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Lawmakers kick against N64bn second runway for Abuja

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Thursday, October

29, 2015

Reps to probe CNN report on Nigerian airports

GEORGE OJI AND UBONG UKPONG Saraki

Vol. 5 N0. 1232

enate has called on the Federal Government to urgently construct a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe In-

Thursday, October 29, 2015

ternational Airport, Abuja since the existing one is not only depreciating but inadequate.

1930’s

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Lagos in the

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Nigeria’s economy won’t suffer –Buhari ...says prosecution of looters will deter others

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said in New Delhi, India that despite the fall in oil prices, his administration remains fully committed to maintaining macro-economic stability and improving investor confidence in Nigeria. At an interactive session with Chief Executives of Indian companies with interests in Nigeria,

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OONI OGUNWUSI ARRIVES IFE P.8

High chiefs awaiting the new Ooni, Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at Ife toll gate, Osun State, yesterday.

Troops kill 34 insurgents, rescue P.4 338 captives in North East

PDP senators move to block Amaechi, Uguru’s confirmation ...as Saraki announces committees today

Tribunal sacks Taraba Speaker

P.5 P.51

Ooni-designate, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, acknowledging cheers, on his arrival at Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday. PHOTOS: BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA

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Oil crisis: Nigeria’s economy won’t suffer –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Buhari expressed belief that with its abundance of human and material resources, the Nigerian economy does not have to suffer unduly from low oil prices, despite its severe impact on government revenues. “What is required of us, to which we are strongly committed, is the implementation of tight expenditure controls, effective fiscal and monetary policies, including the husbandry of scarce resources which our introduction of the Single Treasury Account has began to address. “We are aware some of these measures may hurt operations of some businesses in the short term, but we believe they are right for a sustainable economy,” the President said. He noted that India has been a dependable ally and friend of Nigeria and urged the Chief Executives to expand their companies’ investments in the country in order to turn the engagements into a win-win situation for both countries. “We can increase and diversify the current volume of our bilateral trade beyond US$16.36 billion, and diversify to other critical sectors such as agriculture; green technologies in power generation; infrastructure; information and communications technologies; the services sector; education; industry, especially textiles and solid minerals among others,” the President said. Bihari also urged the Indian Chief Executive Officers to accept the changes in policy being introduced by his administration and observe all extant Nigerian laws in running their business in the country. He, however, warmed that his administration would not tolerate the importation of sub-standard goods, especially foods and medicines, into Nigeria. The President also reaffirmed his administration’s resolute commitment to curbing corruption, plugging all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for

the good of all Nigerians. Addressing members of the Nigerian community in India, Buhari declared that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices would also continue to be vigorously pursued.

The President said that he expected the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain. Buhari assured the gathering that his administration fully rec-

ognized the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts, and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions. “The anti-corruption campaign will be on-go-

ing for many years. We are committed to the enthronement of good governance that plugs the loopholes in public sector accounting, and the use of scarce resources for public good. “We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make

our citizens to change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development. “I am confident that our approach to fighting corruption through value re-orientation, improved internal processes and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Some of the Boko Hara victims held captive after being rescued during the attack on the terrorist camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages in Borno, by the Troops of 28 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army, on Tuesday.

Lawmakers kick against N64bn second runway for Abuja airport CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The lawmakers described the N64bn contract for the runway as unrealistic, and, therefore, urged the Federal Government to apply prudence in the construction of the new runway. The senators urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process and diligence are followed in the design, award and pronouncement processes of the new contract. This resolution followed the adoption of some of the resolutions contained in the motion sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye, and entitled: The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Second Runway - Contract. He expressed worry that the proposed cost of constructing a runway is by far more than the cost of constructing an entirely new airport. “The publication that the (runway) contract is already undergoing review, and to be awarded at N63.5bn as published

by newspapers across the country is another attempt to steal and rape Nigerians of our common patrimony. “The entire Gombe Airport with 3.6 kilometres runway cost N8.2bn, Jigawa Airport cost a total of N11bn, Bauchi (Airport) cost N12bn, Enugu Airport was reconstructed and expanded at N13bn, Akwa Ibom (Airport) was constructed at N18.05bn. “The proposed cost of constructing just a runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at this astronomical amount is about four times the cost of constructing a brand new airport in Nigeria. The new Terminal 5 in Heathrow Airport with four lanes of 4 kilometrerunway cost less than N25bn and constructing a 3.8 kilometre-one lane runway for N63.5bn will be a waste of fund, considering Nigeria’s present economic situation. “As representatives of the people, we must advise that due process and strict adherence to the Public

Procurement Act (PPA) be observed in the said contract of the Second Abuja Airport Runway. If this is not brought to the attention of the government now, there may be another fraud in the making, given the comparative analysis of cheaper cost across the country,” he said. Being a straight forward motion, there were no contributions and debates from other senators, as it was given the nod by the entire members of the Upper Chamber. It would be recalled that the contract for the construction of the second runway was cancelled by the last administration, after allegations of over inflation of contracts was established In another development, five new bills were introduced on the floor of the Senate. They include: Prevention and Punishment of Torture Bill 2015 (SB. 47) sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi and Nigerian Biodiversity Bill 2015 (SB.

79) by Senator Theodore Orji. Others are: Fire Arms Act CAP F28 LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill 2015 (SB. 85) by Senator Joshua Dariye, Counterfeit Goods Bill 2015 (SB. 117) by Senator Isah Misau and National Ecological Agency (Establishment, etc.) Bill 2015 (SB. 121) by Senator Obinna Ogba. Similarly, a report from the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions was presented on the floor of the Senate and laid before it. In a related development, House of Representatives yesterday, mandated it’s committee on aviation to undertake an investigation to find out the factors that lead to the embarrassing report by CNN rating of three Nigeria’s airports amongst 10 worst in the world and report back to the House within two weeks. This is as the House directed the committee to investigate how N400billion appropriated for airport

remodelling was carried out and what was the result there from it. The resolution followed a motion under matters of urgent importance entitled “urgent need to investigate the factors that lead to the damnable rating of our airports” sponsored by Hon. Garba Datti. While moving the motion the law maker explained that it was highly disturbing to know that Nigeria has some of the worst airports to travel in - in the world according the CNN global survey. According to him, the development was uncharitable given the huge amount of money spent on remodelling including a $1billion Chinese loan for such purpose. “We are aware that over 400billion naira was appropriated by this House for the remodelling of airports to international standard. “But it’s surprising to hear that despite the huge investment made to remodel these airports, we still CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Photo

Thursday, October 29, 2015

NEWS

L-R: Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute and President, Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Prof. Francis Durosinmi-Etti, during the opening of Cancer Summit 2015 in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Representative of Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Abiodun Aina; Chairman, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Abuja District Society, Mr. Simon Kato and Chief Executive, MSCA Projects, Dr. Mark Abani, at the 2015 Tax Week of the institute in Abuja, yesterday.

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L-R: Chairman on the occasion, Senator Ike Nwachukwu; Prof. Adele Jinadu and Guest Speaker, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, at the AELEX Annual Lecture” African Countries: Politics, Democracy and Ethnicity” in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Head of Events and Media, Jonel Hospitality Consulting (JHC), Bola Oyedele; Managing Partner, Mr. Brian Efa; Event Director/Founding Patron, Mrs. Thelma Bello, and Executive VicePresident, Precious Iroaju, during a news conference on Nigeria’s tourism industry, in Lagos, yesterday.

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Troops kill 34 insurgents, rescue 338 captives ...NAF conducts 1,448 air sorties in four months – CAS

Ubong Ukpong Abuja

roops on offensive in the North East have killed 34 Boko Haram insurgents and rescued 338 captives from the fringes of Sambisa forest. An operational update by the Nigerian Army yesterday, through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, disclosed that the successes were recorded on Tuesday by troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of the Army deployed in Bitta and Pridang during a raid on suspected terrorist camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages, near Bita and Damboa road, on the fringes of Sambisa forest. “The troops were able to kill 30 Boko Haram terrorists. The unit also rescued 338 persons held captive by the terrorists in the enclave. The rescued persons that comprised eight males, 138 females and 192 children

have since been evacuated to Mubi. “Troops also recovered arms and ammunition during the raid. They included a General Purpose machine gun and two dane guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), six boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) and three cutlasses. “In a related development, troops, based on tip-off, ambushed and killed four suspected Boko Haram terrorists on a suicide bombing mission to Gubula, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. “Apart from two AK-47 rifles recovered, the troops also recovered some Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs), mortar bombs and retrieved cash sum of N153,385. “It is worthy to note that the operation on the terrorist enclave coincided with the Chief of Army Staff ’s visit to the Brigade

Headquarters in Mubi,” Usman said. The DAPR added that the successful operations to decongest the area of terrorists had further weakened them and saved countless lives of suicide bombings. Having appealed and given the terrorists final warning, he said from now on troops within bounds of respect for human rights and rules of engagement, shall continue to decisively deal with Boko Haram terrorists until they are defeated. The Army, however, appealed for continued vigilance by all, and above all, cooperation with the military and other security agencies to ensure successful defeat of the terrorists. Meanwhile, Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has between July and October 2015 conducted a total of 1,448 air sorties in support

of the ongoing counter insurgency operation in the north east, even as it also deployed over 300 ground troops from its special forces to fight alongside the Army in the field. Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, disclosed this on Wednesday when he received officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, led by Executive Director, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd), who paid a courtesy visit to his office. The Air Force, he said, is doing everything possible to see how peace can be restored in the troubled areas as soon as possible. According to him, the air component is fully integrated in the counter insurgency operation plans and as such, NAF is using different aircraft in its arsenal, including F-7NI, Alpha Jet, C-130 AC, Augusta 109 LUH, Mi-35, Mi-24, Mi-17, Supa Puma Helicopters, among

others, to carry out logistics support, reconnaissance and combat operations. “Wherever the army goes in the battle field, we give them air support, provide intelligence and clear the ground for them to operate optimally. “There are challenges, no doubt, but God willing, we will meet the expectations of the people and the deadline given by the Commander-in-Chief as the government is giving us necessary support and encouragements,” he stated. Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his appreciation to the CCC for its important job in trying to streamline and harmonise crisis information in the country for effectiveness. He also noted that information management was critical to success or otherwise of military operations, especially the counter insurgency operation embarked on by Nigerian Armed Forces. “If you manage information well, you kill the morale of the enemies,” he

said. He disclosed further that NAF has embarked on a number of quick impact projects in the north east aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the people. In this regard, it has provided medical facilities including clinics, medical laboratories, medical wards and drugs. It has sunk boreholes, provided 50,000 liters overhead tanks, constructed toilet facilities and shelters for internally displaced persons in the north east. Earlier, Executive Secretary of CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd), briefed the Chief of Air Staff on the mandates of the Centre and congratulated NAF for its good work in north-east, while condoling it on the death of some of its officers during air crashes in the course of operations. He assured the CAS of the Centre’s willingness to partner its information department to bring to public knowledge the various efforts and sacrifices of the Nigerian Air Force.

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

PDP senators move to block Amaechi, Uguru’s confirmation GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he Senate has concluded the ministerial screening, which started on October 12, with the screening of the remaining five nominees by the lawmakers yesterday. The Senators will also confirm the outstanding 18 nominees who have already undergone the screening process. The senate had previously undertaken the screening and confirmation of 18, out of the 21 ministerial nominees sent to it by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 30. The President on October 9 forwarded the names of 15 additional nominees to be screened by the senate and confirmed as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the provisions of section 147(2) of the Nigerian constitution. The nominees who were screened yesterday are Dr. Okechukwu Enyinna Enelamah, professor Gozie Anthony Anwuka a, Mohammed Musa Bello, Adamu Adamu and Aisha Abubakar. The other nominees who had been previously screened but are also awaiting confirmation are Adewole Isaac Folorunso, Hon. Bawa Bwari, Mr. Godfrey Onyeama, Zainab Ahmed, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali and Pastor Usani Usani Uguru. The rest of the nominees are Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Claudius Omoleye Daramola, Brig. Gen. M M Dan-Ali (rtd), Barrister James E Ocholi, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Mustapher Baba Sheburi and Heineken Lokpobiri. Meanwhile, there are moves by senators of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to frustrate the confirmation of two of the ministerial nominees, including the former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Amaechi and the Cross Rivers State representative, Pastor Usani Usani Uguru. The PDP senators caucus met for more than one hour after yesterday’s ple-

nary sitting to fine tune their strategy on how to tackle the two nominees today. It was gathered that part of the strategy agreed by the senators was to urge all the PDP senators to be present in plenary today to add their voices to the direction of the proposed voting of the party. It was also gathered that the lawmakers agreed that should the Senate President eventually use his discretion to wrongly interpret the voice votes, especially as it pertains to Amaechi and Uguru, the PDP senators would call for division, wherein, there will be vote counts to determine the actual voting pattern. The PDP senators boycotted the screening of Amaechi last week because of the refusal of Saraki to discuss the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition on the alleged fraud allegations leveled against the former governor by a Portharcourt-based integrity group. Following the boycott of the PDP senators, only APC senators eventually screened Amaechi. In the case of Uguru, the PDP senators decided to oppose his confirmation because of the derogatory remarks he made against the PDP during his screening on Tuesday. Uguru had publicly dissociated himself with the PDP Government on the floor of the senate when he remarked, “God forbid, God forbid,” to a suggestion that he had related with some PDP stalwarts in the past. Even though the nominee was compelled to apologize to the PDP senators over his remarks, it was gathered that the lawmakers have not forgiven him and are determined to frustrate his eventual confirmation. Senate President, Bukola Saraki is also expected to announce the membership of the 57 senate standing committees today. Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara last week announced the composition of the 96 stand-

ing committees of the House. There are indications that Senator Yerima Ahmed, the former Governor of Zamfara will chair the Appropriation committee, Senator Danjuma

Goje, the former Governor of Gombe State may grab the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) committee, while another former Governor of Kano State, Kabiru Gaya will head the Marine Transport

Committee, even as Senator Andy Uba may oversee the Public Accounts Committee. The delay in the announcement of the standing committees had been caused by the intrigue

of how to accommodate key members of the Senate Unity Forum, which group lost out to the Senate of Like Minds group in the race for the election of the Senate President.

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) being received by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the Hyderabad House, during Presidnet Buhari’s official visit for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit, in New Delhi, India, yesterday.

Oil crisis: Nigeria’s economy won’t suffer –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

systems and the rule of law, as well as enhancing the capacity of the various anti-corruption agencies and institutions will prove more enduring in addressing this evil. “In the meantime, we will continue to prosecute those who have been indicted for corrupt practices and ensure that stolen funds are recovered, to serve as deterrence to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain,” Buhari

said. The President told the Nigerian community he was fully aware of the expectations of Nigerians who elected him on the platform of change, integrity, probity and accountability, and was therefore doing his utmost best to meet those expectations. “I wish to assure you that we shall do our best to fix the economy, create jobs for the teeming population of our youths and make the home environment safe, secure and more attractive to Nige-

rians outside the country like your good selves. “On the economy, our aim is to address the challenge of infrastructure in all its ramifications, especially power and transportation. We are seeking to create jobs through agriculture, mining, industrial value-addition and the promotion of small scale enterprises. “We are also taking steps to address criminality across the country. We are tackling the menace of terrorism posed by Boko Haram

head on and I am pleased to note that though sporadic attacks on soft targets have not stopped, the over-all capacity of Boko Haram to hold territory and determine the course of the conflict has been severely degraded. “If the current positive trends are maintained, we are confident that by the end of this year, we would have succeeded in permanently turning the tide against the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria,” Buhari said.

Lawmakers kick against N64bn second runway for Abuja airport CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

have some of the worst airports in the world according to the survey. “Notable among these death-traps of airports are the Enugu International Airport; Port Harcourt. Airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja the nation’s Capital. “Another eye sore in the list of the worst airport is our own Murtala Mohammed international Airport which is the gateway to

the commercial hub of this country. “Over the last five years, over N400billion was appropriated for the expansion, modernization and management of our 17 domestic and 5 international airports. “With the whopping funds injected into the airport upgrade project, rather than turn out to be symbols of national pride, they have become objects of condemnation, “he said.

On his part, Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe said, “if our key airports are being downgraded by international observers and technical team, then it should be a thing of concern for this parliament”. “We must go into finding out why monies would be spent and there are no results to show for our investment. “Just a few days ago, two aircraft almost had a collision. A cargo plane was landing and another plane was

taxing for takeoff and they almost collided. “Now if the communication equipment and landing facilities at that airport were good, such communication gap wouldn’t have existed between control tower and pilots”. Hon. Aishatu Dukku said that there are so many things that are faulty in our airports adding that the poor state of the runways of the airports maybe lead to disasters. The House adopted the

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Reps to NCC: Account for N6.1bn SIM card fund UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday asked the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to account for N6.1bn approved for it by the Federal Government for Subscriber Identity Module, SIM, registration. The resolution came after the $5.2bn (N1.4trn) fine imposed on MTN for failing to disconnect millions of its unregistered subscribers at

the end of the August deadline set by the regulatory body. A member of the House, Oluwole Oke (PDP/Osun), had brought a motion in which he claimed that as at December 2014, about 45 per cent of SIM cards on mobile networks were invalid due to non-registration or improper registration. According to Oke, a breakdown of unregistered SIM cards shows MTN with 18.6 million, Airtel 7.4 million, Glo 2.33 million and

Etisalat 9.46 million. Oke said: “The assiduous efforts of our hard working security agents to tackle incessant and sustain cases of insurgents and kidnappers may be attributable to the non-deactivation of lines still being warehoused by criminals. “This condition may worsen and prevent the achievement of the deadline to tackle insurgency and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria. “MTN has not denied

that the regulator had not variously served the telecommunication companies similar directives at the same time, while the others seemed to have complied, MTN, driven by pecuniary profit consideration at the expense of our collective security, has ignored the directive, leading to the imposition of fine.” Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, contributing to the debate, called for an inquest into how NCC spent the N6.1bn it got for SIM card

registration. Ogor said: “Let me appeal to the committee handling this investigation to be mindful of the billions of naira budgeted for the registration of SIM cards as given to the NCC. “I am aware that this House in the 7th Assembly appropriated over N6bn for the purpose of registering SIM cards and the funds were released. The NCC should explain what it did with that money now that we are still having issues of

unregistered subscribers. “So, let them go beyond the telecom providers and also look at the role of the regulator itself, which claimed over N6.1bn for the purpose of generating a data base of subscribers.” When the motion was put to a voice vote by Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yussuf, who presided, it was unanimously approved and subsequently referred to the Committee on Telecommunication. A report is expected within three weeks.

No Coordinating Minister for Economy in Buhari’s cabinet –Osinbajo ROTIMI FADEYI

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (right) and Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, during a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

CJN cautions politicians, governors over attack on judges DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

hief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has cautioned politicians, especially heads of government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary. The CJN, who was reacting to comments, following outcome of some governorship, national and state Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal matters denied that the verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.

In a statement by his media aide, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, Justice Mohammed insisted that the fight against corruption was a collective responsibility, especially among public officials, particularly governors, who are equally the chief security officers of their respective states. He said it was not just enough for governors to say the judiciary is corrupt or that a judge was bribed to deliver a judgement and at the same time look the other way while thugs enter courts to beat judges, tear court processes and bomb

the courts to prevent delivery of some judgements. Mohammed noted that corruption was a common denominator experienced by all sections of government and as such each head of government should look inward to devise strategies that would clear the Augean stables of corruption. He urged governors and public office holders to be sincere in the fight against corruption, noting that action speaks louder than words. According to him, where proven allegations of fraud are made against judges or court staff, it would be

more productive to report same to the National Judicial Council, NJC, which is the body constitutionally mandated to look into such matters. The CJN also emphasised that once such matters were duly brought before the council, proactive, decisive and just investigation and sanction would indeed take place. He restated that the judiciary was an impartial and largely incorruptible institution, the last hope of the common man and the blind dispenser of justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday disclosed that there would be no position of Coordinating Minister for the economy in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo made the disclosure while receiving Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, in his office. It would be recalled that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan had created the position of Coordinating Minister for the Economy for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was also the Finance Minister. Osinbajo, while addressing the envoy, recalled his remarks during the National Economic Summit held in Abuja few weeks ago that as vice president his role was to supervise the economy. “We are not going to have a system where there would be a coordinating minister. No, there would not be anything like that. “My role as vice president is to ensure that everyone involved in economic activities, there is a way by which the President is fully

Lagos denies alleged fall in IGR from N23bn to N7bn FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Government yesterday denied allegation that Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, in the state which used to hover around N23bn has

fallen to N 7bn due to poor economic strategies of the present administration. Sources had said that information about the dwindling revenue came to the fore when the new Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr.

Olufolarin Ogunsanwo met with his staff at the Central Business District, CBD, Ikeja on Tuesday. However, in a swift reaction, Ogunsanwo, who refused to give the current figure told journalists on telephone that contrary to

the claim of decrease, the IGR is on the increase. He said: “At the meeting, we did not discuss anything like IGR. The meeting was not even held at CBD. We did not mention such thing at the meeting. There was no time that we mentioned

such. There was never revenue drop. Everything about our IGR is intact by the special grace of God. “The only thing I can tell you was that as at this time last month, what we have collected now is far higher than what we collected in

apprised of what everyone is doing such that we are all on same page and to make it easier for the President to make decisions,” he said. Osinbajo also expressed willingness of the Federal Government to deepen the existing bilateral relations, especially in the area of economic cooperation with Australia in mining, agriculture, shipping and transport sectors as well as in the area of infrastructure development. Osinbajo said: “The Federal Government would be interested in exploring deeper relationship on economic cooperation as it is a major area in diversifying our economy.” He lauded existing bilateral relations between the two countries and commended the Australian government for the various capacity building initiatives in Nigeria and its investments in some key sectors of the economy. In his remarks, Richardson noted that his country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria had grown over the years. He disclosed that his country was interested in enhancing relations with Nigeria in areas of commercial development, adding that the government of Australia was ready to offer technical assistance in some sectors the country has given priority to.

the past months.” The source had said Ogunsanwo lamented that the 1,200 audit staff were not effective, threatening that if things do not change, he may be compelled to reduce the current staff strength to 500.

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Reps summon CBN gov over BVN disclosure to BDCs

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday, summon the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor,Godwin Emefiele to explain the apex bank’s directive that Nigerians disclose their Bank Verification Number, BVN, for Bureau de Change transactions.

Emefiele will appear before the House Committee on Banking and Currency in a yet to be announced date. The resolution followed a “Motion against proliferation of Bank Verification Numbers” raised as an urgent matter of public importance and sponsored by Honourable Danburam Nuhu. Nuhu noted that the ef-

fort of the CBN to stabilise the foreign exchange market by making it compulsory for all Bureau de Change to have the BVN of all customers in the bid to stem money laundering will make financial records easily accessible to dubious people. “All customers desiring foreign exchange through any channel would be forced to give their BVN to those with whom they are

doing transactions with. “In this era of internet fraud, this will endanger our people’s hard earned money and cause even more problems than it was meant to solve,” the law maker said. The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote at yesterday plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Yusuff Lasun.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi (right), acknowledging cheers from his supporters during their felicitation visit after the governorship election tribunal upheld his victory in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Military declares 100 Boko Haram suspects wanted

Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

he military has declared 100 suspected Boko Haram sect members wanted for prosecution. The military asked members of the general

public to provide useful information to security agencies on the suspects’ hideouts and residences. The provision of information about the wanted suspects according to the Chief of Army Staff, LtGen. Tukur Buratai, could be delivered by calling

three telephone numbers: 0818155888, 08160030300 and 07053333123 to the military. This was disclosed yesterday, while Buratai launched the Anti-Boko Haram Terrorists Campaign Materials at the Maimalari Cantonment Youth Centre, Maiduguri.

Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said the Acting Governor of Kano State, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, disclosed this to its team when he received Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr, Boboye Oyeyemi, on behalf of the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was out of the state during the visit. Abubakar said the introduction of road safety education in the educational curriculum of children at their young ages was strategic to the campaign for safer road environment in the country, adding that as one of the most densely populated cities in the country with high concentration of vehicle population, the state takes issues

of road safety seriously. He therefore expressed the commitment of the state government to promoting road safety education among pupils in primary and secondary schools in the state, stressing that the action could strengthen the effort to catch them young and make the roads safer. Abubakar commended the Corps Marshal for considering Kano State as one of the centres in the country where this year’s mega rally would be hosted, pointing out that the state government would continue to partner with the FRSC in its efforts to bring sanity to the nation’s highways.

