming thugs to unleash mayhem and destabilize the state ahead of the election.” PDP recalls that earlier in the month of October, one of the candidates directed thugs to attack and “kill” PDP supporters and those perceived to be opposed to the ambition of the APC in the state. “Nigerians should therefore not be surprised

at the sudden militancy in Kogi state. We know that the aim here is to infuse confusion, truncate the electoral process and eventually rig the poll in favour of the APC. “Also, in Bayelsa state, the APC in its desperation for power has been heating up the system and arming thugs, apparently to cause crisis in the state polity, frighten the electorate and possibly derail the election to their advantage”, PDP said.

istration in the last one year. While the state governor gave thumbs up for his performance since he assumed office last year, describing it as satisfactory, the APC said it had been a year of development vacuum. The governor, spoke in

Ado Ekiti yesterday while inspecting some projects of his administration in the state capital including dualisation of Awedele Road, reconstruction of PetimTinuola Road and ongoing dredging and channelisation projects.

He said: “I have said that I will leave no project uncompleted during my four–year term. It is my duty to ensure that all Ekiti residents feel the dividends of democracy. Though, we have paucity of funds and within the little resources

we have, I think I have satisfied my conscience and done creditably well”. But the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state described the first year of the present administration as a developmental vacuum in celebration of

fortunes reversal. APC State Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleged that all the gains of Governors Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi administrations had been eroded by the present government of deceit in the state.

Ekiti APC, Fayose disagree over one year in office Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State Government and the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state yesterday disagreed on the performance of the present admin-

Politics

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Tribunal nullifies House of Reps election in Taraba Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

ational and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jalingo yesterday nullified the election of Dan-Asabe Charles Hosea representing Kurmi/Gashaka/ Sarduana Federal constituency in the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP. Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the March, 2015 election, Ibrahim El-Sudi had dragged Dan-Asabe of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP to the tribunal challenging his victory at the poll on the ground that the election

was conducted in noncompliance with the electoral act. Tribunal chairman, Justice Samson Angor who read the judgment ordered fresh election in 19 polling units in the constituency on the grounds of non-compliance with the electoral act. The tribunal held that the respondents failed to prove the case of compliance with the provisions of the electoral act in the conduct of elections in 19 polling units in the constituency beyond reasonable doubt. Citing evidence before the tribunal, Justice Samson Angor held that election in 19 polling units in Kurmi and Sardauna

local government areas in the constituency were conducted in non compliance with the provisions of the electoral act. He also held that the marginal difference in votes between the winner and the runner up was less than the number of registered voters in the 19 polling units where elections were conducted without compliance with the electoral act. The tribunal judge then declared the election inconclusive and ordered the setting aside of the certificate of return issued to the 3rd respondent, Dan-Asabe Charles Hosea, by the 1st respondent, Independent National Electoral Com-

mission, INEC. Tribunal judge also ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election in the 19 polling units within 90 days. Lead counsel to the petitioner, Festus Idepefo Esq hailed the tribunal justices for a well researched judgment. On his part, lead counsel to the 2nd respondent, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and 3rd respondent, Dan-Asabe Charles Hosea, M.A Akamode Esq commended the justices for their conduct throughout the hearing, saying he had got judgments in the tribunal before and will not harbour ill- feelings over the judgment.

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Critics of Buhari’s ministerial nominees should shut up –Shaau Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

econd Republic Minister for Communications, Chief Isaac Shaahu has tonguelashed those criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari’s Ministerial nominees, saying they are just making unguarded utterances. Shaahu who spoke to National Mirror yesterday in Makurdi noted that Nigerians are just making unguarded utterances on the calibre of nominees presented by the President before the National Assembly for onward screening. He further reasoned that most importantly what people should be yearning for is the ability of the nominees to perform in office rather than saying most of them are being recycled. The elder statesman also punctured insinuations in some quarters that nominees were too old to perform saying that if Nigerians had confidence in President Bu-

hari’s ability so the same feelings should be extended to others in the same age bracket with him. “The immediate past administration has misruled the country in the last six years with unprecedented corruption coupled with impunity in almost every human endeavor consequently the change mantra has come to clean up the mess. Therefore people with proven integrity and wisdom needed to be in place to effect the much needed change that all of us are yearning for” “We understand the fact that Nigerians have been through a lot of hardship under the immediate past administration and therefore want quick results but it won’t be overnight due to the decay the current administration met on ground” He urged Nigerians to be patient and adjudge the nominees after they might have performed rather than conclude their case even before they assume office.

Tribunal sacks lawmaker over perjury, fake certificate Chris Njoku OWERRI

T L-R; Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El- Rufai; Bauchi State governor, Muhammed Abubakar; Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and deputy governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Nuru Yakubu, during the 21st National Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday.

Ministerial nominees: Group lauds Buhari over Shittu Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

non- political organisation championing the cause of Oke –Ogun people of Oyo State, Oke-Ogun Patriotic Movement , OPM has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the inclusion of Barrister Adebayo Shittu in his cabinet In a release signed by Deacon Samuel A. Oyedemi and Barrister Bayo Toluwalase, Chairman and acting Secretary , the

group praised Buhari saying he has made a right decision in picking Shittu as a ministerial nominee from Oyo State “We people across the length and breadth of Oke Ogun are very appreciative of the caliber of people President Muhammadu Buhari assembled to work with him to move the nation forward. We are particularly happy with his nomination of Barrister Bayo Shittu, himself a grassroots politician, eminent lawyer, and a good adminis-

trator with impeccable integrity. We assure Mr. President that Shittu will serve the country very well and will be one of the stars in his government by the grace of the Almighty God”. OPM which said President Muhammadu Buhari is a stickler for excellence, maintained that he selected people who would compliment him with a view to achieving his dream for a better Nigeria. The organization which toed the line of its

sister organization, the Oke Ogun Development Council ,ODC described Shittu as a pious, hardworking, honest, incorruptible patriot and a man of integrity. The group then urged the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly to confirm his nomination, charging “all and sundry to support him so that together with his colleagues, the efforts of President Buhari at transforming Nigeria will quickly become a mission accomplished.”

he Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Owerri, yesterday nullified the election of Mr. Ikechukwu Amuka of the All Progressives Congress, APC representing Ideato South constituency in Imo State House of Assembly. The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commissio, INEC to immediately issue certificate of return to Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP for the position. Delivering the judgment which lasted for more than three hours the three-man panel led by Justice P.I. Idong, affirmed that Amuka presented forged West Africa Examination school certificate result to INEC to contest the April 11, 2015 election. The tribunal further ordered the speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim, to immediately swear-in Ugwu as the genuine winner of

the April 11, state legislative election for Ideato South. Reviewing evidences and submissions by the parties, the court noted that the photograph on the original WAEC results tendered by Amuka was that of one Kevin I. Amuka who attended St. Peter Claver Seminary, Okpala. It maintained that subjects claimed to have been written by the respondent was doubtful , noting that the respondent failed to prove to the panel that he at the time of the said election was qualified by law to contest. The court stated that after comparing the picture and the physical appearance of the first respondent, it was clear that the picture on the result does not belong to the first respondent. With the evidence before this panel, we are convinced that that the first respondent presented forged certificate to INEC and therefore lied on oath and should be prosecuted for perjury and forgery by INEC.

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

And we celebrate global Handwashing Day! CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

K AYODE KETEFE

oday October 15 is the global Handwashing Day, a day set apart to promote and support the practice of hand washing. Global handwashing is a campaign for mass mobilisation across all cultures and climes for the entrenchment of the practice of handwashing as a public health initiative. The first observance of the day was in 2008 and since then it has become an annual ritual across the globe. So, I ask: Have you washed your hands today? But why is handwashing so important? It has been found through empirical researches over the years that the sheer practice of handwashing with soap reduces childhood mortality rates as well as respiratory and diarrheal diseases! It is noteworthy that diarrhea and pneumonia collectively account for almost 3.5 million child deaths annually, with most of the casualties coming from the developing countries.

Health scientists have also asserted that a well-developed habit of washing with soap before eating and after using the toilet could save more lives than any single vaccine, drug or any specific medical procedure. The aims of global Handwashing Day are to foster and support a general culture of handwashing with soap in all societies; shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing in each country, and raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap. As simple as this sounds it is not in all societies that handwashing practice has been entrenched. It may be intriguing why a seemingly innocuous, uncomplicated and simplistic practice of mere handwashing can have such lasting consequences. I could recall that that during the brief period that Ebola scourge ravaged Nigeria, one of the most consistent messages from the health authorities and other stakeholders is handwashing. In that period of scare, you would find water and soap at any many houses and places of work, and in some cases with other paraphernalia like sanitizers and germicidal products. But the common denominator was soap and water. The popularity of the message of handwashing, no doubt must have contributed to the ease with which the dreaded disease was kicked out of Nigeria. The practice of handwashing has been inculcated into us right from childhood. Whenever you visit lavatory, you should wash your hands; whenever you sneeze into your hands, you should look out for

IN THE CULINARY SPHERE, MANY ITEMS OF FOOD ARE NOT OFTEN PROPERLY WASHED BEFORE COOKING the next opportunity to wash your hands; whenever you scratch your body or you pick your nose, wash your hands. For many people, the message was carried into their adult lives and they adhere religiously to personal hygiene. Unfortunately, not many adults place such due premium on the practice; you have situations where even the grownups regard this simplistic the rule of hygiene tiresome and, for the most part, they ignore it. Even among those who observe the rule of regular handwashing as the situation demands, there are still those who flout the allied rules. What do you say of someone who just returns from the convenience (and still have his hands wet from post-defecation washing) eagerly offering his hand to shake a friend passing by? Not many people know simple toilet etiquette. If your hand is wet from engagement described here, you are not supposed to offer it to anybody in greetings; you should politely decline handshaking in such circumstances. This writer has seen many adult buying fruits on the street and the next moment, sinking their teeth into it

without any washing! Some would hurriedly use water obtained from the seller, which in most is itself impure, to wash the fruit before eating. The lack of correct attitude to issue of health by some people in our clime is often evinced by the jests people make in relation to hygienic practices. For example, there was a jocular saying that too much washing (or bathing) can wash away one’s goodluck! I have also often heard a rather hilarious case of a man who was admonished for drinking water drawn from a village river without boiling it. His response was “Kokoro k eke ke ni mu omo Africa d’agba”, meaning little germs here and there helps African child to grow! In the culinary sphere, many items of food are not often properly washed before cooking. This is not to interrogate the fact that cooking itself is not properly done by many to ensure all the germs are killed. I have seen many local women preparing, ewedu (a local vegetable) without washing it prior to cooking. They would rather just swish the vegetable bundle in the air to remove dirt and sand. Their reason being that ewedu would lose its viscosity if it is washed before cooking! Should taste come before health issue? As we commemorate global Handwashing Day, let us make the practice a permanent feature of our personal hygiene. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

Fashola as the quintessential FCT minister ALIYU BALA ALIYU

ixteen years down the road, Nigeria, sadly, is still in the limbo; and for whatever it is worth, Nigerians seems to have come to terms with the need for atonement and redemption on the altar of the change movement. Indeed another great opportunity has presented itself. Under this democratic dispensation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo established he had a nose for talent hunting. To his credit, he drafted the likes of Chukuwuma Charles Soludo, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nasir El-Rufai, Oby Ezekwesili, Nuhu Ribadu, the late Dora Akunyili among others to his right hand side. They were the shining lights of that administration. However history chooses to judge them, they were the active stirrers of the Obasanjo broth, which he served democracy hungry Nigerians. Like Obasanjo, Bola Ahmed Tinubu too, it was said, and so proven, had and still has a nose for talent sourcing. With the likes of Rauf Aregbesola and Kayode Fayemi , commissioners in the Tinubuled administration of Lagos State, going on to become governors in their states, Tinubu can lay claim to a successful political empire that transcends his home turf. But of all these, his greatest gift to Lagos, a state he governed for eight years, and perhaps one of his most successful

TINUBU’S…GREATEST GIFT TO LAGOS…AND PERHAPS ONE OF HIS MOST SUCCESSFUL POLITICAL

MOVES, WAS THE GIFT OF

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA political moves, was the gift of Babatunde Raji Fashola. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fashola was Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, was never in contention for the governorship race in 2007 or better still, its expression of interest. But Tinubu knows good stuff when he smells it. He knew what the man had in him and was not prepared to let all of it go to waste. He prevailed on the popular contenders, and the rest as they say, is now history! President Muhammadu Buhari has such a knack by the way he is diligently hunting and discovering his own men and women who would help him execute the enormous task ahead. With the plethora of tested hands and achievers that abound, Buhari’s most daunting challenge would be in getting the best from the pack. Perhaps, which explains the painstaking process he has chosen to pick his ministers. As is often said, “To the victor belongs the spoils of war”. However, the war that was fought and won by the Nigerian people, which saw the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as president last

March 28, calls for both magnanimity in victory and exceptional leadership as the great first steps towards the arduous task of nation rebuilding. What is on my mind is getting an FCT minister that could improve on the good job started by Nasiru ElRufai. Fashola is that right man. He is no stranger to limelight. He earned his stripes with his performance as a two term governor of Lagos State. He has done to Lagos what El-Rufai did to Abuja. Both men have made their marks and raised the bar considerably in the administration of both cities. I must be quick to point out, however, that neither city as the forerunners of urban success has gotten to the Promised Land; but they have done their bit in moving towards that destination. What Fashola brings to the table is neither in doubt nor in need of mention for such evidence abounds beyond measure. His stewardship of Lagos stands him out in a class of his own different from most of the pack of governors that have held sway across the length and breadth of this country, not only in the last eight years, but since the return to civilian rule in 1999. With the panache, finesse and strong work ethic Fashola displayed in Lagos, and his occasional contributions to national discourse, Abuja would be better for it with his stewardship. It is, therefore, my humble recommendation that President Buhari, give the

FCT ministerial slot to this gentleman and outstanding erstwhile governor. That no non-northerner has been minister of FCT since Ajose Adeogun, its pioneer minister, is a raison de’etre to appoint Fashola as the next FCT Minister in the New Nigeria we seek to create. Personally, I feel Fashola fits into five portfolios perfectly well with the last of the listing being my preferred and for which I am in no doubt, as millions of Nigerians, that he will deliver. They are: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF); Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); Minister of Works, Minister of Power, and lastly Minister of FCT. The suggestion about making him Chief of Staff to Buhari gained momentum and spoken of in hushed tones until one was appointed. As that is out, the most appropriate post for him, and for which Nigeria would benefit immensely, is the FCT ministry, where with his sleeves all rolled up, he can inspire, lead, and help transform FCT to give the country a befitting capital. Aliyu Bala Aliyu, aliyubala.aliyu@ gmail.com

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Abuja bombings: Time for sober reflection

he recent bomb blasts in Nyanya and Kuje, both suburbs of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as continued bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State capital and other locations up North, call for sober reflection and not necessarily passing the buck on any security agency. Over 30 deaths were recorded during these said bombings, reports had said. We agree with the exasperation of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after the Nyanya and Kuje bombings, which the party voiced through its Acting National Chairman, Mr. Uche Secondus, and in which it blamed the leadership of the Department of State Security (DSS), purportedly for not being in full grip of Nigeria’s security intelligence. We do not intend to lay bare the details of the statement and their full implications in this time of national emergency. For, Nigerians are aware of the obvious setbacks, especially the in-house sabotage, which the war against terror in the land has been suffering since Boko Haram insurgency became intensified in 2009. Recall that former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and the ex-Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah, during the pull-out ceremony marking their exit from the military, spoke up on some of

such issues the PDP complained about. They included the lack of equipment and motivation to fight Boko Haram terrorists; exploitation of the huge national security challenge by vested interests to gain political mileage; as well as the activities of fifth columnists in the military and other security agencies, who leaked operational plans and other sensitive military information to the terrorists, among others. Even before Badeh and Minimah spoke up, former President Goodluck Jonathan, when it became extremely difficult for him to determine how best to handle the Boko Haram crisis, opened up to the nation, lamenting that Boko Haram supporters and possibly sponsors were most probably among those he wined and dined with in government. Quite recently, too, the Nigerian military revealed that some prominent individuals and political groups, from Borno State in particular and the North East in general, were undermining the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country. “It has come to our knowledge that they are employing all means to see that our operation does not succeed, in order for them to continue to enjoy certain benefits. People should place the interest of the nation above any personal gain or ambition”, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani

IT DOES SEEM ALL THE SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE SHIFTED THEIR ATTENTION TO THE

NORTH EAST, WITHOUT REMEMBERING PAST BOMBING

EXPERIENCES… ELSEWHERE Usman, was quoted as saying. All these point to the fact that some enemies that are laying ambush against the fight against terror in the land are still within. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the security agencies – Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), police, DSS, and their sister agencies, including paramilitary agencies and communities habouring the saboteurs, to expose them. It is now clear that the general impression that once President Muhammadu ascends to his high office as president, insurgency would stop, is misleading. Buhari himself, even with the string of successes the military has recorded against the insurgents since his rise to power, and notwithstanding the purported surrender of some insurgents; and Federal Government’s seeming preparedness to negotiate with the ‘real Boko Haram’, has said publicly that

ON THIS DAY

October 15, 1990

October 15, 2011

Soviet Union leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to lessen Cold War tensions and open up his nation. Gorbachev (born March 2, 1931) is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991; and as the last head of state of the Soviet Union, having served in that capacity from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991.

Global protests broke out in 951 cities in 82 countries. The October 15, 2011 global protests were part of a series of protests inspired by the Arab Spring, the Icelandic Revolution, the Portuguese ‘Geraçao a Rasca’, the Spanish ‘Indignants’, the Greek Protests and the Occupy movement. Global demonstrations were held on October 15 in more than 950 cities in 82 countries.

bombings, such as the ones now being witnessed, would not likely cease immediately. Boko Haram, it would seem, has developed a life of its own; and may be sustaining a lot of dubious characters, like the alleged stimulants’ dealer and financier of the group, which the military said was arrested in Bama town, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition PDP should persevere in finding lasting solutions to the Boko Haran carnage. Recriminations and counter finger pointing would not solve the problem at this stage. If what the nation knows about how the security agencies have been tackling the problem is really true, it is defensible blaming all of them, without singling any out, as having contributed to the cumulative failure. Concerning the Nyanya and Kuje recent bomb blasts, however, it does seem all the security agencies have shifted their attention to the North East, without remembering past bombing experiences in the North West and North Central, including Abuja, the nation’s capital and elsewhere. This is a huge mistake, if our guess is right, that must be corrected immediately, in the interest of the seat of power and all it represents, as well as other endangered zones, where Boko Haran cells exist.

October 15, 2013 A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines, resulting in more than 222 deaths. According to official reports by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 222 were reported dead, eight were missing, while about 976 others were injured. In all, more than 73,000 structures were damaged, of which more than 14,500 were totally destroyed.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) In ABUAD, You Get It All —Dr Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State Governor.

Tunbosun Ogundare

t this time when many of her colleagues especially in the state-owned secondary schools in the country are complaining of lack of money due to the inability of the state governments to pay their workers salaries for several months, Rose Nkemdilim Obi, is singing a different tune. Reason, Obi a teacher at Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha, Anambra State is one and half million naira richer. Her fortune is a product of hard work and commitment exemplified in her job. It is also a testament that teachers’ reward is no longer in heaven as was claimed in the past. Obi has been teaching Chemistry and Mathematics for the past 12 years after she graduated with a first degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Her incurable passion for the job has however paid off as she was rewarded with one million naira for being the overall winner of this year’s Maltina Teacher of the Year Award and another half a million naira for being among the top 19 contestants nationwide. She was presented with the prize on Monday in Lagos at award ceremony where she and the first and second runners up were unveiled and presented to the public. That is not all. Obi apart from also presented with a trophy for her victory would equally be collecting N1 million yearly for the next five years and embark on all expensespaid short overseas training while her school would be provided with a block of six classrooms worth N25 million. Maltina Teacher of the Year Award was initiated in May this year by the Nigerian Breweries Plc under its social corporate arm-Felix-Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to recognise, celebrate and motivate exemplary Nigerian teachers for better performance. This year’s edition which was the first in the series, focused only on public secondary schools nationwide with

L-R: 3rd prize winner, Maltina Teacher of the Year, Udiong Daniel; MD, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde; Star prize winner, Mrs. Rose Obi; Chairman, Panel of Judges, Professor Pat Utomi; former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Macjohn Nwabiola and first runner-up, Mrs Bimta Muhammed during the award ceremony in Lagos on Monday

I can’t quit teaching —Nigerian best teacher

…as Utomi urges devt of science teachers

the hope of extending it to their counterparts in private schools in the nearest future. Obi however shared her experience as a teacher with journalists shortly after the event and when she had taken several photographs with the well-wishers. “Honestly I didn’t envisage I could be overall winner when I was sending my entry for the award. But I knew I would go far,” she declared. “Even at that, all glory goes to God, who crowned my effort with success.” Obi, who returned to her alma mater 10 years after graduation for her masters’ programme said she was very passionate about teaching and that nothing including

Community lauds corps member on e-library, borehole donations 24

money could make her to quit the profession in her active age. Interestingly, Rose’s mother was a retired teacher. That background according to her somehow has a bit of influence on her choice of the profession. “But to say the least, I love teaching and I always happy seeing myself in the classroom,” she said. Recalling her first day experience, she said, “I entered into the classroom not knowing if my passion for teaching will reflect in my teaching style. But at the end I got a very positive response from my students.” Rose since then is increasing on daily basis in knowledge and skill. On her award, she said: “I think

the most important thing the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award has done for Nigerians is the re-awakening of the fact that teachers deserve appreciation because of their critical roles to nation’s building. “So, I am highly honoured be the first recipient of this award and I hope to convey to young ones to consider the fact that to be a committed teacher is a rare privilege.” While dedicating the victory to God and her fellow teachers, Obi, who was at the occasion with her husband, Mr. Gozie Obi, a lawyer, said, “Teaching is a calling and a commitment to building the nation and I thank God for my life. I also thank Nigerian Breweries for restoring the dignity and pride of

Ogun warns principals on illegal levies 22

‘‘

teachers in the country.” While she was not specific on what exactly to use her money for, Obi said she would definitely spend it wisely including furthering of her academic pursuit. On how she would want to be seen in 10 years time, she told National Mirror that “”I would want to be an authority in creating, through my research, the best teaching strategy for the science subjects.” For Obi’s first runner-up, Mrs. Binta Muhammed from Borno State, who went home with a sum of N1 million and another N500, 000 for being one of the top 19 contestants said teaching had become part of her such that she could not do without the act. Her state is one of the crisis-ridden in the north east where Boko Haram members indiscriminately attack people and places including schools, yet, Muhammed does not allow such terrible situation to discourage her. CONTINUE ON PAGE 23

TETFund harps on productbased researches

Education Today

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expert urges space science education Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

he importance of Space Science and Technology Education cannot be overemphasised as it will continue to play key roles in the development of Nigeria. The Director General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Professor Seidu Onalo Mohammed disclosed this in a chat with journalists, stating that his agency plays a key role in information and data collection through satellites for the development of the country. Professor Mohammed noted that space programme still remained best technology to obtain data for analysis by scientists, stressing that digital televisions and telecommunications are all products of space science and technology. He stated that over reliance on the use of other satellites would continue to gulp the nation’s reasonable amount of money which could have been used to create employment opportunities in the country.

The Director-General explained that in past few years, NASDRA had developed strategic road maps, noting that the agency had engaged in capacity building in the areas of designing and building of satellites such as Nigeria Sat X. He however advocated participation of private sector in space technology programme, noting the in few years to come, the population of West African sub-region would be over 450 million, while that of Nigeria alone will up to over 180 million in the next two years. Identifying Water resources, agriculture as regard total cultivated land, disaster management as some of the key areas where space technology would be most useful, the professor disclosed that the centre for launching of satellites has since been completed but rendered ineffective due to non installation of equipment. The agency, it was gathered has entered into agreement with some universities in the country to train and retrain its personnel and specie engineers pending when the agency will get it own training institute.

British Council to woo Nigerians for postgraduate studies Tunbosun Ogundare

he British Council is set to hold this year’s UK Postgraduate Exhibition in Nigeria. The exhibition, which is the third in the series, will be held in Abuja and Lagos. While that of Abuja will be held on 4th of November, Lagos version is scheduled two days beginning from 6th of November. The exhibition according to the organiser will provide a platform for prospective postgraduate students who want to study in the UK to meet with the representatives of no fewer than 30 tertiary institutions from the UK for direct advice on the opportunities available to them over there. Sephora Imomoh, the Project Manager at the British Council disclosed that many Nigerians were being admitted into the UK tertiary schools through such forum on a yearly basis. Explaining why UK is

Cameron a popular destination for international students, the project manager said, “The UK’s excellent reputation for education leads to internationally recognised qualifications, with the result that students can look forward to good career prospects when they return home.” Imomoh further states “With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. Students are encouraged to express their ideas and think for themselves”.

L-R:Librarian, Lagos State University, Ojo, Mr. Adebambo Oduwole; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Library Board, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal; Librarian, University of Lagos, Akoka and guest lecturer, Dr. Olukemi Fadehan; Chairman, Nigerian Library Association, Mrs. Ibiyemi Onasanya and Librarian, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Lawrence Awe during the lecture to mark the association’s week in Lagos, recently.

Ex-minister advocates mentoring for resourceful education Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

ormer Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has advocated mentoring of the younger generation as a way to ensure they reach their targets. Nebo, a former Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), who described mentoring as critical, said: “You could be very bright, but miss it if you don’t have a mentor who would guide you. Mentors are catalysts that help the mentored get to the top. I like to see young people mentored.” The former VC spoke in Ado Ekiti after an inspection tour of FOUYE Faculty of Engineering at Ikole Ekiti, saying: “I think that one of the ways we can create a generation that is coming after us and would do better than we are doing now is to encourage them, and give them a shoulder they can lean on or a back they can climb on so that they can get their target.” Nebo, who lauded the de-

velopment in the university which he pioneered, said: “I can say that so far so good, FOUYE is being well managed. My concern is that this would continue. My dream before I was called to serve as minister was that I wanted to have a FUOYE finishing school. “I wanted FUOYE graduates to be able to hold their own. I said my students would not graduate and go for an interview and other people would beat them, I didn’t like that. I didn’t want that to happen, so I was going to start a finishing school to make sure that we polish the final year students so that by the time they step out of this university, they will confidently stand before anybody and do very well. And I hope the current administration goes on with that,” the former VC said. Nebo, who expressed delight at the webometrics ranking of FUOYE as 16th best university in Nigeria took pride in the institution’s Engineering Faculty, said “70 per cent of the universities in Nigeria do not have as much as the facilities that a brand new university like it has. So,

if the current administration hadn’t continued with zeal and zest, it would not have happened. “FUOYE has the most elaborate and distinguished universal pencil testing machine in all the universities. No other university in Nigeria has the type that the FUOYE campus in Ikole has. That is progress. In the Humanities, Social Sciences and Agriculture, there is also progress. But there is a national problem –that is funding. That problem affects not only FUOYE, but also other federal universities in the country,” the former minister said. The former VC, however, advised that for the rating of Nigerian universities to improve in the webometrics ranking, “we need a lot more research. We need a lot more facilities in our laboratories, our machine shops, and in our workshops. So, you don’t ask our universities to compete globally, when they have nothing with which to do it. “But one way you can leap frog is to ensure that our lecturers are better trained, that

they are given more opportunities to improve themselves, acquire more skills, more didactic, of teaching skills and then do more research and then for our students to be encouraged, in other words, challenged. “I don’t believe that a lecturer should feel inferior if your student shows that he is better than you in some way. That is the way, it should be, these students should be challenged, go to the internet, go to Google, download information, come to class, challenge your teacher, because many lecturers are idle, many of them are lazy and lousy. They are teaching stale knowledge to these students and selling worthless handouts. “So, our students should be pep up, encouraged, any topic you get, go to Google, download it, we have Harvard University, Illinois, California Institute of Technology, they now have open course webs and universities can get these materials free of charge and use the same materials that the best universities are using in the world, to teach your own students. These things are possible,” Nebo said

Director-General, Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo (middle) with members of staff and the Association of Christian Schools when the association paid a courtesy visit to her office at Alausa, Ikeja, last Friday

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Engineering: NBTE lifts ban on Idah Poly’s admission Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

he Federal Polytechnic, Idah has been cleared by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to admit students into its engineering department. The Deputy Public Relations officer of the institution, Mr. S. S Omale made this disclosure during a chat with National Mirror last weekend, saying the trouble between the two institutions is now over. It will be recalled that NBTE was in June banned the polytechnic from admitting new students for its engineering programmes following the allegation by some students of the institution on SIWES programmes that the polytechnic’s laboratory and workshops were not functioning. Omale noted that the nation’s polytechnics’ regulatory body lifted the ban after being satisfied with school’s explanation that the allegation was not true. He noted that the board had also written a letter to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board to allow the polytechnic admitting new students into the department. The spokesman pointed out that while absolving the institution of any complicity, the board had admonished the management of the polytechnic not to see NBTE as its enemy but as a partner in progress. He however declared that the polytechnic had since conducted the post UTM examinations in readiness to admit new students for all its engineering programmes.