Kano to introduce road safety education in schools Olusegun Koiki

ano State Government has indicated its readiness to introduce road safety education in both primary and secondary schools across the state. The government said this was in line with the approval given by the National Council on Education on the introduction of road safety education in the educational curriculum of primary and secondary schools in the country. A statement by the Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC,

His words: “The fight against Boko Haram insurgency was a collective responsibility of all, including the media. These photographs of suspected terrorists are to be identified with their numbers attached to each of the 100 photos, while members of the general public could send in more information on the locations or whereabouts of these Boko Haram sect members that appeared in these special photo identifications. Each of the suspects must have either participated or involved in the ongoing war in the theatre operations of Lafiya Dole. “If any member of the general public identifies the location and whereabouts of these suspects, please contact these three telephone numbers in this launched anti-terrorism campaign materials in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital,” he said. Of the 100 photographs of the suspects launched by the military, most of them are teenagers, with only three above the age of 70 years.

Friday, October News 7 9, 2015

N’Delta ex-militants storm NDDC, protest alleged neglect Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

cores of ex-Niger Delta militants yesterday stormed the corporate headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, protesting what they term their neglect by the Federal Government since the Amnesty Programme started in 2009. The protesters, drawn from all the states in the region also said they were not feeling the impact NDDC. The former militants said the interventionist agency which is supposed to spearhead human capital development and speed up development in the region was not living up to expectations. They carried placards including those with the inscription: “Niger Delta, no joy, pay us,” “No more violence, NDDC pay us,” “Tuoyor Omasuli, our money.” They claimed that since they dropped their arms for peace to reign in the region after years of agitation, the Federal Government was yet to fulfill its promises under the terms of the amnesty. The protesters, who

were peaceful arrived in a fleet of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), and a few buses, but were prevented from having audience with the management of the NDDC, as they gently discussed with the soldiers. Having got wind of the arrival of the protesters, more soldiers were deployed to the area, as well as combat ready Mobile Police Officers, and men of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps. Some uniformed men mounted Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC in front of the NDDC to forestall any break down of law and order. One of the protesters, Pastor Suboh Jacob, said that since he embraced peace and started spreading it across the Niger Delta region; he has nothing to show for it, noting that his efforts to get the attention of the NDDC and the Federal Government have met a brick wall. Jacob, who appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on their behalf, said that youths in the region were dying of hunger and neglect despite the abundant wealth in the region.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST AMBASSADORS PRAYER AND EVANGELISTIC MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 5. Evang. Toedat Tidy-Dabat 6. Pastor Daniel Y. Diyelong 7. Pastor Nienmoup Dabat 8. Pastor Shittima C. Musa 9. Sister Naandat Dagogot AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 4. To pray, to Evangelize, to Preach and propagate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus 5. To devout our self to Speaking to God by adoration, asking for the forgiveness of sin 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 twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Evang. Toedat Tidy-Dabat

PUBLIC NOTICE KERIN COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND BOOK CLUB

This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Istifanus Gbonkyu Bulus 2. Beckley Femi Moses 3. Kenneth Hosea 4. Deme Nathaniel Ishaku AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Kerin community library is a community driven initiative established to create and develop reading culture and learning among the community members and the general public. 2. Providing the community with effective needed space and educational literature 3. To create room for dialogue between the host communities, state institutions of learning and the government Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: Istifanus Gbonkyu Bulus

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Osun tertiary institutions’ lecturers call off strike, promise cooperation

cademic Staff Unions of Osun State governmentowned tertiary institutions have ended their industrial action. The strike was called off sequel to the meeting between state government and leadership of the unions, where it was resolved that the current financial challenges from dwindling Federal revenue account have affected payment of salaries and other critical areas of need of the country.

The agreement to call off the strike was reached by the union with government at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Tuesday night. Part of the agreement was that the state agreed to withdraw all legal suits against the union, hence suspension of the strike. Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, after signing the agreement on behalf of the government, noted that government will honour the agreement to the letter. Oyetola stated that the Aregbesola government was committed to the welfare of its workers and citizens, saying the governor has scored a lot of firsts in Nigeria in terms of workers’ welfare. The chief of staff called for cooperation of the unions in moving the state forward as it enters a new phase of looking inward on how to increase its finances and depend less on federal allocation. He said: “We have been having cordial relationship over the years before now. Salaries were regular, even for the first time in the history of public service in Nigeria Aregbesola’s government has been paying workers 13th month salary. “Sometimes you plan and things do not work out the

way you planned them. Revenue has reduced by more than 50 per cent after the decline of oil revenue. We have to look inward at this time of our state and nation. “We have signed an agreement and we will make sure it works. Let us all commend the magnanimity of the governor that all arrears would be paid. We must also show understanding at all times to operate with government with utmost trust. This administration has nothing to hide from anybody. “I am glad we have been able to resolve, and we need to learn one or two lessons from this, we must learn to trust government and look inward to start developing our revenue. The support of all is needed to move the state forward.” State Chairman of Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun-owned tertiary institutions, Comrade Lasisi Jimoh, commended the governor for his understanding. He noted that the union was ending the strike having realised that the government was committed to the continuous application of the Contributory Pension Scheme. The labour leader stated that government has promised to pay staff salaries for the months of January to June 2015 and deductions for the period within seven days of resumption. He said: “This is a signal of development. I would want to appreciate and thank our state government led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for adopting amicable approach to resolving the crises. “With this suspension, the council hereby directs all academic staff across the four institutions of the state to resume work immediately, while we assure stakeholders that all our members would double efforts to redeem the period of the industrial action.”

One feared dead, 2 injured in Osun road mishap Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

ne person was feared dead yesterday in a road mishap that occurred on Ilesa-Akure Expressway. The accident occurred when a car had a head-on collision with a motorcycle carrying three pas-

sengers. Apart from the dead passengers on the motorcycle, two others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. The body of the deceased, whose names could not be confirmed, was taken away by security agents.

L-R; Children of the late Mama HID Awolowo, Ambassador (Dr.) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs.) Omotola Oyediran and Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed during the governor’s condolence visit to Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, Tuesday.

Ooni Ogunwusi arrives in Ilofi

…installation rites begin in Obalufe’s palace Boladale Bamigbola and Ayo E san

oni-designate, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday began installation rites in Ilofi where he will spend the next 21 days. Indigenes of Ife, however, erupted in wild jubilations as Oba Ogunwusi entered the ancient town in a motorcade of about 80 vehicles and rode in Bugatti 2015 model car. Decked in white lace material with purple cap and beads, Oba Ogunwusi continuously acknowledged cheers from the excited crowd, who had trooped out to catch a glimpse of him. The new Ooni, who was received at Ajebandele, Ife toll gate on Ife-Ibadan Expressway, made it to the venue where ceremonial formal handover by his family to the palace chiefs was performed around 2:30pm. Accompanied by friends and close relations, sources said the monarch took off from Monatan, Ibadan, residence of an elder of Giesi Ruling House few minutes past 11am and started the journey to Ife.

He was received at Asejire, a boundary between Osun and Oyo states by members of Giesi Ruling House and had another stopover at Sasa River, where he performed the first traditional rite. At Sasa, located at the border of Ife and Ibadan, Oba Ogunwusi as part of rites before entering town, came out of his vehicle and trekked across the river. As the entourage arrived the toll gate, Oba Ogunwusi was met by his father, Pa Ropo Ogunwusi, and high chiefs, led by Lowa Adimula, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, and had a brief discussion before proceeding to Obalufe of Iremo’s palace where he observed spiritual feetwashing. Ooni Ogunwusi later moved to his family’s compound in Agbedegbede area, where he was installed Sooko in fulfillment of demands of Ife tradition. After his installation as Sooko, which was witnessed by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Otunba Oyewole Fashawe, among others, Ooni Ogunwusi proceeded to Igbo Oro where more traditional rites where performed.

He ended the day at Ilofi to begin the rites that would last for 21 days before he would be installed with the Obadio, the leader of Isoro Cult, taking charge of his rites of installation. Speaking to newsmen at the venue of Ogunwusi’s installation as Sooko, Secretary to the Giesi Ruling House, Adekunle Adelowo Ogunleye, noted that the reign of the new Ooni would bring industrialisation and employment to the ancient city. Regarding litigation in court, Ogunleye said warm reception given to the monarch showed there was no more agitation and that justice has been done. Speaking in the same vein, Head of Sookos of the Lafogido Ruling House, Walomo Adeleke Adewoyin, disclosed that the court matter was over since Prince Ogunwusi had been unanimously chosen. He said: “We won’t go to court to stop the choice of Ooni. We can only appeal to Osun government to look into the 1980 Ife Chieftaincy declaration to avoid future litigation. After this Ooni, it’s Lafogido’s turn.” Meanwhile, Founder

and President of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has sent a congratulatory message to the Giesi Ruling House and the people of Ile-Ife over the emergence of Ogunwusi as Ooni-designate. Fasehun, who holds the chieftaincy title of ‘Ataalase Oodua’ in IleIfe, promised that OPC would stand solidly behind the 51st Ooni, and assured him of his and the organisation’s unflinching support. In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Fasehun said the rancour-free emergence of the monarch from the many eligible aspirants showed the Yoruba were a great people who cherished their cultural heritage. Describing the Oonielect as God-appointed custodian of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba life and civilisation, Fasehun, who is also National Chairman of Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, urged him to lead the struggle for Yoruba unity. Fasehun urged the Ooni to forge a united front with other Yoruba monarchs in order to protect Yoruba interests within the Nigeria project.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Lagos in the 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Broad Street Diary

road Street is Lagos state is well known for its uniqueness, large population of bubbling men and fashionable women that traverse its soil, day and night. Its length and breadth are full of unrivalled daily commercial activities. It may simply be defined as a street where three out of five people walking in it, are traders or business men with the aim of winning customers’ patronage. No wonder why the state government designated the area as the business district. Lagos Island also play host to some imposing multi-storey corporate organisations, impressively planned and exquisitely painted offices, vehicles of different colours and makes, fashionable ladies and well-spruced men who ‘fight’ for right of way with hundreds of street traders on their way to their work places. Other places in other parts of the world that share the same characteristic with Broad Street, Lagos, are Broadway, a thoroughfare in New York City, United States of America, a centre of commercial activities, which also provides entertainment to ardent supporters of music players who specialises in orchestra in specially-designed buildings. In London, there exist another Broad Streets in Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Reading, all in Britain. There are reports that the Broad Street in Philadelphia serves as a major arterial street and yearly enhances the tourism strength of the United States, where, despite having been in existence for many decades, it still serves as the home of several Philadelphia cultural landmarks, and it is called the Avenue of Arts and home of art gallery in the United States. According to information, Broad Streets in these countries have largely held on to their originality, and hence, they are believed to still be in the same shape they were decades ago. Sadly, however, the same cannot be said of Broad Street, Lagos, as is with the case in many communities in Nigeria, Broad Street, Lagos seems to have changed dramatically from what it used to be decades ago, particularly in aesthetics. According to reports, the street once known for peace, quiet and tranquillity, has over the years, evolved into a land of hustling and bustling with little room for organisation and control. Aside street trading, which has become the order of the day on Broad Street, car parks full of the ubiquitous 18-passenger buses have also sprung up, a development that can be said to have also aggravated the rowdy nature of the once serene environment. Broad Street in Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, like the ones in other major cities of the world, also boasts of important architectural landmarks that represent the Federal Government despite the movement of the seat government to Abuja. Some of such structures include; the Federal Government Press, Federal Dental Clinic, Lagos General Hospital, Odan; Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, General Post Office, the Western House among others. Also, comfortably seated in the area

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Retaining the uniqueness of Lagos Business District

Lagos Island today are structures like the Freedom Park, Sterling Towers, AP House, 25-storey United Bank for Africa (UBA) Corporate Headquarters, 17-storey Elephant House, 14-storey Energy House, Premier Bookstore, CSS Bookshops, sundry shops and several stalls, all private business concerns and a sizeable residential buildings, now occupied by men and women and their large population of children. However, the business district has transformed into a shadow of its pristine self, degenerating to an environment some degrees a bit better than most traditional markets in Nigeria and important historical cities. Except urgent steps are taken to reverse the trend, the business district may soon turn into such places as Jankara, Oshodi, Ajegunle, Idumota, Mile 12 and Alaba markets in Lagos, which all grew naturally to heights, but now manifest in various ways, environment of filth and squalor. Although in an effort to bring sanity to this business district, which was once a toast of companies throughout Nigeria, the Lagos State Government has established the Lagos Central Business District Task Force to oversee the day- to- day activities of traders and motorists, thereby creating an enabling business environment for the citizenry. The intention of the Lagos State Government in establishing the task force to maintain law and order in this densely populated business environment, howev-

er, seems to have turned sour, as officials of the task force have turned their official engagement into means of making personal money. Speaking with Broad Street Dairy recently in an interview, a trader, who declined to disclose her identify for fear of persecution by the officials, narrated an incidence she claimed to have personally witnessed. The trader alleged that officials of the task force were greedy and behaved sometimes irrationally. “One day, a driver illegally packed his vehicle, obstructing other motorists and this attracted the attention of this officer, and in order to arrest the driver, the officer immediately moved to the driver’s side of the bus and started deflating the tires of the bus. “I was surprised at this because I don’t know the way he was going to move the vehicle after deflating its tires. In fact, the traffic was already building up at that very moment. “To cut a long story short, after about an hour, the driver ended up parting with N3, 000 before they could let him off the hook. I was so surprised because I never expected that an official of government who was expected to maintain law and order would behave in such a way.’’ For Segun Tella, a Danfo driver who plies the CMS-Orile route, he said without greasing the palms of the CBD Task Force officials, drivers plying the axis would end up being arrested for various

offences and their vehicles towed to their office, adding, to settle them is better than being arrested and taken to their office. “When you settle them, you save yourself much trouble and you will be free to do your business.” Tella’s claims of bribe could easily be noticed as drivers who openly violate the keep moving order, parked at the middle of the road to pick passengers and gave complimentary slang to the officials like ‘baba agbalgba tuale’ which the officials nodded in response and looked the other way. A wristwatch repairer Ajani Wasiu, whose stall is a table and chair directly under the Apongbon Bridge said most of the CBD officials are former street boys who he has known for the past 20 years. He said they were part of the boys employed by the government to fulfil their campaign promises to provide jobs for them. He said: “Most of those boys you see in that uniform are ‘street boys’ that don’t have anything to do prior to been offered this job by the government, that’s why you see them behaving like ‘agberos’ why carrying out their duties. They always harass and collect money from the bus drivers and market women. “They don’t disturb me at all as they always hang around my spot to escape from the sun or take a rest after hours of standing by the road side,” he added. –Dare Akogun

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo collapsing under Mimiko —APC Ojo Oyewamide Akure

ndo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday decried the economic hardship experienced by people of the state. The APC said after considering the situation of things in the state, it deemed it fit as a party to raise its voice in the interest of the teeming masses. It called on the Olusegun Mimiko-led government to wake up from its slumber to prevent the state’s economy from total collapse. A statement by its Director of Media Publicity, Steve Otaloro, noted that opportunities that should have positioned the state as an industrial giant and a regional economic champion in Nigeria capable of meeting its primary obligations had been frittered away. According to APC, notable among these opportunities were inherent in the Olokola Free Trade Zone project that had a liquefied natural gas and a deep seaport as crucial sub components. The party lamented the alleged role of vested interest that led to the relocation of the refinery earlier planned for Ondo State by the Dangote group. It said: “The recent damning revelations by Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless, on how selfish interest and underhand tactics killed many otherwise good businesses in Nigeria and how these vested interests undermined the overall interest of the masses is a case in point. “Recently, we note the fanfare with which the Ondo State government celebrated the arrival of Shoprite, the popular South African mall, into Akure. Although ostensibly a private business, we took particular note of how a state franchise, an iconic legacy in its own right, the Owena Motel, was sacrificed for the South African franchise to thrive. “We also took note that even a road originally earmarked for construction by the late Olusegun Agagu administration, but which was abandoned by the current administra-

South West

Thursday, October 29, 2015

tion, is today being fixed in order to enable many more Ondo State people shop at the new mall. “As a political party, we are happy that a standard mall of the status of Shoprite is now in Akure. We are, however, appalled by certain decisions, which heralded its arrival. Couldn’t Shoprite be established in Akure without messing up existing legacies? “The inspirations young leaders draw from such legacies as Owena Motel (Akure), Cocoa House (Ibadan) built by our forefathers could naturally not be quantified. Hence, we do not believe that the decision to demolish Owena Motel, whether wholly or partly, is in the interest of the people of Ondo State. “We are of the strong view that Shoprite and the purported new 5-star hotel allegedly proposed by the government could have been located on a separate parcel of land. Such a decision would have enabled the people of Ondo State tap into the benefits of a Shoprite mall, the new 5-star hotel, as well as the existing Owena Motel. “While it is good if the people of Ondo State have a world class opportunity to spend their money, it is however our considered opinion that it is better instead for the people to have world class opportunities to earn more. “We can only imagine what the earning power of the average Ondo native would be had the Dangote refinery been pursued with the same gusto and fanfare with which the Shoprite shopping mall was pursued.”

N125bn fraud: Judges’ redeployment stalls Atuche, others trial Wale Igbintade

rial of former managing director of Bank PHB now Keystone Bank Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche, and former managing director of defunct Spring Bank Plc, Mr. Charles Ojo, who are facing alleged N125 billion fraud before a Lagos Federal High Court, was again stalled following the likely transfer of Federal High Court judges, which could take effect any moment from now. At the resumed proceedings of the matter slated for trial on Wednesday, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the Chief Judge’s

directive of likely transfer of judges and advised judges not to commence any trial they may not be able to conclude before the transfer. Upon the revelation by Pinheiro, SAN, the presiding Justice, Saliu Saidu, adjourned the matter till December 10 for mention. The two former bank managing directors were charged before Justice Saliu Saidu by the EFCC on an amended 45-count charge bordering on alleged N125 billion fraud, conspiracy, reckless granting and approval of loans and money laundering between September 1, 2006 and 2009. But they had pleaded not guilty to all the 45-count charges, and are currently on bail.

The alleged offences, according to the anti-graft agency, contravene Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. While offence of reckless granting of loans contravenes Section 7(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and is punishable under section 7(2)(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, 2004, and sections 15(1) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act, 2004. At the last proceedings of the case, Mr. Osahon Idemudia, counsel to the second accused, Charles Ojo, had asked the court for an adjournment to enable him

have pre-trial conference with his client. The anti-graft agency had re-arraigned both Atuche and Ojo before the court on charges of acquiring Keystone Bank’s shares, using depositors’ funds. The duo were also alleged to have applied N3.5 billion, being proceeds of unlawful loans granted to Tradjek Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Futureview Financial Services Ltd, in payment for his acquisition of shares of Bank PHB, using various companies as fronts with an intention to conceal the ownership of the loans. And that he collaborated with different companies to conceal the genuine origins of the N3.5 billion used to acquire the bank’s shares.

L-R: Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Consul - General of German Embassy in Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert and Assembly’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun during the visit of Ambassador in Lagos, yesterday.

Civil defence assisting to stave off insurgency —Zonal commandant Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

igerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has said it was assisting in checking the spread of Boko Haram insurgency to other parts of the country. Although the NSCDC Assistant CommandantGeneral overseeing Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states, Mr Jacob Oladapo, did not disclose the corps’ counter-terrorism strate-

gies for security reasons, he said its men and officers were received training and re-trainings for efficiency. Oladapo spoke in AdoEkiti yesterday during a visit to ascertain the welfare of officers and men of the command, as well as the synergy between the corps, other security agencies and communities in the state. He said the stop-andsearch operation embarked on by the corps in parts of the state was effective in

preventing the spread of insurgency to other parts of the country. According to him, the synergy between NSCDC and other security agencies was paying off, having led to the arrest of many offenders, including pipeline vandals, electricity cable vandals, among others. Oladapo said NSCDC officials had received international training in Russia, America and Ireland on how best to increase intelligence gathering and con-

tribute effectively in counter-terrorism to be able to deal with terrorists and vandals in the Nigerian society. He said: “As I talk to you, men under my jurisdiction have commenced stop-andsearch on vehicles and human beings. “If you wear unusual cloth, unusual glasses, shoe or move in an unusual or suspicious manner, we have our intelligence officers that would stop you and probably get you

arrested.” On the incessant pipeline vandalism in Arepo and Ogere in Ogun State, he said efforts were being made by his men to deal with the menace. The assistant commandant general added that the corps had successfully checked several attempts by vandals to cart away cables and other private and public utilities in the zone, leading to arrests and prosecution of several suspects.

South East

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We didn’t give lawmakers free jeeps —Commissioner Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

abour movement in Enugu State yesterday back-pedaled in its threat for a showdown with the state government for purchasing Prado jeeps for members of the House of Assembly and some government officials. Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe, at a press briefing said the workers had been properly briefed on the true situation. While commending Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for having a listening ear, Igbokwe said the press briefing was an aftermath of a meeting between the governor and labour leaders. He said, “We met with his Excellency and he gave us the true situation, we reconciled issues. Let me commend his Excellency’s mode of operation; each time there are some issues, he would always clear the air. “There is information his Excellency gave us about the jeep and which we discussed, it’s not the issue of buying. What we said was that vehicles were given out free, but now we know the

true situation. In a family, there are misconceptions at times, but the important thing is that at the end of the day, everybody is happy.” Also, Information Commissioner, Godwin Udeuhele, said the vehicles were not free, but they would be returned to the government at the end of their tenure. “There were insinuations that the governor gave out jeeps to House of Assembly members and other government officials. But after discussion, the labour (movement) came to know that no vehicle was given out free of charge. It is a pool of vehicles; at the expiration of the people’s tenure those vehicles become property of government. “On that basis, our media friends, please always crosscheck your facts before going to the press; if you had done that this would not have happened. Labour is very friendly with government, we have held meeting with them, it’s a friendly affair.” House of Assembly Leader, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said no lawmaker received free vehicle from government, stressing that the cars were dully allocated to them.

Ugwuanyi swears-in new customary appeal court president Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday swore in a new acting president of Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, George Nnamani, with a charge to apply dignity, integrity and total commitment to the sensitive job. Ugwuanyi, who spoke after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Enugu, noted that the exercise was in accordance with the provisions of Section 281 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, in order not to create a vacuum in that office. He thanked the immediate past acting President of the Court, Justice Christopher Osita Onyia, for his service and congratulated Justice Nnamani on his appointment as acting President of the court for three months with effect from the day of his swearing-in.

The governor revealed that with the nomination of non-statutory members the process of reconstituting the State Judiciary Service Commission had commenced. Justice Nnamani in his remarks thanked the governor for finding him worthy to serve, promising to discharge his duties creditably. The new president further prayed God to grant the governor the grace and wisdom to lead the people. He also commended the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Umezulike, for raising him, assuring that he would not disappoint him. Earlier in a speech before the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Judge Umezulike assured Ugwuanyi that the new acting president of the State Customary Court would perform in his new post based on his track records. He also praised the governor for being a leader that believes in the rule of law.

NYSC 2015 Batch ‘B’ corps members waiting for screening, clearance and accreditation at the orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Shoot-out as youths attack police station Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

ngry youths stormed Umabor Police Station in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday night destroying several properties. They also blocked the Enugu-Makurdi Expressway yesterday, crippling vehicular movement. The situation is causing serious tension among residents, who told journalists that they kept vigil throughout the night. It was, however, gathered that though no life was lost in the sporadic

shootings that lasted several hours, police vehicles, including a Hilux van and parts of a building were destroyed. A source told our correspondent that trouble started when a team of policemen stormed a viewing centre and arrested some residents, a development that angered the youths. A member representing Nsukka East constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly, Chinedu Nwamba, who confirmed the incident, re-echoed the claim that the police had been harassing his people, accusing them of being armed robbers and cult-

ists, and extorting N5,000 from them. In a telephone chat, Nwamba who did not confirm whether properties were vandalised said, “I have complained severally to the DPO over complaints from my people. I told the DPO that I’m not impeding him from doing his job, but that after arrest and investigation, he should release innocent people who were not found culpable of any crime unconditionally.” He further disclosed that on getting to the police station, the angry youths demanded immediate release of their brothers, a request the police

turned down. It was learnt that at that point, the youths went wild and started vandalising properties, even as they reportedly engaged the police in sporadic gunfire. Also, early yesterday morning, they re-grouped and blocked the ever-busy Enugu-Makurdi Expressway. It took the intervention of the DPO of Nsukka Urban before they removed the roadblock. In its reaction, the state police command said three cultists were arrested after the attack on the police station, which was allegedly led by a councillor.

Ebonyi mass transit operators withdraw services Aliuna Godwin Abakaliki

ravelers were yesterday stranded in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, following plan by mass transit operators to withdraw their services due to alleged high taxation by the state government. The planned strike by the local commercial bus drivers affected business operation in the state as desperate passengers, especially those traveling to neighbouring states strived to get to their destination at all cost. At most loading bays, it

was observed there was no bus picking passengers for trip outside the state, while gates to the bays were either locked or blocked with vehicles. Passengers, including some National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members who were travelling to various camps for orientation, were seen standing in groups discussing the development, while others sat dejectedly on their bags. Some of them, who spoke with National Mirror, expressed frustration over the situation, saying the transport companies ought to have informed

them about their intention to embark on strike to enable them make alternative arrangement. Some of the mass transit operators, including Mr Chidi Agbo and Innocent Nwoke, explained that the strike was to protest arbitrary increase in charges for passengers’ manifests and imposition of taxes on commercial drivers. But in a swift reaction, Special Adviser to Ebonyi State Governor on Transport, Chief Philip Eworo, stated that the charges were not new, while the issue of emblem was statutory revenue, which was mandatory for all commer-

cial vehicle drivers operating in the state. Eworo regretted the action of the operators, adding that the state government had commenced negotiations with them to call off the strike.

Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Many Nigerians had expected marked departure from the old unserious attitude of the senators in the screening of the ministerial nominees. But despite the change mantra of the APC government, GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, UBONG UKPONG and IWAMBE DOOSUUR write that, intrigues, politics and other primordial interest made the expected change impossible.

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Politics

Intrigues of ministerial nominees’ screening

fter a long delay, running into four months, President Muhammadu Buhari finally sent the first batch of 21 nominees to the senate on September 30 for screening as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The President followed that up with the remaining list of 15 nominees on October 9 . But before the screening, which eventually commenced on October 13, chairman of the senate ad hoc committee on media and publicity, Dino Melaye briefed senate correspondents, during which he disclosed what the senate agreed during a closed door session on the procedures guiding the screening exercise. According to Melaye, the lawmakers resolved that the 8th senate’s ministerial screening would not be business as usual, in the sense that the screening would be more thorough, more painstaking and more serious than the previous ones. He also disclosed that the senators resolved to make it mandatory for all ministerial nominees (particularly former public officer) to produce the certificate of their assets declaration before such nominees would be screened. Besides, the senate, according to Melaye, resolved that any nominee who does not enjoy the support of at least two out of the three senators representing the state where the nominee comes from would stand automatically disqualified. Finally, the senate spokesperson said it was agreed by all the lawmakers that the exercise would be guided by the relevant provisions of the constitution and the rules of the senate, particularly sections 147, 14(3), 65 and 5 of the constitution as well as order 120 of the senate standing orders.

Politics of Bow and Go This is one aspect of the ministerial screening exercise, which has generated serious controversies over the years. This act was originally intended by the lawmakers as a special privilege for their past colleagues who had once served in the National Assembly either as senators or members of the House of Representatives. This privilege had also in the past been extended to some eminent Nigerians, who had distinguished themselves in their service to the country. The logic behind the practice of bow and go for past National Assembly members’ stems from the provisions of section 147(5) of the Constitution, which states that, “No person shall be appointed a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unless he is qualified to stand election as a member of the House of Representatives.” What this means is that having served as former members of the National Assembly, subjecting such ministerial nominees to fresh screening by the senate would amount to double screening. However, the way the practice of bow and go had been practiced in the past, had made serious mockery of the original intents of the privilege. Nigerians witnessed instances where even the least qualified ministerial candidates were asked to bow and go.

Buhari

Saraki

The way the practice of bow and go had been

practiced in the past, had made serious mockery of the original intents of

the privilege.

Nigerians

witnessed instances where even the least qualified ministerial candidates were asked to bow and go But before the instant screening exercise, Nigerians were assured by the senate that only those who really and truly qualified for the privilege would be made to enjoy it. Nigerians were also told by the senate that the privilege this time around would not be automatic. What that meant was that before asking a former National Assembly member to bow and go, such a candidate would first face interrogations from the presiding officers, i.e. either the Senate President or his Deputy. These were supposed to be part of the change that the new administration headed by President Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians. Unfortunately, Nigerians were regaled with a more ridiculous application of the privilege this time around than the nation had witnessed in the past. For instance,

during the screening of the spokesman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, he was not only asked to bow and go without facing any serious interrogation from the lawmakers, he had to make jest of the bow and go such that he did not only bow once, but twice and up to six times, leading to the entire chambers of the senate erupting in uproar. Indeed, besides Mohammed, other candidates who had never had anything to do with the National Assembly were also extended the same privilege, with added mockery, thus exposing the hallowed chambers of the senate as theater of humour.

Non Attachment of State of Origin/Portfolios For the first time since the current democratic dispensation, which began in 1999, President Muhammadu Buhari in the list of ministerial candidates, he sent to the senate for screening and confirmation in line with section 147(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, failed to attach the state of origin of the nominees. Although the constitution does not require the President to attach the state of origin of the ministerial nominees, by practice, past Presidents have done so. However, the logic behind attaching states beside the names of the ministerial nominees is to ensure that the President complies with the provisions of section 147(3), of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, which says that the appointment of the ministers by the President must reflect federal character as contained in section 14(3) of the same constitution. There were suggestions by some Nigerians that the senate should return the list to the President so that he attached the states of origin of the nominees before the candidates would be screened. But in the wisdom of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 senate, the lawmakers proceeded with the screening without recourse to returning the list to the President. On the issue of non- attachment of portfolios to the candidates by the President, the only safe comment one can make here is to observe that such requirement is not backed by any law in Nigeria. However, there are germane arguments that doing so would no doubt arm the lawmakers adequately to pose relevant questions to the ministerial nominees in order to truly ascertain their competences in the ministries they hoped to oversee.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Intrigues of ministerial

Governors’ role in the screening The screening of ministerial nominees attracted a lot of attention from many Nigerians who now actively participate in issues relating to politics and other areas which have effect on their lives. During the screening exercise, the Senate was inundated with petitions against the nomination of some ministerial nominees. However, some governors came out to drum up support for the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees from their states. For Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, the nomination of the immediate former governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi as minister was an Ekiti project that must be supported by the Ekiti people. Despite the fact that Fayose had a frosty relationship with his predecessor over the affairs of the state when he took over office, he was of the view that everything possible must be done to support an Ekiti man for ministerial position. Fayose had urged Senators from the state to give the former governor, the needed support so that he can have an easy passage through the ministerial screening. According to him, the Ekiti project belongs to all Ekiti people and everything “must be done to support it”. The governor said the lawmakers representing the state should play their parts towards ensuring that the former governor gets a hitch-free screening exercise on the floor of the Senate. Fayose spoke in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, during a meeting with student leaders from the state under the aegis of Federation of Ekiti Student Union, “Ekiti is my priority. I call on all the House of Representatives members and senators that went to Abuja from here, some people petitioned the National Assembly stating how Fayemi sank Ekiti into heavy debts, I have told the members not to do that,” he said. “It is God that judges people, not us. You must support him there. They should not go to the Senate and oppose Kayode Fayemi, no, they must never do that. An Ekiti man is an Ekiti man. I appeal to everybody, you must support him.”, Fayose added Fayemi eventually scaled the screening exercise at the Senate with the support from the Governor, Senators as well as people from his state. Similarly, there were petitions against another ministerial nominee, Aisha Abubakar from Sokoto State where it was alleged that she was not competent to represent the state in the federal cabinet. However, the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal displayed support for her to be screened by the Senate as the ministerial nominee to represent Sokoto in the federal cabinet. Tambuwal and immediate former governor of the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko ensured that the matter was resolved soon after they met with President Muhammadu Buhari. Some top leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state were also involved in the effort to ensure the acceptance of the nominee by the party stakeholders. Tambuwal, National Vice Chairman of the APC in North West, Inuwa Abdulkadir, state executive committee members of the party, members of national and state assemblies and leaders of the party in the 23 local government areas of the state held a meeting in Sokoto to resolve the matter. The ministerial nominee also met with regional leaders of the party where the matter was given the necessary attention to pave the way for her screening and confirmation by the Senate. The petitions against Abubakar’s nomination had touched on the fact that she came from the same zone with

Ndume

Amaechi

On the need to expedite actions on the petitions, Saraki made it clear that no nominee would be screened until all the petitions against the person was disposed of

the governor, among other issues that were raised. However, the screening of the ministerial nominee at the Senate was made possible with the way the petitions against her were given attention and quickly resolved. PDP Senators boycott Amaechi’s screening. The eventual screening of the former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi by the senate took place after the exercise had been postponed several times. Out of the entire 36 ministerial nominees, none of the candidates screening generated as much controversy as that of Amaechi for obvious reasons. There were several meetings held by the APC and PDP senators as well as others outside the senate, all aimed at finding a soft landing for the controversial former governor. Before the eventual screening of Amaechi, the APC senators had held a meeting the previous day, where the lawmakers had agreed to back the candidate. Even though the APC senators’ meeting was attended by only 30 out of the 58 senators of the party, it was agreed at the position adopted at that meeting would be binding on all the rest senators of APC. The stage for Amaechi’s screening was well orchestrated before his appearance last week Thursday. Thrice, the former governor was listed in the senate order paper for screening and thrice, his name vanished with the same suspicion and intensity it appeared. Shortly as the ministerial list was made public, the first petition received by the senate was the one from a PortHarcourt-based anti corruption organisation - The Integrity Group. The group in a four-page document listed several financial infractions against the former governor, amounting to N70 billion. Besides the petition against Amaechi, the senate also

received a number of other petitions against some of the ministerial nominees. The senate directed its committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions to look into all the petitions. Senate President, Bukola Saraki himself set the ground rules on that. While giving a marching order to the committee on the need to expedite actions on the petitions, Saraki made it clear that no nominee would be screened until all the petitions against the person was disposed of. The senate complied with Saraki’s directives to the letter until last week Thursday when it was the turn of the former Rivers State governor. In the senate’s order paper of last Thursday, Amaechi’s name was the first in the list of the six nominees slated for screening that day. One of the business of the day was also to receive the report of the committee that investigated the former governor.

True to assurances, chairman of the ethics, privileges and public petition, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was ready with the report. Apparently aware of the planned insistence of the PDP senators that the report should be debated, the Senate President only asked Anyanwu to lay the report without allowing him to read it or direct the opening of debate of the report. As was the rule and practice of the senate, all expectations were that the senate would proceed with the debate and adoption of the investigation’s report before commencing the screening. Unfortunately, all that was not to be. Once the report was laid, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, as usual came up with two successive motions. First, that the senate resolve into a committee of the whole to screen the candidates, and secondly that the senate suspends its relevant rules to admit the ministerial nominee as well as other coterie of Nigerians, including the Presidential liaison to the senate, national chairman of the APC, former members of the House of Representatives and the senate, amongst others. It was shortly Amaechi was ushered in to commence the screening, that the Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio rising under a point of order, and citing order 43 of the senate standing rules, on matter of personal explanations observed that, “The PDP caucus will not ask the nominee any questions. The report of the fraud against him, we have not debated that report. We will have nothing to do with this screening.” After his short submission, Akpabio turned back and sought confirmation from his colleague senators that his views represented the collective position of the PDP sena-

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nominees’ screening

OWERRI

at the screening exercise was clearly below

average, and puts him miles away from the likes

Fashola and Fayemi

tors, saying, “Is that the wish of this caucus?” to which all the senators concurred. The Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, jumping on his feet under order 53(9) of the same senate rules, submitted that as the Leader of the senate, he had the responsibility of guiding the senate properly. He said the report of the investigation committee had just been laid and what should follow according to the procedures of the senate was to make the report available to all the senators before debate on it would commence, stating that, “The report has been laid according to procedure. This is a confirmation hearing. We are glad you said you would not ask the nominee a question. We could as well ask the former Speaker to take a bow and go. My responsibility is to market him here.” The leader was to incur the anger of his colleagues when he pointed towards the PDP senators and continued, “You people.” Ndume’s remarks was immediately greeted with protestations, from the PDP senators who queried, “Who are you people? You have to withdraw that language,” the PDP senators insisted, leading to the intervention of Saraki who eventually apologized on behalf of Ndume and stating that the statement had been withdrawn. It was gathered that what played out on the floor of the senate during the eventual screening, was the manifestation of what took place during the about one hour exclusive (closed-door) session, which preceded the screening exercise. The issue of how to proceed with the Amaechi case dominated the closed door session. It was gathered that all efforts by the senators to come to a compromise on how to proceed with the Amaechi case came to naught, as senators from both sides of the divide stuck to their guns, and could not compromise their positions. It was consequently resolved by the Senate President who presided at the exclusive session to take the matter to the floor of the senate and seek its resolution in the public glare. Indeed, the issue of how to deal with the Amaechi case nearly set an irreconcilable gulf in the senate. Even though none of the lawmakers was willing to voice it out publicly, there was an aggregate of opinion among the senators that the inclusion of Amaechi among the ministerial nominees by the President was politically tactless and incorrect in view of the negative perception about the former governor, particularly on issue of alleged mismanagement of Rivers State resources, as well as his unguarded utterances and conducts during the last general election. But having successfully circumvented the senate rules through the aid of his backers in the senate and found himself on the floor of the senate for screening, political pundits were of the opinion that the former governor should have seized the moment as his two other colleagues like Babatunde Raji Fashola and Dr. Kayode Fayemi did the week before, to market and make very good showing of himself, which Amaechi woefully failed to do. In fact, analysts believed that Amaechi’s performance at the screening exercise was clearly below average, and puts him miles away from the likes of Fashola and Fayemi.

Mohammed

The general expectations was that Amaechi should have used the occasion of the screening to shame his detractors and prove his traducers wrong. Unfortunately, he did not do that, instead he used the opportunity to reinforce the unfortunate perception that he is an unrepentant fighter; no matter for what course. Unfortunately too, the APC lawmakers who posed the questions to Amaechi did not help the matters either. It was very obvious that most of the remarks and questions raised were aimed at buoying up the image of the candidate. What Nigerians were regaled with by the lawmakers were questions, which sounded very childish and amateurish to say the least. Except perhaps for Senator Gbenga Ashafa who was very poignant in his question when he confronted Amaechi with the allegation of his alleged indictment by the Justice George Omereji’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government to investigate Amaechi’s administration. Unfortunately too, in a desperate bid to protect one of their own, a highly experienced and highly placed senator and Leader like Ali Ndume embarked on a journey that ended up portraying the red chamber as a lawless institution. In his bid to provide justification for breaching the rules and procedures of the senate in favour of Amaechi, Ndume posited that it would be the pleasure of the APC senators if the PDP senators withdrew their participation in the screening exercise, the candidate could be asked to now and go since Amaechi was once a speaker of a House of Assembly. Ndume’s remarks seems so regrettable, particularly since it is the same senate that set the ground rule that only former members of the National Assembly would be entitled to the special privilege of bow and go.. Again, Ndume gaffed when he argued that the screening of Amaechi could go on irrespective of the fact that the senate was yet to debate and adopt the report on the former governor’s investigation. The action of the Senate President who deliberately overlooked such an infraction by encouraging the commencement of the screening exercise is no less condemnable. It was obvious that the APC senators were guided in the screening exercise by any motive other than patriotism. Their actions and conducts were aimed at protecting selfish and party interests, even when such interests ran counter national interest.

Okorocha calls for review of president, govs’ salaries, allowances Chris Njoku

Amaechi’s performance

Politics

Thursday, October 29, 2015

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha yesterday urged the chairman and members of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, RMFC to, as a matter of urgency, review downward the salaries and allowances of the President, Governors, National Assembly members, and all other political office holders both elected and appointed, at least by 50 per cent. This, he said would make the offices less attractive and check the excesses that go with the fat payments for such offices. Okorocha spoke when he hosted the chairman of RMFC,ss Engr. Elias Mbam, and other members of the commission to a breakfast meeting at the Government House, Owerri at the end of their annual retreat in the state. He added that with the downward review of salaries and allowances of political office holders such positions or offices would become less attractive which would also reduce the tension that always go with the contest or scramble for such offices. The governor also explained that the drastic re-

duction of the take-home pay of political office holders would equally, to a large extent, reduce poverty among the populace and also reduce crimes that are mostly borne out of envy occasioned by these bloated salaries and allowances of political office holders. According to Okorocha, by making the salaries and allowances of political office holders less attractive, only those keen in rendering genuine service to the people would go for such public offices and no more those who are coming for the privileges or benefits of the offices. “When the salaries and allowances of public office holders whether elected or appointed are reviewed downward at least by 50 per cent or even more than that, it would make the offices less attractive and with that, only those who want these offices for service would go for them.” He continued: “If one knows that at the end of the month your total pay as governor or National Assembly member would be less than N500,000, most people would stay away. And only those with ideas and genuine spirit of service would aspire for such offices.”

Shittu congratulates Ajimobi over victory at tribunal Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

inister designate from Oyo State,Barrister Adebayo Shittu, on Wednesday, congratulated the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over his victory at the state Election Petitions Tribunal. In a statement from his Media Office signed by Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, Shittu recalled that the victory recorded at the tribunal was a confirmation of the people’s choice as exemplified by the earlier victory recorded at the poll on April11, 2015 during the governorship election in the state. He said the victory belonged to the good people of Oyo State, the All Progressives Congress, APC

and democracy. In a message to the victorious governor, Shittu stated that “as a Lawyer and politician who served as the APC Chief Collation Officer in the said election in Saki West Local Government area, I am not surprised that we also won at the Tribunal.” “I pray Almighty Allah gives my dear leader the wisdom to administer our dear state to the overall interest of the masses who gave our party the mandate to rule the state for another four years”, he added. Shittu then passionately appealed to the governor to put behind him all the distractions of the legal battle and hit the ground running to deliver on the APC electioneering campaign promises to the people.

Politics

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Osun, Kwara Speakers call for legislative autonomy Ayo Esan

peakers of the Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam and his Kwara State counterpart, Amadu Alli have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amendment of the law seeking autonomy for State Houses of Assembly. They said it is the only way the legislature at the

state level can perform their legislative duties effectively and without fear or favour. The duo spoke on Wednesday at the end of a three-day summit for members of Kwara Assembly, held in Ede, Osun State. Salaam said leaving the legislative arm of government at the mercy of the executive negates the principles of separations of powers and had always hindered lawmak-

ing businesses at various state assemblies. “It is important for us to be independent for us to be able to perform our duties effectively, or else, all these efforts will be just theoretical. Describing separation of power as the cornerstone of democratic system, Salam said the amendment being sought promises the protection of rights and liberty of the citizens.

He affirmed that principle of power stop power in autonomy by scholars century ago will deepen democracy if fully adopted in the 21st century ‘Living at the mercy of the executives for the welfare of its members and operations is not in the best interest of democracy, autonomy at long and short run is a win-win situation’ Salaam also clamoured for bottom up approach in

the formation and implementation of government policy especially budget preparation stressing that lawmakers being elective representatives knows where the shoe pinches most in their respective constituency Also, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Amadu Alli said the legislature cannot function efficiently without being autonomous, saying, it is in itself a contradiction for a supposedly independent arm of government to be clamoring for autonomy. He said, autonomy will

prevent the tyranny of any arm of government as the legislature would be fully disposed to deliver on its mandate. “Autonomy will prevent justice from becoming arbitrary and capricious, Without autonomy, there will be apprehension, even abuse cannot be ruled out”. Ali said efforts were being made at the level of Conference of Speakers to ensure that states houses of assembly secured autonomy to the legislative arm of government.

Akume begs for Tarka’ s immortalisation Destiny Isiguzo

F L-R: Chairman, APC Plateau State Mr Letep Dabang; Governor Simon Lalong; his wife, Regina, and Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Peter Azi, celebrating the governor’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal, in Jos yesterday.

Dickson’s aide resigns, as mass exodus looms Osahon Julius YENAGOA

mass of exodus of Governor Seriake Dickson’s aides to the opposing political party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, is gradually looming in the state ahead of December 5, gubernatorial election as some are already resigning their appointments in his cabinet. It was reliably gathered that some of the cabinet members who were peeved that the governor sidelined them in various committees he constituted for his re-election campaigns may be on their

way out . One of such persons who resigned on Wednesday, was Dickson’s Special Adviser on Business Development, Mr. Barnabas Edure, who abandoned the cabinet but he is however yet to pledge his loyalty to any political party or affiliation. Edure, a kinsman of Dickson and former twotime Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, was said to have resigned his appointment following alleged poor working condition. Sources close to Edure, described as grassroots mobiliser, said the governor failed to fulfill most

of the promises he made while appointing his aides. One of the sources, who craved anonymity, said, “It is unbelievable that a man in the status of Edure who was once a commissioner in the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission and who has many followers was appointed in Dickson’s cabinet without an office, an official car and an imprest. “My friend has been enduring maltreatment in Dickson’s cabinet but the one he could not take was that the governor sidelined him in his reelection campaign. There

is no way his exit will not affect the governor’s reelection”, a source said. The source, however, added that Dickson’s action might have stemmed from his belief that Edure is a friend to a stalwart of APC and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Timi Alaibe. He said the governor had not been well disposed towards Edure, since Alaibe, considered to be his linchpin, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the APC. But in his resignation letter dated October 28, Edure said his resignation was voluntary.

ormer Senate Minority Leader and senator representing Benue North-west senatorial district, Dr. George Akume has called for the immortalization of former leader of the United Middle Belt Congress, Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka. Akume who was guest lecturer at the 3rd memorial lecture of the late minority rights crusader, organised by the National Union of Benue State Students, NUBESS, University of Lagos lamented that Tarka and other nationalists were gradually going extinct in our psyche. “The stories of Tarka and other nationalists are gradually going extinct in our psyche thereby creating the risk of a general amnesia. Past governments including the one headed by president of a minority ethnic origin had neglected to raise a befitting monument in honour of this late statesman, but I believe that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari being a corrective regime

DPC lauds Buhari for appointing Yakubu INEC chairman Michael Ogbonna

he Democratic People’s Congress, DPC, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Professor Mahmood Yaku-

bu as the Independent National Elected Commission, INEC, chairman. DPC National Chairman, Olusegun Peters in a press statement explained that INEC is a critical institution in Nigeria political process that de-

termines who rules the country and should be headed by a patriotic Nigerian with exceptional integrity, credibility, nobility, accountability and transparency. “The need for a person with impeccable char-

acter devoid of controversy and partisanship to lead the electoral umpire cannot be over-emphasized. “We congratulate Professor Yakubu and urge him to build on the foundation laid by Professor

Attahiru Jega in the run off to the 2015 general election adjudged to be free, fair and acceptable. “He should ensure that outstanding permanent voter cards are produced and distributed to registered voters.

can do something to correct this anomaly. The late Tarka’s name eminently qualifies to be inscribed on national monuments like airport, a university, a library, a stadium and so on. His image also needs to be displayed on our national currency, stamps or public emblems”, he said. Akume who is a kinsman of the late Tarka in his speech entitled “The change phenomenon and the lessons of JS Tarka’s populist ideology” said: “Permit me to make a few remarks regarding the J.S. Tarka Institute of Political Studies, which was established in Gboko in 1982 but abandoned a few years afterwards. It is really unfortunate that the Federal Government committed huge sums of money to develop the site and yet left the buildings to deteriorate in the bush. “Such a prestigious institution is certainly needed for capacity building in public administration, conflict resolution, local government administration and development studies. It is a good and proper way to promote the virtues of the late senator. I call on our President to kindly give a thought to this project and resuscitate it in the name of our dear political leader, J.S. Tarka. I am confident that my colleagues In the Senate and Federal House of Representatives will all give their blessing to it when it is brought forward for budgetary allocation.

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Nigerian youths and national challenges CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

ertain recent developments within Nigeria predisposed me to think once again about the potentials of youths and young men vis-à-vis the stereotypes being generated to undermine them. To start with, when President Muhammadu Buhari eventually unveiled his ministerial nominees, not a few people felt the palpable omission of young enterprising Nigerians among the ministers-to-be was a misnomer. This omission certainly could not be because there are no capable young Nigerians as being insinuated in some quarters. However, almost about the same time, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State announced his commissioners, and lo and behold, the list gave ample slots to accomplished young professionals, who have proven their mettle in their respective calling. That seems encouraging enough. Then, the news of the new Ooni of Ife rocked the airwaves; he is 40 years old Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, an accountant. That obviously is another plus for the Nigerian youths and young adults

The development made me ponder about the youth and young adults in the Nigeria, especially in relation to challenges facing them, their potentials and disillusionment. The issue kept hovering on my mind, eventually culminating in the decision to once again cast my creative eyes in their direction with a view to pleading their cause, identifying where the adults have failed in their responsibilities towards them, and also proffering what can be done to improve their plight. To start with, the Nigerian youth are among the most talented humanity. Countless number of feats posted across the entire gamut of human endeavours is clear pointers to this fact. In the field of sports, the Nigeria youth are constant stars with light blazing glorious achievements all over the world. Using football as a synecdoche for sporting accomplishments, from the time Nduka Ngbade led a team of school boys to capture the first ever cadet World Cup in the competition then known as FIFA/JVC U-16 World Tournament that took place in China in 1985, the youth have simply been irrepressible in their quest for honours for fatherland. Between that time and now, the youth of this nation have in their kitty four golden U-17 World Cups and two silvers and they are still counting because another set of Golden Eaglets is still battling at the World Cup in Chile!; at the U-20 level, the youths have two silvers and a bronze. Add these to Olympic gold medal and Olympic silver, without even considering countless glories at the continental level, and the question would arise “How many countries can boast of these achievements at the youth level?

THE CURRENT GENERATION OF RULERS NEEDS TO REFLECT ON HOW TO RE-ORIENTATE THE YOUTH On the intellectual front, writers like Chimamanda Adichie and prodigies like Oluwatosin Helen Otitoju, who shattered the records at the Howard University, graduating with First Class in Electrical Engineering and setting numerous other records in her post graduate studies, have all contributed in drawing attention to superlative talents of our youths. But in spite of all these, it is unfortunate that the system has suffocated the youth – the older generations have managed the affairs of the country in such a state that the youth are left with minimal opportunities. They grow up in hostile environment suffused with corruption, unemployment, insecurity, moral decadence et al. Majority of them embrace the grim realities of unemployment or acute under-employment upon graduation from tertiary institutions. This comprehensive frustration explains why some of them are misled into cultism, fraudulent activities and other forms of criminality. The entire system is infected with cancer of corruption, while the hopelessly outnumbered upright ones wait

Fela and his noise of advancing ideas TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

he first time I watched Fela Anikulapo Kuti erformed was in the mid1970s at the Enugu Campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Then, he was lusty and nimble. He sprang across the stage, as he danced, sang and played both the piano and tenor saxophone. Every move he made was mirrored in the sound of the music, as the drummer and the other percussionists followed his every move with their beat. His dancers were scantily clad, and they seductively swirled and swayed their hips to the rhythmical throbbing of the Africa 70 (the name of Fela’s band in the 1970s). The last time I watched him was in the early 1990s in Washington, DC, at the Kilimanjaro Night Club. By then, his years of struggle against the evil oligarchy that ran Nigeria had taken a toll on him. As such, he was not as gorgeously attired and his band was not as splendidly arrayed. But he remained his defiant and indefatigable self, his band, unflappably first-rate, his dancers, vivacious and matchless, and his music, exquisite. In his yabis (verbal interlude), he winded from current affairs to international economics, and then to African history. A man, obviously impressed, like everyone else in the audience, by his extensive knowledge and incisive mind shouted: Fela vacancy dey for Howard O. Make you go dey teach for Howard University O.

THE ARROGANCE, GREED AND THE INSENSITIVITY

OF THE NIGERIAN POWER

ELITE…OFFENDED FELA’S NATURAL SENSE OF JUSTICE It was these qualities made evident on these two occasions that distinguished the phenomenon, Fela: a trailblazing musician and entertainer with the learning and versatility of a teacher, oratorical flourishes of a preacher, and the deep insight of a philosopher. He was a nonconformist; everything about him deviated from standards of orthodoxy. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nigerian popular music was under the powerful influence of Western, especially American, music. Nigerian musicians desperately needed to sound like James Brown, Otis Redding, the Rolling Stones, etc. Fela came up with something distinctly new: it had the pronounced base-line of Rhythm and Blues, heavy percussions of traditional African music and well-defined lead guitar as in Highlife music – all laced with elaborate and dainty horns (trumpet, trombone and saxophone) and intricate piano of Afro-American Jazz. It was a unique musical genre. He called it Afro Beat. The vocalism of Afro Beat also defied convention. Unlike the soft and velvety singing of Highlife, and similar styled singing, embellished with feigned Ameri-

can accents, of Nigerian Pop musicians, the vocals for Afro Beat was loud and coarse. It reflected the vibrancy and upbeat of Nigerian, especially, Lagos life. Its lyrics, for the most part, were in the Nigerian mass language, Pidgin English, because they bore messages for all and sundry in Nigeria and beyond. Unlike the usual romantic platitudes and praises for the wealthy and powerful of Nigerian music, the lyrics of Afro Beat were the words of a social crusader. The arrogance, greed and the insensitivity of the Nigerian power elite, and their roughshod over the passive and timid Nigerian masses offended Fela’s natural sense of justice. So, like Jim Brown who, driven by his moral revulsion for racial injustice, set out, on his own, to overthrow the institution of slavery in the American South, Fela was on a one man mission to reform Nigeria of social injustice. This mission found expression in his music. With his poignant and defiant lyrics, he brayed against official corruption, mass poverty, police and military brutality, gutlessness of the Nigerian populace, etc. His music resonated among Nigerians because it encapsulated their moods and sentiments - hopes, frustrations, hunger for a good life and longing for social justice. And like Jim Brown, Fela paid a heavy price for his crusading passion. The persecution of Fela by different Nigerian governments culminated in the burn-

perpetually for the great oncologist that would undertake the surgical removal of the malignant cells, in the meantime the metastatic tumor keeps spreading with devastating consequences. Transparency in the public life is an elusive virtue. In the field of politics, selfserving corrupt politicians are brimming in large number, frantically looking for the access to public funds to loot without compunction. Even in the religious circles, for every genuine man or woman of God, there are hundred charlatans who are nothing but “spiritual highwaymen” posturing as the angels of light with the mission to exploit the poor and loot the gullible. Certainly, our system is wanting of genuine role models who can re-orientate the youth towards the path of righteousness and imbue them with self-esteem and courage to exploit their God-given talents for individual and collective progress. The current generation of rulers needs to reflect on how to re-orientate the youth by developing a comprehensive national programme tailored both to the ends of cultural liberation and economic empowerment. This proposed systemic youth mobilisation for a better Nigeria must be anchored on general national moral rebirth for it to work; for the youth must see that there is transparency and honesty in the system before they would emulate. Agreed this cannot be achieved overnight, let us, at least begin the journey for moral liberation now with sincerity of purpose. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

ing of his house by soldiers in 1977. As the soldiers rampaged through his house, before setting it ablaze, they assaulted his guests, beat up his band members, raped some of his dancers and threw his 78 year old mother out of a second floor window. She later died from the wounds she sustained from the fall. His mother, Fumilayo Ramsome-Kuti, was a foremost nationalist and politician, a leading figure in the Nigerian struggle for independence. In a mournful song, Unknown Soldier, that described the burning of his house and the killing of his mother, Fela eulogized her as, “Political Mama, Influential Mama, Ideological Mama, and the only Mother of this Country”. At his death, Lagos, the bustling, boisterous commercial capital of Africa, came to a somber standstill. Gathered to pay their last respect was a throng – unparalleled in its size and incongruous in its composition. Undoubtedly, Fela left a footprint in the sand of time, he made history. Fela’s noise was noise of advancing ideas. He advanced the ideals of freedom and social justice with the power of music. Ezukanma wrote from Lagos via maciln18@yahoo.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 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Government funding of private universities

f there is one controversy dogging the establishment of private educational institutions in the country, whether primary, secondary or tertiary, it is the high, if not outrageous fees, they charge their students. It is, perhaps, worse in tertiary educational institutions - private polytechnics, monotechnics and universities. They are so expensive that common citizens cannot afford sending their children and wards to such schools. Most private schools, if not all, are therefore, patronized by the children of the rich. It was such that about eight years ago, Roy Chikwem, a Project Manager for the British Council, Nigeria, observed that the cheapest private university in the country as at 2008 was the Al-Hikmah University in Kwara State, owned by the joint organization of Raim Oladimeji and World Assembly of Muslim Youth, based in Saudi Arabia. The institution admits both Christians and Muslims, and students have the right to their religion. In any case the actual amount charged by the school as tuition viewed as cheap was N250, 000 per session. But a lucky student could secure N100,000 scholarships from the same university and end up paying N150,000 per session, whereas most public schools, especially those owned by the Federal Government do not charge half the amount as tuition

per session. Those that increase fees arbitrarily end up roughing it out with students that often rise in protest, as was the case in Lagos State during the tail end of former Mr. Babatunde Fashola administration. Ditto for some other states. Regrettably, the burgeoning number of private universities, currently put at 150, has failed to make any positive impact on the quality of university education in the land. Like public universities constrained by huge infrastructure and funding deficits, as well as falling standards, no Nigerian private university is yet to be ranked among world’s top universities in terms of standard, quality of products and all; though they produce many first class graduates year-in-year out. No Nigerian university, whether public or private, made the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings’ list of world’s top 700 universities within the 2015/16 QS ranking year, for example. The 18 universities from Africa that made the list comprised nine from South Africa; Egypt, five; and one each from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Besides, the existence of a large number of private universities has done little to ameliorate the problem of admission space in the nation’s university system. Reports indicate that of the close to two million candidates that file

October 29, 2004 In Rome, the capital of Italy, European heads of state signed the treaty and final act establishing the first European Constitution which, however, failed to be ratified by all signatory countries and, therefore, never entered into force. It would have replaced the existing European Union treaties with a single text, given legal force to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and expanded Qualified Majority Voting.

SHOULD THE FG RESOLVE TO GRANT THE REQUESTS, IT

SHOULD TAKE PAINS TO

HARMONISE, REGULATE AND MONITOR THE FEES CHARGED BY PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES out in search of university admission each year, less than 500,000 are taken. The funding of education in the country measure far less than the 26 percent of annual budgets prescribed by the United Nations. Therefore, the amount of fund made available to public universities is likewise far from being adequate to make the institutions revamp themselves, infrastructure, quality and capacity wise. But amid these challenges, and notwithstanding the huge fees they charge, some private universities are mounting pressure on the FG to consider their institutions for funding. One of such demands came recently from the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti, (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, who called for the inclusion of private universities as beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). Babalola argued that TETFUND represented a levy on industrial establishments

ON THIS DAY

October 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast of the United States, killing 148 people directly and 138 others indirectly; leaving nearly $70 billion in damages. It also caused major power outages. Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, as well as the secondcostliest hurricane in US history. It is the 18th named storm and 10th hurricane.

owned by private individuals as their contribution to educational advancement in the country; and that the exclusion of private universities from benefitting from the fund was unjust. “TETFUND money should be given to private universities that already show seriousness by being established on their own permanent sites and already have some minimum accreditation for the courses they run”, he said. Following on Babalola’s footsteps also was the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, who lately implored the FG to provide single digit interest loans to private educational institutions to enable them thrive. These demands appear curious, but they buttress the tight financial situation private universities might be enmeshed in. Therefore, the FG should look into the demands and weigh the possibility or otherwise of bailing them out. But we recommend that should the FG resolve to grant the requests, it should take pains to harmonise, regulate and monitor the fees charged by private universities to make such institutions accessible to the average Nigerian child. For, it would be unjust, too, for private universities to be supported financially by the government if they are not ready to give back to the society.

October 29, 2014 A landslide struck the Sri Lanka district of Badulla, killing at least 16 people and leaving an estimated 200 others missing. The landslide occurred in a hilly region, hitting the village of Koslanda in the Haldummulla division, 190 kilometres (120 mi) from the capital, Colombo. It was triggered by monsoon rains and was about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) long; and occurred at about 7:30 AM, local time.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Education Today

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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

Tension in Osun over rumour of schools’ merger Indigenes vow to resist move

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

ince feelers of the alleged merger of state owned-tertiary institutions filtered into the public domain in Osun State, it has become the talking point, giving rise to tension among the indigenes of the host communities. Until recently, Osun has been the only state in the federation with two polytechnics namely; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke. The state also has Colleges of Education in Ila and Ilesa while its university, Osun State University, UniOsun, has six campuses spread across six towns, with the main campus of the institution situated in Osogbo, the state capital. It will be recalled that both Ospoly, Iree and Oscotech, Esa-Oke, started in the early 80’s as satellite campuses of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and upon splitting of old Oyo State, the two campuses became autonomous institutions. Also the state College of Education, IlaOrangun, started as an arm of Oyo State College of Education before becoming a fullfledged institution in 1981, when an indigene of the town, Chief Bisi Akande was secretary to Oyo State Government. As the host communities for the institutions over the years, the economy of the towns has revolved around spending by students and staffers of these institutions, hence the justification for the tension the alleged plot to merge the schools is generating. Although, government has not officially announced that it would merge schools, Governor Rauf Aregbesola dropped hint about the plan to restructure all tertiary institutions in the state to reflect the realities of the moment. He stated this at an event organised by Igbajo Polytechnic, held in Igbajo, a town in Boluwaduro Local Government area of the state on Thursday, October 22, but declined going into details of the form the restructuring would take. But obviously not wanting to leave anything to chance, some of the host communities of Osun-owned tertiary institutions have been warning the governor not to change the status of their institutions, under the guise of restructuring. Specifically, indigenes of Ila-Orangun and Iree towns, have taken positions against

SOME OF THE HOST COMMUNITIES OF OSUNOWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE

BEEN WARNING THE GOVERNOR NOT TO CHANGE STATUS OF THEIR INSTITUTIONS, UNDER THE GUISE OF RESTRUCTURING.

Aregbesola any move that can affect the status of the institutions in their towns, stressing that survival of many residents since they were established has been based on the activities around the institutions. Addressing newsmen at a town hall meeting, an indigene of Ila-Orangun and former Registrar of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Prince Yemi Adeoye had recently said should any change be effected in the status of OSCE, all the benefits that have accrued to the town would be reversed. He said they had secretly been informed that only two departments that may not have up to 500 students would be left in the town while other 14, 500 students’ population the institution currently has would be moved to

another College of Education in Ilesa. Adeoye added that the present staff strength of the institution would be reduced, if the institution was merged, adding that many residents that have invested in building hostels would lose money when present the population of staff and students goes down. Similarly, the alumni of the institution also opposed any restructuring that may see the college losing some of its present programmes, even when such loses would be replaced by other programmes. Taking a similar position, indigenes of Iree, the host community of the state-owned polytechnic, rejected any move that will make the institution lose any of its present

programmes to the College of Technology, Esa-Oke. But in a private chat with National Mirror, an aide to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who does not want to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said: “People are just speculating but Gov. Aregbesola, who is a serious strategist will do proper evaluation of the situation before taking steps. “He cannot merge the institutions but people are getting everything wrong about our plans for these institutions. Visit these institutions, you will agree with me that something urgent must be done to prevent their total collapse. “Baba Akande, the first national chairman of APC hails from Ila-Orangun. Pillar of progressive governance in Nigeria, late Chief James Ajibola Ige, hailed from EsaOke, another important political figure from the state, Chief Sunday Afolabi, hailed from Iree. All the institutions being talked about are located in the towns that gave these men to the humanity. “It is almost a taboo for anyone to think of merging them, but having said that, Gov. Aregbesola is not thinking about the short term benefits the current culture of exploitation of students by many members of the host communities encourages. “Aregbesola is giving the institutions atCONTINUE ON PAGE 23

‘‘

LASU crisis will be over soon —Ambode 20

Dearth of classrooms, hostels hits FG college 22

‘My plan is to rebrand NANS’ 25

Education Today

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BELLSTECH VC calls for publicprivate research collaborations Saidat Alausa

i c e - C h a n c e l l o r, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi has called for research collaboration between public and private universities in order to foster development in the country. He said this during the Press conference to announce activities for the institution’s tenth anniversary and 7th convocation held at the university, recently. He said though private institutions are not part of Tertiary Education Trust Fund intervention but with research collaborations they can have access to TETFund research grant which is not adequately utilised. On the increase of fake universities, Prof. Adeyemi said universities especially Private institutions should continue to sensitised the public about the unapproved universities. He urged parents to always check National Universities Commission, NUC and Joint Admission Matriculation Board website for approved universities. Listing the activities for the convocation and anniversary, the VC said there will be a symposium with

the theme “Technology: Panacea for National Development on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2015. Bells University Parents Forum seminar titled, “Encouraging Positive Students’ Attitude Towards Academic Excellence-The Role of Parents will hold on Wednesday, 4th November, 2015 while Thursday, 5th November, 2015 will be for the induction of Engineering Graduates by the Nigeria Society of Engineers. He also disclosed that the convocation lecture titled, Bridging Technology Education Gap in 21st Century Nigeria will be delivered by the past President of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering, Emeritus Professor Sikiru Sanni on Friday, 6th November, 2015. Highlight of the activities is on Saturday, 7th November, 2015 where the university will install a Chancellor, Alh. Ahmed Joda, award of Honourary Degrees to the chancellor and award of certificates to the first set of the institution’s postgraduate students and also first degrees to the graduating students. The profile of the first degree awardees according to him include, First Class 21, Second class upper, 135, second class lower, 134 and Third class, 51 with a total of 341 students.

Degree: NUC begins COE Bauchi accreditation From Ezekiel Titus Bauchi

o fewer than nine undergraduate programmes at the College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State in affiliation with University of Maiduguri are undergoing accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The courses to be accredited are English, Education, Hausa, chemistry, physics, Islamic studies, agriculture and health education, among others. Speaking during the exercise at the college, the leader of the team, Mr. Jonathan Mari said his team was at the college to assess the level of manpower and facilities available before final approval is given to the college to run degree programmes. Also speaking, the deputy Vice chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Professor

Aliyu Shugaba who represented the Vice-Chancellor said based on the information available, the college is ranked the best among other affiliated institutions and therefore called on the management of the college to maintain the tempo. Prof. Shugaba maintained that despite some lapses in some areas, there was hope that the degree programme from the college would scale the accreditation exercise. He called on the state government and other relevant authorities to assist the college with increased funding and other needed infrastructures for the institution to sustain its excellence. In his remarks, the Provost of the college, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammed Isiyaku thanked the committee for their assessment with fairness and justice and expressed hope that the accreditation would achieve positive result.

L-R: Deputy Governor, Plateau State, Datong Longjan; Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Vincent Tenebe and Chief launcher, Mrs. Betty Igbeyi at the launch of “Nigeria: The way through corruption to the well-being of a people” a book written by Dr. Shehu Abdullahi of NOUN, in Abuja, recently.

LASU crisis will be over soon —Ambode Tunbosun Ogundare

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has assured the people of the state of his administration’s readiness to bring to a permanent end the lingering crisis rocking the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. Ambode gave the assurance while speaking at the inauguration of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State last week. He was a guest of honour at the event. It would be recalled that the 32-year-old state-owned university has been in and out of crisis, especially between its leadership and various staff unions since over seven months without knowing when it would be resolved permanently. It would also be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. John Obafunwa who was chased out of the campus by the university workers since March 16 after a weeklong protest has not used his main office since then. He disclosed that the need to resolve the protracted crisis had prompted his administration to inaugurate the new governing councils

NAPPS president commend LCU for successful anniversary Saidat Alausa

he South/West President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private School, NAPPS, Alhaja Basirat Alimi have commended Lead City Univer-

for the university and other tertiary institutions in the state. The governor, who also reiterated his administration’s determination to invest massively in the education sector said over N1 billion had been earmarked for renovation and supply of furniture and materials to all secondary schools across the state. He said no less than 1, 300 teachers out of several thousands who applied last month would soon be employed to teach in the stateowned primary schools. While commending the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos for establishing Augustine University which he described as standard, Ambode said the project was the best way to prepare for the much desired positive change in education. Ambode said considering

Lagos population of about 20 million people with about 60 per cent below 35 years, the state is seriously in need of institutions of higher learning. He noted that Augustine University, which brings the number of privately owned universities in the state to four and six universities in all, was a welcome development. Earlier in his address, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo also commended the Catholic Church for establishing the university, saying it was a way of increasing people’s access to university education. Represented by the ViceChancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof Vincent Tenebe, the vice-president used the medium to reassure Nigerians of encouraging more

private participation in the sector. He however tasked the proprietor and management of the university not to compromise standard which he said Catholic Church is known for. On his part, the ViceChancellor of the institution, Prof. Steve Afolami said the university would run 13 programmes for a start at two faculties with about 200 students. Dignitaries at the event include General Theophilus Danjuma (retd); Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kasuja; Chairman, Oluwalogbon Motors, Chief S.O. Bakare and ProChancellor and chairman of Governing Council, Mr. Gilbert Grant as well as Proprietor and Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, among others.

L-R Members, Ikeja High School Old Students’ Association Lagos, Kola Sunmonu; Fola Azeez; Principal Ikeja Junior High School, Adeniran Abimbola and Director School Administration Oshodi, Ajoke Gbeleyi during the presentation of chairs and tables by the 1995 set of the school recently.

sity, Ibadan, Oyo State for its successful hosting of the 10th anniversary and retreat of the association, recently. She disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 3-Day event which took place at the school premises.

The educationist thanked the Chairman Governing Council of Lead City University, Prof. Jide Owoeye who doubles as one of the grand patron of the body for his continuous support to NAPPS. “Lead City University

owner is member of NAPPS in the Southwest here and he has been quite supportive for the past 10 years NAPPS, we chose Lead City for this event because of its strategic location, as you can see that is centrally located for every member.

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AOCOED gets new provost Justina Kingley

he newly constituted Governing Council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State has ratified the appointment of Mr. Ajose Ebenezer Oluwole as the Acting Provost of the college for a period of six months. The council led by Prof. Tunde Samuel approved the appointment at its inaugural meeting held last week in the college. Ajose, 60, started his elementary education at St. Barnabas Primary School, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State (1962-1965) and Local Authority Primary School, Orile-Agege, Lagos (1966-1967). He proceeded to Ahmaddiyah Secondary School, Agege in 1968, Badagry Grammar School, Badagry, Lagos between 1969 and 1973 and Saka Tinubu Memorial High School, Agege (1976-1977). He had Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State 1n 1980, first degree in History Education in 1984 and Masters in Curriculum (Social Studies) from the University of Lagos, Akoka. Ajose joined the service of AOCOED as a Lecturer II in 1993 and rose through the ranks to the position of a Chief Lecturer in the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) in 2002. In 2014, he was appointed as the college Deputy Provost. Till date, Ajose who hailed from Lagos Island has authored not less than 14 books, co-authored six, featured in six international Journals and presented over 32 papers at conferences, seminars and workshops. He a member of several professional bodies, among which are: Nigeria Association of Professional Educators (NAPE), Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN). Ajose assumed duty as an Acting Provost of the College on 6th August, 2015 following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Bashorun Olalekan.

Ajose

Oluwaseun Bolaji

Education Today

Thursday, October 29, 2015

head of the 2015 finals of the Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Competition, the expectations of the participating students, their teachers, as well as that of their parents have reached a feverish pitch. Out of the 34,000 students that participated in the competition, only 12 made it to the finals. There are six finalists in each of the junior and senior secondary school category. Those who qualified in the junior category are: Abdulmueez Yusuf (Nigerian

Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

enior Advocate of Nigeria and university administrator, Chief Wole Olanipekun, has given scholarship awards to 181 secondary, university and Law School students as part of his contributions to education advancement. Olanipekun said during the 19th edition of the yearly Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Award which held at his Ikere Ekiti hometown that the scheme was designed to help indigents in their academic careers. He said there was need for education renaissance to turn around the fortunes of the sector capable of positively impacting on other sectors of the nation’s economy. Consequently, he charged President Muhammadu Buhari to make reform of the education sector the focus of his administration for the country to have all round

Quality education, best way to secure Nigeria —Olanipekun development and secured future. Olanipekun, a former Chairman, University of Ibadan Governing Council, who lamented the lip service attention to education, cautioned that President Buhari’s quest to permanently stamp out insurgency, corruption and indiscipline would be a mirage if necessary steps targeted at holistic reform of the education sector were ignored. He said: “The UNESCO prescribed 26 per cent, but how many states can comply with this. We cannot compare the votes to Education to that of Defence, Transport, Aviation and many others. “It is good to secure our territories as a nation and make people safe, but the best way to secure our country would be by allow-

ing quality education to thrive. Let our citizens be properly educated and I am sure every other thing shall fall in line. “Education opens the eye of any society. So President Buhari must allow education renaissance to be the focus of his government. “When there is proper education, people will know how to vote right and how not to be terrorists. They will shun corruption; they will be industrious and show extreme measure of patriotism to their country. No society with proper education can be corrupted. “The large scale social vices in our country today are as a result of serious slide in our education. So, President Buhari and all the State governors must show com-

mitments to this renaissance by good budgetary provision annually,” he said. Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayoshe, who lauded Olanipekun’s scholarship awards initiative, said: “Government alone cannot make education survive. So, we call on the parents and individuals like Chief Wole Olanipekun to continue to give back to the society.” The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide Eegunjobi, assured that no efforts would be spared to restore the old glory of Ekiti in the education sector, promising to relaunch the state to number one on the ladder in WAEC and NECO.