Japan offers scholarships

he Council on International Educational Exchange or CIEE, Japan chapter, is to offer scholarships for Japanese university students to take up during the summer from 2016. The new project falls under the theme of investing in the Future and is aimed at fostering peace and understanding in the world, explained Kazu Otake, executive director of Asia, CIEE. An initial batch of 10 scholarships will be followed by 20 more in 2017 and another 20 in 2018. The “gradual extension of the scholarship programme is based on various conditions in Japan and to be able ensure the selection of committed students”, said Otake at a press conference last week. The focus on international study reflects a growing commitment by universities to increased internationalisation under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His administration has followed a policy that stresses economic growth and the need for an education that can produce globally experienced youth to support this national goal.

Education Today

Thursday, October 15, 2015

What FG should do on education —Ex-COEASU boss Mr. Sam Akindele, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto\Ijanikin, Lagos is a co-founder of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and he served as the National President of the union between 1996 and 2000. Akindele bares his mind in this interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE about the recent upgrading of four colleges of education to degree-awarding institutions and the expectation from the current government on education. Excerpts:

How would you react to the upgrading of four colleges of education to degree awarding institutions towards the end of last administration? For me, it is a welcome development. It is the beginning of bringing to pass what many people including my humble self had been clamouring for over the years. As a matter of fact, that was part of what we fought for when we started COEASU. The agitation has been because of the increasing marginalization within the tripod- polytechnics, colleges of education and the universities in the country. We found out that less people are coming to colleges of education while everybody just wants to go to the university. We believe it would be much better to have degree courses at the colleges of education so that we could attract more students. But as time went on, an idea to start this bit by bit and to start with the first generation colleges which probably had already been affiliated to different universities to produce degrees in education courses came to mind. After all, all the four upgraded colleges had been affiliated to one university or the other for as far back as 1990s and they are doing well. So, for me, it is a welcome development notwithstanding their challenges after the upgrading. But won’t the upgrading further widen the dichotomy between degree and NCE holders? You may be right in this regard. This is because we believe so much in this country in the name of a school and not necessarily on quality of their products. And should the government not pronounce these institutions as universities, we may not get anywhere. But to me, a college of education can still produce quality graduates in education courses. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s nomenclature is that name is important to everybody. Without calling them universities, we are likely to go nowhere and therefore we are in the crisis of name. When I was the President of COEASU, I made bold to say that in Ghana there, their colleges of education produce good students. The same thing in Europe and America, polytechnics produce graduate in technology. Unfortunately here in Nigeria, until you say a school is a university, you won’t treasure the product that come out of the process and that is the dilemma of Nigeria education. Good enough, I had a privilege before I left office in 1999; I met with the Senate and the House of Representatives and showed them the statistics of some colleges of education with high numbers of PhD lecturers compared with some

Akindele of so-called universities. Funny enough, within that system as of that time, I got over 14 universities which have fewer PhD holders as lecturers than many colleges of education in the country. Take for instance, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo as at 1999 had 62 Ph D holders, Alvan Ikoku about 57 and AOCOED had 47 while in some universities today you will find master degree holders as lecturers even though the law stipulated a minimum of PhD holder. So, our problem is in the name. How would you explain the argument that the country doesn’t have enough teachers when in real term many trained teachers are actually unemployed? It is not in every part of the country that we have shortage of teachers. There may be more than enough teachers in the cities and urban areas but they are in short supply in most of the rural communities. For instance, from the research I conducted sometime ago, I discovered that there were no enough teachers in most of the rural communities just because people don’t want to stay in the villages, especially because of absence of modern facilities that can make live enjoyable there whereas, many of the cities are over saturated with teachers. Some people are using statistics from the urban centres to generalize about the country’s situation as regard this subject matter. So to me, the argument is unfounded. But then, there is a problem of quality of teachers being produced. I have been lecturing here for 28 years with so many generations of students I have produced to the glory of God. But things were better those days than now. When we were operating Teachers Grade Two, once the students at that level graduated, they enrolled in colleges of education and very ready to take up teaching appointment. But many of the students nowadays are not ready to go into the profession. They only come to colleges so as not to stay at home when they could not secure admission into the university. So, in a nutshell, while there are so many teachers in the unemployment market, how many of them who are ready to take appoint-

ment in the villages? So, what do you expect from this present government as regards education? It is to give the sector adequate attention, to fund it very well and implement policies effectively. I am not talking about tertiary education alone but education at all levels. I always canvass for budget that up to the UNESCO’s advice. It is not too much for the government to dedicate up to 26 per cent of their annual budgets to education. I am not saying we must dedicate 26 per cent to education because of other challenges but it must be something close to it. Apart from that, any money injected must also be judiciously spent. So, monitoring is a key. In addition, the leaderships of various tertiary schools should also be more democratic with the staff unions while the union themselves should be more realistic in their demands. The system must be allowed to work by every stakeholder. Some people blame the poor performance of students in their studies and exams on teachers, how do you react to this? This is a difficult question. Do you know why it is difficult? I have been a teacher for quite a while. I went to teachers training college, I went to college of education and I also got a degree in education. I always ask a question when people talk about poor performance of students. The question is that how much do we respect our teachers and what we do give them as recognition for their contributions. It is only to blame them for this or that. We have forgotten that many students are lazy and not ready to study. And yet, people still blame teachers for their failure. You don’t see a teacher being decorated in Nigeria with national honour. But you can see artists decorated with awards. You can see many of our politicians including counselors of a local government after stealing our commonwealth being decorated with national laurels. And nobody is thinking about teachers. So, even though I am not totally exonerated teachers from the blame, they need to be encouraged for them to perform better.

Education Today

Library, panacea to education devt —Expert

Saidat Alausa

ibrarian, University of Lagos, Akoka, Dr. Olukemi Fadehan has said library remain the only panacea to educational advancement. According to her, educational advancement and national development are not mutually exclusive but the panacea remains the Library that is why the government needs to bring back the Libraries. She disclosed this while delivering a lecture titled “The 21st Century Libraries and Students, Challenges and Opportunities to mark the Nigerian Library Association, Lagos Chapter, Library Week held at the Lagos State Library Board, Ikeja, last week. “Also the awareness and preparedness of all stakeholders also require a renaissance. While the library and information professionals should look inward and outward, our major advocacy to the major proprietor, the government is “Save Our Soul”, through a renaissance in positive attitude, a renaissance in Library Legislation and policy and a renaissance in better funding.” She also stated that In the bid to conquer the 21st Century information landscape, Information and Communication Technology strategy remains the household cliché and driver of both content and strategies (concept and physical facilities). Fadehan also said that continual review and audit of individual libraries’ contents and physical facilities against global standards with a view to effect change and compliance is very important to meet up with 21st century. Listing the role of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to include minimum Standards for all libraries, Training and re-training of Librarians; review of Library schools’ curricula; continual advocacy of the importance of libraries; revival of Library Legislation/Policies and better funding by the Government she however said the use of 21st century tools to develop learning skills for the students is very important. “There is need to integrate as well as bridge the gap between knowledge and skills for the 21st Century that is why students by age, society class, discipline require generalised and specific learning skills and needs, which will prepared them to meet the need of this dispensation.” Also, the Librarian said that there is need to integrate as well as bridge the gap between knowledge and skills for the 21st Century through Knowledge of core subjects and acquisition of the three basic learning skills whichinclude Information and communication skills; thinking and problem-solving skill as well as interpersonal and self-directional skills. Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman, Nigerian Library Association, Mrs. Ibiyemi Onasanya said the week was as an opportunity to remind stakeholders of the importance of libraries, the role it plays in learning and life of individuals and establishments. “The NLA, Lagos has done so much in strengthening and supporting effective service delivery through various trainings and lectures of this nature.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogun warns principals on illegal levies Tunbosun Ogundare

he Ogun State Government has cautioned principals in the public secondary schools across the state not to collect any form of fees exceeding the approved accessory fees of N 1,400. The Director of Special Needs Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Elijah Akinyemi who gave the warning in a statement made available to journalists said government would not take it lightly with any principal who disobey the directive. The statement was signed by the Press Officer of the ministry, Mr. Elijah Udofia. Giving the breakdown of the approved levies of N1, 400 being charged each student, Akinyemi said N300 would be for computer use while N600 and the balance is meant for Parents Teachers

Association (PTA) development level and insurance coverage, respectively. He added that the details of the approved fees became necessary as a result of complaints and com-

ments from the public on the collection of unapproved fees by some principals in some public secondary schools. Akinyemi however directed that no student should also be

sent out of class/school for nonpayment of the fees, explaining that government would not tolerate the violation of the terms and conditions contained in the directive.

L-R: Professor of cardiothoracic, Benjamin Carson Snr. School of Medicine (BCSSM), Babcock University (BU), Prof Edward Anderson; Vice President, Development and Strategy, BU, Mr Olukunle Iyanda; President, Tristate/ Chair, Department of Cardiology, BCSSM, BU, Prof Kamar Tayo Adeleke and Senior Vice President, BU, Prof Iheanyichukwu Okoro, after the successful conduct of the first ‘Heart Surgery’ at the newly constructed world class Tristate Heart and Cardiovascular Centre, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State recently.

TETFund harps on product-based researches Regina Otokpa Abuja

he Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro has decried the manner by which Nigerians always emphasising teaching at the detriment of research development in the nation’s tertiary institutions. He made the observation during a meeting with the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu in Abuja last week, saying research is one of the core mandates of any tertiary institution anywhere in the world. Prof. Bogoro who commended some institutions of higher learning in the country for recording what he described as appreciable improvement on their ranking noted that Nigerian universities would soon be ranked among the world best. On research, Bogoro disclosed that a limit

of N50 million would be made available through the National Research Fund to researchers and research teams who are interested in developing product-based research rather than academic research. According to him, the Board of Trustees for TETFund has approved a new priority which will enable each public tertiary institution to create research and development units in their respective schools. Bogoro stressed that the only way to solve the nation’s economic crisis was by engaging and strengthening the capacity of development based research, especially within the tertiary institutions. “We believe that it is in the area of research that Nigeria can strengthen its competitive capacity in the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education community,” he stressed. He however expressed happiness that Ni-

Nigerian best teacher CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 “I don’t see myself doing something else. Teaching is my calling. So, insurgency or not, I will continue to teach,” she vowed. The third prize (N750, 000 plus another half a million also for being one of the top 19) went to a man, Udiong Daniel from Akwa Ibom state. Unfortunately, both Ondo and Osun were not part of the 19 states recognised at the event. But others in the South West made the list. On what qualified the top three for their respective prizes out of hundreds of applicants, the Chairman of an independent Panel of Judges who is also the Founder/CEO of Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi said the panel found their entries compelling. According to him, “we received lots of entries from across 33 states of the federation but many of them were dropped because they were substandard.” The only 19 whose entries worth recognition were consequently rewarded at the award night with N500, 000 each before the number was pruned down to 10 where the top three emerged . Utomi, also a teacher cum politician told the audience that panel looked among other things for thoroughness, passion, techniques, style and knowledge of contestants on the job to award marks that finally produced the winner. He particularly worried about the teaching of English language, mathematics and science subjects, saying the country would need to pay more attention to those areas to be able to get things right. Utomi’s seven-man team is full with credible and successful individ-

gerian universities are moving up the ladder of world ranking. “About five years ago, there was no Nigerian university among the first 100 in Africa by ranking, but today the number is getting close to 28 or thereabout as of last month. “Now we have up to two or three universities that are among the top 10 but we will not celebrate yet until we see that Nigeria appears soonest among the top 500 in the world,” he added The TETFund boss further assured the visiting governor that all public institutions within his state would have access to tertiary education intervention. In his response, the governor maintained that TETFund had made a positive impact in redefining the quality of education in tertiary institution in the country and therefore would continue to partner with the organisation in areas necessary.

uals from academic, Law and the Media. And they ensured according to him that they were transparent and objective in their judgment. They include Mrs. Mopelola Omoegun, Professor of Education, University of Lagos; Prof. Thomas Ofuya, Vice Chancellor, Wellspring University; Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, Editorial Board, ThisDay Newspapers; Dr. Abdulrahman Binta Fatima, National President, All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools; and Professor Tijani Abubakar, Dean, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University. And they were all present at the award ceremony. Earlier in his remark, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde explained the rationale for instituting the award, saying it was a platform for the company to contribute its own quota to the development of education and the economy by extension in the country. He said the 69-year-old company since inception had been operating with a philosophy of “winning with Nigeria” by championing causes that add value to the society. Everywhere in the world, according to the managing director, teachers play a vital role in sustainable national development. “No one can estimate the values of teachers. They train, they coach and they serve as role model for children to become somebody in life. They are also part of what determine the quality of life people live. So, those who are exemplary among them need to be appreciated and celebrated as we are doing today,” he stressed. He explained that the company had committed lot of resources to education at all levels nationwide since the formation of the FelixOhiwerei Education Trust Fund in 1994 and promised not to relent on such support to the sector.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Reversing brain drain: Beyond rhetoric

rain drain is an enigmatic term that describes the commonplace phenomenon of migration of highly skilled persons from one country, usually an under developed or developing country, to more developed countries resulting in acute shortage of skilled manpower in the afflicted nation. The loss of skilled manpower is just one of the negative impacts of the brain drain. It literarily affects every facet of our national life including increasing poverty due to lack of employment, reduced life expectancy as a result of poor health care delivery, falling educational standard, decreasing ability of Nigerian to feed themselves, poor infrastructural development, huge indirect financial capital flight, and reduced capacity to train skilled manpower due to depletion of competent trainers. The cause of brain drain may not be farfetched. Imagine a young first class Nigerian graduate not being able to secure a job position in a Nigerian university as far back as the late seventies. He finally secures an alternative position in one of the state ministries as a research officer-in-training and was posted to a research laboratory without power or running water. Imagine that he later secured a foreign scholarship to train abroad but was not allowed to take up the scholarship because it was not “his turn” to go yet! Then imagine that he had to resign his job position as a research officer-in-training in order to take advantage of the scholarship to acquire the necessary training he needed for the job. Finally, imagine once more that he could not secure a job back in his state at the end of the studies because of nepotism. On the contrary, the foreign country where he trained however gladly offered him an opportunity to work if he so desired. This is as far back as the late seventies and the early eighties! These are the antecedents of the Brain-Drain phenomenon. The above seemingly imaginary scenario is the true narrative of a young Nigerian with great potentials but denied the opportunity to thrive in the country and literarily forced into exile by his own country through the actions and policies that

Saidat Alausa

hree children who demonstrated outstanding courage and bravery have been adjudged winners of the 2015 Indomie Independence Day Awards for Heroes of Nigeria. They are Abbas Naifarya Ibrahim, 13; Innocent Yamawo, 7 and Naja Nuhu, 13. They took first, second and third place and went home with N1m, N750, 000 and N500, 000 respectively. They were presented with the awards at an elaborate event at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. The Indomie Independence Day Awards for Heroes of Nigeria (IIDA) is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative from Dufil Prima L-R: Member, National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Ist prize winner, 2015 IIDA, Abbas Nafarya Ibrahim; Former CBN Governor, Chief Joseph Sanusi and Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Deepak Singhal during the award ceremony held in Lagos.

dilemma include the general state of insecurity in the land as well as poor remuneration. Violent crimes including carjacking, armed robbery and kidnapping have become common but unpredictable crimes in Nigeria which are increasingly becoming strong deterrents to those who would return to Nigeria from the Diaspora. Fear of kidnapping has kept some Nigerians from returning to their place of birth and some others to their country of origin. Controlling such crimes would restore confidence in the nation Nigeria and encourage some of those in Diaspora to return. Though rain rain had remained poor remuneration is often cited as a deterrent to returning, it is often not such a big factor as the others. a problem when corruption Against all odds, many first class Nigerian scholars trained in world class universities worldwide have been rereigned facilities remain turning to the country, especially to the universities. I wonrudimentary and security a der how they are expected to react when confronted with the dilapidations of the old laboratories and workshops which challenge they had left behind. If those who returned soon after their training can no longer tolerate the situation they left behind are inimical to growth and development. However, through barely three years earlier, I wonder what we would expect cheer patriotism and tenacity of purpose, the young man refrom Nigerians in Diaspora who have been away, some for turned to the country to work in a state other than that of his up to thirty years. origin where his rights as a Nigerian are curtailed because of The Federal Government through its agency the Nationhis place of birth. Denial of employment despite vacancies al Universities Commission should go beyond the rhetoric is one of the hallmarks of corruption and nepotism. The abof accreditation and provide an environment in which the sence of functional equipment in workshops and laboratories returnees could thrive. Towards this end, Establishments constitute important setbacks to those who against all odds rewith high densities of staff, trained in high end research turn to their father land as it renders the knowledge and commethodologies, should be provided funds to equip laborapetences acquired null and void. tories and workshops with the necessary equipment for Thus, they can contribute only marginally to Research and onshore training of qualified manpower for the Nigerian Development in their various places of employment, leaving project. many national and regional problems unresolved. Lack of Brain-Drain had remained a problem when corruption flexibilities in the implementation of policies, and inequality reigned, facilities remain rudimentary, and security, a chalin the treatment of Nigerian within Nigeria are important lenge. With the new mantra of change and strong anticorfactors in the flight of qualified Nigerians to more conducive ruption sentiments, things may have started to move in the environments. right direction. Other factors that play significant roles in the Brain-Drain

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Indomie splashes N2.25m on 3 children Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles. The award which began in 2008 and is in its 8th edition is geared towards recognising children between the ages of 1 and 15 who have exhibited extraordinary acts of heroism in the face of danger or societal challenges. First place winner, Abbas Naifarya Ibrahim, an SS 2 student of Federal Government Girls College, Kazaure emerged 2015 IIDA overall winner and was rewarded with N1m scholarship. Nairfaya, an indigene of Kano state, was awarded for the courage and exemplary act she performed when she alerted authorities of a suspicious object

she noticed beside a mosque. Her actions and sense of responsibility saved scores of people from an imminent bomb blast. Commenting on the award, Naifarya who was overwhelmed by emotions, said, “I feel extremely happy and very proud of myself. I thank Dufil for finding me worthy of this award. I intend to go to the American University of Nigeria, Yola to study medicine. I want to become a medical doctor so I can help people.” Innocent Yamawo, a seven year old boy whose story of heroism evoked compassion from the audience was adjudged second place winner. Innocent, in a bold attempt

to save his baby sister from an inferno which engulfed their house, sustained third degree burns which has left him partially deformed. Although he was able to bring the sister out of the inferno, she was long dead as a result of excessive smoke. Young Innocent who says his dream is to become a Pastor, was awarded a scholarship grant worth 750, 000. In addition to the grant, Dufil also announced that the company would provide funds for Innocent to have a reconstructive surgery. Third place winner, Naja Nuhu whose brave heroics and courage saved her family and led to the arrest of armed robbers who had invaded their house. Naja was rewarded with a scholarship grant worth 500, 000 for her show of courage in the face of grave danger. In his welcome address, Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Deepak Singhal, reiterated the company’s commitment to positively impacting the Nigerian child. He said, “As a company, we believe that in every child lies the seed of greatness. This is in consonance with INDOMIE’S core values. We believe that in the Nigerian child lies the qualities of excellence. This award mirrors the importance and belief of our company in the extraordinary qualities of the Nige-

rian child which must always be celebrated.” Speaking further, he said, “Not only are we encouraged and inspired by the stories of courage and selflessness of these children, as a company, we also take delight in the fact that we are able to positively impact these children so they can be empowered to achieve greater things in life”. Founder, LEAP Africa, a nonprofit organisation Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, in her keynote speech titled, The Nigerian Child: The Hope of a Nation, emphasised the need for the empowerment of the Nigerian Child. She said, “It is apparent that for any nation to develop economically there is need to improve the nation’s human capital by investing heavily on education”. A serving member of the National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), who was present at the event, commended Dufil for the IIDA initiative. Impressed by the heroics of the 2015 IIDA winners, Senator Ashafa in his personal capacity, donated the sums of ₦300, 000, ₦200,000 and ₦100, 000 for the three winners respectively. So far, the IIDA initiative has been able to positively impact the lives of about 24 Nigerian children who have shown exemplary courage.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 15, 2015

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

Mixed feelings as UNIBEN pharmacy students elect leaders Emeka Chukwuemeka

he Pharmaceutical association of Nigeria Students (PANS), the University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter recently conducted an election to usher in new set of executives. But the election did not go without the frills and thrills that usually characterise typical electoral processes on campuses. The election was keenly contested by three aspirants; Alex Eze, Benjamin Idiakhoa and Ikechuckwu Onwuakpa all in 400-level of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the university. However, it was gathered that the third aspirant, Ikechukwu, was pressurised to drop his aspiration but insisted to do otherwise. His words; “Yes, I received calls to drop my bid. But I will not divulge the names of those who called me. I was told that I would divide the votes of the Ibos in the faculty. They wanted either Alex or me to run, and not the two of us at the same time. I refused because we had different plans for the association. Also, this is democracy, we have the right to vote and be voted for. I never had any regret for contesting. I feel fulfilled and my appreciation goes to all those 112 who voted for me. I also appreciate my Campaign manager Alex Otega and everyone who stood by me during the exercise.” As the results were announced the faculty of pharmacy was thrown into celebration. Benjamin had 243 votes while Alex and Ikechukwu secured 201 and 112 votes respectively. Commenting on Benjamin’s victory, a staunch supporter, Jude Usman stated that the faculty has received freedom as soon Benjamin was voted in. He added that he voted for Benjamin because he was a born leader and a man of charisma; “For me the change mantra that has swept the country has now had its effect on the faculty of pharmacy.” The elected executives are; Benjamin Idiakhoa as president, Courage Omoregbee as vice president, Chinedu Ezenwachinemelu as Secretary General, Elvis Onyishi as Editor-in-chief, Aisosa Aisien as Treasurer, Ogonnaya Onyemachi as financial secretary, Nosakhare Osagiator as Director of Sports, Fidelis Umeodinka as Public Relations Officer, Raphael Odoh as Director of Socials I and Fred Enomazino as Director of Socials II.

Kemi Busari Kaduna

corps member Yusuf Sukurat Olabisi serving in Lafia Local Government area of Nasarawa State has extended hands of selflessness and service to her community. She donated a borehole and eIibrary to Ungwar Gayam and AlIman School on Shandam Road, both in Lafia. The borehole project which gulped about 620,000 was solely sponsored by Lafia Local Government Council while the e-library was jointly sponsored by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Honourable Justice Sulaiman Dikko and Mr. Muhammad Abubakar Liman, a House of Representative member representing Lafia Central Constituency. Present at the inauguration were NYSC Assistant Director, Chief Greg Anyia, the Lafia Zonal Inspector, Mr. Felix Tomori , Lafia Local Government Chairman , represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Abdullahi Usman, the Councillor representing Gayam Ward, Mr. Muhammad Alhaji, the Principal and staff of Al-iman School and other NYSC officials. In his address, Chief Anyia said the corps member has done well for her community and she would forever be remembered for her gesture. “This lady has done a laudable project at Lafia, its environs and to humanity at large. She has contributed immensely to education and taken education it to another phase.

The corps member, Sukurat Yusuf (3rd left) with people of the community

Community lauds corps member on e-library, borehole donations “She also proffer solution to the yearnings of many to get portable water, we really appreciate her for this.” Mr. Felix Tomori, the Zonal Inspector in his address, applauded the corps member for her initiative and called on the beneficiaries to maintain the facilities. “Sukurat has chosen Lafia to be her second home and she has shown this through her contributions. It is on this note that I call on the beneficiaries to make proper use of the projects to better the lot

of the living and generations yet unborn.” The secretary to the Local Government while addressing the crowd that graced the inauguration said the council would not stop assisting corps members in carrying out personal projects as this is strengthening the relationship between NYSC and the host community. In his words of appreciation, the community head, Aliyu Sanda Gayam said the corps member had solved “one of the greatest prob-

lems facing the community.” “Sukurat has quenched our thirst and I pray to God to quench hers, protect her and always grant her requests,” he prayed. Expressing joy and appreciation to God for the successful completion of the projects, the corps member said she always feel the urge to help others who are in need of assistance. “I have the passion for community development and satisfying human basic needs and that is what prompted the two projects.

ABUAD honours Kuka, Jega, Ayoola, Allafin Oluwaseun Bolaji

s parts of the activities marking its 3rd Convocation ceremonies, the six-year old Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has approved the Award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees to four deserving and eminent Nigerians. They are Bishop Mathew Kukah, Prof. Attahiru Jega and retired Justice Emmanuel Ayoola as well as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman, Governing Council of ABUAD, Amb Iyorwuese Hagher, said Kukah, the Revered Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Jega, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Justice Ayoola, JSC (retd) and Oba Adeyemi were selected for the award after a rigorous, thorough and merit-based selection process in appreciation of their services and contributions to humanity. A lover and proponent of quality and functional education, the highly revered and valiant Bishop Kukah was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 19, 1976. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Diploma in Religious Studies. The amiable dogged fighter also received the Bachelor of Divinity at the Urban University Rome in

1976, followed by a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies, at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom in 1980. Jega is a well-known Nigerian academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano as well as the conscientious immediate Past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His tenure as INEC Chairman was hailed by Nigerians as being characterised by integrity, focus and transparency. It is to his credit that he introduced the card reader to the nation’s election landscape. He attended Ahmadu Bello University Zaria’s Bayero University College, Kano where he graduated with a Second Class Upper Division B. Sc. Degree in Political Science in 1979. Hon. Justice Ayoola, a thoroughbred lawyer and a distinguished Jurist, was born in Ilesha in October 1933. He was educated at Ilesha Grammar School before he obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of London in 1957 and a Bachelors’ Degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford University in 1959. He was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London in November 1957. Hon. Justice Ayoola who assumed the leadership mantle of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after the former President

of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has since his retirement been serving in many judicial capacities nationally and internationally. Oba Adeyemi, a foremost Nigerian traditional ruler, was born in October 1938. After his Quranic education in Iseyin, he attended Obalende Modern School and later Tinubu Methodist School before proceeding to St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos for his Secondary School education. The prophesy of the then Insurance Officer in some newspapers articles he wrote in 1968 under a pseudo name that he would be great and yet another one that he would become be the next Alaafin assumed a tap root when he was among the 11 princes presented to vie for the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo Empire in 1968. He won on the three different occasions the contest took place to emerge the winner on November 18, 1970. Oba Adeyemi, a three-term Pro Chancellor of the then newly established University of Sokoto, now Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, the Alaafin was honoured with the Degree of Doctor of Letters (LL.D), Honoris Causa in appreciation of his contributions and achievements.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 15, 2015

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

Group honours VC, Federal University Wukari Justina Kingley

he Joint Coalition of Civil Society organisations in Nigeria have conferred the Man of the Year award on the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Wukari, Prof. Geoffrey Okogbaa. The award according to the group was in recognition of his strong contribution to the development of education and the society at large. The National Coordinator of the group Mr. Isaac Ikpa who presented the award to the VC at the institution recently lauded the honouree on what he termed selfless service, calling on others to emulate his transparent leadership style. In his acceptance speech, the vice-chancellor thanked the group for the honour, saying he would remain grateful for the gesture. He noted that even though he had no prior knowledge that he would be honoured, he said he was only doing his job without having such reward in mind. While thanking his management team and other members of the university community for their supports and cooperation, Prof. Okogbaa in a press release by the university’s spokesman, Mr. Jerry Amah, promised to work harder so as to impact the society the more. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Matthew Aremu and the Registrar Mr. Thomas Magaji Gangumi were among those in attendance at the occasion. The civil society groups include Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Nigerians in Diaspora Group, Correspondents Without Borders, Nigerians United Against Corruption. Others are Africa Arise for Change Network, Peoples Parliament Forum, Lawyers of Hope Network, Coalition for Change, Congress for Rebirth of Conscience, Conference of Minority Tribes in Nigeria, Free Education Movement and National Democratic Front.

UNILAG SUG elects new president

Miftaudeen Raji

200L, Mass Comm, UNILAG

n a keenly-contested election of the University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) for 2016/2017 academic session, Mohammed Olaniyan from the Faculty of Business Administration has been declared as the President-elect. Olaniyan polled 694 votes to beat his arch-rival, Olawoye Oluwaseun of Faculty of Social Science who got a total of 423 votes. Other candidates, who were declared winners included Sports Secretary, Kaizer Anita from the Faculty of Engineering. He secured 532 votes; Public Relations Officer, Fagbuyi Jumai from the Faculty of Law with 722 votes and Assistant General Secretary,

Bello Ridwan from the Faculty of Science with 917 votes. Others were Treasurer, Lawal Rilwan from Faculty of Education with 863 votes, Internal Auditor, Okikiola Taiwo from Faculty of Business Administration with 730 votes, Financial secretary, Ojo Oluwatobi from Faculty of Science with 699 votes and Social secretary Oluku Onyeka from Faculty of Education with 609 votes. The elections were held simultaneously at the Sports Centre of the university main campus and Idi-Araba campus. Meanwhile, while elections for major executive posts had been concluded, election for the posts of General Secretary and Welfare Secretary were postponed due to an alleged mismatch in the

names and photographs of candidates on ballot papers. Chairman of the ULSU Electoral Committee, Dr. Minasu Kuton was quick to declare the election inconclusive as he ordered that a bye-election be conducted later. The Dr. Kuton-chaired electoral committee however, reconvened last Wednesday to conduct the bye-election which eventually produced Emmanuel Afolabi from Faculty of Arts with 164 votes and Emmanuel Adebayo from the Faculty of Sciences with d 240 votes as General Secretary and Welfare Secretary respectively. All the officers are expected to be sworn-in at the end of the 2015/2016 academic calendar when the current officers’ tenure is expected to be terminated.

Hope rises for UNIBEN students over hostel renovation

arely three weeks after students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka went on rampage to protest the poor state of their hostels and invasion of the facilities by bedbugs, management of the University of Benin, Benin City has assured the students of the institution its readiness to put in order all their hostels and make them comfortable for them. The Vice- Chancellor of the institution, Professor Faraday Orumwense gave the assurance while leading other management team on a tour of the hostels to have firsthand information on difficulties the students might be facing. The team which arrived at the Akanu Ibiam Halls of Residence popularly called Hall-4 decried the state of the hostel. The visit, it was gathered was scheduled due to the plans on ground to carry out a massive renovation exercise on the hostels in the university. Speaking with the university’s Public Relations officer, Mr. Michael Osayuki stated that many times the VC gets calls from students directly and through the Student Union Government complaining about the state of the facilities in the hostels and that the university has scheduled a renovation exercise that would be carried out during the holidays. His words, “The university is an institution of learning. Apart from learning facilities, there are other things to put in place. The hostels are among such facilities. Since the inception of this present administration we have been poised to carry out a total revamp of the school hostels and that is what we are doing presently.” In a related development, Mr. Michael decried the lack of maintenance culture among students and Nigerians in general.

Cross section of students at the 2nd International Conference of the University’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences held recently.

‘Yomi Ayeleso

Bus.Adm, AAU, Akungba Akoka

he Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun has charged the political class in the country to device ways that would enhance the integration and mentoring of the teeming Nigerian youths. He made the charge at the opening ceremony of the 2nd International conference of the university’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences held last week. The theme of the conference was “Democratic experience in Nigeria (1999-2015): Gains and losses.” According to the vicechancellor, for us to sustain

AAU VC charges political class on youth integration our democratic experience as a nation, we must put workable strategies in place to integrate and mentor the youths who constitute about three quarters of our the voting population. He said the essence of the conference was to reflect on the nation’s democratic experience so that the political climate of the country could get brighter and better. He advised the participants to make available the resolutions to relevant institutions and the public for National good. The VC said the politicians in the country to desist

from inducing our youths to engage in electoral malpractices and using them as thugs during electioneering campaigns and election. Prof. Ajibefun said the university had prepared the entire students for the future by encouraging them on the need to embrace responsible student unionism which has resulted in the peaceful and unbroken academic calendar in the last five years. In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr Sola Olorunfemi said it was of national importance to examine the success or oth-

erwise of our democratic experience given the avalanche of challenges that currently ravaged the country. The dean said the conference would provide a robust platform to exchange ideas that would help solving some of the problems facing the country. He advised the participants to come up with ideas on how to improve governance in Nigeria. The lead paper presenter was the renowned columnist, Professor Niyi Akinnaso, while the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Ara-keji, Osun State, Professor Adedayo Olaleye gave the keynote address.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Absoluteness of ‘peace’ (not ‘perfect peace’)

ELCOME to this bumper edition: “Diezani mess: UK Police tightens (tighten) the noose” “Lagos allays fears (fear) of flooding” “How Itsekiris (the Itsekiri) mourned late Olu of Warri, selected his successor” ‘Late’ is otiose here.

“If President Buhari is to have a shot at leaving something that would remotely resemble a positive legacy, then he better (he had better) realise that he does not have the riches of time.” “NNPC sues NNPG, CAC, others over (for) infringement on trademark” “Captivatingly, all the parties in the suit have filed their final written addresses which are expected to be adopted

OAU lecturer wins Fafunwa Education Foundation Prize Michael Ogbonna

s part of activities to mark the 19th lecture and award ceremony of Fafunwa Education Foundation, FEF, Dr Abayomi Adeleke of the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife has won the grand prize. The event was held at the Faculty of Education of the University of Lagos, Akoka. Adeleke won the grand prize in the 11th post-doctoral awards in education seminar of the foundation.

Saidat Alausa

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the award ceremony, Adeleke said he was delighted to have won the prize, noting that it was the fruit of hard work and God’s blessing. “I didn’t expect this when I started on my study. I just did all I should diligently and I am privileged to have a supervisor who supported me,” he stressed. Adeleke noted that for any success to be recorded hard work must be thoroughly dispensed and self-discipline maintained. “My advice is that people

by their counsels on October 14.” ‘Counsel’ is non-count. “Customs arrests 8 suspects over (for) N12m smuggled rice” THISDAY of October 3 circulated a few infelicities beginning from the front page: “The bombings (a comma) suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram terrorists (another comma) occurred at about 10.30 p.m.” Time exactness counts: at 10.30 p.m. or about 10.30 p.m—depending on which is applicable in terms of exactness or lack of it. In informal, loose, settings, ‘at or about’ is acceptable. “The African investor Awards is the only pan-African (pan-Africa) award designed to recognise Africa’s best….” (Full-page advertisement by GTBank, THISDAY, October 3)

should work hard without thinking of any reward; just give your best for a merited result. This will come naturally. When the post graduate college submitted my thesis after screening several theses in theses for this competition, I never thought it seriously. But when I was leaving Ife for the event it now dawn on me that it was real. I cut off social activities and almost cut off from friends to become isolated because I had to spend most of the time in library.” Other awardees were Dr Toinpere Mercy FrederickJonah (2nd) University of Ibadan; Dr Margaret Adunni Oguntimeyin (3rd) Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos.

Buhari, Mahama to attend UNILORIN 40th anniversary Wole Adedeji Ilorin

resident Mohammadu Buhari and his Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama are expected at the University of Ilorin 40th anniversary and 31st Convocation ceremonies beginning from this Friday later this month. The university’s Deputy Director, Mr. Kunle Akogun in a statement on Sunday said the ceremonies would kick off tomorrow with mosque service and rounded off on October 25 with a church thanksgiving service both in the university’s mosque and

church respectively. According to him, the lined up programmes also include the 40th anniversary lecture by the Ghanaian President and current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, titled “Africa’s Agenda 2063: Ending Poverty and Ensuring Prosperity in Africa.” Others are the convocation lecture entitled “Educational Reform and Nation Building in Nigeria” by Prof. Jacob Kehinde Olupona of the Harvard University, Massachusetts, USAas well as the unveiling of a Commemorative Book, “Unilorin @ 40: The Soaring Eagle” by President

Debate really challenging, says winner of Silver-Lining contest

he African Church Model College, Lagos have emerged the winner of the Silver lining Concepts inter-school debate held in Lagos. Participants which are the first three schools that emerge after the preliminaries spoke for and against the topic, “Youths are perpetrators of violence.” The schools are, The African Church Model College, Lagos; Tripple Cross High School, Lagos and Normal City College, Lagos. However after a competitive session, The African Church Model College came first with a total of 1, 371 while Tripple Cross High School and Normal City College got 1, 223 and 1, 110 respectively to emerge second and third. The winning school received a plague and a prize while the others got a plague.

“FG seals-off (seals off) 160 drug shops in Akwa Ibom” “My advice to those who stole before is to return the loots….” ‘Loot’ is uncountable. “Civil Defence arrests woman for selling two months (months’) old baby” “Group commends NNPC GMD over (for/on) new management appointments” “May his soul rest in perfect peace as he returns to….” ‘Peace’ is an absolute and does not require any amplification (perfect). From National Mirror of October 1 comes the next set of oversights: “Otherwise, the country’s socio-political and developmental history since it attained nationhood in (on) October 1, 1960….”

Presentation of first prize, best speaker award to Chiamaka Nwarueze African Church Model College Ifako Agege by Chief Gbenga Owolabli. Watching is Creative Director, Silver Lining Mrs. Oluwakemi Adekomi. Speaking with National Mirror after her school was declared winner of the competition, the Chief Speaker for the school, 14 year Chiamaka Nwarueze, an SS 2 student of the school disclosed that the competition is her first time of debating outside the school. “I joined the great debat-

ers of my school some time last year but unfortunately, there were no competitions outside school. I did not see this award coming. We got the topic two days ago and it was really challenging so I thought I could not do it and I wanted to back out of the competition but the coordinator of our club, Mr.

Aganga, inspired me to do it and here we have it today.” “My advice to my peers is that they should never give up, despite their tight schedules. They should believe in God and always thank Him for whatever happens, whether good or bad. No matter what happens, if you have God on your side and

you have the right preparations with the kind of great friends I have in my school, you can achieve everything,” she said joyfully. Earlier in her address, the Creative Director, Silverlining Concepts, Mrs. Oluwakemi Adekomi said the programme which also involve seminar for the student was to teach youths that there are better ways of resolving disputes than violence and there are things that are more beneficial to them that they can use their time for. The theme was, “Addressing the Emerging Culture of Violence and Democratic Challenges in Africa. What Role for the Youth? On what government should do to boost the education sector and more importantly to stem violence among the youths, she said they should organise seminars that educate pupils about violence.

Buhari and. the commissioning of “about 22 new projects executed by the university in the last one year.” Akogun disclosed that apart from the award of prizes, first degrees, postgraduate degrees and diplomas, other activities scheduled for the week-long events include the investiture of the university’s Fifth Chancellor, HRH Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the Emir of Katsina. Also, Akogun said there would be a film show titled: “Alaaru (Carrier)” written by an alumnus of the University, Tayo Afolayan; a drama presentation by the National Troupe of Nigeria. Adekomi charged the youths to always say no to negative vices and be firm on it, they should not allow adults to use them to commit various crimes.” To the parents, she said as parents, they should act in the right way, because youths emulate what they do. Chairman on the event, Former chairman, Ife East Local Government, Osun State, Oluomo Gbenga Owolabi said the debate on the topic is a very good thing to happen at this time in the country especially considering the social, political and economic state of the nation. ‘The youths should know their role and imbibe by the rules and regulations that go with it.” He however enjoined the government to be serious about education by allocating 50 percent of its annual budget towards youth related activities, which include education, training, ICT, sports and others.

Business Thursday, October 15, 2015

SON to clampdown on fake lubricants’ producers

Babalola supports Ekiti farmers with N5m

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GSM operators control 98.5% of Nigeria’s mobile 32

Survey rates Nigerian firms high on anti-graft plans … implementation lags behind global firms’ rate Tola Akinmutimi

ighty four companies with Nigerian headquarters responding to Control Risks’ annual survey “International Attitudes to Corruption” have been confirmed to have formal policies in place that explicitly forbid bribes, almost closing the gap on the global average of 87 per cent. This is one of a number of positive developments highlighted in the report, published on Monday by Control Risks, the global business risk consultancy. However, it noted that the implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption programmes still lags behind many international firms According to the survey released on Monday in Berlin, Germany, of companies with Nigerian headquarters, only 25 per cent have a board director and/or a compliance committee with specific accountability for anti-corruption – half of the global average of 50 per cent and significantly behind South Africa, with 64 per cent The consultancy also reported that only 34 per cent have anti-corruption training in place for employees and only 16 per cent have an additional training programme for senior executives and board members – only Indonesia (11 per cent) and Colombia (9 per cent) are further behind It disclosed further that only 44 per cent have a standard clause in agreements with sub-contractors forbidding the payment of bribes (global average 58 per cent) The survey also highlighted some positive news: One of the areas where Nigerian companies are much better prepared is in the handling of third-party risks. 65% of respondents rated the corruption risk with regard to third party advisors as high or very high and they acted on it: 56% of Nigerian companies have standard procedures in place for integrity due diligence on business partners.

Commenting on the survey findings, Senior Managing Director, Control Risks West Africa, Tom Griffin, said: “We are certainly seeing a positive change in attitude and awareness towards corruption across the region; the Buhari administration will ensure this focus remains high on

the agenda. Ninety seven per cent of Nigerian respondents ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ with the statement that international anti-corruption laws improve the business environment for everyone. “Many of our clients value the fact that countries with the toughest laws and levels of internation-

al enforcement – the US, Germany and the UK – show a greater willingness to take risks and invest in countries with higher corruption risks, as they feel protected by the strong anti-corruption programmes they are required to implement.

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) Mr. Ese Onosode, eldest son of late Mr. Gamaliel Onosode; Mr. Lanre Adesanya, Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc and Justina Lewa, Company Secretary, Sterling Bank during a condolence visit by the Executive Management of the Bank to the Onosodes at their Surulere

NSE appoints RMD, Chapel Hill demutualization advisers Johnson Okanlawon

he Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, on Tuesday disclosed that Rand Merchant Bank, RMB and Chapel Hill Denham, CHD had been appointed as financial advisers on the proposed demutualisation of the Exchange. The RMB is the corporate and investment banking arm of FirstRand, while Chapel Hill Denham is a Nigerian investment bank, providing financial advisory services to domestic and international corporations, institutions, governments and individual clients, investing in Africa. The bourse, which has the second biggest weighting on the MSCI frontier market index after Kuwait, is a major entry point to

invest in Africa. The stock exchange said in November that it was considering an initial public offering to attract more foreign investors. As a first step, the stock market plans to change its ownership structure from a mutual company of 240 brokers to add new shareholders. This year, shares in the oil producing-nation have lost around 12.8 percent to add to the 16 percent loss last year. Foreign funds sold shares after the naira lost value due to the slump in the oil price. A statement by the Exchange indicated it employed a very rigorous and extensive selection process, commencing with a Request for Proposal, RFP, process which began on March 11, 2014 inviting qualified financial consortia to

submit expressions of interest. It noted that potential financial advisors were required to express their interests as a consortium of one international and one Nigerian investment bank, where at least one party of the consortium had participated in the demutualization of a securities exchange as lead adviser. According to the Exchange, the qualifying consortia were sent the RFP and 13 proposals were received by deadline date. “These proposals were reviewed extensively and scored (technical and financial considerations) by NSE. After a round of presentations, only three consortia progressed to the final stage which was aimed at picking the most competent consortium and extracting the best value for NSE,” it added.

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

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

Business News

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SON to clampdown on fake lubricants’ producers Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

he Standards Organization of Nigeria yesterday threatened to apprehend and prosecute producers and sellers of fake vehicle lubricants across the federation. SON Director General, Dr Joseph Odumodu, gave the hint in Abuja at a meeting with members of Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria. Odumodu, who lamented the huge economic cost associated with peddling substandard lubricants, noted that the agency would work hand in hand with the Department of Petroleum Resources to increase the level of surveillance in the sector. According to him, numerous enforcement collaborative actions and raids had been conducted in the past across the federation with very good results. In furthering of its efforts to ride the country of adulterated products, Odumodu said in line with the agency’s mandate, SON would ensure that all

lubricant products would have to be registered to ensure they met the required standards. He said, “One of the reasons we have engine problem is because we feed the engines with adulterated lubricants.We have done some surveillance of the market and we saw that some members of LUPAN are in this kind of wrong business for survival. “People bring in a lot of used oil into the country and we know what happened to the viscosity of this oil and a lot of them come in from Dubai. We must have a strong collaboration with the DPR and we will have a meeting with department of government with a view to having a meeting point on how to address the drift. Speaking on the steps to be taken to address the menace of adulterated lubricants, the SON boss advocated, monitoring of the quality of lubricants produced in Nigeria, eradicating the sales of Base oil as blended oil and other sharp practices associated with the sales of lubricants in Nigeria.

NSE cautions FG over aviation agencies’ leadership changes Olusegun Koiki

he Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Aeronautical Division has urged the Federal Government against frequent changes of helmsmen and other staff in the country’s aviation industry. Speaking shortly after his election as Chairman of the Aeronautical Division of the NSE in Lagos, Engr. Bola Bido, cautioned that incessant changes of heads of parastatals and senior management staff in the agencies were capable of undermining programme implementation and hampering the growth of the industry. Bido expressed that regular changes does not give room for stability and professionalism as most professionals were retired at their prime age in their professional carriers, stressing that such practice would lead to inconsistency in developmental programmes. He urged engineers to uphold professionalism to ensure safety in the system, stressing that compromising professionalism would amount to compromising safety. Bido noted that since aviation was engineering based, engineers would continue to

play their professional role in order to guarantee safety at all times. He further described his election as a new dawn for all engineers in the aviation sector and charged all members to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari on his fight against corruption in the country at large. He also commenced the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, for the level it had taken the agency in terms of provision of management equipment.

Other measures, he also put forward include, checking the influx of imported substandard lubricants into the market, profiling base oil import per consigned as against co its utilization to determine actual consumption to deal with cases of diversion.

Also speaking, the Chairman of LUPAN, Mr Anthony Obi said the meeting with he DG was convened to address some of the challenges affecting the sector. He said lamented the huge huge amount in revenue being frittered away always as a

L-R: Director, Legacy of Rubies, Ebele Okoye; Director, Faaji Agba, Remi Vaughan Richards; High Value Events and Sponsorships Specialist, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu and the Festival Director/Co-Founder, Ugomma Adegoke, during the Africa Film Festival in Lagos, recently.

Africa’s investment in security appliances drops –IDC Isaiah Erhiawarien

espite the growing activities of insurgents in the sub-Sahara Africa investment in security appliance remains flat as statistics from the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Europe, Middle East, and Africa Quarterly Security Appliance Tracker, revealed that the security appliance market reached $837.65 million in the second quarter 2015. The statistical report from IDC showed that security appliance market witnessed a 0.2 per cent yearly decline while shipments increased 4.0 percent yearly to 183,885 units. The report how states that

over the next five years the security appliance market is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 6.3 per cent and reach $4.59 billion (1,018,373 units) by the end of 2019. Highlights of the market performance shoed that unified threat management (UTM) appliances were the only product category that increased in value during the period under review, expanding 12.9 per cent yearly. As a result, the IDC said that their value share reached 53.9 per cent of the total adding that over the next five years, UTM is expected to remain the largest product category, representing about 62 per cent by 2019. Check Point secured the top position in the second quarter

NUPENG tasks oil firms on flow stations workers’ safety

he Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has advised oil companies operating in the upstream sub-sector to ensure the protection of flow stations for safety of workers. The President of NUPENG, Mr Igwe Achese, made the call in a statement sourced by National Mirror on Tuesday. The labour leader stated that flow stations should be adequately protected by the military Joint Task Force (JTF), with a view to ensure uninterrupted work of oil workers manning the flow stations.

result of sale of substandard products. The LUPAN chairman promised to cooperate with SON with a view to address the entrenched anomalies in the sector to enable it contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the country.

Noting that scores of workers are always at their duty posts day and night, the union lamented the killing of one of the workers, Mr Austin Igwe, killed at a flow station in Bayelsa, due to what it termed security lapses. NUPENG urged law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to arrest the culprits, pointing out that the workers need adequate security to make the work place safe. It stated: “The killing of the oil worker another death, too many. Oil workers toil day and night to produce the hydrocarbon which is the mainstay of the economy. The

workers should not be exposed to such dangers, due to security lapses, in spite of the hazards of their jobs.’’ The union while describing Igwe’s death as unfortunate, even with the presence of men of the JTF Operation Pulo Shield at the flow station, canvassed the need for investigation into how the gunmen gained access to the flow station and killed the oil worker. It also urged SPDC’s management to compensate the family of the deceased as well as provide insurance policy to other workers at oil installations.

in the overall security appliance vendor market with 19.2 per cent value share just Cisco’s market share has increased for the past three quarters and represented 16.8 per cent value market share while Fortinet took the third spot with 11.1 per cent of the market but with a very strong second quarter (40.6 per cent annual growth in value). The statistics showed that Western European market showed moderate growth in security appliances, with $646.79 million in value in second quarter, representing 2.4 per cent growth over the same quarter in 2014 with the main market driver of the security appliance market in Europe remaining UTM solutions, which represented over half of the value (56.5 per cent) in second quarter, with associated 16.9 per cent growth. Commenting on the report, Manager, Security Appliance Research, IDC, Romain Fouchereau said that “The European appliance market is driven by the U.K. and Germany the two largest economies, which represented over 45 per cent of the total Western European market last quarter.” He said, “Unified threat management appliances continue to be the main market driver in Western Europe, and although IDC sees organisations’ interest in IDP products, they often prefer to have it deployed through UTM/NGFW rather than a standalone product.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Babalola supports Ekiti farmers with N5m ...initiates yearly farmers’ awards Sylva Emeka-Okereke

oremost educationist and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has provided N5 million to some farmers in the state to encourage them return to agriculture. Babalola, who had earlier made the promise during his investiture as Africa’s Man of the Year in Food Security by the Forum For International Green Sustainability, FIGS, said the donation, being an annual event, would see the best farmer in the state carting away N1 million while the best farmer in each of the state’s 16 local government areas would take home N250, 000. Afe Babalola Foundation, ABF in conjunction with the ABUAD would be organizing an Annual Agricultural Exhibition with the aim of revolutionizing

agriculture to make it attractive to Nigerians. Speaking at the maiden edition of the Aare AfeBabalola Food Security Expo, ABAFEX 2015, Babalola said he had come to fulfil the promise made on May Day last year. He said: “Today we are here in fulfilment of the promise we made. I can see an array of farmers with their farm produce. I can see jubilant farmers dancing all the way. I am not only happy, but thrilled that people are still happy being involved in agriculture. This Expo will be on for four days and at the end of it all, I will be physically and personally present to present the cheques to the winners and this will subsequently become an annual event”. By this approach, he said the country would be able to retrace its steps to the pre-oil era in the country. On the place of ABUAD in

UN, World Bank to launch reconstruction bonds

nited Nations and the World Bank have agreed to raise billions of dollars to tackle the worsening refugee crisis in the Middle East and North Africa by issuing new bonds to support reconstruction in the war-torn region. The UN, World Bank and Islamic Development Bank announced the proposal, after global policymakers met to discuss ways to ease the growing humanitarian and economic crisis stemming from conflicts in countries, including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim said more than 15 million people had fled their homes, sending a massive influx of refugees into countries like Lebanon and Jordan. The two-track initiative would ask donor countries to provide guarantees for bonds, raising money for certain projects, ranging from support for refugees to rebuilding to allow displaced people to return home. Donors would also be asked for grants to cut the interest rate for countries hosting the bulk of refugees from commercial rates to as low as zero, said the World Bank Vice President for Middle East and Europe, Hafez Ghanem. “People are focusing on the

situation in Syria because of what’s happening in Europe but actually you have the situation in Yemen, which is also very serious,” he said after the meeting, held during annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings. The United Nations expects hundreds of thousands of migrants to reach Europe this year as they flee war and poverty, the biggest wave of displaced people since World War Two. Expressions of support had come from Group of Seven countries and other European countries for the initiative, which could raise funds in the “double-digit billions” over five to 10 years, Ghanem stated. “The instability in the Middle East and North Africa is affecting the whole world, it’s not just through refugees, but also through terrorism, fluctuations in oil prices, so it is really the whole international community has an interest in containing this and in helping those countries regain stability and get back on a path of development and growth.” A working group will finalize details of the proposed fund raising, which would make resources available to other development agencies.

the Food Security Expo, he said: “ABUAD is established to change things for the better. We make things happen. We are equally here to set standards

and we are the first University in Nigeria to engage in this kind of venture. “We will not stop here. We will not stop thinking. We will be devising ways of improving. That is one of the essential elements of a modern university”,

he added In his remarks, Governor Fayose while commending Babalola for his immense contributions in all facets of human endeavours, also pledged to support the programme with N1 million annually.

L-R: Head, Banks Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, Oloruntimilehin George; Special Assistant to CBN Governor on Development Finance, Olatunde Akande, and Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc, Edwin Nzelu, at a workshop in Lagos, on Monday.

NAMA boss charges ATC on commitment to duties Olusegun Koiki

ir Traffic Controllers, ATC, have been tasked to show more commitment and dedication to duty in order to propel the industry forward. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital over the weekend during the ATC’s conference and annual general meeting held in the state. Statement by the Ag. General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona stated that NAMA was mak-

ing effort to revolutionise the nation’s Air Traffic Management, ATM, capacity. Abdulsalam noted that recent investments in projects like the Automatic Dependent Surveillance/Controller Pilot Data Link Communication, ADS-C/CPDLC, and the Kano Safe Tower would make for more effective management of the nation’s airspace in the overall interest of safety. He further expressed the agency’s commitment towards training and retraining of personnel, especially in the critical area of operations, stressing that it behoves on the ATC to consider safety over and above every other thing, in the dis-

charge of their duties. Besides, NAMA said it had inaugurated a safety audit committee to carry out periodic checks on its systems and navigational equipment at the nation’s airports, in line with requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO. Abdulsalam said the safety audit team, which was made of experienced and tested personnel would ensure that the entire agency’s equipment and systems received safety audit at regular intervals in order to further enhance seamless and uninterrupted air navigation service provision by the agency.

Top economies to fight corporate tax avoidance

he Group of 20 major economies have endorsed a package of measures to tackle corporate tax avoidance, but questions remain about whether countries will follow through on the plans or leave loopholes multinationals can exploit. G20 finance ministers agreed to back proposals drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which aim to shake up rules dating back almost a century that govern taxation of profits from international commerce.

The ministers reached the agreement against a backdrop of concern about weak economic growth, tight government finances and media reports on the tax structuring used by companies including Starbucks and Google that have spurred public anger in Europe and the United States in recent years over tax avoidance. “This is a reaction of people who cannot stand anymore that they pay their fair share of taxes, that they contribute to fiscal consolidation while companies,

especially multinationals, can avoid tax,” European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici told Reuters. The practise of so-called Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) has allowed companies to move profits out of the countries where money is earned and into jurisdictions such as Luxembourg, Ireland or Bermuda that do not tax them. The agreement endorsed by the G20 ministers late on Thursday aims to close the gaps in existing international rules.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Steel & Mining Industry

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG’s gas supply cut to Ghana to hamper mining activities Tola Akinmutimi

here are strong indications that the Federal Government’s plan to cut gas supply to Ghana over unpaid gas supply bills would hamper the latter’s industrial and mining sector activities in the months ahead, if not reversed. A source confirmed to National Mirror on Tuesday the measure would negatively impact on precious metals refining and other sold minerals activities in the country reputed to be one of the largest producers of gold globally The Federal Government had on Monday threatened to cut gas supply to Ghana’s power plants 100 million Ghanaian cedi indebtedness. A former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Volta River Authority, Dr. Charles Wireku-Brobbey, was quoted as saying that Nigeria’s decision to cut gas supply to Ghana’s Aboadze thermal plant is linked to his government’s default in settling its indebtedness to the Nigerian gas authorities. Wireku-Brobbey told a Ghanaian news medium that contrary to expectation, the constant power supply in the country was not dependent on the incoming power barges from Turkey. He said: “The problem for us not the arrival or non-arrival of the power barges. As we speak the government owes Nigeria over GHC100 million, which we are yet to settle, and that is the problem that should concern us.” Industry analysts say at the current rate, Ghana receives over 140 million standard cubic feet per day (scft/d) of gas from Nigeria which has greatly improved electricity supply in the country over the past few month weeks.

According to officials in Ghana, Nigeria is accused of breaching the agreement to supply gas to the country thereby worsening Ghana’s power supply. For instance, Communications Consultant at Ghana’s Energy Ministry Mr. Edward Bawa, had alleged that since the inception of the West African Gas Pipeline Project, Nigeria, had proven to be unreliable in its supply of gas to his country. “Since gas started flowing through the West African Gas Pipeline, Nigeria has demonstrated that they cannot be relied upon to give us gas,” he maintained. He said that while Nigeria was supposed to send 123 million cubic feet of gas to Ghana, it was only able to supply around 49 cubic feet, pointing out that quantity is “inadequate to enable us to power our generating plants.” Bawa said that Nigeria should be sanctioned for breaching the contractual agreement, noting that only this will serve to deter Nigeria from continually breaching the terms of the contract. He said, “The penalty, for the entire contractual period, if Nigeria fails to meet the supply requirement is $20 million dollars. That ispeanut to them so they do not have incentive to supply Ghana the required quantities of gas, especially when they have other thermal plants that are asking for gas. Simply they are just not respecting the contract.” Accordingly, Ghana’s power supply load shedding took a worsening turn as the Ghana Grid Company, (GRIDCO) said it may be compelled to reduce power supply to consumers further if Nigeria’s gas supply to the country continues to dwindle.

South African metal workers to tackle corruption, job losses

he National Union of Metalworkers of SA’s (NUMSA’s) promised to hit private and public sectors where it “hurts the most” when they embark on their much anticipated march on Wednesday. Numsa promised to hold the bull by its horns by marching against corruption and job losses. Speaking to reporters at the Numsa head office in Newtown, Johannesburg on Tuesday Karl Cloete said, “South Africa is in the vicious grip of worsening mass unemployment, retrenchments, deepening inequality and poverty.” Cloete added that working class communities have become a “war zones of violent crime,” and the march promises to be one of a kind.

He also said they are expecting thousands of workers to swamp the streets of Johannesburg. Cloete said they will be demanding the strengthening of anti-corruption laws such as domestic legislation and they will also demand the strengthening of the offices of the public protector and the office of the Auditor general among other things. The union also wants an investigation into possible lifestyle audits and how these will help fight corruption.

Workers are expected to start at Mary Fitzgerald square in Newtown; where they will march to Beyers Naude square. They will then proceed to the Chambers of mine to deliver the memorandum.