Ogun principals charged on ethics Tunbosun Ogundare

rincipals in public secondary schools in Ogun State have been charged to promote ethics and moral principles in schools by showcasing good ideals at ensuring strict compliance with government’s directives in order to achieve the set objective in the education sector. The Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olabisi Akinnuga disclosed this at a two-day workshop organised by the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) Ogun State Chapter, held at Isoyin Grammar School, Isoyin. Declaring the event opened with the theme “The Principal; Ethics, Accountability and Protocol” Akinnuga said that principals are overseer of educational programmes and development in schools. She emphasised the need for the principals to uphold high ethical standard in making decisions based on the best interest of the

L-R: President/ Vice Chancellor, Babcock University (BU), Prof James Kayode Makinde; Prof Chancellor, BU, Dr Oyeleke Owolabi; former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Joseph Sanusi and Chairman, Tristate Heart Foundation/ former interim chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande ,during the inspection tour of the facilities inaugurated at Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, last week.

students, urging them to maintain good working relationship with their vice principals, teachers and non-teaching staff and refrain from conduct that could undermine their position and authority. The TESCOM boss in a press release by the Press Officers of the commission, Yemisi Fahola

and Tolu Ogunjimi, underscored the need for them to be honest, fair, law abiding, and adhere strictly to financial rules and regulations as well as giving accurate account of staff at all times. Speaking earlier, the President, Ogun ANCOPSS, Chief Ebenezer Ogundele said that the workshop was meant to impart necessary

Tension as Cowbellpedia quiz reaches final Turkish International College, Abuja); Munachi Ernest-Eze (Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja); Ajoke Taiwo (Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota); Olabisi Bello (Dansol High School, Acme Crescent); Ayomide Fadipe (Loyola Jesuit College); and Evans Owamoyo (Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi). Similarly, Joshua Mukot (Emilis Academy, Calabar); Inibehe Otoho (Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak); Titilayo Adewale-Fasoro (Hallmark Secondary School, Itanla, Ondo State); Mariam Sanni (Ota Total Academy, Otta); Ayomide Kamaldeen (Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja);

and Ayodeji Akinkuowo (Adeyemi Demonstration Secondary School, Ondo) have made it to the final stage in the senior category. Some of them have expressed confidence about their chances of winning in the competition sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited. Ajoke for instance, said her expectation is nothing short of first position. Her counterparts, Olabisi, Ayomide and Abdumueez also expressed confidence they would win, though Olabisi, said she is a bit nervous as the finals approach. For Evans, he said “he expects noth-

leadership skills on the participants and promote the education standard in the State. He commended Governor Ibikunle Amosun for the approval given the newly appointed principals and appealed to the Governor to fill the existing vacancies of the office of Principals – General in the state.

ing less than the first position.” Their teachers too are full of expectation that their students would come out in flying colours at the finals. For instance, Mr. Oyewole Peters, a Mathematics teacher in Adeyemi Demonstration Secondary School was confident that his candidate would emerge successful. He disclosed that his team had put in place everything required to ensure victory for his student at the contest. Another teacher, Mr. Oyegbile Isaac Oluwagbemiga of Hallmark Second School also said, “I believe we have put everything in place, and also believe that God will give us, that is, my student and my school, the garment of glory.”

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Dearth of classrooms, hostels hits FG college Mgt worries over new intakes

Tunbosun Ogundare

xcept drastic measures are taken fast to address the classroom and hostel accommodation problems currently facing the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, many newly admitted students into the college may not be accommodated in the school hostels this new academic year. The fresh students admitted into both JSS1 (science) and the SSS1 (technical) sections are expected to resume from this Saturday for the 2015\2016 academic year while the returning students had resumed and since commenced academic activities. Speaking at an interactive session with the leadership of the college’s Parent-Teacher Association, School Based Management Committee (SBMC) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), which is the umbrella body of the teachers in the school, in attendance, the Principal, Rev. Chris Ugorji said with the prevailing circumstances concerning inadequate hostel and classroom facilities in the college, many students would have no option than to be coming from homes. According to him, “the school has converted many classrooms to hostels, especially during the last academic session just to have many more students living in the hostels, yet the approach is far from solving the problem, which had been there long before I came on board in August last year. “FSTC has a current population of over 4,000 students which is the highest among all the 104 unity colleges nationwide. And the consistent high standard we have as a college in academic and character is what we believe is attracting many parents to prefer the school for their children and we are glad about that. We love to have all our students as boarders except by choice. We believe that would help them greatly in their studies and performance. They would not need to waste much of their times and energy in traffic gridlock daily experiencing in Lagos as many of them may be coming from far distances. The stress that goes with heavy traffic will also be knocked off while our teachers would have less work to do. But in spite of this, we can’t accommodate as many as we want. And to make things worse is the fact that there are no more classrooms now to convert to

Tunbosun Ogundare

he Federal Government has been advised to take more proactive stance in combating the scourge of terrorism in the country by investing in the development and provision of bomb detector wearable devices that could be used to detect and disable explosive devises carried by suicide bombers. The Head of Department, Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Olumide Sunday Adewale gave the advice while delivering the institution’s 72nd inaugural lecture recently. He emphasized that the economic development of the nation hinged on adequate security and that the current trend of suicide bombings was a great threat to foreign investors. The don in a statement by the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Adebanjo Adebayo, stated that through a properly coordinated research and development initiative, the wearable devices worn by security operatives would be

L-R: Vice-Principal, Federal Science and Technical College(Science section), MR. Gbolahan Oladoyinbo; Director\Principal, Rev. Chris Ugorji; Chairman, School-based Management Committee, Elder Akintuyosi Akinwole and Treasurer, Parent-Teacher Association, Mr. Mudashiru Sanusi during a stakeholders’ interactive session in the college on Monday

hostels. The ones we have are not even enough for lectures. “That is why we want parents especially of new students to understand our plight in this regard. They should not think of automatic accommodation for their children. For now, we can only give priority to those living outside Lagos and others would be given as situation improves.” The principal however noted that many new students had already paid for accommodation together with other levies and also brought chairs to the school believing that would earn them automatic bed space while their admission letters clearly stated that they should not pay until they have been allocated one. He said it was not as if the school did not take the carrying capacity into consideration before admitting students but not to deny qualified candidates of admission. Rev. Ugorji pointed out that the 1,000- bed space girls’ hostel which is under construction by PTA would have been significantly ease the problem if completed on record time but for the delay due to the differences among members. While using the opportunity to appeal to parents to remain as an indivisible entity in the interest of development of the school and their children, he emphasized that he was

not at any time against PTA executive presenting account status of the group to members. “But what the management is not happy about is for a small group of parents to be causing disunity among members for their selfish interest. PTA is not for politics but for development,” he added. In her defence, PTA Chairman, Mrs. Oby Igwillo, represented by the Treasurer, Mr. Mudashiru Sanusi noted that PTA was aware of paucity of funds confronting not only FSTC but all the public schools nationwide, the reason she said parents always take it upon themselves to raise funds to assist schools in their developmental projects. Igwillo pointed out that the N74, 000 (N69, 300 PTA levy currently charged new students is being used to fund the ongoing 1,000-bed space female hostel and the rehabilitation of the boys’ hostel as well as the payment of teachers and other support workers employed by the group among others. She however promised that the audited financial statement of the association which she said some parents are agitating for is not only ready but would be presented to all members at a general meeting soon.

FUTA don tasks FG on bomb detector research developed to have radii of operation and effectiveness such that suicide bombers within the perimeter of any security operative wearing the device would receive an alarm signal to indicate a danger around. When this is done, he said, the operative can immediately disable the bomb before it is detonated. Speaking on “Convergence in divergence in information technology: A symbiosis,” Prof. Adewale canvassed for a strategy that would bring together government at all levels, industry and universities for the purpose of further developing research output into viable economic and security assets for the nation. He explained that the convergence had and would continue to have profound impact on technology, industry and the larger society and that technology convergence if appropriately managed, could play an important role in the economic and social development of any nation and ICT-based security measures.

Speaking further, the don highlighted some of the opportunities brought by technological convergence to include: traffic modelling; internet based telemedicine system; data/internet telephony integration; digital libraries; per-

sonalized e-learning system; and web based system for University undergraduate admission, selection and placement. In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adebiyi Daramola who was

represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academics), Professor Tunde Arayela said the choice of the lecture was apt considering the enormous security and economic related issues confronting the nation. Undonsi Joshua, a JSS3 student of Hallel College Boarding, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and one of the finalists of the 2015 National Art Competition organised by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in Lagos, proudly explains his artwork to Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa, the representative of Lagos State First Lady, at the award ceremony for the competition in Lagos on Tuesday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, October 29, 2015

JAMB’s multiple unresolved problems

he legal instrument that established the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was promulgated by the Federal military government on the thirteenth of February, 1978 and amended by the Decree 33 of 1989. The decree among other things empowered JAMB to conduct selection examinations for admission of candidates into all tertiary institutions nationwide. This mandate has been significantly eroded or modified over the years for many reasons. The first and most significant of the woes of JAMB was the increasingly high incidence of examination malpractice which invalidated the outcome of the exercise over the years. This necessitated the introduction of the post-university matriculation examination (Post-UME) by the individual universities in 2005 amid vigorous protests, denunciations and threats of sanctions by JAMB and her sympathisers and surrogates in the political cycle. The second and probably more fundamental reason for modifying JAMB mandate is the perennial low patronage of the Monotechnics, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Matriculation Examination (MPCEME) which was traditionally independent of the University Matriculation Examination (UME). In what was considered a major policy shift, the merger of the MPCEME and UME into a single UTME was hoped would provide more candidates for the monotechnics, polytechnics and colleges of education and support the mandate of these institutions to supply the middle-level manpower needs of the nation. According to Professor Samson Ukpabi who was Chairman of the Governing Board of JAMB, the UTME is a new idea that would change the history of tertiary education for good! Contrary to expectations, enrolment into the polytechnics and COEs are declining, and rather than erase real and perceived differences between the different tertiary institutions, the differential cut-off marks only highlighted the inequalities between these institutions.

The merger of the two existing examinations into one in 2010 created such a huge population of applicants that JAMB could scarcely manage because of insufficient facilities and reliable personnel. This is the genesis of candidates being allocated to examination centres hundreds of miles away from their places of residence with the associated increased cost of transportation and accommodation, high risk of travelling long distances and occasionally arrival at the examination venues after the examinations have been concluded. The continued poor subscription to the polytechnics and colleges of education led to the unilateral panicky usurpation of the candidates’ right to a second choice university by JAMB, with the aim of railroading them into other “needy” institution as they considered necessary. The resulting demonstrations, outcries and castigations of the JAMB institution by Nigerians were not unexpected. Although, five relevant credits are required for admission into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, less than half of the candidates who enrol for the UME ever possess this basic qualification. At the time the UME is conducted usually in April, most of the candidates have just commenced sitting for the SSCE and less than 40% will ultimately secure the required credits. The few who possess the requisite qualification at the time of the exercise are leftovers from previous exercises who could not secure admission due to poor performance. Rescheduling the UTME to a later date would permit the release of the SSCE results before the examination is conducted.

Tension in Osun over rumour of schools’ merger

This would eliminate the over 60 percent of candidates who are unable to secure the required credits for admission into the tertiary institutions. This would resolve the problems of overcrowding, inadequate centres, extended examination schedules, and to some extent, the problem of examination malpractice! The declining attraction for the polytechnics and Colleges of Education has obviously defied the phantasizing of the JAMB establishment and would remain an important cause of concern to policy makers in Nigeria. Admission cut-off marks to these institutions have to be consistently reduced in order to attract candidates. Poor quality teachers in the basic and secondary education systems are some of the natural outcomes of poor quality students admitted into the system. It is imperative that the Colleges of Education should continue to produce middle level manpower for the rapidly expanding basic education system. It is also imperative that good quality candidates be attracted to these institutions in order to improve the quality of their output. This process is beyond the mandate and capability of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board. The training of technically competent personnel which is required for the very much anticipated industrial revolution has stagnated. Rather than streamline the dichotomy between the polytechnics and universities, the current admission policy has actually accentuated the differences. Other means must be sought to attract Nigerian youths to the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in order to fulfil their traditional role in nation building. Very difficult decisions await the next Minister of Education who is expected to emerge shortly after the completion of the Senate screening process. The mantle ultimately falls on him to set in motion the processes of resolving the many problems facing the educational sector, especially those of increasing access and improving the quality.

YABATECH holds convocation

aba College of Technology, Lagos will today, Thursday, 29th October, 2015 hold a combined convocation for the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic sessions where a total of 11,957 graduates will be awarded certificates. Breaking down the number of graduates, the Rector of the College, Dr. Margaret Ladipo at a press conference said 5,527 will be graduating for 2012/2013 session and 6,430 graduates for the 2013/2014 session and these comprises of both full time and part time students.

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 19 tention now to restructure for effective performance and prevent duplication to prevent leakages and ensure students have maximum benefits from what is available in our schools. People should not get unduly apprehensive but should wait and behold another

beautiful product of fecund mind of the governor. Governor Aregbesola’s spokesman, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, in an official reaction to the alleged plans to merge the institutions, said government would not merge them but said there was urgent need to effect restructuring in the

Saidat Alausa

Guinness supports NYSC rural dwellers’ initiative

uinness Nigeria has empowered the National Youth Service Corps Rural Dwellers’ Health Initiative through the provision of essential medicines. These drugs were formally handed over to the NYSC at a flagoff ceremony, which held in Olorunda Local Council Development Area in Badagry, Lagos State. The Rural Dwellers’ Health Initiative provides a unique platform for corps members who are medical professionals - Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Medical Laboratory Scientists - to provide free healthcare services to Nigerians living in remote, rural communities. Speaking at the event, DirectorGeneral of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi, underlined the need to make quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, especially people living in hard-to-reach rural communities.

He also commended Guinness Nigeria for the timely and auspicious donation. “We appreciate Guinness Nigeria for this laudable effort. There is no doubt that the donation will go a long way in enhancing the quality of care which corps members will deliver to beneficiaries of this initiative,” he said. Guinness Nigeria’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale noted that the donation is in keeping with Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to creating thriving communities across the country. Mr. Sobowale who was represented by the company’s Sustainable Development Manager, Mr. Osita Abana, also commended the NYSC for providing a platform where rural dwellers are able to access quality healthcare at no cost. “This Rural Dwellers’ Health Initiative is indeed a laudable programme. We recognise that it

operations of the institutions. Okanlawon, who warned against misinterpretation of government plans to cause rancour, insisted that in whatever decision Mr. Governor would take on the matter, common interest of the people and long term welfare of the people would be giving priority.

will help improve the health and wellbeing of many Nigerians. We are therefore pleased to support the NYSC as it flags off the programme today,” Abana said. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Perma-

nent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Michael Daodu, urged residents of the community to take advantage of the week-long medical intervention by visiting consultation centres for free treatment. The highlight of the ceremony

was the commissioning of medical facilities put in place to ensure the success of the programme. The Rural Dwellers’ Health Initiative is already making notable progress with its launch across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

L-R State Coordinator, NYSC, Lagos, Cyrille Akhanemhe; Director, Community Development Service, NDHQ, Abuja, Victoria Okhakhu; DG, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawunmi; Sustainable Development Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Osita Abana and Micheal Dawodu at the presentation of drugs by Guinness Nigeria to the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers in Olorunda LCDA, Badagry, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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

AAUA alumni hold convention ‘Yomi Ayeleso 300L, Bus Admin AAU,

Akungba-Ako-

ll is now set for the maiden Annual Convention of the Alumni Association of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, as a three-day event has been scheduled to hold from today, October 29 to October, 31st, 2015, in the university campus. In a statement, the Chairman of Planning Committee, Mr. Wumi Ajayi, said the first day of the convention will feature arrival and registration of members followed by awareness walk around the campus, and alumni and student parley. According to him, activities on the second day include, the foundation laying ceremony of the Alumni Building, Annual Lecture, titled, the University and Alumni: 21st Century Expectations and Realities, conferment of awards on some distinguished Nigerians, and re-union feast, while the third day will feature sight-seeing among others. The annual lecture will be delivered by Prof. Tola Badejo, former Vice Chancellor, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo, Ondo State. In a chat with the National President, Mr. Patrick Oluyide, he sought the support of all members of the association towards having a successful convention, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck in building formidable structures for the alumni. Oluyide also emphasised the need to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between the university and its alumni, urging all members both at home and abroad to attend the convention.

Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun

Fun as UNIBEN students end football contest in draw Ezekiel Efeobhokhan

500 level Pharmacy UNIBEN

t was excitement in the faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Edo State when the graduating class of Pharmacy played a friendly match with the faculty recently as part of the activities to celebrate the final year students. The match which was organised by the office of the Director of Sports was played at the education pitch of the university kick-off at 10am. Right from the kick-off the zeal and enthusiasm of the players were seen all through the duration the game lasted. Commenting on the friendly match, the coach of the faculty team Ifeanyi Ajudeonu stated that he was ready for the graduating class that even if they were graduating he was never going to let his guard down as he was never going to replicate the errors made by coaches in national football who overlook friendly

matches and class them as unimportant. “This match is as important to me as anything else. After today, the graduating class will not forget me in a hurry. I know they have fine players but I believe I am up to the task” he said.

However, emotions were high when Nabem Ambelega from the graduating class scored in the first half of the match. His goal came as an eye opener as they dominated the game all through the first half. But Peter Osayuki came to the rescue of the faculty

of pharmacy by bringing in an equalizer in the second half. The match ended all draw. Jerry Egwuchie who is also a graduating student stated that the match was an exciting experience and thanked the faculty for honoring its invitation.

Graduating class, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin after a friendly match with the faculty.

UNIBEN don urges govt to invest in cardiac care Eddy Uwoghiren

400L, Med. and Surg. UNIBEN

Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Prof. Austin Osemwengie Obasohan has said the failure of government in building a National Cardiac Centre and Institute is militating against care of patients with cardiac diseases. The Professor also disclosed that no fewer than 3000 patients leave Nigeria monthly to India for Cardiac care at a cost of 3m Naira each have continued to drain the nation of fund despite the availability of manpower in Nigeria. He made the observation at the 162nd inaugural lecture of the institution titled “The Heart: Natures Quintessential Creation. What goes wrong with it? People Die Suddenly! What Remedies.” Prof Obasohan wondered why Nigeria which pride itself as the giant of Africa was yet to key fully into investment in medical care of cardiac patients revealed that smaller countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast have cardiac centres which have been running since 25 years ago. Observing that the heart which plays a vital role in the life of a person needs special care, Obasohan stated that cardiovas-

cular diseases (CVD) are among the leading cause of death worldwide. He added that diseases affecting the heart could either be congenital or caused by environmental factors. “Family history of Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension, Heart enlargement, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity , high level of stress, tear in Aorta, stroke, cigarette smoking are among causes of death.” He called on the government to immediately set up a National Cardiac Institute which will be saddled with the responsibility of training staff to care for

cardiac patients and practice of cardiology. “If we must effectively tackle sudden death, then there is the need for us to always carry out autopsy in cases of sudden death, public enlightenment and advocacy in cardiac diseases. Businessmen and rich individuals should invest in healthcare. “Also, there should be total ban on foreign medical trip at government expenses,” he said. He also stressed the need for training and retraining of specialised personnel, extension of Tertiary Education Trust Fund to cover teaching hospitals

which are not only tertiary centres but also tertiary education to postgraduate doctors. He further called on the need for training of the public in basic Life support measures, regular checkups of patients and review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to include strategies to combat Non Communicable Disease (NCD). In his remark, the university Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, said inaugural lectures should be taken seriously as it is a way of showcasing Nigeria’s scholars to the world and to also provide solutions to problems affecting the nation.

Prof. Austin Obasohan (2ND left) with colleagues and guests after delivering the University of Benin 162nd inaugural lecture, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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

At AUN lecture, Ekweremmadu educates public on constitution Emeka Chukwuemeka And Franklin Onwubiko NAU, Awka

intrigues that becloud constitution review efforts in Nigeria. “We all have our portions of the blame, worse still, the purported ethno-sectional interests often have nothing to do with interests of the masses of the component parts of the country, but just the interests of a few political elites”, Ekweremmadu enthused. Sen. Ekwerenmadu further argued that constitution amendment exercises in a pluralistic society like Nigeria will continue to encounter serious challenges as far as the elites continue to put their narrow personal or group interests above the national interest. Earlier in his address the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku restated the commitment of his administration in encouraging public lectures organised by departments and faculties as it broadens and deepens knowledge as well as interrogating topical national issues. The vice Chancellor noted that the thrust of the lecture is fundamentally to generate ideas and throw up alternative approaches of addressing identified societal challenges. Also in his address, the Acting Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Godwin Okeke disclosed that the lecture was organized as a way of contributing to nation building through the advancement to legal knowledge.

‘My plan is to rebrand NANS’

Isaiah Chika Nwankwo, is one of the aspirants to the office of the president of National Association of Nigerian Students. In this interview with TEMITOPE YAKUBU (FEDPOLY, Ado-Ekiti), the Political Science Education student of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka and a former NANS AGS and Zonal Sport Secretary speaks about his plans for if elected.

namdi Azikiwe University Awka, the state capital was full Why are you contesting for of love, unity and progress. of excitement recently, as it NANS Presidency? I also have basic agenda as well played host to eminent Nigewhich is mainly about the rebranding rians at the maiden edition I am contesting because I discovered the association, reduction of tuition of the Public Lecture organmany things are no more going the way fees in our tertiary institutions, agitaised by the institution’s Facthey should. The association called tion for better transportation system ulty of Law. NANS today has been bastardized. for Nigerian Students, proper welfare The lecture, which had During the military era, NANS identipackages and students’ security. its theme as “The Politics fied with national issues. But this is no I will also consult the various tiers of Constitution Review in longer the case with the association. of government on the need for increMulti-ethnic Societies” had We need to do things as students and ment in budget allocated to Education. the Deputy Senate Presinot like politicians. So, I want to give dent, Ike Ekweremmadu as this present generation the orientation How do you intend to achieve all the guest lecturer. of students’ unionism. these? It also had in attendance So my plans if elected are many. With the help of the zonal coordinaamong others the governors One is to enhance the unity of Nigetors, the Students’ Union Presidents of Anambra and Enugu rian students with the common purwhich are also the senators, I will make States, Dr. Willie Obiano and pose of promoting, projecting and sure I work with them with the manMr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as its protecting our great country , Nigeria agement because without students, special guest of honour and through diligent approach process, there is no management. So I tend to guest of honour respectiveNwankwo collective efforts, team work and a achieve the struggle with dialogue, we ly. corruption and terrorism in the counmore integrated and aggressive guest have 3 “Cs” in NANS which are consulDescribing the constitry through awareness campaign in orfor development. The initiative shall tation, consolidation and confrontation tution as essentially the der to rebuild, reconstruct and reconsystematically adopt a model to mobiand no government will want confronautobiography of a nation cile the young scholars with the spirit lize Nigerian students to fight against tation. which chronicles the history and developments of the nation and principles Saidat Alausa of governance, EkweremIn a release by the Deputy modu– Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local madu posited that politics kiti State governRegistrar, Information and Government of Ekiti State had always played out in ment has approved Corporate Affairs of the bagged a First Class in Mathconstitution reviews in Nithe appointment of university , Mr. Ajibade Ol- ematics Education from geria. epresentatives of a Professor of Educationubunmi and made available University of Benin in 1983, According to him, constithe American unial Evaluation, Professor to National Mirror, Prof. a Master’s degree and PhD tution review is faced with versities of MichiSamuel Oye Bandele as Bandele will succeed Prof. in Education Measurement numberless challenges gan State and California, the next Vice-Chancellor Patrick Aina whose tenure and Evaluation, from the which hinder its successBerkeley presented the for Ekiti State University, ends on 2nd of December, University of Ibadan in 1985 ful outcome on most occaMasterCard Foundation EKSU. and 1989 respectively, among 2015. sions as it takes a delicate grants initiative to stuThis was sequel to the deWith this appointment, other qualifications. balancing of interests of dents at the University of cision of the 116th meeting Prof. Bandele thus becomes Prof. Bandele, an erudite the various components in Lomé in Togo, West Africa. of the institution’s Govern- the 7th Vice-Chancellor of scholar is a former Dean, the country to pull through The programme’s aims ing Council after conducting the 33- year old institution. Faculty of Education and the a single clause or to achieve are to enable bright but interviews for 13 professors The 61-yearold Profes- Director, Directorate of Partany meaningful progress in disadvantaged young peowho applied for the position. sor who hails from Ijesa- Time Programmes of the any review process. ple, particularly in Subuniversity. “The challenges range Saharan Africa, to study He was the pioneer Vicefrom apathy and lack of in leading universities Chancellor of the Univerdemocratic culture, lack of abroad, and to help train sity of Education, Ikere-Ekiti political will, lack of activfuture leaders to promote (TUNEDIK) and later Univerism and firmness by the judevelopment when they sity of Science and Technoldiciary, ethnic irredentism, return to their home counogy, Ifaki (USTI) before the religious considerations, tries. merger of the two universicrises of expectation and The meeting was orties with the former Univerthe temptation to do so ganised by the United sity of Ado-Ekiti to become much at a time, inexperiStates Embassy in Lomé EKSU. ence, lack of template of and addressed by Patricia procedure, among others”. Croom of Michigan State He noted that ethnic poliUniversity and Linda Lartics have always influenced son of the University of political reviews in NigeCalifornia, Berkeley, who ria. “It is also noteworthy were on a tour of African that no group or part of the countries to inform young country, whether North or people how they could apVice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku (left) presenting a plaque to South, can lay claim to inno- the guest lecturer, Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu during the maiden edition of the public lecture organised ply, reported Savoir News cence in the ethno-sectional by the institution’s Faculty of Law recently. Bandele of Lomé.

EKSU gets new VC

US universities explain MasterCard grants to students

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hive of activity/industry (no pluralisation)

ET us welcome Nigeria Political Economist to this column. Its August edition, Volume 1 No. 7, goofed: “… our share in those agreements are (is) not the same as we have in the joint venture (a comma) so it’s lower.” National Mirror of August 2 did not make any difference on so many occasions in its use of the English language: “Will the emergence of Dasuki as the NSA have any positive impact on the security challenges facing the nation and put an end to terrorism and other forms of criminal activities to a stop?” When you write windy sentences, you go adrift like we have here! Do we take it that Dasuki and his principal are helpless on Boko Haram and insecurity? What happened in Okene, Kogi State, last week, is the preface to anarchy! “Jonathan and the looming impeachment threat” Existential humanism: looming impeachment? Yes. Looming impeachment threat? No! “Unilag, Akoka, was last Friday a beehive of activities as….” My alma mater was a hive/beehive of activity/industry (not activities/industries) as…. “…confined her to the four-wall of her home with no help in sight.” What is ‘four-wall of her home’? Are there common triangular apartments? Simply put, the lady was confined to her home—the balderdash about ‘four-wall’ (instead of just wall) is a descent into lexical savagery! Still on National Mirror: Disappearance of coins weigh (weighs) down on pricing system.” This is a clear case of subject-verb disagreement that, if not for the writer’s/subeditor’s/proofreader’s slipshoddiness, the computer’s spelling and grammar mechanism would have detected the culprit’s absent-mindedness.

“…the need to revisit the use of coins to curb fraudulent pricing trends that eats (why?) deep into consumer budgets.” This way: consumers’ budgets. Finally from National Mirror: “He was rushed to hospital for treatment.” This is an unintelligent sentence. When the editor of Daily Sun, Steve Nwosu, was taken to hospital after a gunshot by a bandit, it could not have been for picnicking, sun-bathing or revelry! So, just tell readers—who are not gullible—that the journalist was taken (not the cliché ‘rushed’) to hospital. Was there an ambulance for ‘rushing’ him? No! CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK The right column is right: Marching order Obituary announcement Handwriting on the wall In Lagos Island In the premises At the shores Matured man Double standards With regards to At the campus All manners of Pomp and pageantry

Marching orders Obituary Writing on the wall On Lagos Island On the premises On the shores Mature man Double standard With regard to On the campus All manner of Pomp and ceremony/ circumstance or just pomp

All nooks and crannies A living witness More grease to your elbow More power to your elbo Oil bloc Harassments Harassment Fail woefully Heavy downpour Downpour Running stomach Rest in perfect peace Rest in peace Talkless of

Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr. Ochai Roys Thomas(left) presenting an award of credence to the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, Prof. Geoffrey Okogbaa at the institution in Taraba State, recently.

Tunisian varsities eye W\African market

ith 82,000 young Ivorians passing the schoolleaving baccalauréat examination, giving them the right to higher education, but only 30,000 places available in the country’s universities, private Tunisian universities are hoping to attract them – and to extend their offerings to other countries in the region. With schooling in Côte d’Ivoire recently made compulsory until the age of 16, nearly 5,000 Tunisian schoolteachers could find posts in Ivorian schools, according to La Presse de Tunisie. The paper reported that this prospect was leading Tunisian Education Minister Neji Jalloul to head a delegation of 13 private universities to take part in Campus Tunisie, a promotional fair, in Abidjan, capital of Côte d’Ivoire, a country regarded as a platform for the whole West African region. “About 82,000 pupils passed their baccalauréat… while the Ivorian universities, public and private, can only cater for 30,000 new students,” Riadh Azaiez, the

Government white paper White paper On the saddle In the saddle Deploy to Deploy in Arrest over Arrest for Commend over Commend for/on Restore in Restore to Restore back Restore Converge in/at Converge on At the outskirts On the outskirts Return back Return Reverse back Reverse Unemployment problem Unemployment Insecurity crisis Security crisis/insecurity Luggages Luggage Birds of the same feather Birds of a feather A feather to his cap A feather in his cap Riot Act The Riot Act A slip of tongue A slip of the tongue Hide and seek game Hide and seek White elephant projects White elephants Banters Banter Night vigil Vigil Wake-keep(ing) Wake Alert on something Alert to something

organiser of Campus Tunisie, told La Presse. This, said the paper, showed the extent of the market in Côte d’Ivoire, which could prove to be a “godsend” for Tunisian universities. Azaiez calculated that between a fifth and a quarter of the qualified Ivorian school-leavers could be recruited by Tunisian universities, and if so he believed tripling the number of Ivorians studying in Tunisia would prove to be an achievable aim. He said it was about choosing to participate in one of the most dynamic economic zones in the world, with a growth rate of nearly 9% in Côte d’Ivoire, reported La Presse – and along the same lines the Ivorian market would open wide the doors to other markets in the region such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad. To do this, Azaiez was in favour of organising thematic events attended by [Tunisian] companies and supported by senior managers from public authorities. Culled: from University World News

Every nook and cranny A witness Oil block Fail abysmally Runny stomach Much less/let alone

Ministry donates equipment to FUNAAB Saidat Alausa

he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has donated a Soil Doc Kit to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, FUNAAB, as the Royal Society of the United Kingdom, through the Soils of Forest Inland in Africa (SOFIIA) Project. The university also got a Motorised Auger to the institution. The Soil Doc Kit is used to analyse the soil in order to determine the best type and quantity of fertilizers to be used for productive farming, while the Motorised Auger is useful for those in Soil Science and Engineering to take the profile of the soil while the Motorised Auger could be used to take soil samples, The equipments was presented to FUNAAB, during a workshop held at the Soil, Plant and Water Laboratory, Ibadan, Oyo State, where the representative of FUNAAB at the occasion, Dr. Florence Olowokere, was trained on the use of a minilaboratory. Dr. Olowokere, while presenting the Soil Doc Kit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olu-

sola Oyewole, represented by the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Mufutau Atayese, disclosed that the equipment was a mini-laboratory, as the university was expected to visit 36 farmers on their respective farms to take soil samples and analyse them before advising them on the specific fertilizers that would be needed for successful farming. Speaking on the benefits of the kit, Dr. Olowokere said it was portable and could easily be carried to farms where samples are taken, analyzed and results obtained instantly. Thereafter, the results could be uploaded on an android phone, which was also donated alongside the Soil Doc Kit for the interpretation of results, adding that the kit could help eradicate the challenges that most farmers faced while taking their soil samples to laboratories. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, appreciated the donors for their generosity, assuring them that the equipment would be effectively utilised in line with the University’s tripodal mandate of teaching, research and extension service.

Business Thursday, October 29, 2015

FG assures investors in steel sector of govt’s support

Mobile devices spur new online shopping tools rivalry 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN condemns survey report on Nigerian airports

Ekiti State rakes in N13.6bn IGR in five years …. ranks 34th on states’ IGR table

Tola Akinmutimi

espite its abundant opportunities to boost its Internally Generated Revenue through the development of its Tourism sector and other natural endowments potential, Ekiti State Government has not fared well in IGR collections over the past five years with the state’s cumulative IGR accruals totaling N13,633,436,680.41 (about N13.63 billion) . This puts the state in the 34th position amongst the 36th states in the country and the last among the South West geo-political zone states based on their IGR profiles. Lagos State ranked 1st among the 36 states with IGR accruals totaling N1,084,289,159,292.62 (about N1.08 trillion) while Rivers State came second with gross IGR earnings standing at N 345,646,828,116.58 (about N345.65 billion) compared with Delta State’s cumulative IGR profile of N199,431,764,901.08 (about N199.43 billion). A further analysis of the IGR profiles showed that Edo State came fourth with N80,218,990,916.96 (about N80.22 billion) compared with Enugu’s N67,772,419,671.00 (about N67.77 billion), Akwa Ibom’s IGR value of N66,404,620,912.00 (or N66.40 billion and Oyo State’s gross IGR collections totaling N65,561,377,402.84 (about N65.56 billion) during the five year period spanning 2010-2014. For Ekiti State, tax accruals in year 2010 totalled N1,554,020,325.64 (about N1.55 billion) while the following year’s collection stood at N2,489,797,191.33 (about N2.49 billion). In 2012, the state IGR totalled N3,787,607,515.35 (about N3.79 billion) compared to N2,339,670,199.77 (about N2.34 billion) in 2013 and N3,462,341,448.32 (or N3.46 billion) raked in 2014. Comparatively, Oyo State which ranked 7th in the IGR table and also topped the states in the South West geo-political zone, grossed N10,488,362,233.80 (about N10.49 billion) in 2010; N8,915,603,182.50 (about N8.92 billion) in 2011;

N14,598,808,723.10 (about N14.60 billion) in 2012; N15,251,369,563.23 (about N15.25 billion) in 2013; and N16,307,233,700.20 (about N16.31 billion) the following year. The state with the least IGR is Borno State with cumulative revenue for the five year period stood at N11,728,917,927.37 (about N11.73

billion). The amount is just lower than Ekiti’s N13.63 billion by about N1.91 billion. A further decomposition of Borno State’s IGR year-on-year basis, which over the past six years had been the most disrupted state by Boko Haram insurgents, showed that the state collected N2,108,612,985.25 (about N2.11 billion in 2010 as internally gener-

ated revenue compared with the N2,282,102,699.76 (about N2.28 billion) in the following year. In 2012, state’s total collections stood at N2,444,613,205.37

(about N2.44 billion) while in the following year, it raked in N2,132,815,258.00 (or N2.13 billion). For 2014, the IGR rose to

N2,760,773,778.99 N2.76 billion)

(about

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: Vice President, Media Concept International (MCI), Femi Agoro; Sales Director, Europe and Africa, KAON Media South Korea, Mr. Young Kang; President/CEO, MCI, Mr. Babatope Agbejo and Director-General, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Emeka Mba, during the signing of MOU, between MCI and KAON in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

NIMASA begins probe of ship collision, assures on missing persons FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has said it has commenced a full scale investigationon into the immediate and remote causes of the collision of two tanker vessels MT Elixir and MT Tank, which occurred last Monday midstream off Nigeria’s coast. Three crew members of the ships have been rescued alive while one body has been rescued even as eight other crew men are still missing. Director General of the agency, Mr. Haruna Jauro, who addressed news men on the issue, said the

essence of the investigation is in order to forestall a future reoccurrence of such ghastly accident. He however ruled out the constitution of a marine board inquest into the incident, saying that it is not within the schedule of duty of the agency to do that, which he said is exclusively the prerogative of the Minister of Transport. According to him, the accident occurred outside the Nigerian waters even as the two ships involved in the accident are both foreign ships though one of them has Nigerian crew on board, a development that restricts the level of activity or investigation the agency can legally carryout on the incident. “But as a responsible agency charged with the responsibility of

ensuring safety and security, we responded to the distress call, which also led to the rescue of the three crew men and recovery of one body after the incident”, he said. He disclosed that as part of efforts to ensure security around the ships involved in the accident, the agency has deployed four naval officers from the Maritime Guard Command to provide security and prevent piracy or robbery attacks on the ships. Jauro also dispelled rumours that the agency’s Satellite Surveil-

lance System was not operational and that that partly led to the accident, insisting that the satellite system was not designed to prevent accidents.

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 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN condemns survey report on Nigerian airports Olusegun Koiki

he Federal Government has described the recent rating that put the Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, as the worst in the world as unfounded, which did not put into cognizance the ongoing remodeling of the airport. The spokesman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that the survey carried out by the SleepingInAirports.net in conjunction with CNNMoney that the

Port Harcourt International airport remained the dirtiest and most corrupt airport was biased. According to him, apart from the on-going re-modelling of the existing domestic terminal, from which both international and local flight operations are conducted, construction work was also in progress at the site of the new international terminal, among other projects at the airport. He maintained that operations at such an airport, where construction work was

going on simultaneously with normal flight and related operations, couldn’t be as conducive as those in airports where there are no on-going construction projects. “Neither can environments at such different scenarios be equally clean,” he said. He said that FAAN was aware of the enormous challenges posed by the peculiar operational situation at the Port Harcourt International Airport and that was why it

has taken several measures to alleviate the difficulties faced by passengers and other airport users at the airport. One of such measures according to him included closing down one of the tents and moving operations there to some sections of the remodelled terminal, even when work in those sections were not fully completed. The statement added, “We wish to assure all passengers, airline operators and other

airport users that services at our airports are delivered at recommended international standards that ensure safety, security and comfort. “While we regret any inconvenience experienced at these airports, including Port Harcourt International Airport, due to on-going construction projects, promise all airport users that services at these airports will surely get better at the completion of these projects. “

Nigeria’s retail sector showing resilience –Research Tola Akinmutimi

survey titled ‘Nielsen’s initial African Prospects Indicator (APi)’, conducted by research and information outfit, Nielsen Africa, has indicated that expanding middle-income client base and positive consumer sentiment was underpinning the expansion of Nigeria’s retail sector, helping to attract fresh investment from foreign retailers despite forecasts of slower economic growth. According to the research company, Nigeria’s consumers are amongst the most optimistic in sub-Saharan Africa with lower oil prices and the devaluation of the naira seemingly doing little to dent shoppers’ confidence. Nielsen Africa reported that to capitalise on the market’s potential, several multinational fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers had recently expanded their operations in Africa’s largest economy, though electricity disruptions and high inflation remain a concern. It also confirmed that Nigeria ranked at the top of the nine countries surveyed for retail outlook in Nielsen’s initial African Prospects Indicator (APi), also clinching the number-one spot for consumer sentiment. Published in mid-September, the survey also found that Nigerians were the most willing to try new products, suggesting openings for producers and players eyeing the market. APi data showed Nigerian consumers were largely optimistic about their personal

finances, which is a positive signal for the sector. Furthermore, 43% of retailers reported an increase in spending, suggesting that consumer confidence could be translating into more purchases. The research outfit noted further that the challenge in Nigeria would be for the country to continue successfully transforming optimism into spending. Nielsen stated: “Sustained success in Nigeria is therefore about efficiently navigating the complex routes to market; pinpointing optimal outlets to generate the greatest return; and working with these retailers to build and activate demand,” Allen Burch, managing director of Nielsen Africa, said at the APi’s launch. “With a growing population of 170m and average annual GDP growth projected at 5.4% between 2015 and 2020, as per IMF figures, foreign retailers are increasingly investing in long-term payoffs in the Nigerian market. “This economic growth is translating into higher purchasing power. According to a recent study by consultancy McKinsey, the number of middle-income Nigerian households – those with annual income above $5000 – is expected to increase from 20% of the population to 27% within five years. “Foreign companies are taking note. In mid-September, US cereal giant Kellogg’s announced a joint venture with Singapore’s Tolaram Group to make and market products for the African food and snacks segment, with a focus on the Nigeria consumer market”, the research company added

L-R: MD/CEO Oracle Experience, Mr. Felix Eiremiokhae; Marketing Manager, Gulder, 33, Life, More and stout category Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Agu; winner of a brand new generator, Kelvin Dike; Regional Business ManagerLagos, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Moses Obodo; Marketing Director, Franco Maria Maggi and Senior Brand Manager, Stout Category/ Life Lager, Funso Ayeni, at the Legend Extra Stout Taste and Tell night “Wave 2” at Kuwait Field, Gowon Estate Egbeda- Lagos recently.

World Bank projects Africa’s population to hit 2.8bn by 2060 Sylva Emeka-Okereke

orld Bank Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, has said that by the year 2060 the world’s population is expected to hit 10 billion, out of which Africa would have a share of 2.8 billion people. He said that this portended a positive agenda for the continent. A statement by the bank indicated that the population growth will not contribute to economic growth as expected without the right investments in human capital. It pointed out that entrants into the continent’s labour market must have the proper quality education and health care in order for Africa to fully realize its demographic dividend. This is even as it also predicted that government policies and actions taken in Africa can increase the likelihood of capturing the potential benefits from the region’s rapid population growth and propel economic takeoff. In the report, Africa’s De-

mographic Transition: Dividend or Disaster, he said that with the right policies, such as reduction in fertility rates and increasing investments in education and health care, especially for women and girls, countries can reap the benefits of demographic change, thereby enhancing the overall development of a nation. The World Bank Vice President for Africa noted that the region was already experiencing rapidly declining child mortality, increasing female school enrolment, renewed high-level political support for tackling demographic challenges and rapid economic growth. “In capital cities such as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Accra, Ghana, the fertility rate or number of births per woman, is at an all-time low of approximately two births per woman. “While in some countries, fertility rates are as high as 5.4 children born per women, a persistent challenge. In sharp contrast, fertility rates are significantly lower in other regions of the world. In East Asia, for example, fertility de-

clined from 5.6 to 1.6 from 1950 to 2010”, the report stated. Lead Economist in Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice of the World Bank, Abdo Yazbeck said Africa’s Demographic Transition calls for broad policy changes and actions that can support a large demographic dividend throughout Africa. The report also noted that some countries can empower women and girls by improving their health, education and skills while providing them with greater market, social, and decision-making power. “In countries, where fertility is falling and workingage share is rising, the focus should be on creating highproductivity employment and encouraging investments in health and education for the smaller youths. “In more developed economies, countries should focus on generating domestic savings and supporting female labour-force participation outside the home and steps should be taken to ensure sufficient savings for retirements”, the report added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Nigerian firms lacking digital capacity ‘ll remain uncompetitive –Sage boss Tola Akinmutimi

he Regional Director for Sage West Africa, Magnus Nmonwu, has warned that companies in Nigeria and the rest of the region that failed to embrace the digital world would be at a serious disadvantage to their competitors. This is even as advised that West African enterprises that want to keep pace with a changing consumer, employee and business landscape needed to invest in the right business management solutions that will enable them to digitise their business processes. Nmonwu’s comments followed the recent Connect Commerce Conference where Netplus Advisory claimed that e-commerce and online busi-

nesses in Nigeria attracted investments worth US$200m over the past three years. He said: “With more than 93 million Internet users in Nigeria alone (Nigerian Communications Commission statistics), the region’s people form a formidable digital marketplace. In Nigeria, Facebook has more than 15 million monthly active users. “These Internet users want the speed, simplicity and convenience of buying goods and services right from their mobile phones. As employees, they want mobile and Web tools to help them do their jobs – from anywhere at any time. “Businesses that don’t keep up with changing consumer and employee behaviour will lose ground to their competitors”, Nmonwu added. According to him, compa-

nies that want to stay ahead of the trend towards online business need to put modern business solutions in place that are ready for the mobility, the Internet of Things, analytics, and other digital technologies that are transforming the business environment. The industry expert pointed out further that with the rapid growth of the mobile web, ecommerce and social media in West Africa, leading employers

are thinking about how they can use technology to engage with their workforce. For instance, he explained that progressive enterprises are implementing employee self-service to automate business processes while making life more convenient for employees. “With the move to an online world, businesses need to think about how they will adapt. This means that they need to be-

come more agile, access data for improved decision-making and interact with stakeholders in a more personalised manner. “In addition to thinking about how they will prepare for mobile customers, West African organisations also need to be ready for digital employees. Those that do the necessary groundwork will be in a strong position to attract, retain, and develop the best talent.” Nmonwu noted.

FCMB Rewards ‘’Millionaire Promo Season 2’’ Winners

he first draws of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited reward scheme for customers tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2’’ took place across the country on Tuesday While 3 customers of the Bank were rewarded with the sum of N1million each at the Regional draws held in Abuja, Ogun and Abia states, a total of 640 others smiled home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes at the Zonal draws held in different parts of the country. The exercise was conducted through electronic selection of qualified customers. At the Lagos/South-West Regional draw which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun states, Mr. Thompson Nkumaliyi emerged winner of N1 million, while at the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Abuja, Mr. Mohammed Nalado was rewarded with the same amount, just as Sandra Araibode won N1 million at the South-East/South-South Regional draw that took place in Umuahia, Abia state. The FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, which commenced in August and will run till January 2016, is part of the various initiatives of the financial institution to reward customers for their loyalty and patronage over the years. It is an extension of the Bank’s Millionaire Promo which ran from February till August.

This followed the success recorded with previous reward schemes organised the Bank in 2013 and 2014 (that is, ‘’FCMB 30th Anniversary Promo’’ and ‘’FCMB 30th Anniversary Promo Reloaded’’), respectively. Thousands of the Bank’s customers won various exciting gifts, including vehicles, cash, household items, among others in the course of the promotions. The Millionaire Promo Season 2 is targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers. The eligible products/accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings, premium savings and third party accounts. Speaking on the promo, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said that the Millionaire Season 2 Promo, ‘’is aimed at further connecting and rewarding our customers for their loyalty and patronage. It also follows the request of our esteemed customers and our desire to ensure that more of them (both existing and potential) benefit from this exciting reward scheme which has turned dreams to reality’’. He added that as an inclusive lender focused on delivering valued-added products and quality service that translates to exceptional customer experience, the promo is to equally empower our account holders to fulfil their aspirations’’.

L-R: SES General Manager Sales North, West/ Central Africa, Eric Lecocq; Sales Manager, North, West and Central Africa, Joy Emenike; COO, Softwire, Igbinosa Ehigie Nosa and VP for Regional Marketing, Paul Freeman, during a media briefing announcing the partnership between SES and Softwire in Lagos recently.

Cutix Chairman urges Legislature on local content policy review Johnson Okanlawon

he chairman of Cutix Plc, David Ifezulike, has urged the National Assembly to review the local content Acts to cover other segments like power, building, construction and automobiles for better result. Ifezulike also urged the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB and the Cable Manu-

facturers Association of Nigeria, CAMAN to work as a team to ensure that the cable manufacturing companies benefit from the local content Acts in the oil and gas sector. According to him, research and development activities should be part of the cooperation of the board and the association. The chairman noted that despite the political and economic activities in the country in 2015, which impacted negatively on cable manu-

facturing sector, the company recorded a five percent growth in revenue. Analysis of the company’s result showed a profit after tax of N149 million and the directors recommended a dividend of 12 kobo per share. He appealed to the officials’ of Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, to ensure effective control of the influx of substandard products and cables in particular into the country.

Ecobank Nigeria receives $125m trade facilities Isaiah Erhiawarien

cobank Nigeria has become the recipient of facilities worth US$125mn from a group of financial institutions.

Dutch development bank FMO co-ordinated a US$75m subordinated term loan with a seven-year tenor, contribut-

ing US$30mn to the facility. Another US$20 million came from Deutsche Investitionsund Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), Amethis Africa Finance contributed US$15 million and Swedfund International added US$10 million. Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku said that the bank was pleased to have worked with FMO in raising additional Tier II

capital, adding that “with this transaction, we can further support our SME clients in growing this most important and critical sector in Nigeria.” The bank has also received a US$50mn short-term trade financing facility from Afreximbank, according to Aku noting that the facilities will be used to further increase the bank’s dollar liquidity and trade finance lines.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Steel & Mining Industry

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG assures investors in steel sector of govt’s support …as President commissions 280,000 tonnes Steel Pipe Mill

CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari commissioned has assured nonoil, industrial investors of his administration’s support as part of the current drives towards the diversification of the nation’s economic base through manufacturing. He gave the assurance at the commissioning of the 280,000 tons ultra-modern steel pipe manufacturing mill built by SCC Nigeria Ltd in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory FCT. Represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Lawal Babachir, President Buhari said that he was also encouraged by the company’s plan to supply 10 per cent of Nigeria’s demand for steel pipe when the . “I have always believed that it is only companies which have total faith in the capacity in an economy to grow and excel in mutual prosperity that would embark on major investments like iron, steel, pipes and steel products, even in a situation of inadequate steel raw material and energy supply,” he said. The President pointed out that SCC venturing into steel pipes manufacturing showed its readiness to key into Nigeria’s ambition of developing its local content capacity to promote rapid industrial growth. “In the face of our increasing demand for steel pipes, which today stands at 1.2 million tonnes annually, the SCC pipe mill is expected to satisfy 10 per cent of the nation’s oil and gas pipe demand, which is about 100,000 tonnes annually. “This development is a great milestone in our collective effort to promote and increase local content in the oil and gas sector and to fast-track efforts at transferring technology and technical capacity to Nigerian engineers and artisans, as well as conserved the needed foreign exchange. “I must commend SCC in this regards, because having started operations with 50 expatriates a few years ago, today you have about 250 Nigerians employed in the steel pipe factory with only four expatriates,” the President added. In his welcome address, Dr Patrick Dele Cole, on behalf of the SCC Nigeria board of directors, said the purpose of the factory was in line with the federal government of Nigeria’s effort to increase local content of manufactured products.