Mining sector

Mining, oil threaten natural world heritage sites –Report

early one in three natural world heritage sites are at risk of exploration for fossil fuel and mining, a report from the conservative charity WWF has found. The record high of 31% at risk is up from 24% last year. Natural world heritage sites are selected as the most important globally to conserve for reasons of natural beauty or significance, including game reserves, and unique natural features such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Some are home to species near extinction in the wild, including mountain gorillas, snow leopards and whales. Among those listed at risk are Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Malawi national park, Tanzania’s Selous reserve, Canada’s Wood Buffalo national park and the Danube delta in Romania. Together, world heritage sites currently cover less than 1% of the planet, but the number of designated sites is on the rise. However, more sites are now in areas that could be opened up to the extraction of oil, gas and mining for minerals and ores, according to the report published on Wednesday called Safeguarding Outstanding Natural Value, and written by WWF, Aviva Investors and Investec Asset Management. Of natural world heritage sites in Africa, more than six in ten are threatened with development. Not all of the sites judged to

be at risk are likely to be subject to exploration from fossil fuel or mining companies - many may be nearby to concessions for extraction, or at risk from the transport and infrastructure needed for such development. The investment companies that cowrote the report said that companies involved in developments that could have an impact on natural world heritage sites should be aware of the potential risks they are running. These risks include both potential financial implications, and more nebulous risks to their reputation, such as the threat that conservation groups will target them in future for their activities and any damage resulting from them. Earlier this week, the oil giant Shell pulled out of long term operations to drill for oil in the Arctic despite having sunk billions in the projects. The company found that the extraction was not economic, given the expenses involved with the technology required, but was also believed to have been stung by strong criticism from environmental groups, including Greenpeace, that have drawn attention to the potential risks from such extraction. Accordingly, companies and their investors were warned on Wednesday that there might be “too much risk for not enough reward” in some cases of exploration in natural world heritage sites.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Info Tech

Public private partnership critical for IT education sustenance –Experts In the face of dwindling revenue accruals into Nigerian governments’ accounts and the attendant negative implications for provision of social services in the country, the need for a well articulated investment strategy to drive IT education in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. Experts have identified the Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement as one of the options to surmount the challenge. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports: Isaiah Erhiawarien

n the emerging Internet of Things, a critical factor that will drive digital for the emerging markets like Nigeria, is sustained IT education but unfortunately, the high cost IT education and the pre-requisite skills need to drive however does not seems to be in abundance considering the size of the Nigeria population as well as its growing young population. Investigations revealed that most IT education providers are from the private sector of the economy, and indeed, until most recently bulk of IT education services in the country were provided by the Indians. That scenario has put the nation in a position whereby research in IT education is currently at its lowest ebb so that there is a quest for urgent partnership between the public and private sector of the IT education services provider. Latest report however, recently revealed that the nation may soon end that quest, if proposition from the Warehouse Group Plc., CWG, to manage one of the oldest education research institute in the country gets a nod from the Federal Government. The technology company said it has the capacity to operate the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) so as to enable it offer the appropriate shared IT infrastructure for tertiary institutions in the Nigeria, which the country needs to succeed to IT world. Speaking on the sideline of an ICT education conference, organised by the Nigerian Universities Commission, the American University of Nigeria and the Digital Promise Foundation the Chief Technology Officer of CWG, Mr. James Agada said that his company has been a provider IT service provider in Nigeria and Africa saying that its portfolio of expertise puts it a vantage position to manage the NgREN for the growth of IT education in the country.

Okere

Agada

Agada who spoke on the topic: “Using PPP to Advance ICT in Tertiary Education” at the 2015 education conference, in Abuja said that CWG can operate the NgREN and provide a high-performance computing facility that will provide world-class tools such as virtual laboratories, simulators and academic and research tools to users at an affordable cost. “This can be done at a fixed subscription fee per student per semester or on a pay per use basis for both students and the faculty of schools. We are already working on this model and look forward to the support of the NUC and the universities to make it a success.” According to him, the ability of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to generate useful knowledge depends on access to other repositories, access to tools, laboratories and an ability to work in an enabling ecosystem which technology has made accessible and affordable. He explained that IT solution tools like Google, Cousera and Authorea that are available today has made it possible to de-

mocratise access to an almost infinite pool of knowledge, tools, laboratories and collaborators without hindrances of time and distance. However, he said, “the cost of acquisition, operating, maintaining and upgrading ICT will make it difficult for Nigerian universities acting individually to achieve as much as they do not have the budget for anything beyond a modest investment in ICT.” He noted most universities are by nature and law not profit making organisations, so it is difficult for them to make these investments and hope to recoup. Agada observed that this is compounded by the fact that Government funding of the universities is continually hampered by the fast dwindling revenues stressing that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) option remains the only viable option for funding the higher utilisation of ICT for research and learning in tertiary institutions. He added that PPP can be made attractive for private organisations if they are allowed to build out and maintain the infrastructure and services while the university commu-

in Nigeria to generate useful knowledge depends on access to

other repositories, access to tools, laboratories and an ability to work in an enabling ecosystem which technology has made accessible and affordable

nity utilises the ICT infrastructure for research and learning within an established social and legal contexts. Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Julius Okojie expressed appreciation for the notable ideas proffered by CWG noting that finance and the absence of visionary leadership has been the bane of the adoption of technology in the education sector for development. “The prime objective of the conference organizers is a better and more effective teaching, learning, and research through ICT. So far we have been able to decide on some key resolutions and one of them is to strengthen our collaboration with technology services providers to provide quality IT services to universities at affordable rates. That is the greatest takeaway from this conference for me”, he said. Assessing the performance of IT education in the country so far, Chairman, Publicity, Events and Trade Services Committee, Nigerian Computer Society, Mr. Jide Awe said that it is important to form partnerships between the public and private sectors, which enables the country to meet developmental goals while facilitating the injection of private strengths as well as the improvement of public sector performance and practices. He said that the PPP in ICT for Development in Nigeria should be aggressively prioritised and supported adding that this is in view of the ability of an ICT enabled, globally competitive private sector to access new markets, generate new employment and economic opportunities, attract investment, promote innovation.

Info Tech

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GSM operators control 98.5% of Nigeria’s HP new Spectre hands-on mobile telephone market device Isaiah Erhiawarien

he Global System Mobile, GSM, operators in the mobile telephone market in Nigeria has consistently had a firm grab of the market since the deregulation of the sector as latest statistics showed that the operators are in control of 98.5 percent share market. National Mirror gathered from the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC that while that of the mobile CDMA, Code Division Multiple Access, share of the market is 1.4 per cent and fixed wireless 0.1 per cent. Analyst have attributed the dominance of the GSM operators in the mobile telephone market to the evolving technological advantage of the mobile GSM saying that although it was the CDMA that first entered the market, the GSM in a short took total control of the market.

P has its own Surface Pro clone that offers a lot of features for a pretty reasonable price. Like the Surface Pro line, HP thinks it has the answer for users who can only afford a Surface 3 but really want a Surface Pro 3. The Spectre 12 X2 features a 12inch, 10-point touch screen, active pen support, and a keyboard that attaches using magnets and even snaps onto the tablet to improve lap use. There’s a lot of key differences between the now displaced Surface Pro 3 and HP’s new Spectre though. The most important one is the CPU. The Spectre uses Intel’s latest Skylake-based Core m3 or Core m7 CPU. That should give it a leg up in battery life and acoustics and maybe even performance. HP’s Spectre 12 X2 is almost as cheap as the Surface 3, while offering features and performance more comparable to a Surface Pro 3. What makes the Spectre 12 X2 a Surface clone rather than a standard “2-in-1” or detachable. HP’s take and by the way, it is indeed HP as in “post-split, the

PC company will no longer be allowed to use the name HewlettPackard” HP on the kickstand is to use a U-shaped metal bracket. The kickstand itself requires you to slide a switch to pop it out, rather than just pulling it out like on a Surface. The kickstand on the Spectre 12 X2 folds back to 150 degrees and pops out with a switch. HP said it did this to mostly increase battery life; the U-shape means it doesn’t have to mill more material out of the back of the body. That maybe only 1 or 2 millimeters, but that extra space can be dedicated to more cooling or a bigger battery. For the record, the Surface Pro 3 is about 9.1mm thick and packs a 42.2 watt hour battery. The Spectre is 8mm and also packs a 42 watt hour battery. Battery life, the company said, is rated at 10 hours using the latest version of MobileMark 2014. That’s the gold standard for battery testing of a PC in a realisticproductivity test. The Spectre 12 X2 keyboard comes with the unit and connects using magnets. Despite it looking just like the Surface connector, HP said they’re not compatible.

Experts also believed that the fact that the roaming readiness is an advantage that the GSM has over the CDMA and as such cross the world it has 73 per cent of the worldwide market. Our investigation showed that within the first 10 years of the deregulation of the telecoms market in Nigeria all CDMA operators closed shop with only Visafone struggling to survive the stiff competition in the market. According to the President of Association License Telecommunications Communications, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi said that the GSM SIM card advantage that allows subscribers to change handset at will gives it an edge over the some CDMA operators. He added that although recent technology innovation such SIM backup may tried to knock off that advantage trends in the industry showed beside then fact the innovation came mush more late saying that it was introduced at a time when the CDMAs have closed

shop. For instance, in 2012, the 4,031,820 active lines recorded by the CDMA telcos as at February 2012, went down to 3,347,716, representing less than four per cent of the active market as at August 2012. Similarly, the number of fixed lines, which stood at 688,333 as at January 2012 declined to 488,088 by end of August 2012. For the first quarter of 2014, the total connected lines in Nigeria was 169 million telephone lines for the GSM, CDMA and the fixed wired/wireless lines operators. 127 million lines out of this figure were currently active. And out of this figure, the GSM operators connected 159 million lines and 124 million lines are currently active. The CDMA operators connected 7.6 million lines, while only 2.4 million lines remain active. The fixed wired/wireless operators connected 2.3 million lines with only 360,537 lines left active.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AIS Media Inc. Atlanta, USA, Mr.Thomas Harpointner; Managing Director, Webmall, Mr. Wole Faroun; and Director, Enterprise Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr.Lucas Dada at the Etisalat-sponsored Webmall Connect Commerce Conference 2015 in Lagos.

Samsung’s 4GB RAM device debuts in Nigeria Isaiah Erhiawarien

amsung Electronics has launched into the Nigeria smartphone market the first device to come loaded with 4GB of RAM. The device is the Galaxy Note 5, an addition to the Galaxy Note family. Blending an advanced S-Pen with superior viewing experience, the Galaxy Note 5 provides users with a unique and powerful mobile experience. The device was formally unveiled at a media launch, which took place in Lagos. Samsung has continued to improve the Note series with every new version crafted with metal and glass, the Galaxy Note

5 boasts a beautiful screen, suite of helpful productivity apps to accompany its super precise stylus, the S-Pen. Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said that “Smartphones have become so central to our lives; so has the demand for larger screens.” According to him, the first galaxy Note was a breakthrough, not just for Samsung but for the entire industry saying that “Bigger screens have gone from niceto-have to a must-have and the display once called a gimmick is now the norm. With the Note 5, our customers can achieve more with their devices, quickly write down ideas and notes at meetings

or wherever inspiration strikes, video conferencing with colleagues or family delivering an immersive viewing experience.” Director, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa Emmanouil Revmatas, said the company is aware that customers desire a big brilliant display but not a bulky device, causing them to choose between screen size and portability. “At Samsung, we did not think that was a choice our customers had to make. With the Note 5, they have a big display in a slimmer package. The Note 5 is an intuitive and efficient device; it is the Galaxy re-defined, re-imagined and re-designed,” Revmatas stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Government Technology

SAP tasks public, private sector on critical data Isaiah Erhiawarien

AP, an enterprise application software company has said that accurate data remained critical to the delivery of successful financial services in a highly populated country like Nigeria. The company also advised businesses within the financial services sector to adopt technology that is able to make risk and compliance less of a burden by integrating specialised systems and platforms that allow for accurate, real time and relevant information from decision makers. A statement by the company’s Managing Director, West Africa, Kudzai Danha, indicated that in the financial services industry, regularly updated, reliable, accurate and relevant information is a fundamental element, should the institution wish to retain its ‘going concern’ status. According to him, when operating in a country as vast and populous as Nigeria, with 173 million people spread across 36 states, accurate data are critical to the delivery of successful financial services. He bemoaned that many banks and insurance companies simply lack the expertise and skills required to fully utilise this information asset and don’t have efficient IT systems in place to capitalise on Big Data. Danha said that Nigeria remained a breeding ground for innovation and the Digital Economy offers incredible opportunities to Nigerian com-

panies for the large and small organisations to leapfrog the competition with innovation by equipping them with simple and relevant data which can drive digital transformation through informed business decision making. “With over 40 years in the industry, SAP has identified key areas where technology is able to make risk and compliance less of a burden by introducing various platforms and systems which are specifically designed for the financial services industry, including Simple Finance and S4/HANA which allows for accurate, real-time and relevant information for decision makers, ” said Danha. According to Deloitte 2015 Compliance Trends Survey fifty-nine percent of respondents stated that business leaders are only somewhat confident or not confident at all, that the IT systems the compliance department uses can fulfill the chief compliance officer’s reporting and responsibilities tasks. Also recent Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey of 208 risk management and compliance executives at retail, commercial and investment banks in 55 countries on six continents found that although there were a larger number of bankers utilising both the analysis and the sharing of big data, there remains a dire need for faster adoption of technology within the sector. The use of big data and associated analytics allow financial institutions access to updated and relevant information in real time.

Chief Executive Officer, CR2, Mr Franky Van Damme and Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe at the signing of agreement with CR2’s BankWorld Omni Channel Suite to manage Access Bank at Dublin, Ireland.

UK firm to open Africa’s operational base in Lagos

airwave Convergence International Pvt Limited, a UK based start-up consulting firm for cohesive management and technology strategies primarily in IT, Telecom and e-commerce sectors, has concluded plans to make Lagos its operational base for Africa.

Co-Founder, Fairwave, Ankur Shrivastava, said in a press statement that the company has interests, assignments or near maturing pitches in Central Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa saying that the company has given an interesting twist to start-up evolution combining social responsibility, environment consciousness and innovative business models for profitability.

“We are currently focusing in Africa due to two reasons of personal value to me, first is that Africa presents immense growth opportunity and the second is that we see a significant potential of driving positive change in the lives of common people, especially in the field of education, health and governance”, he said. He disclosed that the company is in advanced stages of closing deals in Nigerian telecom value chain and government organisations in the area of ICT adding that Fairwave also aspires to play a significant role in forming various technology policies that will bring efficiency and scale into the current system.

Another founder, Anuj Kumar, said current technological innovations are enabling solutions that touch lives as never before stressing that Fairwave has strong conviction that sustainable models like PPP are the way to go to ensure that innovation delivers value to the stakeholders. He also said that a wellthought and transparent ICT policy integrated with strong rural connectivity will bring a sustained positive change in society saying that the founders of Fairwave are well known leaders having played active role in the technology evolution of developing markets in Africa.

Financial Technology

Telcos worried over unutilised e-business potential in Nigeria

lthough there is a growing awareness about the e-commerce in Nigeria following the embrace of e-commerce solutions, yet the full potentials e-business model has yet to be fully appreciated. Managing Director, Webmall, Wole Faroun disclosed during a panel discussion at the Webmall Connect Commerce Conference 2015, sponsored Etisalat Nigeria. Faroun said the digital space offers SMEs and startup businesses numerous opportunities to grow and expand exponentially.

“Three years back, awareness and knowledge about eCommerce were not as high as it is today; now more people know about e-Commerce although the full potential of the e-business model has yet to be fully appreciated. e-Commerce offers huge potentials than we are benefiting now”, he said. Head of Enterprise Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo made this call while speaking on the ‘Role of Mobile Penetration in Online Commerce’ called on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startup businesses in the country to embrace the

electronic commerce model of business to boost their capacity and efficiency. He said startup businesses and SMEs would benefit immensely from having online presence because it is a cost effective and faster way to increase their reach. To underscore the huge opportunities in e-Commerce, Ladipo noted that out of the over 150 million active GSM lines in Nigeria, 89 million of the subscribers use the internet with 75 percent of these having access to the internet via mobile devices. “Having your businesses

on the digital space offers you lots of advantage; it reduces your overhead and increases your visibility and reach. At Etisalat, we are committed to offering quality of service both in voice and data, and to continuously provide solutions that help enterprises and startups grow and sustainable”, he said. He also said that as part of efforts aimed at encouraging SMEs to connect their businesses online, Etisalat offers affordable and fastest internet data service and voice service including the Close User Group (CUG) platform to bring

down cost on calls and data usage. Head, Business Development, Google Nigeria, Jola Aderemi-Makinde said she was delighted that more businesses in Nigeria are embracing digital applications, and assured Google’s continued commitment in this regard. “Our focus now is to help local businesses succeed online. There are different tools available to SMEs for them to achieve their business objectives. Startups and SMEs should take advantage of these tools to expand their businesses”, she noted.

Global News

Thursday, October 15, 2015

AB InBev wins over SABMiller at fifth attempt

he world’s two biggest brewers agreed on Tuesday to create a company making almost a third of the world’s beer after SABMiller (SAB.L) received an improved offer worth more than $100 billion from larger rival Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BR). If it goes through, the deal would rank in the top five mergers in corporate history and be the largest takeover of a UK company. The new group would bring together AB InBev’s Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona brands with SABMiller’s Peroni, Grolsch and Pilsner Urquell. For AB InBev it would also add more breweries in Latin America and Asia and crucially opens up new growth markets in Africa. Africa is expected to see a sharp jump in the legal drinking age population in coming years and a fast-growing middle class more willing to switch to lagers and ales from illegal brews. Having rejected four previous proposals, the break-

through came on Monday evening in the Mayfair offices of boutique firm Robey Warshaw, when AB InBev Chairman Olivier Goudet agreed to push up the price to a level acceptable for SABMiller. AB InBev said on Tuesday it would now pay 44 pounds in cash per SABMiller share, with a partial share and cash alternative valued at 39.03 pounds a share designed to appeal only to SABMiller’s two biggest shareholders, who together own nearly 41 percent of the company. The biggest shareholder, cigarette-maker Altria (MO.N) with a 26.6 percent stake, later said it was pleased with the deal, but South Africa said it would need to assess tax implications and could “in the extreme” try to block it. SABMiller said its board was prepared in principle to recommend the main cash offer to shareholders and has asked for a two-week extension to the UK-imposed deadline set for 1600 GMT on Wednesday for a formal bid to be made.

AB InBev Mexico President, Ricardo Tadeu is our Zone

The new deadline is Oct. 28. “We have written extensively on the attractions of (an ABI/SAB combination) since 2011 and continue to see major long-term benefits for ABI shareholders now,” said Canaccord Genuity analysts. For many observers this would be the final chapter of decades of consolidation in brewing. The big four, AB InBev, SABMiller, Heineken (HEIN.AS) and Carlsberg (CARLb.CO), are already present across the globe and brewing more than half of the world’s beer.

GE to sell $30 billion specialty finance business to Wells Fargo

eneral Electric Co (GE.N) took a big step on Tuesday in its plan to unload most of its financing operations, saying it has agreed to sell commercial lending and leasing businesses worth more than $30 billion to Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N). The U.S. conglomerate has now inked $126 billion in transactions -- more than half of its overall target -- since announcing in April it would seek to reduce its GE Capital financing business to less than 10 percent of earnings as it focuses more on industrial

GE engine

manufacturing. GE Capital accounted for 42 percent of the company’s profit in 2014. Only one remaining significant GE Capital business in the United States remains: its franchise finance unit, which has about $5.5 billion worth of assets. The ability to move fast on its U.S. transactions is critical because once those deals close, GE plans to apply to shed GE Capital’s regulatory designation as a Systemically Important Financial Institution, or SIFI, a label it gained after the 2008 financial crisis.

The sale to Wells, the price of which was not disclosed, involves three lines of business: commercial distribution finance, vendor finance and corporate finance. Commercial distribution finance offers lending to dealers and manufacturers of durable goods, such as boats, recreational vehicles and offroad vehicles. Vendor finance involves dealer networks for commercial equipment such as copiers, materials handling and construction machines. Corporate finance includes asset-based loans and equipment leasing to a range of midsize and larger companies. About 3,000 GE employees of the 3,500 in those businesses will shift to Wells through the deal, GE said. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, GE said. Reuters first reported last week that GE was nearing a deal to sell the massive portfolio of loans to Wells. Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse advised GE on the deal

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VW looks to cutbacks and electric cars to overcome scandal

olkswagen will cut investment plans at its biggest division by one billion euros ($1.1 billion) a year and step up development of electric vehicles, it said on Tuesday, as it battles to cope with the fallout from its cheating of diesel emissions tests. The German company also said it would speed up cost cutting at the VW division, its largest by revenues, and put only the latest and “best environmental technology” in diesel vehicles. Europe’s largest carmaker is battling the biggest business crisis in its 78-year history after admitting last month it installed software in diesel vehicles to deceive U.S. regulators about the

true level of their toxic emissions. The scandal has wiped about a quarter off its market value, forced out its long-time chief executive and rocked both the global car industry and the German economy. Germany’s ZEW think tank said on Tuesday its economic sentiment index had plummeted to its lowest level in a year, in part because of the uncertainty surrounding the auto industry, which employs more than 750,000 people in the country and is a major source of export income. Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he did not think Volkswagen’s (VOWG_p.DE) problems would do lasting damage to Europe’s largest economy, however.

Volkswagen car

Twitter announces layoffs as CEO Dorsey looks to revive growth

witter Inc (TWTR.N) will lay off up to 336 employees, or about 8 percent of its workforce, as co-founder Jack Dorsey readies to revive growth in the microblogging service provider’s user base in his second stint as chief executive. The layoffs, primarily in the company’s product and engineering functions, come a week after Dorsey took over as permanent CEO. (1.usa.gov/1Gbb31A) Shares of Twitter, which had about 4,100 employees globally as of June 30, rose as much as 6 percent in morning trading on Tuesday. “We feel strongly that engineering will move much faster with a smaller and nimbler team, while remaining the biggest percentage of our workforce,” Dorsey said in a letter to employees. “And the rest of the organization will be streamlined in parallel.” FBN Securities analyst Shebly Seyrafi, however, said the company needed to focus also on “rationalizing sales” along with engineering to achieve its margin targets. Dorsey, who took over as Twitter’s interim CEO in July after Dick Costolo resigned, has been candid about the company’s problems. Twitter’s second-quarter growth in average monthly users was the slowest since the com-

pany went public on Nov. 7, 2013. Its stock nearly tripled to a record high of $74.73 in December 2013, but has fallen about 60 percent since. “The general thinking is that Twitter has a product problem, which is why they picked Jack to come in. You would normally not be cutting in engineering if you have a product problem. So I scratched my head a little bit on that,” Seyrafi told Reuters. Since Dorsey took over as CEO for the second time, Twitter has rolled out a “buy now” button that allows users to make purchases and a feature that highlights the best tweets and content. The company said it expected about $10 million-$20 million in severance costs and $5 million-$15 million in restructuring charges. Twitter expects to record most of these pretax restructuring charges in the fourth quarter.

Dorsey

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Brands & Marketing

Consumer electronics makers defining future with new technologies How fast brands and technologies are changing how we live is now an understatement, but in truth we are living in our future. DAVID AUDU writes.

or many adults around the world who were born in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, growing up was indeed fun as it conjures a lot of memories. The era was famous for the advent and influx of science fiction books and movies on the global entertainment landscape. This genre of fiction also referred in some quarters as Sci-Fi or SF often tells stories about science and technology of the future. With a plot that creates situations different from those of both the present day and the known past dominated by pop culture of the time and necessitating the viewing audience to seek to own the amazing gadgets and technologies exhibited in the motion pictures and literatures. In Nigeria, science fiction TV miniseries like Doctor Who, Star Trek, Galactica 1980 and Terrahawks dominated the TV screens during this period; also, in the ‘90s X-Files, Stargate-1 joined the growing ranks of miniseries that were keeping viewers glued to their small screens. The ability of science fiction to allegorize present day problems, combined with the inclusion of fantastic technology has made the genre popular and one would not look far to see the impact that science fiction stories have had on society. Analyzing past predictions of future scientific advances as well as examining the performance of tech companies in fulfilling these modern prophecies, it is apparent that they have contributed immensely to bringing humanity their fantasies. The biggest change to life in the 21st century has been the invention and rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets. Predicted by famed inventor, Nikola Tesla, as far back as 1926, smartphones and tablets have revolutionized the way that we consume media, communicate and even think. The iPhone kicked the digital era into high gear when it was first released in 2007. The following years saw constituent smartphone technology grow by leaps and bounds, with the devices improving dramatically in a short period of time. Coupled with the increased capabilities of smartphones, their rapidly dropping price led to sales of over 1.2 billion units in 2014 alone, up 28 per cent over 2013. The expanding reach of smartphones is helping increase global connectivity and creating more value for the app market, opening up new revenue streams. These apps have also made smartphones into the center of our lives. Among others, one of the leading tech company spearheading these tech revolutions is LG Electronics with its plethora of

Modern home electronics products

COUPLED WITH THE INCREASED CAPABILITIES OF SMARTPHONES, THEIR RAPIDLY DROPPING PRICE LED TO SALES OF OVER 1.2 BILLION UNITS IN 2014 ALONE, UP 28 PER CENT OVER 2013 future-looking, sweeping, propulsive and enterprising products. Speaking to National Mirror recently, General Manager, Home Entertainment division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Steve Ryu, remarked: “We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market,” “In the television category, these nextgeneration display technologies and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm come with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed, he quipped. While firms are expected to constantly push the boundaries of technological innovation in order to stay a step ahead of their competition, despite the success that previous products may have enjoyed, consumers are constantly asking, “what have you done for me lately?”, On a closer look, one will find that the technology we enjoy today often surpasses even the most fantastic predictions of science fiction in the past. While we may lack interstellar travel and household robots, advances in smart technology and the growing prevalence of IoT devices has given us a 2015 that past writers and filmmakers would never have thought possible. Besides, at the rate we are moving, home-grown clones and vacations on Mars really don’t seem that far off. As Ryu explained, perhaps more than in any other industries, technology companies cannot afford to rest on their laurels. LG noted that when TVs first started to appear in households, their lack of so-

phistication and the fact that there were only several channels to choose from meant that viewers didn’t need a complicated control interface to get the most out of their new devices. However, as the capabilities of televisions grew, remote controls did not evolve with them. This led to sci-fi visions of a future where people interacted with their devices through thoughts and intuitive movements. “As LG entered the smart TV market, the company sought to create an interface that allowed users to get the most out of their TVs but also kept them from being overwhelmed at the sheer number of choices that were now available. This ultimately gave birth to webOS, an operating system, and revolutionary magic remote that eliminates the difficulty of operating smart TVs and makes the complicated simple. “The remote features hotkeys for streamlined navigation to preset favorites which allow the user to select content simply by gliding the cursor across the screen like a PC mouse. A marketing expert conversant with electronics, John Ojiogu, affirmed thaþ the LG smart TV’s menu is fully customizable and the futuristic remote brings out the best of LG’s webOS 2.0 operating system. In fact, the way we do this now will likely not be too different from how it is done in the future. Certainly new methods of heat dispersal and heat generation can be invented, but the premise of heating and air-conditioning will likely be the same. According to Ryu, LG is committed to

continually improving its air and water heating systems as well as its air conditioning technology. The company’s 4th generation Inverter Compressor that is found in the Multi V series of HVAC solutions is an excellent example of the tangible progress LG has made. He said the company recently introduced the Dual Door-In-Door Refrigerator; by implementing two Doorin-Door™ compartments, LG’s new refrigerator doubles convenience and allows for greater food organization. The right Door-in-Door™ compartment is accessible from the outside with the simple push of a button allowing it to be used as a ‘family space’. “This ingenious feature makes frequently-used items like snacks, drinks and lunches easily accessible for the whole family. The left Door-in-Door™ compartment can be opened by a handle at the bottom of the door and serves as a designated ‘cooking space’, ideal for storing essential cooking ingredients such as previously prepared vegetables, condiments and sauces. Though there is certainly a niche market for retro technology, the vast majority of consumers make purchases based on how devices stack up against one another and are willing to switch brands if necessary. Consumers are constantly looking for the next big thing, and it will be important for LG to continue its heavy investment in research and development in order for the company to continue releasing competitive products, said Ryu. According to Ryu, “firms are rewarded for innovation, not imitation. If LG hopes to remain one of the top electronics companies in the world, it will have to retain its current consumers and create dynamic products that are capable of winning over rival customers. Given the technology that existed when the series was made, this is understandable, but it is becoming clear that OLED technology has the potential to outdo the Enterprise’s view screen in ways that series creator Gene Roddenberry never even thought possible. Sure, he got the wall mounted large screen right, but beyond the general idea, he did not account for OLED concepts like wallpaper model, and did not anticipate that such sophisticated technology could look normal in any setting. Clearly the average LG OLED TV blends into a realistic setting far better than the décor present on the Enterprise’s Bridge.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Philips opens BrandShop in Nigeria DAVID AUDU

oyal Philips has unveiled its first BrandedShop in Lagos and the shop is also the first of Philips brand shop in Africa and is part of plans to expand consumer touch points. General Manager, Personal Health West Africa, Mrs. ChiomaNweke, said that the brand shop would provide destination for consumers to interact with Philips’ products. She noted that Philips is committed to touching three billion lives by 2020 through innovative products that matter to people. She said, “We are excited to unveil the first Philips brand shop in Africa where we can showcase these innovations and Nigerians can have full access to appliances that would help them achieve healthier lifestyles. The Brand Shop, with its attractive design is located at

Road 2, Ikota Shopping Complex, Ajah Roundabout. It is truly a one-stop location that boasts a wide array of original Philips products from the No.1 brand in Airfryer to mother and child care products and even home lighting. On the heel of the Philips ‘Buy Original Campaign’, this will ensure that consumers can have peace of mind when purchasing original Philips appliances which come with a 2-Year Warranty and seal of quality. Also, to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month, Ms. Kate Okeke, BDM Diagnostic X-ray, Health Care divisionfurther explained the importance of healthy eating to boost the immune system thereby keeping the risk of breast cancer as low as possible. Staying at a healthy weight, staying active throughout life, and eating a healthy diet may greatly reduce a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer as overweight women

have an increase risk after menopause’’ To supplement a healthy lifestyle, women should perform breast self-exam starting in their 20s; and clinical breast exam every three years in their 20s and 30s and annually after 40.Yearly mammograms should be done starting at age 40 and at age 30 for women with high risk. This is continued for as long as a woman is in good health. Mr. ImeUmoh, MD, Philips Health Tech West Africa noted that Philips was committed to Nigeria and will be expanding more consumer touch points to ensure that many consumers get to experience the original promise of the brand. Renowned Actress, Bimbo Akintola was also present at the ceremony to support the brand. Chef Paul, who has worked with the Philips Arifryer for over three years was on hand to demonstrate several delicious dishes with Philips kitchen appliances

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expert discusses social marketing issues at ADVAN Awards DAVID AUDU

hief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ikpoki is expected to speak at the 2015 Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, Marketing Excellence Award on the theme ‘Unlocking Growth through Sustainability/Social Impact Marketing”. The event, which to be attended by Chief Executive Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, heads of government/ regulatory bodies, CEOs of Top Media Organisations and heads of advertising agencies in Nigeria would hold on October 30, 2015 at Muson centre, Lagos Island, Lagos. Highlighting the essence of the awards in the marketing industry, the ADVAN’s Executive Secretary, Ediri Ose-Ediale said, “The objective of the ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence is to recognize organisations that have achieved outstanding results through initiatives that demonstrate

Lafarge, Mr. Bigg’s, Nestle support 2015 BJAN CSR summit

L-R: Business Development Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Olumide Ojo; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu; Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye and Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, during the launch of Galaxy Note at Nike Art Gallery, in Lekki, Lagos, yesterday.

Firm introduces new perfumes into Nigerian market DAVID AUDU

aroc Distribution Nigeria Limited, a brand and sales company, has introduced the DENIM range of fragrance, comprrised of body spray, aftershave and shower gel, specially made for men into the Nigerian deodorant market. General Manager, Daroc Distribution Nigeria Limited, which is also a member of Rocco Global FZC with headquarters in London, Mr. Bashir Jaber disclosed that the DENIM range of fragrance was specifically manufactured as a unique male brand for those who desire a distinct and long lasting fragrance. “We are very pleased to formally introduce the DENIM range of personal care prod-

ucts to the Nigerian consumers. DENIM is a globally acclaimed brand offering the best quality that meets and surpasses consumers’ expectations,” he said. Jaber disclosed that the DENIM Deodorant Body Spray is available in Nigeria in different variants, namely, DENIM Original, Black, Illusion, Raw Passion, River, Musk and Desire. While the aftershave is available in the brands above. He stressed further that DENIM brand is now considered as a complete personal care line, ranging from fragrances to shaving products designed to empower men who are comfortable in their own skin. Speaking on the distribution network for the DENIM brand in Nigeria, Jaber revealed that the distribution strategy is to

ensure that DENIM is available at every consumer touchpoints and point of purchase to ensure that target consumers can get to buy the product across any part of the country. He further stated that DENIM is currently available in key Modern Trade channels-shopping mall- Major Supermarket, Retail Stores and select Neighbourhood Stores Pan-Nigeria at affordable and competitive recommended retail prices. He also said that the company will hold a launch party for DENIM by October ending in Lagos. He announced that Nigerian leading music stars Davido and Kiss Daniel will be performing live at the event expected to be attended by Celebrities, VVIPs as well as consumers.

innovative marketing strategies and execution.” The awards has evolved over the years in response to new developments in marketing theory and practice, to reflect the growing appreciation of the critical role of marketing as the vital source of value creation for business, said Ose-Ediale. While speaking on the choice of theme for the ADVAN 2015 awards, the Chief Executive Officer of Web Talent, Mike Canerelli said “rather than emphasizing the organization’s occasional donations, community building projects or charitable events, a social impact strategy should focus on the company’s day-to-day contributions.” According to Canerelli “Social impact strategies are designed to improve an organization’s overall mission -- not just its brand identity. They serve as concrete and measurable plans that have quantifiable business outcomes and definitive societal impacts.”

n the effort to promote corporate social responsibility initiatives in the country, cement manufacturer, Lafarge WAPCO Plc, a leading fast moving consumer goods, (FMCG) company, Nestle Plc, and quick service restaurant, UAC Restaurants, operators of Mr. Bigg’s have thrown their weight behind the Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria, BJAN, 2015 annual conference scheduled to hold between November 19 to 21 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. With the theme: “Challenges and Prospects of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, in Nigeria- the Roles of Organisations, Government and the Media”, the conference will feature seasoned industry practioners who will gather

August conference to profer solutions to the growing need for CSR sustainability in Nigeria. Speaking on the conference, president of BJAN, Mr. Goddie Ofose, said the 3rd BJAN conference has been designed as part of efforts to, among other things provide platform for discussion on serious issues, engender opportunities for bonding between brand journalists’ and the private sector as well as other critical stakeholders. He explained further that the conference will also provide refreshers for brand writers on critical and emerging issues in global sustainability as well as affording brand writers the opportunity of sharing ideas with stakeholders in the industry.

Etisalat rewards customers in GEM promo

elecommunications firm, Etisalat Nigeria, has rewarded its valued customers with exciting incentives, in appreciation of their continued loyalty to the brand. Customers were rewarded with smart phones such as Samsung S6 Edge and iphone 6. In addition, there will also be discounted flights and holiday deals, free movie tickets, invites to exclusive events, free data as well as free minute calls and SMS on customer’s birthday. The rewards also include free incoming calls while roaming in top destinations, among other incentives. Speaking about the rewards, Director, Consumer Segment of Etisalat Nigeria, WoleRawa, said as it is in other services, consumers of telecom services want to be well ap-

preciated for their continued loyalty, and Etisalat is delighted to be at the forefront of rewarding its customers for their loyalty at all times. “At Etisalat, we are committed to continuously rewarding our customers for their patronage and loyalty. For us, the customer is our major focus and the reason for our being; the place of our valued customer as kings is sacrosanct, “he said. The loyalty programme is another innovative way Etisalat rewards its high value customers who attain a predefined threshold of N120, 000 and above in usage of Etisalat voice and data services over a period of 12 months. In order to be eligible for any of these rewards and more, you will need to spend over N120,000 cumulatively in 12 months on your Etisalat line.

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Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Goldberg fetes consumers at Ojude Oba festival DAVID AUDU

s Ijebu indigenes and tourists from all over the world attended the cultural festival reputed to be one of the biggest of its kind in West Africa, Goldberg beer, from Nigerian Breweries Plc, celebrated the sons of daughters of Ijebu land on the occasion of the 2015 Ojude Oba. Apart from showing support for the landmark event that evokes cultural aesthetics and celebration forindigenes, Goldberg also put up a 10-day Beer Village for the enjoyment of the consumers. The Beer Village provided a serene and relaxing ambience for consumers who had fun with their friends and family for the ten-day period. The climax of activities at the Beer Villagewhich coincided with the grand finale of the Ojude Oba festival was a raffle draw as Goldberg consumers went home with several prizes. Speaking at the festival, Goldberg Brand Manager, Mfon Bassey show-

ered encomium on the people of Ijebu land to embrace the cultural values of the festival which has become a yearly traditional activity that the indigenes of Ijebu-land and tourists from other places look forward to simply because of its rich cultural heritage. He stated that “the Ojude Oba festival is an annual festival held to celebrate religious tolerance that has prevailed in Ijebuland for over two centuries. The festival is not all about equestrian display, parade of culture and tradition, merry making and fun fare, it provides the Ijebu nation the opportunity to take stock, embark of self-help projects, reunite with family members and acquaintances, and supplicate to the Almighty God”. The festival also boosts commerce and trade in its entirety as commercial and trading activities are at their pick during the festival. The festival touches every spectrum of life in Ijebuland. All the facilities- hotels, restaurants, artisans, craftsmen, transporters, professionals, market women

and men, etc. are fully engaged with several multiplier effects. In the same vein, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem said Nigerian Breweries is associating with the age long Ojude Oba festival with the Goldberg brand to give consumers the wonderful experience of a life time. He said the brand’s beer village at the Dipo Dina stadium created a platform for locals and tourists to enjoy Goldberg Lager Beer amid the fun fare of a musical carnival. “Nigerian Breweries is very proud to be associated with a carnival of this magnitude that brings thousands of indigenes, tourists and guests from all walks of life to the historical city every year. As the foremost brewery in the country, it delights us to sponsor this year’s carnival and also participate in the cultural parade that equally serves as a distinctive platform to reconnect with the values that sustain the rich cultural heritage and the uniqueness of the Ijebu people”, Ekanem said.

L-R: Events and Promotion Manager, Yojus Fruit Drink, Adedotun Adelaja and Brand Manager, Yojus Fruit Drink, Foluke Makinde at Yojus “Painting Star Contest” Press Event sponsored by Ranona Limited, in Lagos on Tuesday.

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

Marketers: What’s “App” with Your Brand?

pp, short for application, is a self-contained programme or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device. Most smart phones and tablets have preloaded apps, and many more are available for free download or to purchase. The most popular apps include games, news, weather and social media apps. Marketers recognise the app arena as an important place to be, but simply having an app presence is not enough. There’s a need to understand the impact apps can have on a brand. In other words, if we think of apps as a new form of “creative,” how do we ensure that an app makes a positive impression on its intended audience? It is also important to understand that when working with apps, the rules of engagement are different. Although the basic principle remains the same—brands want to interact with consumers where they are, and where they’re spending their time—how this is approached with apps needs to be different. The relationship we have developed with our phones is unique and intimate. Mobile has become a very personal space of which we’re extremely

protective. And as smartphones become ever more capable, our reliance on this relationship grows. In a recent Millward Brown studythat explored our interactions with mobile devices, one participant noted, “I take my smartphone everywhere. Life collapses if I forget it.” A bit extreme? Perhaps. But the fact is, year on year we are spending increasingly more time with our mobile devices and less time with TV, radio, and print. Going forward, this relationship is only going to strengthen. And in Nigeria, the relationship with your mobile is even more complicated as typically, people have multiple lines and phones. Many of us know kids who are more adept at using a smartphone than their parents, and babies who swipe at a TV screen wondering why it doesn’t move. To the young (and increasingly restless), mobile is already second nature. So my question today is, do brand managers understand the mobile world of their users and how to best leverage apps for their brands? Your thoughts are valuable - please share them with me michael.umogun@ millwardbrand.com + 234 802 311 7969 / + 234 809 023 5545.

Brand X-Ray

UK Universities top destination for Nobel winners DAVID AUDU

s the Nobel Institute released the names of the 2015 Nobel Prize winners last week, a study of past Nobel winners by the British Council has revealed that 38 per cent of Nobel Laureates who studied at universities abroad, studied in the United Kingdom, UK. Dr. Jo Beall, British Council Director of Education and Society, said; “The British Council celebrates UK alumni, and without question, Nobel Laureates have changed the world. Their journeys would have begun with their studies at university, so it’s wonderful to discover that for Nobel Laureates who went abroad to pursue their education, more studied in the UK than anywhere else. “Our global reputation for educa-

tion excellence has long attracted the most ambitious people from across the world. Today there are almost five hundred thousand international students studying at UK universities and it’s thrilling to imagine what they will go to achieve and which of them could be future Nobel Laureates; with their experience here as a springboard to that.” He said Eight hundred and sixty (860) individuals have received the Nobel Prize since the first prize was awarded in 1901. Of the winners, 131 had studied at an overseas university for some or all of their higher education. Fifty out of those 131 or 38 per cent of international students had studied in the UK, compared to 37 or 28 per cent who had studied in the USA, and 23 or 18 per cent who had studied in Germany.

In 2013-14, there were 493,570 international students studying in UK universities, and the 2015 British Council Student Insight Survey found that the UK’s quality of education, having an internationally recognised qualification, career prospects and the university reputation were the four chief factors currently attracting students to the UK. The Swedish Nobel Institute began awarding prizes in 1901 recognising outstanding contributions in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine or Physiology, Literature and Peace. In 1968 the Nobel memorial prize in economic sciences was established by Sveriges Riksbank, the central bank of Sweden, for contributions to the field of Economics. The most recent Nobel Prize winner who had studied in the UK as an overseas student is Randy Schek-

man, an American cell biologist who won the 2013 prize for Physiology or Medicine. While an undergraduate, Schekman spent his third year studying at the University of Edinburgh. Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Sir Timothy O’Shea, said “I am confident that you will find many of the next generation of Nobel Laureates studying in the UK today. The continued pursuit of excellence in the research we undertake here at the University of Edinburgh, and at other top universities across the country, will ensure that future Nobel Laureates are attracted. International students play a huge part in making the vibrant, innovative and diverse community at The University of Edinburgh. This research by the British Council affirms the transformative effect that learning in other countries and cultures has -

and it is our ambition to offer all our students an international learning experience”. The UK university that has hosted the most international students who went on to win Nobel Prizes is the University of Cambridge (18 Laureates), followed by the University of Oxford (11), and the London School of Economics (five). The most common Nobel Prize for UK alumni was Medicine or Physiology, with 17 winners. Eight UK alumni won prizes for Physics, eight for Chemistry, seven for Economics, five for Literature and five for Peace. There have also been 91 British winners of the prize, since 1901. The University of Cambridge again dominates, having taught 48 British students who went on to win Nobel Prizes, followed by the University of Oxford with 17, and the University of Manchester, who taught seven.

Insight

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel supply: DPR, PPMC

or about two months, Nigerians were subjected to severe fuel scarcity, characterised by untold illegalities such as long queues, higher prices, pump manipulation, diversion and black market sales. At the peak of the crisis, petrol sold at between N130 and N400 per litre in Lagos and other parts of the nation. The situation was the same at black markets where operators had a field day in most of the outlets, particularly as petrol attendants preferred to sell to them in jerry cans for negotiated cash payback. At the road sides near the filling stations, racketeers were selling10 litre kegs at N2, 000 while a five litre keg was sold at about N1, 200, depending on the location within the metropolis. It took the intervention of some stakeholders, especially the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that pumped additional supplies to the domestic market to tackle the scarcity. The officials who visited many filling stations in Abuja noted that as supplier of last resort, the corporation made positive impact. The disclosure that its downstream subsidiary, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) had 1.1billion litres stock level, representing 27 days sufficiency assisted to end the scarcity. With this and other promises, consumers thought the long era of their exploitation would soon come to an end. But they were mistaken. A market survey showed that many marketers still exploit the masses, especially in the outskirts of the cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Bayelsa states. Some of them who preferred not to be named maintained that they got supplies during the era of high fuel prices. They indicated that the old stocks had to be sold at high prices to enable them recover funds invested into their businesses. But a visit to some depots, including Mossimi showed that there was no justification for many marketers to exploit the masses through the perpetuation of illegalities. First, it was reliably learnt that marketers had sold out all old stocks because of high demand for the product. Second, the pump price of petrol that used to be in excess of N90 has since dropped to N77.66 per litre. This, including margins that are allowed by the Federal Government have increased the per litre price to N87. A top official of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) who preferred not to be named, maintained that the profits and other margins of stakeholders have been factored into the price. “There are no reasons for any marketer to sell at arbitrary prices because at the current price of N87 per litre of fuel, every operator can recover costs and make reasonable profit. The government that seeks to sustain the current fuel subsidy is strongly opposed to any forms of exploitation. We are aware that the Department of Petroleum Resources has initiated efforts targeted at tackling the

Nigerians are expected to heave a sigh of relief following the end of the nation’s prolonged fuel scarcity. But UDEME AKPAN reports that many marketers continue to perpetuate illegalities despite the repeated warnings of agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources, sealing a filling station for selling petrol above the official pump price, in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN unacceptable situation,” he maintained. Expectedly, the DPR, has cautioned oil marketers against buying or selling petroleum products above governmarket survey showed that many ment regulated prices. The warning is contained in a statement signed by Mr. marketers still exploit the masses George Ene-Ita, DPR Deputy Manager, Communications. According to the especially in the outskirts of the cities statement, the warning stemmed from such as agos buja ort arcourt the persistent sharp practices in the petroleum products supply chain with and ayelsa states regards to the official pump price of products. “Dealers in petroleum products who are either sellers or buyers are hereby warned against buying or selling above the government regulated prices. past without much impact. keter said. Unlicensed third party buyers that opResponding, Mudei had charged the A few weeks ago, the representative erate outside of the Petroleum Products of the director of the agency, Mr. Ahmed major and independent marketers to reMarketing Company, Depots and Petro- Mudei, said at a crucial engagement with port in writing so that the agency can inleum Pricing Marketers Association of marketers that DPR was not aware of the tervene accordingly. He maintained that Nigeria (DAPPMA) and Major Oil Mar- long list of excuses they put forward to it is illegal for marketers to use excuses keters Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) justify high prices. Before then, the oil as the reasons for exploiting the poor are hereby warned to desist or face the marketers had argued that it was not pos- masses, thus defeating government efwrath of the law,” it said. sible for them to sell petrol at N87 Federal forts to provide fuel at a regulated price The statement warned marketers to Government regulated price as they lift- to the general public. desist from illegal diversion of the prod- ed it at N95 per litre from the depots. “Some marketers have consistently “This is the sad reality of the situa- flouted government’s directives by sellucts. It said that any marketer caught diverting petroleum products would either tion; showing that there is no way con- ing above ex-depot price which in turn be fined N200 per litre or prosecuted. But sumers can get the product at N87 per li- translates to higher prices at the pump. there are strong indications that such tre official price of the government. The The meeting is therefore convened to warnings might have fallen on deaf ears, price has to be high because we have to reiterate the resolve of the Department especially the ill-equipped department make profit after spending so much and of Petroleum Resources to ensure that and others had issued such threats in the queuing for weeks at the depots,” a mar- henceforth, the DPR would not allow a

,A B

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Insight

Thursday, October 15, 2015

battle erring marketers situation whereby supply of PMS is dictated by the private interests of marketers and dealers to the detriment of the Nigerian public, neither will the department condone any act of selling PMS above official pump price in government licensed facilities under any guise whatsoever. “We therefore once more caution those of you who still engage in the practice of selling PMS and DPK above government stipulated prices or who engage in acts of hoarding of these products, to desist from it in the interest of the public, the economy and your petroleum business. We wish to remind you that the DPR is capable of activating all conditions that may lead to the denial of any marketer from further participation in the PSF scheme and the withdrawal of licenses of a facility, “he said Besides DPR, the NNPC had also issued similar warning that henceforth any oil marketer found to be involved in products diversion will have its Bulk Purchase Agreement with its mid-stream subsidiary, the PPMC revoked. The warning was issued in the face of persistent tightness of supply being experienced in the country despite huge load-outs from PPMC depots by both major and independent marketers, a situation that has been traced to diversion. The NNPC indicated that PPMC had revoked the lifting license (Bulk Purchase Agreement) of three independent marketers for engaging in products diversion and sundry infractions. The affected marketers are Funo Alfa, Organiser West Africa, and Rich Oil. The sanction is with immediate effect. It warned marketers to desist from products diversion, hoarding, and any other form of sharp practices as it would not hesitate to wield the big stick against any marketer found wanting, adding that it is closely monitoring the market and that the withdrawal of lifting licenses of erring marketers is a continuous exercise. These and other measures would not likely bring the desired succour without the construction of new refineries to expand the nation’s current 445,000 barrels per day capacity of its four plants. The Executive Secretary of Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Mr. Olufemi Adewole, maintained that building new refineries remains a lasting solution to the nation’s fuel challenge. He indicated that oil marketers are not opposed to investing in refineries but are being constrained by many challenges that abound in the sector. “It is not that marketers are not willing to construct new refineries in the nation. The truth is that the environment does not encourage investment in the sector. The Federal Government had in the past issued licenses to investors to build refineries. But none of them did so. That shows that there is something wrong with the sector that affects the construction of the refineries.” “For instance, it is wrong for the government to peg the prices of some petroleum products, including petrol

NNPC GMD, Ibe Kachikwu

Building new refineries remains a lasting solution to the nation’s

er. Second, there are other challenges, including distribution issues as a result of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in virtually all parts of the nation. Third, there is the problem of inadequate and unstable power supply,” he added. Despite the severity of issues, stakeholders believe that the problems are not insurmountable. Almost all parties, including marketers are optimistic that they can be tackled and eliminated. But the Federal Government should have the political will to address these and other problems that stare the sector in the face. The government should ensure it makes consistent policies which cannot be reversed. The oil theft and pipeline vandalism should be tackled to pave the way for seamless distribution of products. The government and other stakeholders should work toward ensuring that there is serious improvement in power generation, transmission and distribution in the nation. This is said to be desirable in order to release commercial quantities of fuel which consumers currently utilise to fuel private generators in homes, industries and offices nationwide

for other applications. National Mirror investigations showed that the task of finding lasting solutions to the nation’s fuel challenge should not be left for marketers and government alone. It is against this backdrop that the Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, Mr. Bala Zaka, mooted that others, especially the legislators should assist to pass the nation’s Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law without further delay. He maintained that the eventual passage of the PIB into law would culminate in increased inflow of domestic and foreign investments into many sectors, including refining and distribution of petroleum products. This means that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration needs not only the right policies and competencies of officials, but also the support and contributions of others, especially legislators, financiers and labour. From all indications, all stakeholders need to act fast, knowing that the entire world is waiting to see how the various challenges that affect adequate fuel supply in the leading oil and gas producing nation would be tackled.

fuel challenge and expect investors to stake resources in the sector. They would not invest because they believe that the forces of demand and supply should be allowed to determine prices in order to enable them recover their investments. This is imperative because they should be able to break even after about five – seven years. Even the banks would not fund the investments because they expect to get their monies back. “There are many challenges. First, there is the problem of inconsistent government policies. One administration can emerge with a new policy which could be reversed by anoth-

Motorists on queue waiting to buy fuel

Officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources, checking conformity with official pump price of petrol, at a filling station in Jos, recently. PHOTO: NAN

Cocktail

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Oddities

Student sorry, ashamed for cheese meltdown

University of Connecticut student, Luke Gatti, who went on an obscenity-laced tirade against food service workers when they refused to sell him jalapeno-bacon macaroni and cheese has apologised. Gatti acknowledged in a 2 1/2-minute video posted online that he was drunk and said he was ashamed of his behavior. The 19-year-old freshman from Bayville, New York, was due in court Tues-

day on charges of breach of peace and criminal trespass stemming from his October 4 outburst at the university’s student union food court in Storrs, where the university is based. His mac and cheese meltdown was captured on video and has been widely viewed online. Police and Food Service Supervisor, Dave Robinson, said Gatti was refused service because he was carrying an open alcohol container.

Church donates to pizza driver

n Ohio church congregation ordered a pizza from Domino’s during a service, then tipped the driver more than $1, 000 that had been collected for the offering. The driver brought the $5.99 pizza to Sycamore Creek Church in Pickerington in suburban Columbus. The Rev. Steve Markle brought her onstage and asked her the biggest tip she had ever

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received. She said about $10. That was when Markle told her the teaching at the church had been about generosity so the congregation had taken up an offering for the driver. She broke into tears. Reports said that the congregation was wrapping up a sermon series on “I was Broke. Now I’m Not.” The church draws about 500 to 600 people each week.

Oregon man wins ‘plumpiest pumpkin’ prize

rippled white whopper weighing in at 1, 969 pounds, Steve Daletas, took the title for plumpest pumpkin at an annual San Francisco Bay Area contest. Growers gathered with their gargantuan offerings to try to break the world record of 2,323 pounds, which was set by a Swiss grower during a competition in Germany last year. It didn’t happen. But the winning entry at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, was no small feat. Daletas of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, won $12, 000 for his lumpy, 1, 969-pound pumpkin. “It’s been a good year,” Daletas said after the contest. “I’ve never grown an official 1, 900-pound pumpkin before,” he added. Forklifts and special harnesses carefully placed the

massive pumpkins on an industrial-strength digital scale with a capacity of 5 tons as officials from the county agricultural commissioner’s Office of Weights, Sealers, and Measures kept close watch. Second place went to Ron

and Karen Root of Citrus Heights, California, for their 1,806-pound entry. A $500 prize also was awarded to the “most beautiful” pumpkin based on color, shape and size. With California in its fourth year of drought, some

Steve Daletas ‘wheeling’ his pumpkin at the championship

said the dry soil deflated their pumpkin-growing dreams. “No doubt about it,” the 2013 winner, Gary Miller of Napa, who entered a 1, 303-pound pumpkin, said yesterday.

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Capital Market

Thursday, October 15, 2015

SEC commences crowd funding framework Johnson Okanlawon

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has commenced the development of a regulatory framework for crowd funding through its Rules Committee. Crowd funding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, typically via the internet. A statement by the Commission indicated that the expected frameworks from Malaysia and Ontario will give a good basis to assess the robustness of its own framework. The Director General, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, was quoted as saying that the Nigerian capital

market eagerly awaits the full takeoff of crowd funding as its introduction will further deepen the markets in alignment with the aspirations to expand product offerings and boost financial inclusion as contained in the 10 – year capital market master plan. Gwarzo, who stated this in Toronto, Canada, during the International Organization of Securities Commission, IOSCO, meeting added that other issues discussed include corporate governance and international integrated reporting. He said, “In addition to approving work done on the risks posed by the asset management industry and the resolve to publish a report on liquidity risk manage-

ment in collective investment schemes, the meeting also considered the need to give fillip to the growth of SMEs across global markets. “Others include an approved progress achieved so far in the areas of special considerations which regulators and governments may be required to offer to encourage the growth and listing of SMEs on structured exchanges.” According to him, the meeting ended with a determination to continue work on the planned launching of a global certificate programme for securities regulators, the establishment of training hubs in its four regions and the development of an online tool kit to further boost its capacity

building efforts. Gwarzo, who is the Chairman of Africa and Middle East Regional Committee, AMERC and member of the management team and the Board of IOSCO, noted that without doubt a lot of IOSCO’s current initiatives will considerably benefit the fastest growing capital markets within its fold, most of which are members of its Growth and Emerging markets committee. “For Nigeria, the moves will give a much welcome impetus to the achievement of milestones set out in the 10-year master plan and the emergence of a modern, vibrant and efficient capital market in Nigeria,” he added.

Market capitalisation dips N134bn on blue chip firms’ sell-offs Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over losses recorded within stocks with the largest market capitalisation. Dangote Cement holds the biggest market cap within the bourse and its decline from N164 to N160 per share affected the market. Market capitalisation depreciated N134 billion to

close at N10.19 trillion, compared to the decline of N59 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.33 trillion. Research analysts at United Capital, an investment firm, noted that on the back of no news flow to drive a rebound, the bearish sentiment could not be sustained. “However, bargain hunting ahead of third quarter numbers may change the tide soonest,” the firm said. Okomu Oil Plc led the gainers’ table with N300 or

10.20 per cent to close at N32.40 per share, followed by Mobil Oil Plc with N7.50 or 4.95 per cent to close at N159.00 per share. NASCON Plc added 36 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N7.66 per share, while Transnational Express Plc rose five kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N1.08 per share. Academy Press Plc appreciated three kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at 65 kobo per share. Conversely, Unity Bank Plc dropped 15 kobo or 8.98 per cent to close at N1.52 per share,

while UACN Plc shed N1.71 or 6.23 per cent to close at N25.75 per share. Evans Medicals Plc was down four kobo or 6.06 per cent to close at 62 kobo per share, while Livestock Plc declined nine kobo or five per cent to close at N1.71 per share. United Bank for Africa fell 22 kobo or five per cent to close at N4.18 per share. A total of 160.6 million shares valued at N1.65 billion were traded in 3,267 deals.

Global shares, dollar slip on weak US economic data

lobal equity markets slid for a second day and the dollar eased to its lowest in almost a month on Wednesday as weak US retail sales and a decline in producer prices added to expectations the Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates anytime soon. Mixed earnings from major US banks, limp inflation figures from China and further declines in commodities also helped dampen the appetite for stocks and the dollar. US retail sales rose 0.1 per cent last month as cheaper gasoline weighed on service station receipts, while sales in August were revised down to unchanged from a prior rise of 0.2 per cent, the Commerce Department said.

In a separate report, producer prices fell 0.5 per cent last month, the largest drop since January, the Labor Department said. The index fell 1.1 per cent in the 12 months through September, its eighth straight 12-month decrease. The two reports were the latest signs that the US economy was losing momentum in the face of slowing global growth, a strong dollar and lower oil prices. Job growth in the United States braked sharply in the past two months. “There’s some disappointment about the retail number, and the mixed picture in banks,” said Rick Meckler, president of hedge fund LibertyView Capital Management LLC in Jersey City, New Jersey.