He said it was in view of the above that SCC invested millions of dollars to establish the steel pipe manufacturing factory. Cole said the factory had since been upgraded and retooled to produce diverse sizes of steel pipe for the oil and gas industry in strict adherence to the quality requirement of the American Petroleum Industry (API). He said: “The SCC has taken a decisive action to increase the initial capacity of the steel pipe factory from 80,000 per annum to 280,000 tons per annum through the addition of a brand new modern state-of-the-art mill that will ensure the capacity and capability that will produce high quality steel pipe for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.” The SCC is also investing heavily in a pipe-coating plant for modern anticorrosion epoxy lining within the plant factory. Platinum producer, Lonmin confirms job cut plans Mining Weekly Online has reported that platinum producers, Lonmin, plans to raise $400m with a right issue to restructure debt and reduce its workforce in a bid to restore its balance sheet. Noting that it employs some 38,000 people, including contractors, Lonmin cautioned that, as a consequence of the restructuring plan, some 6,000 employees and contractors would be affected. “Lonmin’s reduced production profile

may lead to job losses. In this regard, the PIC (the company’s 7 percent shareholder) and Lonmin will collaborate with government and unions on alternatives to minimise the impact of job losses by finding alternative economic participation for some of the retrenched employees through agricultural projects in labour sending areas. Lonmin added that “good” progress was being made with the Section 189 (i.e. retrenchment) consultation process. In the interest of ensuring timely consultations, it was currently running two concurrent consultation processes with majority union, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), and the remaining unions and non-unionised employees respectively. Randgold, AngloGold collaborate to revamp Ghana’s mine Africa’s gold producer, Rangold Resources said it has concluded a joint venture agreement to redevelop AngloGold Ashanti’s gold mine in Ghana. The companies will work on rebuilding Obuasi as “a viable long-life mining business with an attractive cost structure and returns.” Randgold said it would lead and fund the development plan to rebuild the mine, which is a large, high-grade deposit with proven and probable ore reserves of 24.53 metric tonnes at 6.70 grams per tonne, making for 5.29 million ounces of gold.

Obuasi, located in the Ashanti region of Ghana, about 320 kilometres northwest of the capital Accra, is a large, highgrade deposit with proven and probable ore reserves, part of a substantial mineral resource base. AngloGold Ashanti had initiated a programme to modernise the mine, principally by starting to develop a ramp access that will ultimately run from surface to high-grade blocks of ore underground. The ramp will supplement current vertical hoisting infrastructure and help debottleneck the underground operation by allowing for greater ease in transporting people and materials underground and transporting ore to surface. This is a necessary step ahead of the envisaged transformation of the mine into a modern, mechanised operation. The development plan will build on this feasibility study with the intention of establishing a more focused, efficient, mechanised high-grade operation, and is expected to take about four months to complete Randgold’s Chief Executive, Mark Bristow, said it was a known fact that Obuasi is a world-class resource. “We now have to see if we can convert it into a world-class mine. We have a long history of cooperation with AngloGold Ashanti and we look forward to working with them again on charting a new course towards a viable future for Obuasi,”  he stated.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mobile devices spur new online shopping tools rivalry

here appears to be an impending war among mobile operating system makers following the signing of an agreement between Interswitch and Canadian device marker, Blackberry, to lure online shoppers to the Blackberry device. However, industry analysts are faced with the big puzzle over how far BB device can go in a market dominated by Android products. Isaiah Erhiawarien analysis the marketing issues. The growing competition in the mobile banking sphere as well as online have assumed a new dimension as competition appears to have thickened following the forming of alliance between Nigeria’s payment platform system, Interswitch and Canadian device mark, Blackberry. Our investigations showed that this latest development was intended to the split the mobile banking and online transaction via mobile currently dominated by Android device leaving iOS device to trail behind. According to data obtained from StatCounter, the development is an accomplishment of the forecast that Android Operating System will emerge as the most widely used mobile OS in Nigeria. StatCounter revealed that Googleowned mobile OS, Android has become the most popular and widely used mobile OS for the first time ever in Nigeria, thereby resulting in the proliferation of budget Android devices from Original Equipment Manufacturers like Samsung which came into trailing behind Blackberry but has eventually overthrown it. Other Android OS device such, Tecno, Infinix, Lenovo HTC, Hauwei and LG have become strong brands that Blackberry had to contend considering the flexibility of Android and the compatibility Android devices comes unlike the Apple devices. The statistics from StatCounter revealed that Android usage increased by about 19 per cent within the last one year from 10.95 per cent in August 2013 to 29.94 per cent in August 2014, thereby displacing Nokia’s Series 40 at 29.75 per cent, which has been the Nigeria’s leading mobile OS for several years now. Although Blackberry has adopted several strategy uptown the growing impact of Android on its market share, one of which was the selling of its OEM, the latest agreement some analyst may help enhance Blackberry position in the market. According to Interswitch, the partnership with BlackBerry that led to the launch of the Quickteller Mini App was designed to allow BBM users with a Nigerian bank account to request money, airtime and payment for services from their BBM contacts.

But mobile phone users felt that the move may not position Blackberry strategically in the market, a fashion designer, and publisher of Jawani Magazine, Juliet Imonijie said that although this latest development will add value to online trade but is strong enough to make Blackberry to bounce back. She said regaining its previous position through the new app will be a hard task because the app is also available for Android, BlackBerry and iOS devices. Imonijie who uses two Android mobile phones, iPAD and Blackberry disclosed that flexibility, which Android offers does not exist in other OS devices adding that that may affect the adoption of the apps by most users. A Stock Broker and Marketing Communication Expert, Ben Emili described the introduction of the new app as a spur for further intensive competition in the devices market, which he said has been dominated in the last few years by Android. He said that Quickteller is a growing and popular payment platform noting that the introduction of the new apps is value oriented but will not create a significant market share difference in the next few years Blackberry because the global trend has often been towards Abdroid. Emili said that the market share of Android was a major reason why the app is made available on the Android OS saying that the interest for the developers of the app is to market profit. Corporate Communications Manager, Google Nigeria, owners of the Andriod OS, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade described the impact of the Android OS as not only Nigerian but global saying that the volume of Android devices grows each year. The reasons according to him are that Android devices are helping to overcome information access challenge in two ways: driving down the cost of advanced mobile technology and making it easier for entrepreneurs to build new features and services. He said: “Android handsets are now available for N10, 000 or even less. The Tecno P3, for example, is available for around N10, 000. As the cost of devices has gone down, the potential utility for users has gone up. For over a decade,

Elegbe most mobile services in Africa were SMS-based. These have worked well, particularly when used for trading and payments, but their functionality was limited.” He added: “Basic phones lack the processing power and apps necessary for features like voice recognition, which can allow illiterate people to speak into phones to find information or translate between different languages. A smartphone with apps and access to the full Internet can provide people with new economic opportunities.” However, Interswitch said that the service is meant to allow BBM users in Nigeria to be paid via Quickteller in a secure and user-friendly way. “This service is as easy as sharing a photo or file while chatting with a contact on BBM. You simply select the attachment option, choose Quickteller, enter the amount and make a request. The recipient of the message simply

the introduction of the new apps is value oriented but will not create a significant market share difference

taps it and enters their account details. The money is credited to the recipient’s bank account instantly,” the company said in a statement. Mitchell Elegbe, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch confirms the company’s positioning in Africa’s digital payments space said that Person-to-Person transfers and electronic airtime recharge present a growing market opportunity in Nigeria. “We are delighted to bring our secure payment services to BBM users in Nigeria. This partnership demonstrates how Interswitch continues to innovate and push the boundaries in African payments whilst enhancing the customer experience.” Senior Vice President, Emerging Solutions at BlackBerry, Matthew Talbot, said combining the strengths of BlackBerry and Interswitch has resulted in the development of a service that puts Nigeria at the forefront of mobile payments and commerce innovations. “BBM is one of the most popular messaging applications in Nigeria,” said Matthew Talbot, SVP Emerging Solutions at BlackBerry. “This new mobile payment service demonstrates how we have effectively evolved BBM from the best real-time chat experience to a true social engagement and e-commerce platform.”

Info Tech

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Jabra Sport Coach ear piece

ATCON carpets NCC over MTN’s N1.04trn fine Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he N1.04 trillion fine imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on MTN Nigerian over the breach of SIM registration rules has been described as impropriate and a misuse of the concept of fines. President of the Association Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, who expressed shock at the barrage of fines in the industry told National Mirror that the fine was totally uncalled for. The fines came barely less than two weeks after MTN Nigeria reconnected 3.4 million subscribers out of the 5.1 subscribers that were disconnected in August following directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission over what the regulator described as improper SIM registration. The 3.4 million subscribers

anish headset manufacturer Jabra has been in the business of Bluetooth accessories for a while now, and has made a special effort to establish itself in the ‘fitness’ audio market. Products such as the Jabra Sport Pulse and Sport Rox have shown that Jabra is taking this segment rather seriously. The newest product in Jabra’s fitness range is the Sport Coach. Apart from playing audio wirelessly using Bluetooth, the headset is also Dolby-tuned and features in-ear audio coaching to go with your workout. We find out if it’s the ideal athlete-oriented headset in our review. The Jabra Sport Coach looks practically identical to the Sport Pulse, made entirely of plastic, and features bulky earphone casings. The right earpiece accommodates the battery and charging port, while the left one has the motion sensor, which measures distance, pace, steps, cadence and calories burned. The use of plastic keeps the headset light at just 16g, but this unfortunately also makes it look quite plain. The headset features the winged tips that we first saw on the Jabra Sport Pulse. These ensure a secure fit which is particularly important during workouts to prevent sweat entering your ears. This ensures fantastic sonic isolation, but it could lead to safety problems when working

out due to not being able to listen to your surroundings. They are also a bit uncomfortable over long periods because they offer very little cushioning when pushing up against the inside of your ears. The Sport Coach has a short cable that slips behind your neck and connects the two earpieces. There is an in-line remote on the cable, which features the volume and power buttons and the microphone. Additionally, there is an extra button on the left earpiece which can be used to answer calls, while the power button can be used to pause and play music on a paired device. The cable is effectively tangle-resistant because it’s so short. The headset is officially rated as having a battery life of up to 5.5 hours on a full charge, but we found that it actually runs for only about four hours. This is a serious weakness, as you will need to charge it far too often. Forgetting to charge it will mean you potentially run out of power in the middle of a workout. The device features Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC, although the latter didn’t work too well for us. We had to resort to old-fashioned Bluetooth pairing. This too was a bit finicky and it took a while before the headset finally paired with our smartphone. The sales package includes a short USB charging cable, additional ear-tips, and additional winged tips.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

were part of the 5.1 million that were disconnected at the end of August 2015. The NCC claimed that MTN had pre-registered SIM cards in their systems, which make it impossible to verify the personal details of subscribers by utilising their biometric attributes, thereby comprising national security. But ATCON, the umbrella body of telecommunications companies operating in the country said that although it did not support the actions of the operator but that the use of fines is no longer serving its purpose saying that it has become imperative question the purpose of the fines. ATCON had earlier queried the persistent use of fines by the regulator to address issues in the industry, when mobile operators where fined over quality of services noting that if that was what the subscribers want. It would be recalled that in September, the NCC also sanc-

tioned the four of Nigeria’s leading telecom operators including MTN having pre-registered SIM cards in their systems. Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria’s Corporate Service Executive, Akinwale Goodluck, said MTN was engaging the Commission on the registration sanctions, adding that the company has confirmed the imposition of N1.4 trillion fine. He stated that the fine related to the timing of the disconnection of the 5.1 million MTNN subscribers that were disconnected in August and September 2015 and is based on a N200, 000 fines for each improperly registered subscriber. The Group also confirmed in a statement issued by the South African headquarters of the company that it had commenced discussions with the NCC to resolve the matter in recognition of the circumstances that prevailed with regard to the subscribers.

Executive Head of Department, Business Development, VodacomBu8siness Nigeria, Mr. Zakari Usman, General Manager, English West Africa, Cisco Systems Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dare Ogunlade and Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Folusho Phillips, at the October edition of Chambers Breakfast Forum sponsored by Vodacom in Lagos.

Globacom, Konga top list of African brand awardees Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

wo technology brands in Nigeria are on the list of top brands in Africa. While Globacome made it to the list of the top Most Admired Brand award in Africa, Konga was listed on Emerging African Brand awards. The African Brand award is the unique and the most comprehensive ranking of Africa’s most admired and valuable brands. At the award ceremony held in South Africa, Nigeria was declared to have over taken South Africa as the leading African nation. The Brand Africa 100 was developed by pan-African branding and reputation advisory firm, Brand Leadership Group in partnership with Geopoll, a mobile survey

platform with a database of nearly 200 million users in emerging markets. Nigeria is also now the country with the most brands in the top 100, up from the 5 position to the 11 position. This year, the data set were asked to select their most admired financial services brands, which was headed by First Bank of Nigeria and the top Nigerian brand is telecoms giant Globacom. Other Nigerian brands that made it to the top list are Dangote, Zenith Bank, Star Beer and Golden Penny. The selection process is a twophase process that starts with comprehensive consumer research across Africa to establish the list of the 100 admired Brands and concludes with financial valuation to determine the 100 most

valuable brands in Africa. Brand Africa 100 used a proprietary methodology based on the Geopoll, TNS consumer research and Brand Finance valuation to establish Africa’s most valuable and most admired brands. In the Special Report, Brand Africa’s founder and Brand Finance Africa’s chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, shared his perspectives on the key trends in the 2015 and called for more government protectionism in order to reverse the trend where international brands dominate the Top 100 ranking. “These rankings are increasingly significant as they are an important metric of the progress Africa is making in creating brands and services that respond to African conditions, needs and ambitions,” said Ikalafeng.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Government Technology

Intel drills Nigerian girls on science education Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

ilicone innovator and semi-conductor manufacturer, Intel has begun the drilling of the Nigerian girl child in preparation for a career in science and technology. As part of the initiative, Intel partnered with a local child rights advocacy group, Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility and Children’s Rights (CSR Children) to host a symposium tagged “Preparing Girls for a Scientific Future”. Speaking the event, which also marks this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Chief Executive Officer, CSR Children, Toyin Olakanpo, said that the socio-cultural, economic and political factors impeding equal access to science and technology education in sub-Saharan Africa remained unaddressed despite increased awareness over the past decade. Olakanpo said: “At CSR Children, we have come to realise that the many obstacles to effective education of the girl child in Africa will not be surmounted by governments and their institutions”

He pointed out that the challenge required a firm commitment from socially responsible corporate citizens who understand the dangers of having a huge part of our population unable to function properly in a technology-dependent world. The Group Manager, Corporate Affairs, Intel, Babatunde Akinola, highlighted Intel’s contributions to the quest for gender equality in the world of Science and Technology saying that Intel began the campaign with the theme: “We started “She Will Connect” aimed at empowering five million girls in the next five years. He noted that the program aim to reduce the gender gap in technology all over the world through collaborations that would bring about an innovative combination of digital literacy training, an online peer network and gender relevant content. He explained that the company will continue to lead the way in the drive for gender parity in the world of technology, equip young girls with and women with digital literacy skills and an improved understanding of technology.

Service Network Specialist, Mr. Chidera Ejiofor, Audit Manager, Ifeanyi Chigbufue, Managing Director, Kim Brovo, Human Resources Manager, Ms Diana Ussher, Director, Enterprise Business, Charles Ojei all of Samsung Electronics West Africa during the company’s Employee Volunteer Programme at Samsung Engineering Academy in Lagos.

The Intel ‘She Will Connect’ Spokesperson for Nigeria, Titilope Sonuga noted that the programme will continue to empower young girls from their foundational stages, because exposure to technology and sciences can unlock creativity and inquisitiveness in young wom-

en. Intel, through the programme had earlier in the year supported the girls from Aunty Ayo Secondary School to attend entrepreneurship and digital literacy training at a Technology camp organised by local Non-Governmental organisation partner, Junior

Achievement Nigeria (JAN); where the students were taught Microsoft Office skills such as Power Point presentation and Introduction to Spreadsheet; as well as Multimedia under the Intel Easy Steps Curriculum. Aunty Ayo Secondary School commended Intel for the initiative.

Financial Technology

Big & Bold to manage ALCATEL ONETOUCH

Vodacom lists unified communication benefits to SMEs B

Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

or Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria to experience exponential growth there is the need for the owners to embrace unified communication. Executive Head of Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mark Shoebridge told SMEs operators at the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, that with unified communications, SME employees do not have to be in the office to perform their duties. According to him, they can access their system from anywhere with an Internet connection saying that by making and receiving calls over the internet, executing meetings using Video Conferencing and sharing files

remotely, SME’s can significantly reduce their communication, travel and operational cost; making them run their businesses more efficiently. He said that Vodacom Business Nigeria has been in the fore on the adoption of Unified Communications in growth Nigerian SMEs saying that the solution will enable SME businesses speedily adapt to market changes, increase productivity and ultimately improve their competitive advantage. General Manager Cisco (Nigeria) Limited, Dare Ogunlade while also speaking on how technology can increase the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprise businesses in Nigeria highlighted further the benefits of Unified Communications (UC) to SMEs which includes cost reduction on communication as the technology increasingly

enables Voice calls, instant messaging, document sharing and video conferencing allowing SME employees work from any device, anywhere, anytime. Ogunlade explained that Nigerian SME’s employ around 84.02 per cent of Nigeria’s labour force and contributes about 48.47 per cent on the nations GDP noting that empowering this workforce with technology that enables them work from home, log on to a system, contact and provide services to their customers even after close of business goes a long way to improve the productivity of these SME businesses in Nigeria. He also spoke about how Nigerian SME’s can improve profit margins by boosting overall operational efficiency saying this is especially true for businesses that have mobile employees.

ig and Bold Communications, one stop marketing communications agency, has been appointed as the communications agency for Alcatel Onetouch Nigeria. This appointment will cover working with Alcatel Onetouch Nigeria as it brings the latest mobile innovations to mass market consumers in Nigeria through a comprehensive marketing and retail strategy. This includes hiring of a field marketing team and creating awareness of the brand through various PR and Digital Initiatives. Chief Brand Strategist, Big and Bold Communications Limited, Jide Adeyemi, said “We are very excited at the opportunity to bring our wealth of experience and professionalism to bear as Alcatel Onetouch introduces it new range of products to the Nigerian customers. Alcatel Onetouch is amongst the top four global mobile brands and we will be working to assist in increas-

ing its market share here in Nigeria to become one of the leading mobile brands. “Alcatel Onetouch has an exciting portfolio of products which are innovative, attractive, feature-rich yet affordable; it is the perfect brand to meet the needs of the diverse Nigerian market.” He added. Senior Area Marketing Manager for Africa at Alcatel Onetouch Kath Smith, said, “Big and Bold were an obvious choice for Alcatel Onetouch given their vast experience and understanding of the mobile market in Nigeria. We look forward to working with them as we grow the Alcatel Onetouch brand in the marketplace.” Big and Bold have already successfully managed the

launch event at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island and are on their way to bringing the brand to the retail environment with the latest POS materials.

Global News

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Alibaba gets more bang for UK economic growth slows to 0.5% online shopping buck T

hina’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA.N) is squeezing more money from online shopping than expected, beating analyst forecasts for revenue growth and putting its shares on track for their biggest daily rise since the firm’s blockbuster flotation. The strong results for the three months through September, announced on Tuesday, partly reflected healthy growth in shopping on mobile phones. “Mobile is the trend and Alibaba is capturing that trend,” said T.H. Capital

China’s Central Bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan

Research analyst Tian Hou. Alibaba’s New York-listed shares were up 6 percent in morning trade. The company wrung out higher-than-expected revenue growth of 32 per cent year-on-year, even as gross merchandise volume (GMV), the total value of goods transacted across its platforms, sank to its slowest annual growth rate in more than three years. The group now faces a conundrum - despite executives’ reassurances, there is evidence consumption in China is being affected as the country’s economy heads for its slowest full-year growth in a quarter of a century. Alibaba is trying to replace decelerating volume growth in online shopping with new kinds of online buying, mirrored in its latest investments. During the quarter, Alibaba for instance invested $4.6 billion in Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd (002024. SZ). It also offered $3.5 billion to become sole owner of Youku Tudou Inc (YOKU.N), known as China’s YouTube. Online video users in the country are beginning to

cough up money for high-quality online streaming services. But the majority of Alibaba’s revenue still come from China’s online shoppers buying from domestic businesses, a business driven by growth in GMV. For the latest quarter, growth came mostly from Tmall, an Amazon-like website allowing business to sell to customers, where GMV rose 56 percent. Gains at Taobao, more akin to eBay and by far the company’s biggest contributor to GMV, showed signs of slowing at just 15 percent. That prompted analysts to ask Alibaba executives if focus was shifting from Taobao, yet executives gave little away on that point. Alibaba’s revenue rose to $3.49 billion in the three months ended Sept. 30, beating the average analyst estimate of $3.44 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Net income attributable to shareholders reached $3.58 billion, or $1.40 per share. Excluding items, Alibaba earned 57 cents per share, beating the average estimate of 54 cents.

Ford Motor reports Q3 higher profit, but misses estimate

ord Motor Co (F.N) reported sharply higher quarterly profit on Tuesday, driven by its record quarterly performance in North America, but missed Wall Street estimates because of higher taxes. Net income rose to $1.9 billion in the third quarter from $1.1 billion a year ago. After taxes, earnings per share, excluding one-time items, were 45 cents a share, one penny short of the consensus analyst estimate. The company said the shortfall was due to taxes that came in higher than analysts expected. Ford shares fell 3.3 per cent to $15.17 in premarket trading. Ford and its Detroit-based rival,

Ford car

General Motors Co (GM.N), are both now earning the bulk of their profits selling trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States. The average transaction price for an F-series truck rose about $2,000 to $42,000 in the latest quarter, Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks said. Of Ford’s $35.8 billion in automotive revenue, 66 per cent was derived from North America in the quarter. Ford and the United Auto Workers will soon begin contract negotiations in which the union is expected to push for a greater share of profits. Once promising emerging markets such as Brazil have turned into money losers for Ford and GM. But Shanks said the company remained

optimistic about China, and forecast a record fourth quarter in its AsiaPacific operations. The No. 2 U.S. automaker reaffirmed its forecast for pretax profit of $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion for the full year, and said profit margins in North America would be at the upper end of a previous forecast of 8.5 percent to 9.5 per cent. Through the first nine months of the year, Ford’s North American profit margin was 9.9 per cent. GM posted a 10.5 per cent margin in the same period. In the latest quarter Ford reported pretax profit of $2.7 billion in North America, lifting profit margins to 11.3 per cent in large part because of strong sales of its F-series large pickup truck line. The pretax profit for the full company was the same, $2.7 billion. Outside of North America, Ford lost $340 million before taxes, although the company said losses in Europe and South America were narrowing. Quarterly revenue was $38.1 billion, up $3.2 billion from a year ago despite the impact of a stronger dollar. Shanks said vehicle sales in China would be unchanged for the year at 24 million, better than most analysts had expected a few months ago.

he UK economy’s growth slowed in the third quarter of the year, weighed down by the performance of the construction and manufacturing sectors. Gross domestic product grew by 0.5% between July and September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, down from 0.7 per cent in the second quarter. The rate was also lower than the 0.6 per cent growth predicted by many analysts. Part of the slowdown was due to the biggest fall in construction output in three years, a drop of 2.2 per cent. The service sector, the biggest part of the economy, grew by 0.7 per cent. However, output in the manufacturing sector declined by 0.3 per cent. “The slowdown is being led by the manufacturing sector, which is seeing a renewed recession as output has now fallen for three consecutive quarters, suffering a 0.3 per cent decline in the three months to September,” said Chris Williamson, chief economist at research firm

David Cameron

Markit. “Manufacturing output has so far fallen 0.9 per cent this year. Producers are struggling as weak demand in many overseas markets, notably China and other emerging nations, is being exacerbated by the appreciation of sterling.” We’re not immune to the Chineseled worldwide deceleration. And all the signs are that growth in the fourth quarter of the year will soften again. This doesn’t mean a painful recession is about to rear up and bite us. Annual growth for 2015 is heading for a healthy, if slightly below trend, 2.3 per cent.