“We’re in that point where we rallied off the low and the next step is less certain. The corporate earnings will probably help decide it, but we’re only at the beginning of the reporting period,” Meckler said. MSCI’s all-country world index of the equity performance of 46 countries fell 0.38 per cent, while the panregional FTSEurofirst 300 index in Europe fell 0.72 per cent. Stocks on Wall Street also declined. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 96.11 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 16,985.78. The S&P 500 slid 7.6 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 1,996.09 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 15.47 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 4,781.14. Among banks, JPMor-

gan shares fell 2.7 per cent to $59.87, a day after the bank reported third-quarter results that fell short of estimates. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,667.24 points Market capitalisation 10.21trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

OKOMUOIL

29.40

32.40

3.00

10.20

MOBIL

151.50

159.00

7.50

4.95

NASCON

7.30

7.66

0.36

4.93

TRANSEXPR

1.03

1.08

0.05

4.85

ACADEMY

0.62

0.65

0.03

4.84

NEM

0.65

0.68

0.03

4.62

FIDSON

3.09

3.19

0.10

3.24

VITAFOAM

5.54

5.63

0.09

1.62

AFRIPRUD

2.62

2.66

0.04

1.53

UBCAP

1.34

1.36

0.02

1.49

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

UNITYBNK

1.67

1.52

-0.15

-8.98

UACN

27.46

25.75

-1.71

-6.23

EVANSMED

0.66

0.62

-0.04

-6.06

LIVESTOCK

1.80

1.71

-0.09

-5.00

UBA

4.40

4.18

-0.22

-5.00

ACCESS

5.06

4.81

-0.25

-4.94

OANDO

10.00

9.51

-0.49

-4.90

PORTPAINT

3.71

3.53

-0.18

-4.85

UBN

5.99

5.70

-0.29

-4.84

LEARNAFRCA

0.84

0.80

-0.04

-4.76

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.55

101.99

13.62

102.14

13.51

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.73

106.01

13.86

106.31

13.76

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.35

105.41

13.83

105.71

13.74

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.31

109.40

14.08

109.70

14.01

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.43

99.49

14.30

99.79

14.24

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.79 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.52

Closing Market Prices of October 7, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

07-Jan-16

8.93

9.13

WAUA

270

USD

197

07-Apr-16

11.05

11.69

EURO

214

01-Sep-16

11.63

13.00

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

2.0833

POUNDS STERLING

293

14.0654

15.3013

SDR

273

16.7049

NIBOR

The Fixings of October 7, 2015

Capital Market

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015

Equities as at October 14, 2015

Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057

Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily NoSummary Of Deals(Equities) Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 54 5 59

Current Price 32.40 30.50

Quantity Traded 563,687 270,940 834,627

Value Traded 17,487,856.28 8,264,165.00 25,752,021.28

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 1.71

Quantity Traded 157,300 157,300

Value Traded 271,874.00 271,874.00

991,927

26,023,895.28

Quantity Traded 6,943 2,585 200 26,853,696 1,059,216 27,922,640

Value Traded 6,843.00 2,378.20 792.00 57,349,828.12 27,951,688.12 85,311,529.44

224 No. of Deals Current Price 7 0.56 7

27,922,640 Quantity Traded 286,092 Page 286,092

85,311,529.44 Value Traded 1 160,211.52 of 12 160,211.52

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 CONGLOMERATES Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT SCOA Daily Summary TRANSCORP UACN

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 3 6 2 (Equities) 113 100 224

Current Price 1.03 0.96 4.16 2.19 25.75

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 39.99

Quantity Traded 2,154 2,154

Value Traded 86,155.03 86,155.03

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 8.17

Quantity Traded 36,225 36,225

Value Traded 296,757.17 296,757.17

324,471

543,123.72

Quantity Traded 5,900 5,900

Value Traded 2,950.00 2,950.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Automobiles/Auto Parts Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol DUNLOP

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

No. of Deals 2 46 10 76 134 No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 4.45 151.00 17.00 135.00

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Symbol 7UP

Current Price 196.03

Quantity Traded 100,050 226,059 244,225 751,943 1,322,277 Quantity Traded 22,651 22,651 Page

Value Traded 445,218.50 34,207,539.58 4,152,291.00 101,517,812.55 140,322,861.63 Value Traded 4,440,441.12 4,440,441.12 2 of 12

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 18 42 53 21 75 1 1 211

Current Price 2.68 6.51 22.00 2.49 7.66 9.46 0.50

Quantity Traded 125,798 3,180,585 248,443 153,000 7,486,022 500 17,290 11,211,638

Value Traded 331,883.40 20,720,276.75 5,392,715.86 389,873.00 54,903,560.30 4,750.00 8,645.00 81,751,704.31

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 13 59 72

Current Price 22.10 830.67

Quantity Traded 15,653 131,778 147,431

Value Traded 352,492.44 109,362,894.22 109,715,386.66

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 5.63

Quantity Traded 884,526 884,526

Value Traded 4,698,064.38 4,698,064.38

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 32 24

Current Price 24.00 47.00

Quantity Traded 520,644 257,843

Value Traded 12,532,551.44 12,036,517.74

Symbol

No. of Deals 56

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 778,487

Value Traded 12 3 of 24,569,069.18

Daily Summary as NIGERIA of 14/10/2015 NESTLE PLC.

Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products Activity Summary on Board EQTY

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products Personal/Household Published by The Nigerian Stock Products Exchange Totals ©

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. BANKon PLC ActivityUNITY Summary Board EQTY WEMA BANK PLC. FINANCIAL BankingSERVICES Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. Published bySTANDARD The NigerianTRUST Stock Exchange © PLC ASSURANCE WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY Other Financial on Institutions Totals HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. Published by FIDSON The Nigerian Stock Exchange HEALTHCARE PLC © GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

520

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ACCESS 149 4.81 DIAMONDBNK 51 2.92 ETI 39 18.51 FIDELITYBK 79 1.50 GUARANTY 214 23.36 SKYEBANK 50 2.06 STERLNBANK 23 2.13 Daily Summary (Equities) UBA 90 4.18 UBN 42 5.70 UNITYBNK 55 1.52 WEMABANK 25 1.00 817 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Symbol No. of Deals Current Price AIICO 16 0.90 CONTINSURE 7 1.00 EQUITYASUR 1 0.50 LINKASSURE 1 0.50 MANSARD 5 2.56 NEM 15 0.68 NIGERINS 1 0.50 STACO 1 0.50 WAPIC 5 0.50 52

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB Daily Summary STANBIC UBCAP

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol COURTVILLE

Symbol CHAMS

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC

No. of Deals 37 5 86 (Equities) 28 39 195

Current Price 2.66 4.09 2.09 23.00 1.36

Quantity Traded 1,437,444 39,379 4,866,159 730,159 1,261,384 8,334,525

Value Traded 3,730,149.22 161,502.51 10,212,374.00 16,930,472.53 1,732,107.90 32,766,606.16

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP

No. of Deals 24 15 9

Current Price 23.00 10.90 38.00

81,006,852 Quantity Traded 434,860 Page 271,000 21,819 101,143 6,562 835,384

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 1.71

Quantity Traded 103,299 103,299

Value Traded 176,434.29 176,434.29

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 44.00

Quantity Traded 27,000 27,000

Value Traded 1,132,920.00 1,132,920.00

1,568,181

73,115,995.10

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy and Services Daily Summary as Equipment of 14/10/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board Products EQTY Distributors Petroleum and Petroleum CONOIL PLC OIL AND GAS Petroleum andStock Petroleum Products Distributors Published by The Nigerian Exchange © ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Printed OIL 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 AND GAS Totals Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 SERVICES Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Activity Summary on Board EQTY TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery Employment Solutions EXPRESS PLC. TRANS-NATIONWIDE C & I LEASING PLC. Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery Employment Solutions Totals Employment Solutions Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging C & I LEASING PLC. IKEJA HOTEL PLC Totals Employment Solutions TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Hotels/Lodging Totals IKEJA HOTEL PLC Media/Entertainment TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Media/Entertainment Totals Media/Entertainment Printing/Publishing DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC ACADEMY PRESS Totals PLC. Media/Entertainment LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Printing/Publishing Totals ACADEMY PRESS PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board Road Transportation LEARN AFRICA PLC SERVICES ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery Road Transportation Totals Road Transportation TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals PLC Road Transportation Totals Published by The NigerianSolutions Stock Exchange © Employment

835,384

2,045,125.68

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Quantity Traded 1,400 1,400

Value Traded 700.00 700.00

3,400

1,700.00

Quantity Traded 46,333 119,995 31,824

Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Media/Entertainment DAAR PLC Daily Summary as COMMUNICATIONS of 14/10/2015 Media/Entertainment Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 Totals Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY Printing/Publishing Totals SERVICES

RoadSummary Transportation Activity on Board EQTY Specialty

ASSOCIATED TECHNOLOGIES BUS COMPANY PLC INTERLINKED PLC SERVICES Road Transportation Totals Specialty Totals Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC Transport-Related Services Specialty Totals NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Transport-Related Services Totals Transport-Related Services NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Support and Logistics Transport-Related Services Totals GRP PLC CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Support16:22:57.057 and Logistics Totals Printed 14/10/2015 Support and Logistics CAVERTON SERVICES Totals OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015 Board Totals PrintedEQTY 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 SERVICES Totals

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM EQTY Board Totals Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES

Page

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 455,000 455,000

Value Traded 227,500.00 227,500.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 301 301

Current Price 9.51

Quantity Traded 6,444,558 6,444,558

Value Traded 61,363,058.08 61,363,058.08

Symbol CONOIL

No. of Deals 3

Current Price 27.41

Quantity Traded 1,700

Value Traded 44,268.00

Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 13 59 29 10 114

Current Price 1.80 264.00 159.00 150.01

Quantity Traded Page 665,854 176,462 367,410 302,694 1,514,120

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 235.00

Quantity Traded 9 9

Value Traded 2,204.82 2,204.82

8,413,687

211,432,972.05

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded 13,000 13,000

Value Traded 7,410.00 7,410.00

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

Quantity Traded 278,372

Value Traded 1,152,847.80

OANDO Daily Summary (Equities)

424

Symbol

No. of Deals 3 3

Daily Summary (Equities) RTBRISCOE

REDSTAREX

4.12

No. of Deals 2 13 Symbol No. of Deals Symbol No. of Deals TRANSEXPR 2 CILEASING 133 3 Symbol No. of Deals Symbol No. of Deals CILEASING 3 IKEJAHOTEL 33 TRANSCOHOT 1 Symbol No. of Deals4 IKEJAHOTEL 3 Symbol No. of Deals TRANSCOHOT 1 DAARCOMM 43 3 Symbol No. of Deals Symbol No. of Deals DAARCOMM 3 ACADEMY 34 Daily Summary (Equities) LEARNAFRCA 18 Symbol No. of Deals 22 ACADEMY 4 Symbol No. of Deals LEARNAFRCA 18 ABCTRANS 221 Symbol No. of Deals1 Symbol No. of Deals TRANSEXPR 2 ABCTRANS 1 13 1 Symbol No. of Deals CILEASING 3 3

Current Price 1.08

Symbol TRANSEXPR

Current Price Current Price 0.50 3.44 7.10 Current Price 3.44 Current Price 7.10 0.50 Current Price Current Price 0.50 0.65 0.80 Current Price 0.65 Current Price 0.80 0.55 Current Price Current Price 1.08 0.55 Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 22,000 12,500 34,500

Value Traded 74,610.00 84,375.00 158,985.00

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 14,000 14,000

Value Traded 7,000.00 7,000.00

Quantity Traded 61,845 2,179,333 2,241,178

Value Traded 40,199.25 1,772,600.27 1,812,799.52

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

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol Symbol ABCTRANS INTERLINK Symbol INTERLINK Symbol NAHCO Symbol NAHCO Symbol CAVERTON Symbol CAVERTON

4 18 22

0.65 0.80

No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price Quantity Quantity Traded Traded No. 0.55 2,250 61 4.21 500 2,250 61 500 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 4.21 Quantity Traded 500 No. of Deals6 Current Price 500 146 4.52 38,049 Page 14 38,049 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 14 Current Price 4.52 Quantity Traded 38,049 No. of Deals 14 38,049 1 3.21 268 1 268 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 3.21 268 701 2,747,805 1 268

1,345,840,975.88 3,435,479.69

2,588

138,187,257

1,345,840,975.88

Daily DailySummary Summary(Equities) (Equities)

134 3,267

ETP Activity Totals

884.40 Value Traded 884.40 3,435,479.69 884.40

138,187,257 2,747,805

INDUSTRIAL Equity Activity GOODS Totals Totals

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

Value Traded Traded Value 1,192.50 2,105.00 1,192.50 2,105.00 Value Traded Value 2,105.00 Traded 2,105.00 168,639.07 9 of 12 168,639.07 Value Traded 168,639.07 Value Traded 168,639.07 884.40

Daily Summary (Equities) 2,588 70 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 160.00

Daily Summary Nameas of 14/10/2015 Printed 14/10/2015 16:22:57.057 LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF

Value Traded 113,162.40 1,266,010.20 Value Traded Value Traded 113,162.40 10,454.00 1,266,010.20 10,454.00 Value Traded 8 of 12 Value Traded 10,454.00 74,610.00 10,454.00 84,375.00 Value Traded 158,985.00 74,610.00 Value Traded 84,375.00 7,000.00 158,985.00 7,000.00 Value Traded Value Traded 7,000.00 40,199.25 7,000.00 1,772,600.27 Value Traded 1,812,799.52 40,199.25 Value Traded 1,772,600.27 1,192.50 1,812,799.52 Value1,192.50 Traded Value Traded 113,162.40 1,192.50 1,266,010.20 1,192.50 9 of 12 Value Traded 10,454.00 10,454.00 9 of 12

Current Price 3.44 7.10

134 No. of Deals 134 134 679

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

Quantity Traded 104,780 383,152 Quantity Traded Quantity104,780 Traded 20,908 383,152 20,908 Quantity Traded Page Quantity Traded 20,908 22,000 20,908 12,500 Quantity Traded 34,500 22,000 Quantity Traded 12,500 14,000 34,500 14,000 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 14,000 61,845 14,000 2,179,333 Quantity Traded 2,241,178 61,845 Quantity Traded 2,179,333 2,250 2,241,178 Quantity Traded 2,250 Quantity104,780 Traded 2,250 383,152 2,250 Page Quantity Traded 20,908 20,908 Page

No. of Deals 3 1 4

Building Materials Totals PREMIUM Board Totals

PREMIUM Board Totals

Current Price Current Price 1.08 0.50

12 7Value Traded of 1,198,537.20 46,220,438.00 56,970,944.95 45,406,021.00 149,840,209.15

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

Symbol FBNH Symbol ZENITHBANK

Symbol Symbol FBNH ZENITHBANK Symbol DANGCEM

Symbol DANGCEM

Daily Summary (ETP)

Equity Activity Traded Totals Fund Exchange

Value Traded 1,020,450.10 1,190,508.50 1,221,735.60 6

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Current Price 5.92 Current Price 16.95

Other Financial Institutions Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FINANCIAL FINANCIALSERVICES SERVICES BankingSERVICES Totals FINANCIAL Totals Other Financial Institutions Banking FBN HOLDINGS PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Other Financial Banking TotalsInstitutions Totals Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Published by The Nigerian StockTotals Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials

138

No. of Deals 290 No. of Deals 290 255 255 545 No. No.ofofDeals Deals 290 255 290 255 No. of Deals

FBN HOLDINGS PLC Activity Summary Activity Summaryon onBoard BoardPREMIUM PREMIUM Banking

578,430,677.64 Value Traded 270,934.76 5 864,501.70 of 12 784,296.85 118,961.61 6,430.76 2,045,125.68

Value of Shares(N)

Value Traded 509,732.12 1,777,355.00 66,086,859.49 71,806,640.81

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Daily Summary as of 14/10/2015

Value Traded 103,877.00 103,877.00

Quantity Traded

Quantity Traded 64,459 503,500 671,771 1,437,882

Value Traded 33,568,827.88 10,728,303.22 234,759,596.63 9,434,350.92 143,487,912.81 7,133,361.10 1,030,143.76 84,295,801.96 6,133,585.61 9,503,350.08 546,811.44 540,622,045.41 Value Traded Value Traded 4,136,965.57

Quantity Traded 99,900 99,900

Quotation(N)

Current Price 7.91 3.53 98.54

Quantity Traded 6,734,180 3,605,987 12,689,263 6,389,657 5,980,372 3,374,619 496,197 20,035,570 1,075,482 6,083,868 548,953 67,014,148 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 4,603,611

470,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 16,366.50 293,208.00 2,500.00 12 4 of 500.00 3,609.00 4,938,149.07

No Of Deals

No. of Deals 17 5 53 123

470,000 10,000 20,000 6,350 435,100 5,000 Page 1,000 7,218 5,558,279

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol CCNN PORTPAINT WAPCO

365,500,477.28

Current Price 1.08

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

14,372,910

No. of Deals 5 5

1,069 No. of Deals Current Price 16 0.62 6 3.19 9 36.96 8 1.17 4 1.03 43

Sector Activity Company name Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol

DailyLOTUSHAL15 Summary (ETP) NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Quantity Traded 12,622,104 Quantity Traded 12,622,104 9,390,786 9,390,786 22,012,890 Current CurrentPrice Price Quantity QuantityTraded Traded 5.92 12,622,104 16.95 9,390,786 12,622,104 9,390,786 Current Price Quantity Traded 134 160.00 410,644Page 545 22,012,890 134 410,644

Value Traded 75,676,286.96 Value Traded 75,676,286.96 158,694,570.44 158,694,570.44 234,370,857.40 Value ValueTraded Traded 75,676,286.96 158,694,570.44 75,676,286.96 158,694,570.44 Value Traded 66,699,632.99 10 of 12 234,370,857.40 66,699,632.99

66,699,632.99 10 of 12 Quantity410,644 TradedPage Value Traded 410,644 66,699,632.99 410,644 66,699,632.99 22,423,534 301,070,490.39 410,644 160,610,791

66,699,632.99 1,646,911,466.27

679

22,423,534

301,070,490.39

3,267

160,610,791

1,646,911,466.27

No. of Deals Current Price 1 9.57 1 2,209.00 1 13.62 3 Current Price No. of Deals 1 9.57 1 2,209.00 31 13.62 3

Quantity Traded 15 450 25 490 Quantity Traded 15 450 Page 490 25 490

490 Page

Value Traded 143.55 994,050.00 340.50 994,534.05 Value Traded 143.55 11 994,050.00 of 12 994,534.05 340.50 994,534.05

994,534.05 11

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, october 15, 2015

Parents’ preference for low-cost private schools to free public schools Dare Akogun

he inability of the Lagos State Government to match growing demand for quality and affordable education with human resource and infrastructural development, is taking its toll on the state’s free and compulsory education from primary to junior and senior secondary schools. Lagos State, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, nay West Africa often prides as the model of excellence in the provision of education in Africa, by providing high quality education, accessible to all learners through effective and efficient management of resources for the attainment of self-reliance and socio-economic development. Sadly, these lofty dream is just written in black and white without implementation as it’s an open secret that increasing number of parents prefers lowcost private schools to meet their wards educational demand to going to the free public schools, due to array of reasons. Concerned about low quality and access to learning in public schools and deterred by high costs in approved private schools in the state, parents are withdrawing their children from public schools in preference to low-cost unapproved schools in densely populated areas and slums. In 2013, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, DFID launched an intervention for the Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria, DEEPEN, with a five year plan to create a vibrant and dynamic market for private education in low-cost schools across Lagos. In a research conducted by DEEPEN across the state it was discovered that there are about 18, 000 private schools catering for the requirements from pre-school to senior secondary school. It was also discovered that these schools categorised under low-paying with tuitions ranging from N0 to N25,000 per year, N25,001 to N50,000 for mediumcost and N50,001 to N100,000 high cost private schools respectively. The findings also revealed that these schools are currently catering for about 1.4 million school children as against the 1.1 million being served by the public schools which stand cur-

Schoolchildren marching during Children’s Daycelebration.

rently at 1,600. With these findings at least 55 per cent of schoolchildren in Lagos and still counting, have left government (public) schools for unapproved schools in lowresource settlements despite the state government’s free education. Quality of education continues to be an important consideration in parents’ choice of school. On average, perceptions of the quality of learning and teachers’ performance were similar across all the sites. Overall, parents perceived that the quality of learning and teachers’ performance was higher in private schools than in government schools. Findings by this reporter show that proliferation of lowcost illegal schools and escalating insecurity in informal settlements are gradually eroding confidence in public schools. The study conducted in Lagos Island area of the state, also brought out the socio-cultural trends that determine how parents make decisions on quality of education they want for their

children by sending their wards to private schools than the government own despite visible disadvantages of these so-called schools. These choices are determined and not limited to the “cheap-isexpensive” mantra, parents and guardians in poor economic settings invest in their children’s future as they give the often overcrowded and overly underresourced government-aided schools a wide berth. Parents frequently said that ‘over population’ in government schools was largely to blame for the low standards in government schools. Parents used the expression ‘over population’ to refer to both the huge size of government schools and, in some cases, their overcrowded conditions. Related concerns were insufficient classrooms and shortages of teachers. Over population can also be said to be blamed for poor learning conditions as analysts believed that an over populated class is too intimidating for

young children and, in some schools, it made the environment unsafe for the younger ones. Parents often responded to questions about why they preferred private schools by saying that the teachers ‘know how to teach’. In contrast, claims were made about government school teachers with parents frequently saying the teachers did not care about the children rather they concentrated more on making extra money from the sales of wares to their colleagues. It’s surprising that despite DEEPEN’s survey which revealed that most low-cost private school teachers are not qualified teachers, parents who patronize them are not bothered about such claim. Rather they are interested in the attention the teachers give to their wards. Also parents who mostly

cannot afford formal private schools, prefer unapproved lowcost schools in informal settlements because the student-book ratio according to them is even and teaching is relatively student-based. This, it was discovered, was informed by some factors prominently of whom is security and well-being of their children and availability of ‘Early Childhood Development Component’ closest to their work place and shops as the case may be, which most public schools lack. A trader who deals on lace material in Balogun Market and have two children in a school located in the market noted that she choose the school based on the proximity to her shop. “I don’t need to worry about going to pick my child after closing hour. I stay in Ikorodu but the school is just a stone throw to my shop. So it enables me to concentrate on my market , while the child gets the needed education,” she stated. She also said that she decided to take her child to the school because of the medium of communication, which is mostly English language which enables the children to communicate effectively. Analysts are of the view that more of such private schools should be encouraged as alternative for those who cannot afford those expensive ones but the government should checkmate exploitation by checking the excesses of the proprietors. Schools are also advised to introduce and emphasize on debating competition right from class four to encourage teachers to work hard in teaching their pupils how to read and express themselves using good spoken English. This would help overcome inferiority complex and improve speech and reading skills.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, october 15, 2015

Music, dance, drama for SPANIFEST 2015 Leonard Okachie

ollowing the success recorded in the 2013 maiden edition, the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN is set to host the second edition of its performing arts festival called SPANIFEST 2015. The festival with theme, “Voice Of The Voiceless” will witness groundbreaking presentations such as workshops and events using various tools of the performing arts including Dance, Music, Spoken Word, Visual Art, Theatre and Comedy. Scheduled to hold from November 722, 2015, at different locations in Lagos State, the community festival will reveal an understanding and awareness of a community’s historical diversity and cultural context. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos about activities lined up event, the SPAN Founder and Festival Director, Sarah Boulos said the festival kicks off with 10 days (November 7th – 16th) of intensive performing art workshops with international professors that will unveil the new voices in Nigerian artists using the mediums of dance, music and drama, at SPAN Hub, The Agidigba Community Centre, Marina, Lagos Island. She said it will be followed by four performance nights showcasing the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture and heritage, starting November 17th at The Ocean View Marque, Victoria Island.

dmonition in the scriptures that young people should use their youthfulness to serve God was demonstrated recently by the youths of Chapel of Answers Int’l Church, Aba, Abia State, as they participated actively in the Youth Convention 2015. The youths filled with vigour and vi-

Science for Kids Why does dog lick and chew its paws?

SPAN festival in 2013

Some of the celebrities that will perform at those night event s include Tee Mac, Bright Gain, Jerry Omole, Olufunmi, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Elvina Ibru, Zara Udofia, Rita Edward, Ufoma McDermott, Odenike, Lala Akindoj and Debbi en Ohiri. The fourth night will also feature legends and dance icons like Paola Sisiano, Olufunmi, Bimbno Manuel, Gbenga Yusuf, Kaffy, Yinka Davies, Waje, Gideon Okeke, Wale Rubber, Sarah Bulous, Victor Phullu, Lovette, Boneless, Ice Nwke, Lilian among others. According to Bulous, the grand finale, which will hold at Grand Ballrooom Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island,

will be a family community experience starting with SPAN academy graduation ceremony and closing with “Voice Of The Voiceless,” a final performing art production gathering 200 dancers, musicians, and actors on ones stage. Bulous explained that SPAN is a non profit organisation with a vision to build a performing arts centre in Nigeria where it will empower and present the performing artist and their Godgiven art. She noted that SPAN has over the last decade acquired considerable expertisein the performing arts through the presentation of over 50 shows, empowering 500 artists and 10,000 children in its community.

Youths display talents, vigour at convention Leonard Okachie

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

tality showcased their talents in various activities that included drama, comedy, talk show, chorography, to the admiration of their guests. The three-day breathtaking event with the theme, “The Great Youth”, started with a Music Night on Friday and culminated with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, leaving the youths to yearn for more. The host and Senior Pastor, Chapel of

Participants at this year’s youth convention at Chapel of Answers Int’l Church, Aba.

Answers Int’l, Chibueze Okezie, spoke passionately to the youths on how to discover themselves as well as be conscious of the seed of greatness deposited in them by God. He admonished them to make conscious use of their time and opportunities to excel; as such opportunities abound, rather than giving excuses for failure. Okezie urged them to always draw their strength from God, adding that no man can make any meaningful success without the help from Him. Youth President, Darlington Egwim expressed satisfaction for the success of the programme and thanked everyone who actively participated in this year’s youth convention even as he urged the youths to always believe in themselves and never give up in their pursuit for greatness. Participants were impressed with the programme and thanked the organisers for giving them such a wonderful platform to express themselves.

lenty of owners observe this common behaviour in their dogs and wonder if they should be concerned. In some cases, dogs will gently but insistently lick one or both paws, but other canines will go so far as to chew on their toes, which can be disconcerting for any pet owner. So should you be worried? The short answer is yes. You should always consult with your vet about this behavior, especially if it comes on suddenly, persists for long periods of time, or is accompanied by redness, swelling, odour, bleeding, limping or other possible signs of pain and infection. Although most dogs engage in this behavior occasionally for unknown reasons, others are prone to lick or chew their feet excessively. In these cases, the feet (especially of light-coloured dogs) will often look stained a pink or rusty colour, which is the result of chronic contact with porphyrin pigments found in saliva. There are a variety of reasons why your dog would suddenly lick or chew his feet, including puncture wounds to the toes or paw pads, fractured claws or toes, burns, corns (especially common in Greyhounds), and foreign bodies that may be lodged between the toes, such as ticks, grass awns and burrs. Canines will also engage in this behavior due to other, more serious causes, such as interdigital cysts, tumors and other cancers, allergic skin disease and autoimmune diseases of the nail beds or paw pads. Allergic skin disease is the most common reason why canines lick and chew their feet on a chronic basis. Food allergies, in particular, are typically the culprit, and secondary infections from yeast and bacteria can further exacerbate the behavior. Many dogs that lick and chew their feet over long periods of time will also do so because it apparently feels good to them. In these cases, vets look for an underlying non behavioural disease that may have initially triggered the obsessive behavior. For example, dogs with lick granulomas — wounds caused by obsessive licking of the tops of the feet and lower limbs — may have been initially drawn to lick the area because of an injury, simple itch or a reaction to an allergen. Regardless of the cause, if you notice that your dog is licking or chewing his paws, seek veterinary advice, especially since most of these cases are treatable if addressed by a professional early. Source: Vetstreet.com

Dog licking paw

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Media

Thursday, october 15, 2015

Night of honour at CNN Multichoice African Journalist Awards 2015 Leonard Okachie

t was a night of honour last weekend at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, in Nairobi, Kenya for African journalists who distinguished themselves at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2015. The competition had 32 finalists from 15 countries who attended the Awards ceremony and were joined by winners from previous years for a special evening, for the celebration of the 20th edition of the awards. The awards have become the premier accolade for excellence in journalism across the continent since 1995. The competition is open to African professional journalists, whether directly employed or freelancers, working in the continent of Africa who have produced a story which has been made available as a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television; radio or digital platform) whose primary audience are based in Africa. Entries were published or broadcast in 2014 for the following awards: Culture Award; Ecobank Economics & Business Award; Mohamed Amin Photo Award; African Development Bank Environment Award; Press Freedom Award; MSD Health & Medical Award; Sport Reporting Award; News Impact Award; Francophone general news awards; Portuguese language general news awards; GE Energy & Infrastructure Award; Features Award; and Dow Technology & Innovation Award. The overall CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 wins a substantial cash prize and all finalists receive a cash prize, and iPad Air, with runner-ups receiving an iPad mini. Four Nigerians Ibanga Isine of Premium Times, Femi Asu and Urukaino Umukoro both from Punch and Adewale Emosu of the Nigerian Tribune won in various categories. Burkinabé journalist Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou was awarded the top prize as he won the overall ‘CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year’ Award for his work ‘Nuit du 29 octobre à Azalaï : Nous étions à la chambre 143’, which appeared in Burkinabé daily print newspaper L’Observateur. He had earlier won the Francophone General News category of the award. Sanou’s work documents the ousting of Blaise Campaore, who had ruled over Burkina Faso for 27 years. “I feel so lucky to be named CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of Year. My

Winners at CNNMultichoice African Journalist Awards 2015.

story was about power and how people can fight against it – I’m so proud that the story has been told and will now be remembered. I want to share my prize with all those who work at L’Observateur Paalga,” Boowurosigue Sanou said. Adewale Emosu of The Nigerina Tribune won the Culture Award for his story entitled, ‘Bahia: Even in Brazil, African heritage lives on.’The story is about how African culture has been transplanted to South America via slavery. The Ecobank Economic &Business Award was won by Femi Asu of Punch for hist story entitled ‘Small businesses in death throes as power supply worsens’. It is a story about how the lack of stable electricity supply harms small businesses in Nigeria. Also, Arukaino Umukoro of Punch won the Sport Reporting Award for his story : ‘Monuments of waste: Nigeria’s white elephant stadiums.’ His story illustrates the lack of maintenance in sports infrastructures built at a high cost, a phenomenon that tends to be common in many African countries. News Impact Award was won by Ibanga Isine of Premium Times for his story entitled: ‘INVESTIGATION: Massacre in Gboko’. His story shows that journalism has great impact as it investigates extra judicial killing by the trigger happy soldiers in a community in Benue State. Other winners are Thomas Bitlegma (Ghana),African Development Bank Environment Award; Carlo Goncalves (Cape Verde) for Portuguese Language

General News Award (Print); PedroPaxi Pereira Ndoma (Angola) Portuguese Language General News Award (Electronic); Paul Kelembe, Kenya, Energy and Infrastructure reporting; Sarah Wild (South Africa), Technology and Innovation; Julie Laurenz and Jacqueline Jayamaha (South Africa) Features; Ibrahim Diallo (Senegal), Francophone General News Award (Electronic); Zecharie Ndiomo (Cameroon) Press Freedom Award. Again this year the Judges highlighted some excellent work and awarded Certificates of Commendation to 15 journalists: Fiifi Essilfie Anaman, Freelance for zonalsports.com, Ghana; Benedicta Asiimwe, Freelance for Daily Monitor, Uganda; Domingos Bento, redeangola.info, Angola; Sheriff Bojang Jnr, Freelance for West Africa Democracy Radio, Senegal; Ruth Butaumocho, The Herald, Zimbabwe and Chahinaz Samir Gheith, Al-Ahram Hebdo, Egypt Other are Boldwill Hungwe, Zimbabwe Independent, Zimbabwe; Deo Gratias Tchédé Kindoho, Radio Bénin, Benin; Petride Mudoola, Freelance for Sunday Vision, Uganda; Abubakari Akida Mussa, Mtanzania Newspaper, Tanzania; George Oduor Otieno, Baraka FM, Kenya; Arison Tamfu, Cameroon Journal, Cameroon; Klá Túbsún, Blogger at ktravula.com, Nigeria; Bento Venâncio, Jornal Domingo, Mozambique; and Kiundu Waweru, The Standard on Saturday, Kenya Commenting on the Sanou’s entry, Chairperson of the judging panel, Ferial Haffajee, said: “Room 143 was a work of

enterprise. Burkina Faso’s parliamentary protest saw Blaise Campaore leave his seat and the country. “This was a remarkable moment in a newsworthy year. This feature takes the reader to the night before – the night of the long knives when members of parliament attempted to win sufficient support to extend Campaore’s term. It was not to be and this story explains why not. A piece of dramatic reporting built on the reporter’s clever decision to take a room (143) in the hotel where the action went down.” SVP International Newsgathering TV and Digital, CNN International, Deborah Rayner, said: “Tonight’s winners really demonstrated the very best of journalism – from powerful investigative journalism through to celebratory stories of hope and change. I commend the judges’ decision to name Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou the overall winner – he is a worthy winner of the 20th African Journalist Award.” Similalrly, CEO MultiChoice Africa, Tim Jacobs commented: “Congratulations to all the winners, your words and images reflect the reality of our world and attest to the important role the media plays in Africa’s development. As a good corporate citizen, together with our partner, CNN and other sponsors we will continue to invest in the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards to ensure increased development and advancement of outstanding journalism across the continent.”

Media

Thursday, october 15, 2015

NUJ suspends member for unethical conduct Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

araba State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, has suspended Mr. Ben Adaji of National Trail newspaper, following verification of a case of an unethical conduct. State chairman of the Union, Comrade Solomon Ajiduku announced the suspension in Jalingo.

NUJ President, Waheed Odusile

According to the Union, Adaji had in the edition of the paper of July 6th-12th this year, written stories against the Taraba State Government, which the government refuted. He failed to substantiate and defend himself during his appearance before the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Union. Ajiduku, who frowned at the action of Adaji, warned that the Union would not hesitate to suspend any member who goes outside the professional code of conduct and ethics of the profession; even as he assured that he would do everything to protect journalists who go about their duties professionally. He explained that he had no personal issue with the reporter, but was only acting in his capacity as the state chairman based on the report of the committee. Adaji described his suspension as malicious, baseless and a gross abuse of the NUJ constitution and said he has already forwarded a protest letter to the NUJ National Secretariat.

Media Abroad

Playboy magazine to stop publishing pictures of naked women

layboy magazine will stop publishing pictures of fully nude women because the ubiquity of internet pornography has made such images “passé”, the company’s chief executive has revealed. In an interview with the New York Times, CEO Scott Flanders said founder Hugh Hefner, 89, had agreed with a proposal to stop publishing images of naked women from March 2016. The redesigned Playboy, 62 years after it was launched by Hefner, will still feature a Playmate of the Month and provocative pictures of women, but they will be rated PG-13 (a rating that cautions that material may be inappropriate for children under 13). Flanders told the NYT: “You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free. And so it’s just passé at this juncture.” In other changes, the sex columnist will be a “sex-positive female” and the target of the magazine will be young employed males. “The difference between us and Vice,” Flanders said, “is that we’re going after the guy with a job.” The Playboy website has already been given a makeover and made safe to read at work, resulting in younger readers and an increase in web traffic. The chief content officer of the magazine, Cory Jones, said the magazine would be more accessible and more intimate, admitting: “Twelve-year-old me is very disappointed in current me. But it’s the right thing to do.” The US issue of Playboy is no longer profitable, but exists as a marketing tool for the international editions and the Playboy licensing business, which is

profitable. The magazine’s circulation has dropped from 5.6m in 1975 to about 800,000 now, according to the Alliance for Audited Media. Marilyn Monroe was on the first cover of the magazine in 1953 and the editor’s letter from Hefner said: “If you’re a man between the ages of 18 and 80, Playboy is meant for you. We enjoy mixing up cocktails and an hors d’oeuvre or two, putting a little mood music on the phonograph, and inviting in a female acquaintance for a quiet discussion on Picasso, Nietzsche, jazz, sex … ” An Australian version of the magazine was published between February 1979 and January 2000, when it folded after sales sank to just 25,000 copies. It had been owned first by Kerry Packer, who sold the rights to Mason Stewart Publishing in 1982. Celebrities who featured in Australian Playboy include singer Dannii Minogue, actresses Sophie Lee and Abigail, and model Elle MacPherson. The announcement of an end to naked images came on the same day Australian men’s magazine Zoo, published by Bauer Media, put out its final issue due to a slump in sales.

Playboy covers

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNIDO to partner Press Council on capacity building

he United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has expressed its readiness to partner the Nigerian Press Council on capacity building and the provision of quality infrastructure in the county. The Country Director of the organisation, Dr Raymond Tavares, made this known when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit to Mr. Nnamdi Njemanze, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council (NPC)l in Abuja. Tavares said that National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) was a project under UNIDO saddled with the responsibility of supporting the provision of National Quality Infrastructure in the Nigeria. “We have several projects going on but the NQI is the main project in the country strictly to ensure National Quality Infrastructure in the country. We have so far set aside 12 million euros to carry out quality infrastructure projects in the country,’’ Tavares stated. He said the organisation deemed it fit to pay the visit because it felt that what UNIDO was doing needed to be well publicised. Tavares added that the organisation also visited the council because of the good job it had been doing in area of monitoring, capacity building for journalists, among others. “ Since the major task of NQI is to promote quality nationwide, we want all the media and its members to partner with us so we can deliver on our goal effectively.So, we need NPC as one of our partners in our efforts to give the country the quality of infrastructure it deserves,’’ he maintained. The director further said that the aim

of NQI was to look beyond oil and support the diversification of the country’s economy. “We are going to set up the quality infrastructure that will support Nigerian products in the international market thereby, strengthening the nation’s infrastructure. We are going to set up regulations and standards to take Nigerian products at par with the international products, he said. Responding, Njemanze expressed happiness to the organisation for the visit, saying that the council was ready to partner with the UNIDO in its efforts to give the country quality infrastructure. “We are ready to give the necessary support to the organisation anytime, anywhere for the development of the country. We, in the council, also expect the organisation to partner with us in capacity building, seminars and workshops, among others,’’ Njemanze. He, however, commended the organisation for the workshop it organised for media professionals on quality in trade and investment in April. Njemanze expressed confidence that through the workshop, the organisation was able to sensitise and build the capacity of the media to understand guidelines on good governance and professional practices. He said that the Nigerian media was at vantage position of disseminating information to build the necessary support for quality and standards based on measurable indices. He urged the organisation to assist in training and re-training of media professionals to assist them to report effectively and professionally.

Twitter to cut up to 8% of global workforce

witter is laying off up to 336 employees, or about 8% of its global workforce, as part of a plan to streamline operations. The redundancies, mainly in the company’s product and engineering functions, come about a week after the microblogging company confirmed its co-founder Jack Dorsey was returning to the role of chief executive. “We feel strongly that engineering will move much faster with a smaller and nimbler team, while remaining the biggest percentage of our workforce,” Dorsey said in a letter to employees. “And the rest of the organisation will be streamlined in parallel.” Twitter, which had about 4,100 staff globally as of 30 June, said it expected to incur about $10m-$20m (£6.5m-£13m) in severance costs and between $5m and $15m in restructuring costs. It expects to record most of these pre-tax restructuring charges in the quarter ending 31 December. The company is working to rekindle growth after the latest quarterly results in July revealed the slowest rise in monthly average users since it went

public in 2013. Twitter also said it expected its third-quarter revenue to be at or above the higher end of its forecast range of $545m-$560m. The company estimated its adjusted EBITDA at or above the higher end of its forecast range of $110m-$115m. Up to Monday’s close, the company’s shares had fallen about 20% this year. Twitter shares rose 1.5% to $29.18 in pre-market trading on Tuesday. The company will report its thirdquarter results on 27 October after the market closes.

Twitter listed at New York Stock Exchange

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, October 15, 2015

We need affordable shops, say Broad Street traders

raders on Broad Street and surrounding markets on Lagos Island have called on the Lagos State government and the Lagos Island Local Government to build affordable shops for traders in the various markets on the Lagos Business District. The traders made the plea in the wake of the recent crackdown on their activities by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, otherwise known as KAI. The KAI officials had in recent weeks intensify their activities in patrolling the various Lagos Island markets and streets in an effort to rid the business district of street traders and hawkers by continuously chasing them out of the streets and confiscating their wares.

According to a trader on Broad Street who pleaded anonymity because of the fear of being persecuted, they said the activities of the KAI officials have brought untold hardship to petty traders who are mostly street traders on the business district. ‘’The little business we do to feed our family, they will come and pack it to Alausa’’ In her words, the woman who spoke in Yoruba language urged the state government to provide affordable shops to traders, instead of building markets like that of Tejuosho Ultra Modern Market which she said is beyond the reach of the poor. ‘’If they provide affordable markets for us, we are ready to rent it and move out of the street.’’ Another trader, who also carry out her business on Broad Street, who simply identify himself as Frank, a phone accessory seller said: ‘’Since the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola have chased everybody out from the Oluwole market in Lagos Island, they have nowhere to go and they need to feed their family.’’ Frank said it is obvious that selling goods along the street is not good, but added that people embark on it, because they do not have sufficient fund to rent shop within the Lagos Island. He stated that most of the shop on Lagos Island has ‘’professional torch’’ and so expensive for ‘’third class people’’ to rent or purchase. Frank told Broad Street Diary, BSD, that the best way to solve the problem is for the Lagos State Government to build low priced shop around Lagos Island. In the view of another trader, Ifeanyi, also a trader on Broad

Traders on Balogun Street, Lagos. Island. Street, he lauded the activities of the KAI officials, saying they are doing a good job, ‘’Most of our people will block the road and passersby will begin to strive with them before they could move’’ He made reference to what

happen at the market the previous week when a pregnant woman who also sells on Broad Street wanted to run away from KAI officers so that her good would not be confiscated, but while running, she fell down and had to be rushed to the hos-

pital for treatment. Ifeanyi said it is not the wishes of the street traders to sell on the streets, but were forced to do so by circumstances. He told BSD that the KAI officers have collected his market that worth N270, 000, but still

have to sell on the street due to lack of money to rent shop. Ifeanyi concluded that it is not their wish to sell goods on the streets, but because they don’t have the money to rent shop.’’ –James Egbeyemi

CFAO OTIS workers protest poor condition of service

embers of staff of CFAO OTIS a multinational company based on Outer Marina, Lagos Island earlier in the week protested what they called poor condition of service by carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while barricading the gate of the company to press home their demands. CFAO OTIS a company that deals in the sales, installations and maintenance of lift escalators among other machines has its headquarters on Lagos Island. According to the union leader, Comrade Ambali Abayomi, who spoke to Broad Street Diary, BSD, their dissatisfactions with the company stemmed from casualisation of workers, indiscriminate sacking of workers and inadequate medical care to mention, but a few. “I am the unit chairman of the National Union of Shop

and Distributive Employee, NUSDE. “We are protesting because of some irregularities in the company that have adversely affected our well being as workers. “Some of us have been working here for between 10 and 15 years as casual workers, we say no to that. “How does one comprehend only one clinic in the whole of Lagos for members of staff of this multinational company in Nigeria? The implication is that if you reside in Ikorodu and the clinic is here on Lagos Island, if you are so unlucky to have an emergency situation and you do not have money to visit another clinic, you are on your own. What actually led to the current imbroglio with the management is the insensitivity of Delog a company which the management of

CFAO contracted members of staff recruitment and welfare matters to, a development technically called outsourcing. When Delog took over as company in charge of staff welfare and recruitment last year, they promised to abide by the conditions we set for them for the welfare of CFAO workers. But as it is now, we are being shortchanged and pushed to the back seat and we take serious exceptions to these ugly trends. The General Manager of CFAO OTIS Mr. Jean-Lunet while stating the side of the company, said technically speaking, protesting workers grievances should not have been directed to CFAO as a company, but the management of Delog because all issues related to staff recruitment and welfare had been contracted to them.

“I will only listen to their grievances on humanitarian ground and for the image of the company, but technically speaking, I am not supposed to do that because we have contracted matters related to recruitment and welfare of staff to Delog”. However, when the issues were tabled before the management of CFAO, the deputy general manager, Mr. Bayo Oke, denied any knowledge of those issues raised by the union, but pointed out that the economy of the country had affected the operation of the company forcing them to embark on imminent sack of workers. Both parties however, reached a consensus that the management of Delog, CFAO and the representatives of the workers’ union should meet to have amicable resolutions on the issue. –Omoju Busayo

News

Thursday, October 15, 2015

48 ships laden with foods, PMS to berth in Lagos

orty eight ships laden with foods and petroleum products are expected to arrive Lagos ports from October 14 to November1. The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, stated this in its daily publication; ‘Shipping Position’ made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos. The NPA said 17 of the expected ships would sail in with containers, while seven others would arrive with general cargoes.

The document explained that 17 other ships would arrive with frozen fish, buck wheat, bulk sugar and bulk salt. It said the remaining ships would sail in with base oil, petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that 12 ships had arrived the ports and were waiting to berth. NAN reports 10 of the ships sailed in with petrol, while the other two vessels brought bulk gas and general cargoes.

Traffic gridlock paralises Lagos Island Robert Awokuse

ollowing the early morning down pour yesterday in Lagos metropolis, motorists and commuters groaned as the gridlock caused by the heavy rain left many stranded for hours before they could get to their different destinations. The rain which fell heavily for several hours particularly on Lagos Island left commercial activities paralised in the business district. Most worst hit areas were the three exit pointsCarter, Second mainland and Third mainland bridges. Speaking with Broad Street Diary, BSD, some motorists lamented the hardship caused by the traffic gridlock and their inability to get to their place of work on time. In the midst of the traf-

fic, many commuters have to disembark from their vehicles and started trekking to their different destinations. A motorist whose did not disclose his name said; “the traffic is too much because of the heavy rain. The whole roads have been flooded.” Something has to be done to forestall further occurrence of this. A driver who simply identified himself as yusuf adekanbi said he had been in traffic for over two hours and consequently most of his commuters had resorted to trekking. “I have been in this holdup for about two hours and I am still on this bridge. I wish I could just abandon my bus and walk to the park. I am going to CMS which should not take me less than ten minutes. But here I am still here at past five since some minutes to three.”

Govt urged to monitor water channels in communities Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ollowing the certification of the country as polio free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Association of Water Drillers and Rig- Owners Practitioners (AWDROP), has tasked government at all levels on proper monitoring of water drinking channels in our communities in order to save Nigerians from water borne diseases. The association made the call in a communique issued after its National Executive Water Resources Council meeting presided over by its National Presi-

dent, Mr. Michael Ale, and made available to journalists yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He said the certification by the WHO is the first time in the history of the country, thus bringing Nigeria and the African region closer than ever to being certified polio-free. According to him, the failure to coordinate the activities of borehole drilling companies in the country through non-implementation of regulatory instrument, has led to uncoordinated pricing and use of substandard materials, warning that this is a big threat to the declaration of the WHO.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sosan, others counsel women entrepreneurs

former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Sosan, on Wednesday encouraged women entrepreneurs to be bold, take risks and develop succession plans for their businesses. Sosan spoke at a conference organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Women Group in Lagos with the theme: ‘’Developing the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs’’ The former deputy governor also urged female entrepreneurs to shun over reliance on government’s fund intervention. ‘’No entrepreneur should be afraid of starting small because there

is no free money; diverse opportunities wait to be tapped into, we should be willing to sacrifice so that we can reap later.’’ She advised women in business to leverage on various opportunities and innovations in improving their contributions to socio-economic development of the country. Sosan said that the female entrepreneurs remained the bedrock and catalyst for the country’s economic development. Mrs Bunmi Oke, the Chief Operating Officer, 141 Worldwide Limited, an advertising agency, also encouraged female entrepreneurs at the forum. She said women entrepreneurs should be in-

novative and technology savvy in their approach to business. Oke said being innovative and stimulating their minds to align with trends and events in the world would drive their businesses to greater heights. The advertising executive said the way a female entrepreneur coordinated her affairs reflected in her business and also on the image of the country. The President of the Women Group, Mrs Agnes Sobanjo, said the chamber’s program presented a platform where women entrepreneurs could network and share ideas together. She said; “We aim to develop women entrepre-

neurs through mentoring and encouraging them to think independently because it is not just about making money, but adding value to the society. “As women, we have the number, skills and personality; we also thrive wherever we find ourselves. We want to bring out these values in women.’’ In her contribution, the LCCI Vice-President, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, urged women entrepreneurs to exploit the various funding vehicles provided by the Federal Government for their businesses. Mabogunje said having a structured business platform would facilitate quick access to the government funds.

L-R: Jazz artist, Helen Isibor; Creative Director, Hearword, Mrs. Ifeoma Fafunwa; Founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos; Vice-Chair of SPAN, Mrs. Olufunmi Olajoyegbe and Creative Director, I-Xtreme, Ice Nweke, during press conference announcing SPANfest 2015 in Lagos on Tuesday.

Insurgency: Expert tasks troops on consistency

security expert, Patrick Keku, who is also the chairman of Pahek Security Company, has called on the Federal Government to ensure consistency among its troops in the campaign against terrorism. He also recommended the establishment of a Nigerian Security Commission, where information on security from security agencies, including private firms and others can be collated, analysed and then sent to the President or head of operations for use. Speaking with National Mirror, Keku noted that

terrorism is not a war that could be wiped out like conventional wars due to its nature, stressing that even USA with all its experience and resources is still fighting terrorism. “December deadline to end terrorism by troops may not be feasible. For example, when it seems an area has been cleared of insurgents, they always move to other areas. ‘’After our troops jubilate at conquering them, see the subtle way they bomb. We’ve seen a lot of bombings afterwards. “Even USA is still beaming searchlight on terrorism around the

globe. If they could end it once and for all, they would have. Also radicalisation of the youths still on,” he stated. He also called for greater awareness on terrorism from the public, saying dealing with it is not solely the work of the military; “it is everybody’s work.” Keku, a recipient of the United Nations POLAC Ambassador for Peace award, also called for greater awareness of terrorism from the public as it would assist in expanding information gathering, adding that counteracting the menace

is not solely the work of the military: “it is everybody’s work.” According to him in the face of the present insecurity in the land, the citizenry must not depend on the spirit of God alone, but also be very alert, observant, cautious and conscious of their surroundings always, so as to better protect themselves. While recommending the integration of private security guards to help in the fight against terrorism, after relevant training, the security expert said: “Government should not be unmindful that private security guards are far more than the police.’’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anti-corruption crusade: S’ South group accuses Buhari of bias Osahon Julius Yenagoa

oyalists of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has sent a protest letter to President Muhammad Buhari over what they alleged as disparity in the on-going investigations into cases of corrupt practices against political appointees under the last administration. The loyalists, under the aegis of the Voice of the South-South, said though they supported the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration with the belief that it will be done with justice and equity, the exclusion of the former aides of the president who were northerners and other APC stalwarts showed lopsidedness, selective justice and bias. The group in a statement issued yesterday at the end of an emergency meeting presided over by Bayelsa State Chairman, Alex Dumbo and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mike Ogiasa, stated that the cases of former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziane Allison-Madueke and late Chief D.S.P Alameisegha have shown the bias of the president in handling anticorruption matters. The group said: “First, we observed that immediately the past Minister of Petroleum Resources was purportedly arrested in London, the Department for Security Service, DSS, promptly invaded her home

in Nigeria. Apart from Mrs. Allison-Madueke, we are yet to see or hear the arrest of any of the rest 42 ministers that served in the immediate past administration.” “The second incident is the late Chief D.S.P Alameiseigha, who the APC led Federal Government recently claimed, the British Government has requested for his extradition to the United Kingdom, in connection with a case for which he has been tried, convicted, served and later granted ‘Presidential Pardon’ in Nigeria. “While we express strong rebuttal of the ‘Extradition Notice’ by the British High Commission in Nigeria after the death of the GovernorGeneral, we wonder from which office, other than Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the purported Extradition Notice emanated from. “What is the reaction of the APC-led Federal Government to this matter, now that the British High Commission in Nigeria has strongly refuted the claim? “This approach by President Buhari therefore does not seem to depart from corruption itself because we believe that corruption cannot fight against corruption if our national life must improve. “It is therefore our sincere advice that President Buhari should change his present style in the fight against corruption or stop the so-called fight against menace and come with feasible policies and programme that will enhance the development of our dear country.”

Tribunal affirms Akpabio’s election

ational Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed a petition by the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Chief Inibehe Okorie, which challenged the election of Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio as the duly elected representative of the senatorial district. In a judgement which lasted about one hour thirty minutes, the chairman of the tribunal Honourable Justice Goddy Anunihu, with other two justices dismissed the petition against

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

the electoral victory of Akpabio describing it as baseless and lacking in merit. Okorie had claimed that due to a clerical error, Akpabio was not the candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, a position the judges said was untenable as it was only the party which sponsored the candidate that can determine who its candidate was. The tribunal held that the error in the nomination form was not enough reason to nullify the election. According to Justice Anunihu the nomination of a candidate was the domestic affairs of the political party and the court could not interfere with it.

Again, gunmen abduct Bayelsa monarch, shot police corporal Osahon Julius Yenagoa

gain, dare devil armed men yesterday invaded a community in Bayelsa State and abducted the paramount ruler of the Biseni clan of Biseni community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Lucky Oberike. In another separate incident also in Yenagoa, gunmen operating in black Lexus jeep attacked the residence of the former Senior Special Assistant to the former President on Domestic Matter, Dr. Wariponmowei Dudafa, shooting a Police Corporal on duty at the

residence in the shoulder. National Mirror gathered that the invasion of the Biseni community, which led to the kidnap of the Clan Head occurred at about 8pm on Tuesday. The abducted clan head, identified as the father to a senior staff of the Bayelsa State Treasury Department was said to have been whisked away to unknown destination. Confirming the two incidents, spokesman for the State Police Command, Mr. Astimin Butswat, said “On the 14/10/2015, at about 0200hrs, unknown gunmen went to the residence of His Royal Highness, Mr. Luckson O Oberike, the Clan Head

of Biseni community, in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA. The unknown gunmen abducted him and whisked him away through IDU waterways in Rivers State.” On the armed attack on the home of Jonathan’s former aide, the police authorities stated that a black Lexus Jeep was sighted approaching the residence of Dr. Waripamowei Dudafa and opened fire, but were repelled by a policeman on duty. According to the police, the Police Corporal sustained gunshot injury. Butswat also said,” at about 1820hrs, a black Lexus Jeep with registration number unknown, approached the residence

of Honourable Waripamowei Dudafa, at Okaka, Yenagoa LGA. The occupants of the Lexus Jeep fired gunshots at the policemen on guard duty at the residence. The policemen repelled the attacked successfully.” “One Police Corporal was wounded and his firearm, an AK 47 was taking away by the gunmen. The Corporal is responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. Manhunt for the unknown gunmen has begun. ‘’Investigation is ongoing. The Rivers State Police Command has been alerted. Efforts have been intensified to rescue the victim and arrest the abductors,’’ he said.

L-R: Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson; wife of the deceased, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha; wife of Nigeria’s former President, Dame Patience Jonathan; wife of Bayelsa State governor, Dr. Rachael Dickson, and others, during a condolence visit by officials of the Bayelsa State government led by Dickson to the Alamieyeseigha family at his residence in Port-Harcourt, yesterday.

EFCC blames judiciary for increased oil theft Elo Ogwara Warri

igerian judicial system has been blamed for the consistency in illegal oil trade and theft in the country. Stating this yesterday at the Warri Naval Base of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, in Delta State, Hameed Bawa, Head, Assets Forfeiture Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, explained that

Larmode, EFCC boss

delay in judicial proceedings in the country impedes the workings of security agencies. Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, Flag Officer

Commanding the Central Naval Command, while handing nine suspected oil thieves and a vessel, OMS OGU to the EFCC for prosecution said,“The ship got a valid clearance by navy to lift 10,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from Matrix, a private tank farm near NPA Warri, but a naval patrol team allegedly caught the same ship and nine man crew members using the permit to lift diesel from a far off illegal refinery on 28th August in Kantu,

Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.” Bawa, while commenting on the seeming failure of the EFCC to prosecute suspected oil thieves after arrest by the navy, stated, “The challenge everybody knows we have is the judiciary. Once we receive suspects and assets used for oil thieves as we have done today, we do further investigations and start prosecution immediately, but it takes so long for a case to be concluded.”

North

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ACF calls for support to Buhari’s change mantra IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

Houses destroyed by flood at Mangorori community in Katsina State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Plateau Assembly probes Lalong’s N10bn loan request JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

embers of Plateau State House of Assembly have expressed displeasure over a N10bn loan request by Governor Simon Lalong. Our correspondent gathered that the proposal for the collection of the loan was contained in a communication sent to the House by the state governor. According to the communication, the proposed loan, if accessed, would be used by government for developmental projects. It stated that the loan which was authorised by the National Economic Council, NEC, would be accessed from the Excess Crude Account, ECA. However, when the mat-

ter was tabled before the House, members unanimously rejected the proposal and directed the Accountant General to appear before it to explain how the previous fund approved by the House was utilised. Speaking against the communication, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi urged members to give assent to matters that would breed development. He said the Assembly had recently approved a loan of N4.5bn, adding that there was nothing meaningful that the said loan was used for. According to Gagdi, granting approval for another loan would further mortgage the future of the state and its inhabitants.

“We as legislators must operate as a people oriented Assembly; the one that will make good laws that will better the lives of the people. “Recently we granted approval for government to collect a loan of N9.8bn to offset the backlog of salary areas; agreed it was only N4.5bn that was accessed. “Federal government also released N5.3bn as bailout funds to the state to offset salary areas. “This is a state that commissioners and other government functionaries are yet to be appointed, and salaries were not paid, where then are these monies taken to?” he asked. Also speaking, Abdul Yanga opined that the Assembly was not rejecting the collection of the loan,

but that a copious explanation would be needed. In the same vein, another lawmaker, Simon Kudu wondered what the government was doing with its monthly subvention that it had to always fall back to collecting loans. He urged the Assembly to summon the Accountant General for a more elaborate explanation about the proposed loan. After much deliberation from members, the House unanimously agreed that the Accountant General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance should appear before its standing committee on Finance for further explanation. The committee would report back to the House in one week.

Dangote urges FG, states to adopt use of concrete roads for durability purpose

or Nigeria to achieve its long desired infrastructural development, it must embrace the use of concrete for road construction and other construction works. This was the fallout of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, NESG. Speaking at the ongoing 21st Summit of NESG in Transcorp Hilton, Executive Director Stakeholders Relations and Corporation Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Mansur Ahmed

said it is a choice that Nigeria must make. His comment is against the backdrop of the theme of the Summit: “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness, Inclusive Growth and Sustainability. Ahmed also moderated the discussion session with governors of Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi, Benue and Kogi states in attendance, where he urged them to collaborate in the provision of infrastructure for their people. He said concrete roads

makes more economic sense for a country like Nigeria, as the use of asphalt has left many roads in deplorable conditions. He said asphalt is no longer in vogue in developed countries. He said construction of concrete road is faster and can last for half a century compare to asphalt. Ahmed said concrete roads are 20 per cent cheaper to build. According to him, in the construction of concrete roads, cement, which

is the major raw material, is readily available while asphalt is imported. It would be recalled that the Chairman of Dangote Cement, Aliko Dangote, recently in Lagos also pleaded with the Federal Government to consider the use of concrete roads in the country. Concrete roads, according to him, will be to the benefit of Nigerians. Aside from being cheap, he said concrete roads are more durable and that their maintenance cost is near zero.

rewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday called on Nigerians to support President Mohammadu Buhari’s change mantra in order to bring change that is necessary to the country. Vice Chairman of the group and former vice chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Para Mallum, made the call when he chaired the first national conference of School of Basic and Remedial Studies of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia. He said Nigerians, particularly northerners, must support President Buhari by way of changing their attitudes and behavior to embrace the change mantra that would stamp out corruption and bring progress to Nigeria

as a country. The ACF chieftain noted that Nigeria is having problems because most of its populace are not learned. Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Silas Gyar, in his keynote address appealed to relevant government authorities to appoint chief executives to head tertiary institutions based on merit and competence, in order to stem the rot in the society. Gyar also called for an increase in funding of tertiary institutions and prioritisation of research innovations. Dean, School of Basic and Remedial Studies, Dr Patrick Noah Okolo, argued that complete or partial dependence on international organisations for policies and curriculum in the nation’s educational sector will not position tertiary institutions to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Judge’s absence stalled Audu’s N10.9bn fraud trail DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

he absence of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, stalled the trial of All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the forthcoming Kogi State gubernatorial election, Prince Abubakar Audu for an alleged fraud of N10.9bn. It was learnt that the trial judge was on election petition assignment out-

side Abuja. Audu was arraigned in March 2013 along with one Alfa Ibn Mustapha on a 32-count charge which includes stealing, criminal breach of trust and misappropriation punishable under Section 315 of the Pena l Code, Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. The accused persons had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. No new date was fixed for the trial because neither the prosecutor nor the defence counsel was in court.

Recruitment of 10, 000 police: Reps seek adoption of federal character UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday asked the Police Service Commission, PSC, and Ministry of Police Affairs to ensure that 10 persons per local government are employed under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to recruit additional 10,000 policemen and officers. The lawmakers also said the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, must also be considered. The House said federal character provisions as

contained in the constitution, must be respected and strictly adhered to in conducting this process. The House in its resolution insisted on “allotment of ten (10) slots to each of the seven hundred and sixty-eight local government areas and six area councils of the FCT in the first instance.” It commended the president for his effort in addressing the high level of insecurity and unemployment by the gesture, and tasked the police affairs, federal character and legislative compliance committees to ensure implementation of the resolution by relevant agencies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Reps create new standing c’ttee on IDPs, refugees UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado (left) welcoming team leader, African Development Bank (AFDB), Mr. Tom Robert, during a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Entrepreneurs hail Buhari over Aisha Abubakar’s appointment OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

group of entrepreneurs yesterday in Abuja commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Ms Aisha Abubakar as minister, saying aside kowtowing to the demands of the womenfolk, the president has shown that female technocrats have a place in his administration. Describing the nominee as a “proven international developmentdriven expert”, the entrepreneurs however tasked Abubakar on the need to remain steadfast and follow set goals.

Until her nomination, Abubakar served as Director, Corporate Services at the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, having been Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Enterprise Agency as well as chairman of Kwali Microfinance Bank for years. She was also a director, Customs, Immigration and Prisons department at PTAD. On behalf of the entrepreneurs, Folashade Williams noted that the president showed great commitment towards repositioning the country by the appointment. Williams stated that

“apart from exhibiting confidence in women, the president has nominated a candidate with an intense desire to serve the country and contribute her quota to the development of its natural resources.” She described the nominee as possessing the ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor own work. According to her, the nominee is a progressive that is needed to actualise the goal of improving all sectors of the country. “Anybody who knows Aisha Abubakar knows she possesses the ability to spot real problems, di-

agnose them and pragmatically come up with the best solution,” she said. She added, “While working as a senior bilateral cooperation officer at African Development Bank, Aisha was responsible for channeling bilateral and concessional resources to the bank’s operational departments for project implementation. “The nominee was also responsible for promoting, negotiating and administering of cooperation agreements between the bank and external donor agencies for the facilitation of preinvestment studies.

60 corps members to bag presidential award JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

hairman of the 2015 NYSC’s President honours award committee, Dr Kevin Ihenetu, has said that only 60 corps members out of 222 previously selected were recommended for this year’s president award. Presenting the report to the Director-General, Brig-Gen. Olawumi Johnson yesterday in his office, he said though the screening process was rigorous but the committee was able to shortlist the best among the corps members without any prejudice. According to him, the

criteria was that corps members must have distinguished themselves at the orientation programme, primary assignment, the community development service, and the group DCS before being nominated from the state. He said: “We have worked assiduously with all sense of patriotism and we have come out with a report to the best of our knowledge that would be accepted. The public don’t know us, so there wouldn’t have been any pressure. “And all those who received concessional posting were automatically disqualified. Each state is expected to produce two

corps members for the award, but there are some states that did not produce any candidate.” Receiving the report, the DG, Olawumi, who commended the committee, said the selection of the serving corps members for award goes through a thorough process which even himself as director general has no input in. “The whole process starts from the states where corps members who have distinguished themselves are recognised and it is from the pool of those corps members that a list is compiled and handed over to the committee.

“And I also want to emphasis that it only one staff from the scheme that is, the director Corps welfare who sits as the secretary of the committee. “The committee has it composition from various walks of life. We have representatives of the Army staff; Inspector General of Police, our parent ministry etc, and the committee has nothing to do with the awardees from the state.” He promised to make the report available for the award the same way it was submitted to him, adding that the scheme would ensure that the award takes place in 2015 as directed by the president.

ouse of Representatives has approved the creation of new Standing committee on Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs and Refugees. This followed the adoption of a motion brought yesterday by Emmanuel Oker-Jev, who noted that the Boko Haram insurgency which started around 2007, has constituted the single most devastating incident in Nigeria’s history since the end of the Civil War in 1970. Before now, matters of IDPs and refugees were handled by the Committee on Human Rights. According to Oker-Jev, the murderous activities of the violent sect in the Northeast has led to the deaths of over 200,000 people, displaced over five million others, destroyed property worth millions of naira and dislocated the way of life of people of the region. He said: “We are concerned about the large scale devastation of the Northeast zone by the sect and the compelling need to adopt extra military measures towards rebuilding the zone which had been akin to a theater of war. “We are also cognisant that the level of rehabilitation, reconstruction, re-orientation and rein-

tegration of the traumatised and displaced people of the Northeast requires the creation of a Standing Committee devoted exclusively to handle the tasks ahead.” The committee is expected to extend oversight on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, of government responsible for IDPs, refugees, migrants and stateless persons, except those assigned to other committees. In addition, the committee would also extend oversight and legislative responsibility over the National Commission for Refugees or any successor agency. Also, it would be the responsibility of the committee to relate and coordinate with multi-national and supra-national agencies and bodies with respect to the rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery, resettlement and development of the Northeast zone comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states ravaged by terrorism. A point of order by Ali Madaki (APC, Kano) that the creation of the committee was unnecessary was turned down by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. Madaki said the duties assigned to the new committee were being handled by other committees of the House.

Saraki advocates end to child marriage

ife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, yesterday called on parents, guardians and governments at all levels to put an end to the tradition of girl-child marriage. Saraki, who is also the founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, WBFA, stated this in her message to mark this year’s ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ with the theme: ‘The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030.’ She further urged Nigerians to intensify efforts at supporting the education of the girlchild and investments in interventions aimed at adolescent girls in local

communities. She noted that empowering the girl-child to grow into respectable womanhood takes lots of challenges, while urging the people to move away from the culture or belief that training a girlchild is unrewarding. Saraki tasked governments to continue to associate with the global campaign to end child marriage by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. The Senate President’s wife further frowned at gender-based violence which she said usually results in total loss of confidence and moral value among female folks in our society.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Why were the Malaysians not given access? They still haven’t collected all the wreckage. Why didn’t they collect all the wreckage? –UKRAINIAN REBEL LEADER, ALEKSANDR ZAKHARCHENKO

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

n autopsy has shown that the supposed remains of Burkina Faso’s former leader Thomas Sankara are riddled with bullets, the lawyer of the slain revolutionary’s family, Ambroise Farama, revealed yesterday. The family is however still waiting for DNA results to confirm the body’s identity. Seen as Africa’s Che Guevara, Sankara, who was widely seen as anti-imperialist West Africa during his four-year reign over the bauxite-rich country, was hastily buried in a 1987 coup that toppled his government and led by his bosom friend Blaise Compaore who later ruled for 27 years till he was also toppled late last year by popular revolt. Compaore has since then lived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire capital. Permission for an exhumation was denied during the rule of Compaore who always denied being involved in the ex-leader’s killing, insisting that the “facts are known” and he has “nothing to hide”. While he was in office, a Burkina Faso court blocked a request by Sankara’s family for his remains to be exhumed, a situation that changed last year when a transitional government

Sankara’s body riddled with bullets –Autopsy

and simply riddled with bullets,” he said. Autopsies on the other 12 soldiers buried with him in 1987 revealed they had only one or two gunshot wounds. “But as far as Thomas Sankara was concerned, there were more than a dozen all over the

body, even below the armpits,” the lawyer added. Soldiers linked to Compaore were behind last month’s coup, which delayed presidential elections due last Sunday. Burkina Faso’s interim government has now rescheduled the poll for November 29.

Senate confirms Fashola, Kachikwu, Ngige, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Assembly summons whenever he is asked to appear before the lawmakers, Kachukwu said he had no option on the matter. He disclosed that he had already commenced the process of opening up the operations of NNPC to the public with the initiative of a new monthly publication called, “NNPC Manual,” which explains the workings of the corporation. In addition to that, the GMD disclosed that he holds weekly briefing with President Buhari, where he explains the day to day operation of the corporation. While also facing the senators during his own screening, the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, made a strong case for the establishment of state police as a panacea to addressing the issue of insecurity in the country. Responding to the question by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu on his position to the issue of the decentralisation of police as a lawyer,

Fashola said for him, there was an urgency for the decentralisation of the police force in the country. He took a swipe at those who argued that decentralisation of the force would lead to abuse by state governors, stressing that such arguments did not go far. According to him, the country should start the decentralisation at experimental levels by allowing states that are ready and have the financial muscles to commence the process and for others to join at their own convenience, since the states are differently endowed financially. He posited that to assuage the fears of the opponents of the idea, state police should undergo the same professional training as the federal police to unsure uniformity and even wear the same uniforms, but bear badges that differentiates them from the federal police. According to him, as part of the experimental process, the state police could initially be limited in their areas of operations to include, for example,

rape issues, domestic violence, etc. while the federal police could handle other matters. “We can start at zonal levels, say at six zonal command levels. Not every state should join, especially if they cannot fund it. But states that want and can fund it should be allowed to start,” Fashola said. Drawing experience as a former governor, Fashola disclosed that the purpose for which every government exists is to provide security for its citizens and that informed his decision to involve all the stakeholders in the state on the issue of insecurity. He stated that after reviewing the state of preparedness of the police in Lagos and found out that they were ill-prepared in terms of equipment to fight crime, he had to involve the banks which operated in the state and which were being harassed on daily basis to pull resources together to equip the police properly to provide adequate security for them and their staff. This was also as the governor stated that he consulted with the

Power crisis: Candle prices shoot up in Zimbabwe Zimbabweans are grappling with high prices of candles as the country also grapples with power cuts. Over the past three weeks, households across the country have been experiencing 19 hours of load-shedding, some receiving power supplies only between midnight and 4 a.m. The crisis has presented an opportunity for retailers and the multitudes of vendors forced onto the streets due to the lack of formal employment. Most have immediately hiked prices of candles by as much as 100 per cent, in a development that will hit the poor who can’t afford generators or solar power. In some supermarkets in central Harare, a packet of six candles that was being sold for 0.80cents a few days ago has gone up to between $1.80 and $2.00.

Mine crisis: SA axes police chief

The late Burkinabe leader Thomas Sankara

came in after street protests. The exhumation started in May but the autopsy report was delayed during last month’s seven-day coup. According to lawyer Farama, revelations about Mr Sankara’s body are mind-boggling. “You could say he was purely

WORLD BULLETIN

other stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation, which eventually led to the successes the state recorded during his tenure on security. He said as a governor he saw criminals as his competitors, noting that, “As a governor, my job was to ensure that nobody died or was robbed. I had to be right all the time while the criminals have to be right just once.” The former governor also responded to allegations of inflated contracts, particularly the alleged N78m spent on his website while he was the governor of Lagos State. He said as a governor, he never signed any cheque and that there were laid down procedures by the state government for the award of contracts, with the necessary inbuilt mechanisms to check possible abuses. According to him, the contract tenders board was in charge of the award of contracts and the body never referred to him before doing their job.

South African President Jacob Zuma has suspended Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega while allegations of misconduct are examined, the Presidency said yesterday. Last month, Zuma’s office launched an investigation into her role in the 2012 killing of 34 miners by officers during a strike at the Marikana mine. It followed an inquiry’s finding that police followed a “defective” plan to break up the strike. Numerous calls have been made for Phiyega to be sacked over the case. No one has been charged or held responsible for the killings. This suspension is significant because President Zuma is in essence implementing one of the recommendations from the Marikana inquiry, headed by retired judge Ian Farlam.

Rescue operation claims family A Burundi state television cameraman and his family have been killed at their home by police during an operation to rescue kidnapped officers, authorities said yesterday. The police entered their compound looking for the kidnappers and were shooting anyone who was in range, according to witnesses. Police said 10 people were killed including an officer, but have not revealed details about the kidnapping. President Pierre Nkurunziza went on to win a controversial election in July and since then there has been a wave of unexplained killing, both of opposition activists and security forces.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Santion: Mourinho gets FA hammer

I harbor no feelings for international retirement yet. But it all still depends on time”–Italy Midfilder

–Andrea Pirlo

Falode hails Falconets, Eagles

oremost women’s sportscaster and Chairperson of Inneh Queens FC of Benin City, Aisha Falode, has hailed the qualification of the Falconets for the final round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. “I think the girls have the capacity to go all the way and even win the World Cup,” Falode said yesterday, adding, I am doubly sure that the team will overhaul South Africa over two legs to qualify for the World Cup proper. Falode however decried the poor organization of the Nigerian Women’s League, which she described as disturbing. “Apart from the fact that we don’t have a sponsor for the league, what we now witness here is walk-over everywhere and that is why almost all the women’s national teams are struggling in all their qualifiers” she declared. Falode also congratulate the Super Eagles for bouncing back from a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in Belgium, in an international friendly to whip eternal rivals Cameroun 3-0, in its second game. “It shows that the character of the team is coming out gradually but they must not rest on their oars ahead of the challenging in the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers,” she concluded.

Kwambe

CHAN qualifier

Eagles, Stallions to play on Saturday

Falode

he Nigeria Football Federation yesterday announced that the 2016 African Nations Championship final round, first leg qualifier between the home-based Super Eagles and the Stallions of Burkina Faso will now take place on Saturday. Venue remains the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt with kick-off scheduled for 4pm. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Boubou Traore from Mali as Referee for the encounter. Traore’s compatriots Bobo Yomboliba, Boubacar Kinta and Harouna Coulibaly will serve as assistant ref-

eree 1, assistant referee 2 and reserve referee respectively. Mr. Pedro De Morais Neto, from Angola, will be match commissioner. Meanwhile, a total of 25 players are battling for shirts in Port Harcourt under the watchful eyes of Assistant Coaches Salisu Yusuf and Alloy Agu. There are goalkeepers Femi Thomas, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, David Obiazor and Okemute Odah, defenders Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Kalu Orji, Solomon Kwambe, Idris Aloma, Samson Gbadebo, Jamiu Alimi and Stephen Eze, midfielders Abdulrazak Aliyu, Ifeanyi Mathew, Paul Onobi,

Usman Mohammed, Bature Yaro and Osas Okoro, and forwards Ezekiel Bassey, Chisom Chikatara, Tunde Adeniji, Prince Aggrey, Bright Onyedikachi and Dayo Ojo. Nigeria failed to qualify for the first two editions of a competition reserved for senior players plying their trade in their country’s domestic league, but won bronze medal at the third edition held in South Africa early last year. The winner over two legs between Nigeria and Burkina Faso will be eligible for a place at the 4th African Nations Championship taking place in Rwanda early next year.

Sports

Thursday, October 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Transfer

Valdes’ll leave January’

T Mourinho

Sanction:

Mourinho

he agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes has revealed there is a high probability to gloveman will leave Old Trafford in January. The former Barcelona shot-stopper last featured for the Red Devils on the last day of the 2014/15 campaign and has since been frozen out at the club after refusing to play for the reserve team. Valdes’ agent Gines Carvajal has now confirmed that he is looking to take the 33-year-old away from Manchester, while denying that a switch back to La Liga is on the cards. “He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him,” Carvajal said yesterday. “He won’t be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise. “It is obvious he must leave in January, and we are looking to find a move that he likes.” The agent also revealed that Valdes turned down an opportunity to return to Spain over the last transfer window, refusing an offer made by Valencia. “He had the option of coming to Valencia in the summer and did not want to,” he added. Struggling Premier League side Newcastle United have reportedly shown a keen interest in bring Valdes across to St James’ Park, with regular keeper Tim Krul side-lined with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury he picked up on national duty for the Netherlands.

gets FA hammer

helsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, has been given a suspended onematch stadium ban and fined £50, 000 by the Football Association. The charge was sequel to Mourinho admitting a breach of FA rules in relation to postmatch media comments.

The Portuguese was charged for misconduct following the game against Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 3. It was alleged his remarks constituted improper conduct in that they alleged and/or implied bias on the part of a match official or match officials and/ or brought the game into disre-

pute. Mourinho’s suspended stadium ban will be immediately invoked should he be found by an Independent Regulatory Commission to have committed a further breach of FA Rule E3 for any comment or statement to or through the media before October 13.

Valdes

Evra rues Old Trafford exit

uventus defender, Patrice Evra was “annoyed” at the manner of his departure from Manchester United but insists he has had no regrets since joining Juventus. The France international left Man Utd for Juve in July 2014, just two months after he had signed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford, and shortly after Louis van Gaal had taken over as David Moyes’s permanent replacement. Evra enjoyed a successful first season in Turin, winning the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, but he’s still sore over the way his eight-year associa-

tion with Manchester United ended. “It’s still hard to talk about my exit,” Evra said yesterday. “But one day, when my career is over, I’ll be able to speak more openly about it. “I came to Turin above all for my family because at Manchester they had inserted a clause in our agreement which changed the situation considerably. It really annoyed me.” Evra was one of several highprofile players allowed to leave Old Trafford in the summer of 2014, as the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck also departed.

Evra

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oyo SWAN moves against national body’s sec

embers of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Oyo State, on Wednesday, passed a vote of no confidence on the National Secretary of the association, Mr. Andrew Abah, for his role in last week postponed election. This was contained in a communique issued after its congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Abah was accused of degrading his exalted position of National Secretary by manipulating the list meant for the conduct of the election. The statement read in part, “Following the botched election of Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Friday October 9th, 2015, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Members reviewed the election and the ignoble

Sports

Thursday, October 15, 2015

roles played by some key actors and concluded as follows: “Members of the Oyo State SWAN no longer have confidence in the National Secretary of the association, Mr. Andrew Abah, following his role in the crisis that led to the postponement of the election. “Mr. Andrew Abah cannot represent the national SWAN in Oyo State again to either supervise or conduct any activity of the state chapter.” “His actions so far could not be in the interest of Oyo SWAN, thus members state categorically that they no longer have confidence in him as a National Officer of SWAN. “With the vote of no confidence passed on him by SWAN members in the state, we will appreciate it if our decision is respected in order to restore peace to the association in the state”.

Polo: Federation okays MTN on Yola 2015 Afolabi Gambari

he Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) yesterday commended leading ICT Company, MTN, for its immense support towards the growth and development of polo in the country. NPF President, Francis Ogboro, gave the commendation at a special dinner hosted for players and officials of the NPF following the recent Yola Polo Tournament. “MTN’s involvement in the promotion of polo and other sports in Adamawa State has provided a plat-

form for youths and other sports enthusiasts to direct their energy to gainful activities,” Ogboro said, adding that the sponsor had made a huge impact on the sport at competitions nationwide. “The support has been immense and we are proud that it has yielded positive fruits,” Ogboro further said. General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, who also spoke at the dinner, re-affirmed the company’s commitment towards polo promotion. “Sport is a critical factor that

helps preserve Nigeria’s unity and it is for this reason we decided to support polo and other sports,” Iweanoge said. Kaduna Kakuri and Bauchi Gabasawa emerged as the first two winners of the eight-day international polo tourney which galloped off on October 5.at the legendary Lamido Aliyu Musdafa ground in Yola Baba Kyari-led Kaduna Kakuri defeated Yola Fombina in a twohorse race to clinch the Lamido Cup, while Gabasawa dug deep before overcoming Katsina Gobarau to clinch their first INTEL’s Cup title in Yola in the final.

Glo delights customers with CAF Awards promo

itle sponsor of the annual Glo-CAF Awards, Globacom has launched a promo ahead of the 2015 edition of the awards designed to celebrate Africa’s most successful football icons. The event will be held in Abuja, Nigeria on 7th January, 2016. The Promo titled “Find Your Place among the Stars” was unveiled at the Mike Adenuga Head office of Globacom in Lagos on Tuesday. According to Globacom, the promo will give opportunity to many subscribers on its network to join football legends, top football administrators like the President of Confederation of African Football (CAF)and acting FIFA President, Alhaji Isa Hayatou, top businessmen and showbiz icons from the continent and beyond to celebrate the best football stars and administrators in Africa. Under “Find Your Place among the Stars promo” which is available to all Glo customers, subscribers are expected to recharge N10, 000 worth of airtime or more monthly between October

2015 and January, 2016 and text “CAF” to 33002 to stand a chance to win couple invite to attend. “Our subscribers have been the brand’s pillar of strength since we rolled out service twelve years ago and this is another golden opportunity to appreciate and reward them for their patronage and support.” Globacom said. Manager, Device and Partnerships, Globacom, Mr. Odafe Ajerejola, Globacom stated that the Glo Caf promo is another opportunity to celebrate Glo loyal customers who have been supporting the brand since inception. He, therefore called on them to make utmost use of the promo and be part of the quality crowd that will attend the ceremony to celebrate the best of African football at the Oscars of African football in Abuja on 7th January, 2016. Globacom said that series of world-class entertainment awaits guests at the Gala night where they will meet and interact with African football icons at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Polo action in Yola

WORLD RECORD

Longest human chain (length) On 11 December 2004, over 5 million people joined hands to form a human chain, 1,050 km (652.4 miles) long from Teknaf to Tentulia, Bangladesh.

Vol. 05 No. 1222 Thursday, October 15, 2015

N150

Agonising a Yorubaland without an Awo

n the popular Yoruba movie, ‘Agogo Eewo’, the character played by the legendary Adebayo Faleti, on observing the tragedy of visionless leadership that is now the order of things lamented thus: “ Ete o si mo, eyin di isana; eti o si mo, ori d’apola igi!” 9meaning bereft of lips, the teeth have become matches; bereft of ears, the head has become a mere log of wood). Nothing can be as analogous to the state of the Yoruba race today as these timeless words. Bereft of good leaders, these once powerful and futuristic people now wallow in self doubt and a deep sense of directionlessness. Bereft of visionaries like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a race that used to be the envy of others is fast losing its groove. What has happened to the famed bond of the Yoruba nation that her leaders now speak with crudely divergent,

eal Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, says despite winning everything at club level, he is desperate to crown his illustrious career with success in his national team shirt. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner added another trophy to

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

babelic voices? Politics of bitterness and greed has simply exiled the once admirable politics of development and brotherhood. And the result? Our youth now grope in confusion, and even our elders are stuck in despair and painful nostalgia. What we hear every day are lamentations for a race that once glowed like the flame of dusk. Every day, responsible people sigh with regrets and sadness for a people that once sizzled like the waves of the mighty ocean! As Ogunde sang in his magnum opus, ‘Yoruba Ronu’, the Yoruba have transmogrified into soccer balls and they are now being kicked about, hapless and rudderless, by all and sundry, all because of the tragic proliferation of charlatans in our political space. One of the sad reminders of our disjointed brotherhood was the heartrending boycott of the recent burial of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade by the APC governors. No matter the shortcoming of the late monarch, our leaders should have at least respected the idea and the history he represented. But then, reason was sacrificed on the altar of politics and the usual vindictiveness. It was a season when the Ife people felt abandoned by their kinsmen and women on the altar of crude politics. And, sadly too, this pervades other towns. The spirit that in the past made every Yoruba to share the joy or sorrow of their kith and kin is fast becoming a mirage. To worsen our predicament, we now grapple with the factionalization of

WE HAVE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE BOUNDARIES OF POLITICS AND TRUE ALLEGIANCE TO OUR COMMON HERITAGE Afenifere, that once powerful voice of reason, with the consequences of holier than thou politics of exclusion from all sides. We have failed to understand the boundaries of politics and true allegiance to our common heritage. That heritage, that bond of kinship, has been sacrificed on the altar of power and influence mongering. Conferences that would have brought us back from our wanderings and deathly divisions have been impoverished by boycotts and partisanship. Every one of us, whether in PDP or APC or whatever, is guilty of this travesty. Like lost sheep, we refuse to distinguish between the harangues of partisan politics and the genuine, loving call for unity for the sake of our collective future. Supremacy battle among Obas and blatant politicking that has whittled the worth of the royal institution and the heritage they symbolize is another demon standing in our way. While our elders continue to fiddle with frivolities, we have neglected the profitable indices of the future like youth development and futuristic developmental goals. Add that

to the absence of the politics of selflessness of the Awolowo years. Politicians now nauseate one with their obscene display of riches and their children, despite their youth, are spoilt in avarice and recklessness. Unhappy, really, is the land that lacks a hero; nay unhappy is the land that lacks a selfless leader. In Yorubaland today, who can we really identify as the distinct voice of the voiceless? Before the calamity of his demise in 1987, the Yoruba had in Awolowo, a father figure to look to. But today, eni a gb’oju okun le ko jo eni agba (the one upon whom we tend to lean is bereft of the semblance of reliable pillars). Those parading themselves as leaders are at best charlatans of avarice, greed and shameless display of wealth. Development politics has given way to personal enrichment and nepotistic leadership. Too often, good leadership continues to surrender its birthright on the altar of incompetence, selfishness and the madness of graft. The era of forward looking servant leaders has gone and rather than do the things that would make us snuggle up to them in love unfettered, we have been made to stand aloof, in utter dread of the stinking rogues that our leaders have become. Like pigs, many of them, on finding themselves in a house of seemingly endless gold and treasure, have turned the house to an eyesore of garbage and dirt. Wherever many of our leaders go, they stink with the tincture of graft, avarice and betrayal. So, what do we do to restore the glory days? The charlatans of today donning the toga of leaders must seek redemption by doing good for once. Unity of vision, despite divergent political leanings, must reign supreme. The blind followers must also wake up from this sordid amnesia and, shunning the demeaning temptations of mammon, begin to question the foibles and recklessness of their so-called leader. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra Ronaldo ‘desperate for Portugal success’ his cabinet this week as he won his fourth Golden Shoe award for his 48 goals in 35 La Liga matches for Real Madrid last season. The Portuguese skipper then helped his national team qualify for next year’s European Cham-

pionships. “It would be the pinnacle of a great career (winning the European championship) and this is what I’m hoping for. My hope is that 2016 will be the year,” he said yesterday. “I’m 30 now but I want to play

another five or six years more,” he added. “In fact I think it’s possible for me to play up to 40 and that’s what I’d like to do. I feel good here, I feel useful here, as I believe everyone thinks, and I want that to carry on.”

Ronaldo

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