India’s biggest airline in initial share offering

he share offering would be India’s largest since 2012. Owned by InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo is the country’s largest domestic airline by market share. The public offer is set to open on Tuesday and close on 29 October. It proposed to list on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. Global coordinators of the share sale include JP Morgan, Barclays and UBS, according to the firm’s preliminary prospectus filed in June. The firm warned in its initial prospectus that there was “no assurance that the new routes which we expand into will be profitable or become profitable.” IndiGo’s international destinations currently include Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok and consultancy firm Centre of Aviation (CAPA) said it has been the only consistently profitable carrier in the country

India aircraft

for the past seven years. IndiGo said it may not be able to successfully implement its planned expansion of its route network “due to factors beyond our control” - including economic, political and business conditions. From its inflight magazine named after the airline code - called Hello 6E (think about it) - to the novelty packaging for snacks, IndiGo is trying to stand out from its rivals. And the unusual policy of forcing female cabin crew to wear a wig if their hair doesn’t meet the airline style never stops being a bit weird. But for investors, what appeals about IndiGo is that it is profitmaking, with big expansion plans: hundreds of new Airbus planes on order to meet future demand from the growing number of Indians who can afford and want to fly. In August this year the budget airline finalised a deal with Airbus to buy 250 A320neo aircraft.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Brands & Marketing

‘Why web media ‘ll not totally wipe out print media’– Abamwa Against the popular believe that the growth of web media will see to the eclipse of the print media, one man who sees it differently is Edirin Abamwa, the Editor-in-Chief of Happenings, a brand and lifestyle magazine. Speaking to DAVID AUDU, Abamwa explained that though web media has come to stay, yet print media will continue to occupy prime place in our media consumption culture. Excerpts: How long have you started publishing the magazine? This launch edition is the second of the print copy, but we have been in existence for two years now, publishing mainly online. When we started we were hopeful that the expected online target audience will march on with what is happening. At that time the thinking used to be very hot- that all prints were going to go down and everybody would go online. But that is not happening as quickly as we imagined. It also occured to me then that the development of web media is never going to kill print media. Never! I think they will continue to share patronage for a very long time, and the reason being that print has its own attraction. From my experience over the years, no matter how you look at it, print has its own attraction, and this is not about whether I prefer to read on my IPad or I prefer print to the mobile attractions. You just find that in all life ramifications there are things you can do with print that you can’t do online and vice versa. So, while the web media is gradually evolving, yet the advancement is never going to kill print media. After being online for two years, it came to a point when we decided that we should not neglect or avoid print altogether; that we should have a foothold and try to balance the two. That is why we started the print edition. Your target audience is the youths who believe in reading on the go. How are you going to key into them and what strategy will you use to get them interested in the magazine? We believe it is going to be a gradual evolvement. You see, if you look back to the time when we were young, all we know then was to be on the go, go, go. But as we grow older and mature we begin to slow down to reflect and look for things that are more enduring. We are no longer much interested in things that are flashy; now we want things that are concrete; things that we can hold. Even though the target audience is youth, a brand is supposed to be an enduring thing. It is my expectation that sooner or later a good proportion of those who were always going to in fast lane reading on the go, which online platform represents would be looking forward to the spreadsheet, which they can relax and absorb the contents of the print. Let me tell you, at a point the web gets so flighty, you just get informed, you pack it away and nobody knows what you do with it again. So, as we grow we expect our readers to become better mixed, better matched, and better informed, and so, we feel the two should coexist. The point is, in support of what I said earlier, print is not going to die. We can grow the space so that everybody would have their own corners. Growing the space means that people are getting better educated; people are developing a reading habit as government develop the educational infrastructure, and the broad band internet network also grow and becoming more available; and also, as our own paper industry is picking up. We can grow the space and then everybody will have their corner to play. At this period when many businesses are complaining of harsh economic environment, especially publishing, where does your confidence to invest in this type of project comes from? Regarding the current economic situation, I will like to observe that it is normal. Economic circles are always

ing up with this kind of project? Happening is a division of a holding company called Acxion Analytics, and Acxion Analytisc is a digital marketing and research company. See, we have staff whose main duty is to research into marketing for the company. What ever report being passed onto our other franchise have strong technical reports from the research team. We are also an internet company running 24 hours cloud based and sourced. We also have affiliations with many international companies, principal among which is WSI Digital Marketing; we also partners with NetCore, an Indian based emarketing outfit. Infact, we started from research and development arm, so whatever we do have strong research input.

Abamwa

YOU JUST FIND THAT THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH PRINT THAT YOU CAN’T DO ONLINE AND VICE VERSA. YES THE WEB MEDIA IS EVOLVING BUT THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE WEB MEDIA IS NEVER GOING TO KILL PRINT MEDIA ups and down. But if you have vision, you will certainly withstand whatever economic vagaries that are being thrown your way. Then, how far are you ready to go with the publication? Yes, related to the economic situation mentioned earlier, we are not looking for a quick kill. We are not saying we want to start this so that in five years time I can retire and relax. No, this is really for a long haul. And am looking 20 years ahead. It may suprise you, but with my background as petroleum engineering, we plan things with a scope of 20 to 50 years. What we have done so far has already been contrived about 20 years ago. In the immediacy, there may be little fluctuation of economic circles, but you have to ride that. It should not be an obstacle. The space is brand new and I am convinced that once you establish the brand as a trusted and reliable source of information, then you will have something to offer your readers, who in the long run will establish credibility and confidence in you. I am saying this because you can read about anything online nowadays. Credibility comes in here. The future belong to those who are able to filter informatiom. When you read something, obviously, you have sets of criteria to judge it against. Once it does not meet those criteria you can delete it as some of that online rubbish. We want to set those credible criteria. You want your story confirmed, go to Happenings. What does your research findings tell you before com-

You did say you intend to set up an online radio, how do you intend to tackle the poor internet connections, especially, the issue of broadband connectivity? On connectivity, again, that is where our attitude is quite different. A lot of people get bogged down with current situation. Oh, the internet is not good; oh, the internet is not reliable; this is not working, that is not working and so on. We know broadband is still not very good in Nigeria, but I can tell you that it is a lot better than it was three years ago. Yes, it is a lot better, and we expect that it will continue to get better. So, when you have one of your principal variable is not so good but you expect that it will improve, you have to lacth on to it because a time will come when it will be as good as those in Europe, America and other developed countries. And also, as a research and digital technology company, we do not rely so much on the every day internet as such. We have what we called content distribution network, CDN, it is a conglomerate of internet users who subscribe to servers dispersed all over the world. So, when we are pushing out something, it is not just coming from our server in Lagos. If you are in Malaysia, we have a server there that also distribute. It is like how Google works. Googl have cover the planet, and once you enter Google, it tells you where you are. You know we have Google server in Lagos. That way you beat the time lag between when you punch a button and the time you get a response. We are working with all these, and am sure with time we will overcome some of these challenges. There is no government that can afford not to pay attention to broadband development. They are huge plans for any government to pay attention as we progress as a nation. What are the mission and vision of Happenings? The long term vision is to be a trusted and reliable information resource team with a certain lifestyle. The focus is on branding and the emphasis is to be trusted and reliable. As for our mission? We want to provide opportunity in the Nigerian economy to present a name people can associate with. For example, if you put a write up in the Economist or the New York Times for example, you will be rest assured that they piece is an infamation you can rely on. The economist is a 150 years old and I think the New York Times is nearlly as old as that. The emphasis is on reliability. The way we do things in Nigeria, they are too ephemeral. We probably think too much of short term things. Most Nigerians are in a rush and therefore, nothing enduring. We want to create something that is enduring; something that people can rely and align with over time.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 29, 2015

LG, Blue Ocean partner to enhance hospitality business DAVID AUDU

n the drive to provide consumer satiisfaction and experience in the hospitality and related businesses, Blue Ocean, a technical services firm and home eletronics maker, LG Electronics, have teamed up to showcase a wide range of their products during the 2015 Africa Hotel & Resorts Expansion Forum which took place in Lagos recently. The forum was aimed at ensuring that practitioners in government tourism boards, hotel operators, developers, architects, regulators and financial institutions and related industries keep abreast of development in the industry. The exhibition was also to expose them to the new line-up of products currently available in the Nigerian market that will boost consumer experience in hotels and resort. For Blue Ocean and LG Electronics it is also a consumation of their desires to place more emphasis on th business-to-business, B2B, marketing strategies in Nigeria in other to meet the growing demand for energy-saving technology. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Blue Ocean Technical Services Ltd, Mr. Anupam Ghosal

said, “this is the best time to introduce to the Nigerian market technology solutions with global standards aimed at ensuring success in hospitality business. General Manager, Air conditioning and Energy Solutions Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Cholyong Park, said, “as an organization, introducing energy saving and efficient products like the LG Multi V IV into the Nigerian market always gives us fulfilment because it shows we are in line with our organizational goal of offering the ‘good life’ in everything we do”. Park explained that “the LG Multi V IV boasts of the latest technology with the LG inverter which is an advancement of the LG Multi V III and it is highly efficient, making it the toast of businesses in Nigeria and West Africa where power generation is a challenge”. Products on display include hotel TVs, closed circuit camera TVs, network monitors, LED Solar Panels Air Conditioners, and commercial displays. Both Brands showcased other wide range of Hotel products during the exhibition. The new range of LG Hotel TVs come with unique features which possess the capacity of displaying Hotel Information alongside other

contents running making it easy to setup. It is the perfect product for every premium hotel that values productivity and efficiency in today’s business environment. Park explained further that “the LG Security Cameras, which comprises of dome, fixed cameras and PTZ dome comes with a powerful x37 Optical Zoom with Pan and tilt capabilities which makes them one of the highest quality camera with all functions needed for surveillance, while, LG Solar Panels have been proven to provide clean and reliable energy solutions like solar power, leading an indispensable alternative source of energy. Digital Signage, the newest technology from LG Electronics which enable brands connect with their target audiences with compelling ads and relevant infomercials was also on display at the event. Other products on display includes Solar Panels and Commercial displays. Visitors to the exhibition stand were taken aback with the modern technological products which they claimed would ensure technological barriers facing most businesses would be solved through the modern technological products both brands have introduced as an Integrated Solution.

L-R: Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma; Financial Manager, PEP, Kofo Awonuga;, Channel Relationship Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, Aderoju Ope-Ajayi;, Logistic Manager, PEP Abdul Azeez Iposu and Public Relations Manager, GOtv Efe Obiomah during the Media Briefing for MultiChoice/PEP Partnership announcement held at PEP office Allen, Ikeja, Lagios. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Chi wins 2015 customer service excellence award DAVID AUDU

HI Limited, makers of Chivita, Hollandia, Capri-Sonne and SuperBite range of products, has won the 2015 Nigeria Customer Service Excellence Award for being the best Customer Service Company in the Beverage sector. Speaking at the award ceremony in Lagos recently, Co-ordinator, Nigeria Customer Service Awards Limited, Aliyu Ilias, disclosed that the fruit juice market leader was adjudged as the winner of the award having fulfilled all the stipulated criteria and received vast majority of nominations from customers on

the various voting platforms. Acknowledging the award, The Managing Director, CHI Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, while thanking the organizers of the award said the company thrives on the support and patronage of its customers and would therefore stop at nothing in ensuring that customers get excellent product and quality services. “This award is a testament to the hard work and strategy employed by the company to satisfy the needs of our esteemed customers and fulfill their expectations. It is dedicated to our numerous customers who believe in our relationship with them and support us to actualize our vision of creating value that is time-

less” Mr. Deepanjan stated CHI Ltd, always known for it’s Quality Products, Loved Brands, and Excellent Customer Service, has received numerous awards over the years as recognition of these values, like The African Quality Achievement Awards in 2014 and The Generation Next Awards in 2013 to name a few. The company operates in the Food & Beverages industry in Nigeria. It offers products that are themselves benchmarks in their respective categories of Juice, Dairy and Snacks. Today, CHI Limited is the undisputed market leader in fruit juices, fruit drinks and yoghurts in Nigeria.

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IBM launches UBX, announces new partners

BM’s newly launched Universal Behavior Exchange, UBX, has unified its marketing tech acquisitions, including Silverpop marketing automation, Coremetrics analytics, Unica campaign management and Xtify mobile personalization. UBX allows marketers to easily connect data across their solutions, and better understand and engage with their customers in the moment. “As we were combining these IBM assets together, we discovered marketers were using many different applications,” head of technology ecosystem and strategic alliances for IBM, Kevin Dunn said. “We realized we couldn’t have 30 different applications within IBM’s own portfolio because the innovation in the market sort of outpaces the ability to solve every single problem yourself.” UBX is a cloud-based service that allows marketers to connect data across their solutions, helping them create more personalized and rel-

evant interactions with customers. According to IBM, insights generated from the exchange will help marketers drive more effective campaigns on Facebook and across the Web. These partners will help advertisers leverage data to create more personalized experiences for customers, whether through social, mobile, CRM or paid advertising solutions. “For example, IBM data from UBX can pass into the DMP as first party data/audience attributes, which can be used to build audiences for syndication to various DSPs, publishers, etc.,” according to a Rocket Fuel blog post. “Campaign and audience insights can be extracted and passed back to UBX where they can layer with our UBX data points for a complete 360-degree view of the consumer.” The launch of UBX is aimed at giving brands improved insights on how consumers prefer to engage based on data from a variety of sources.

Fayrouz L’original 2 winners to showcase designs DAVID AUDU

ollowing their big win at the second edition of Fayrouz L’Original 2 competition, Team Meddlelane will join top designers in the Nigerian Fashion industry to showcase their designs at the Lagos Design Fashion Week which holds from Wednesday to Friday this week. The team who wowed guests and judges at the star-studded July 25th l’Original finale and went home with 4 million Naira alongside numerous fashion opportunities will now display their work on the Lagos Fashion and Design Week runway alongside major designers like Mai Atafo, Kunbi Oyelese our Fayrouz L’Original judges and Orange Culture, Jewel By Lisa, Kinabuti among many others. Senior brand manager, Fayrouz, Nnenna Ifebigh-Hemeson commented, “We are pleased to give Team Meddlelane this great opportunity to showcase their work alongside top designers in the Nigerian fashion scene. The team paid close attention to detail and suggestions from mentors Mai Atafo, Kelech Amadi-Obi & House of

Tara during and after the competition, and their dedication and zeal is gradually paying off. Fayrouz L’Original is focused on building young and creative individuals to become the best in the Fashion & Lifestyle industry and beyond. The winners of the first L’Original edition, Team Elan have since become major players in their fields especially the designer, Temitayo Nathan and Model, Toyin Oyeneye who have since featured on international platforms like the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SA and the London Fashion Week. We cannot wait to see what Team Meddlelane has in store for the LFDW runway. ” The Lagos Fashion & Design Week is a fashion event that creates a platform for African designers to showcase their collections annually and seek out various opportunities as well as International buyers for designers in Nigeria and beyond. This year it is christened the Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week which kicks off on Wednesday the 28th and ends on Saturday the 31

WPP reports 3.3% hike in net sales for Q3

PP has reported a 3.3 per cent hike in net sales, after stripping out the impact of acquisitions and currency fluctuations, for the third quarter of 2015. Net sales at the marketing services holding company, for the three months up to 30 September, was £2.52 billion – up 3.3 per cent on a like-forlike comparison with the same period in 2014. Revenue for the third quarter of 2015 was £2.93 billion, representing an increase in reported revenue of 5.9 per cent and a like-for-like increase of 4.6 per cent on the same period in 2014. Revenue growth using constant currency exchange rates was 7.9 per cent, which reflects the weakness of

the pound against the US dollar, although this weakness was offset by the strength of the pound against the Euro and currencies in faster growth markets. In the UK, like-for-like revenue growth for the third quarter of 2015 was 1.1 per cent. In the second quarter of the year that same growth figure was 4 per cent, showing a marked slowing, which WPP attributed to a “softening” in advertising, media investment management, data investment management and healthcare. However, like-for-like net sales growth in the third quarter in the UK was 2.2 per cent up on the same period in 2014. It was a performance that equalled the second quarter of 2015.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Union Bank unveils new brand identity DAVID AUDU

n its determination to evolve from the old and embrace to embrace the reality of new banking, one of Nigeria’s old generation bank, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc., has unveiled a new corporate identity at a ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, said the bank believes that “critical milestone have been achieved in the past three years that have laid a solid foundation for us as a bank. The launch of this refreshed identity signal a new phase in Union Bank’s transformation as we set our sights on attracting a new base of customers while focused on providing simple and smart banking solutions to all our customers”. He noted that “Union Bank has

been a trusted name for Nigerians for nearly a century and we shall continue to leverage our heritage as we embrace a rapidly changing world” Also speaking at the event, chairman of the bank, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said the he was proud of the strides the bank has made during his time as chairman, and commended the board for their hard work over the years, adding that the bank would continue on its success as it embarked on a new phase with a refreshed brand identity. The highlight of the launch was the unveiling of a massive replica of Union Bank iconic white stallion in its new logo. Speaking on the new identity, Head Corporate Affairs and Communications, Ogochukwu EkezieEkaidem said: “Union Bank is one of the longest standing finan-

cial institutions in Nigeria and our identity pays homage to our past and carries with it our proposition for the future. In developing the new identity, remaining true to our brand proposition of simplicity was foremost in our minds. “Our iconic white stallion, which represents strength and passion, is now in motion, cantering forward with new energy and dynamism. We have introduced a modern typeface and updated our colour to a fresher and more vibrant blue. Finally, we have introduced patterns to infuse a contemporary feel to the overall identity”, she explained. The corporate communication head said that with the launching of a new identity, the bank was now focused on delivering on its promise to make banking simpler so its customers.

Bournvita partners Indomie for celebration campaign SAIDAT ALAUSA

adbury Nigeria Plc, producer of Bournvita, has partnered Indomie for the Bournvita Celebration Campaign. The partnership, according to a statement from Cadbury, aligns with Bournvita’s commitment to provide consumers with more value and nutrition. The Bournvita Celebration campaign is billed to last from October till December ending. Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Lagos recently, Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mr. Roy Naaman, stated that both Cadbury and Indomie have the same vision of providing nutritional vitality to families through their brands. The campaign will see the introduction of specially designed Bournvita and Indomie celebration packs in the market. The coming together of these two brands for this innovation is a remarkable development in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector. He said, “We are joining the power of two iconic brands in the country. Bournvita and Indomie are leading brands which have decided to collaborate in order to provide more value to our consumers. “We have two packs of 500 and 900 grams Bournvita which con-

tain 3 and 5 packs of Indomie noodles respectively. The price for both 500 and 900 grams of Bournvita remain the same. The additional packs of Indomie noodles comes at no extra cost.” Mr. Naaman added that in today’s difficult economic clime, both brands believe in reaching out to consumers responsibly by providing great value. “With the Bournvita Celebration campaign, consumers will now enjoy a great snacking experience of Bournvita and Indomie under one umbrella at great value.” Also speaking at the event, Marketing Director Cadbury West Africa, Amir Shamsi reiterated that Bournvita and Indomie decided to go into the partnership to give more value to the consumer. “This partnership with Indomie noodles will provide our consumers a double snacking experience with great value. Over the festive occasion of the next two months, we wish our consumers the very best snacking experience through our Bournvita – Indomie Celebration Pack”. Meanwhile a statement issued by the Head, Corporate and Government Affairs, West Africa Mr. Bala Yesufu, noted that the synergy between these power brands would help set an industry standard for driving marketing innovation.

NBC delights delegates with Pulpy orange fruit drink DAVID AUDU L-R: The Brand Manager, Power Oil, Disha Argawal; Both winners at the Power Oil pay per calories event, Franklin Onyenze and Halimat Adebayo and Marketing Assistant, Power Oil, Fagbemi Oyeyemi at the Power Oil Pay Per Calories event held at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

Brand X-Ray

Why big brands should pursue both purpose and penetration

ark Ritson is conflicted? The punchy pundit is playing piggy-in-the-middle between Jim Stengel’s ‘power of purpose’ and Byron Sharp’s ‘pursuit of penetration’. But why choose between them? Many big brand marketers don’t and nor should Ritson. The two are not contradictory as Ritson believes, but are complementary instead. To my mind the apparent difference between Stengel and Sharp is one between brand-building and marketing. The two are not synonymous. Google, Amazon and Chobani did not do any real marketing in the early years of their existence, but they still evolved to be big, valuable brands. A brand is defined by everything it does, and how consumers then interpret and remember those actions. A compelling

experience can be enough to get people talking and bring in new users without significant marketing. A strong sense of purpose helps align a company, particularly its employees, around the end goal of making a difference in the lives of its customers or consumers. Done right, it can help brands grow faster than their competition. Insights 2020 finds that 80 percent of respondents in high growth companies agreed that their organization linked everything to a clear brand purpose, compared to only 32 percent in low growth companies. So that is the big picture, but then you also need to sweat the small stuff, particularly if your brand experience is not compelling enough to have people promote it for you (and let’s face it those brands are few and far between). Now you

need to find ways to make your marketing as effective as possible, and, as my colleague Gordon Pincott puts it, that means ensuring your brand is the obvious choice. That’s where Sharp’s philosophy comes into play. For a brand to grow sales, nine times out of 10 it is going to have to build penetration with new users. How do you do that? By making the brand available wherever someone might want to buy it and making it the obvious choice. Obvious in the sense that it is immediately recognizable, distinctive, and strongly associated with specific needs; in other words, salient. Having said that, I would propose you also play up the things that do make your brand different – product, design or purpose – in order to justify your price point, but that’s just me.

he booth of 5Alive Pulpy Orange Fruit drink, a brand of the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, NBC, played host to top dignitaries during the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, which took place in Abuja. At the event, the Chairman, Ambassador, Segun Apata, and Managing Director, Ben Langat, welcomed Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, to NBC’S Exhibition Stand. Langat used to occasion to explain the uniqueness of the fruit drink, saying, “5Alive Pulpy is a refreshing fruit drink that comes with no fizz and is one-of-a-kind in the Nigerian fruit drink market which gives consumers the experience of having a real orange and the feeling of pulp in every gulp.” Head of Public Affairs and Communications, NBC Limited, Uzo Odenigbo while speaking at the event said, “The 43rd Annual General Meeting of MAN provides another unique opportunity to further showcase 5Alive Pulpy Orange, a world-class product that stands NBC out as an industry

frontrunner and market leader in the various consumer segments we compete in.” He added that, the production of 5Alive Pulpy Orange demonstrates NBC’s support for local farmers in Nigeria and the company’s passion for sustainability, as every unit of 5Alive Pulpy Orange Fruit Drink consumed adds to the value and upkeep of sustainable income to local farmers in Nigeria. “All the oranges used for production of 5Alive Pulpy Orange are sourced from farmers in Makurdi, Nigeria, guaranteeing a steady, qualitative source for production and helping to develop the local agriculture value chain,” he said. Odenigbo said the 43rd AGM of MAN was themed, ‘The Future of Manufacturing’, focusing on support for economic development and job creation. “NBC has been an active member of MAN, supporting its initiatives and contributing to ensure a stable and sustainable economy for Nigeria. A major focal area of NBC’s community initiatives is women empowerment, aimed at providing business and entrepreneurial training skills for women in our value chain, thereby supporting sustainable income and employment.”

Insight

The police Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) was created to checkmate and investigate serious robbery and criminal cases, but PATIENCE OGBO reports that petitions are flooding the tables of the police authorities, alleging human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings of suspects by the SARS operatives.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police: Agonies of

amily members of suspects detained in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) custody are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, to investigate the “disappearance” of their relatives arrested by SARS operatives. One of the complainants, Mrs. Bose Bajulaiye, 56, has written a petition to the IGP through a Lagos-based nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Society for Love and Justice (SLJC). Mrs Bajulaiye who spoke with National Mirror recently said her 34-yearold son, Joseph Bajulaiye, was allegedly killed by SARS operatives after he was arrested over allegation of stealing a tricycle. “My son confessed to stealing the tricycle and stated that he used the proceeds to rent an apartment through an estate agent, Mr. Oluwalopese, of 118, Isuti Road, Odo, Igando, Lagos. “The estate agent confirmed that men from SARS Ikeja brought my son to his office in September 2014 and he was made to refund the sum of N160,000 my son paid for the apartment. He said he made the refund in SARS office at Ikeja but to my shock, SARS operatives who have been denying that my son was in their custody, informed me that my son was killed when he was attempting to flee when they took him out for investigation. How can he attempt to escape when they chained him with handcuff ? Why would they shoot and kill him? I feel that the SARS operatives led by the former OC, Abba Kyari, are hiding my son somewhere and they are lying that they killed him. I cannot come to terms that he was killed when attempting to flee. I expected SARS operatives to charge him to court for stealing because I cannot support his bad behaviour, but for them to tell me that they killed him is unbearable for me. If they had charged him to court, which is the normal process, there is a possibility that he can repent and become a reformed person in prison but they are claiming that he is dead. I am devastated. I want the IGP to investigate my son’s disappearance and if indeed they killed him, those policemen should be made to face the law for murder,” the woman narrated in anguish. President of the SLJC, Dr. Adeolu Olusodo, expressed sadness over the alleged killing of Joseph. He said, “Nigeria is not a banana republic where anything goes. There are laws guiding our country. SARS operatives have no right to engage in extra-judicial killing. We are calling on the police authority to look into the killing of Joseph while in SARS custody. The reason they gave for killing him is

Arms and ammnunition allegedly recovered from suspected criminals

The police cannot continue to commit crime in order to solve crimes.

Fighting

crime is not a substitute to respecting human rights and the due process

not convincing. We are demanding that the police authority sets up a panel to investigate his murder.” Also, the family members of a suspected kidnapper, Afam Nriezedi, has gotten a court order to force SARS detectives to bring their brother, Afam, to court after efforts by the family and their lawyer to see him had proved abortive for months. Before the family got the court to intervene, they had written a petition to the IGP and President Muhammadu Buhari to order the police to unravel the mystery surrounding their brother’s whereabouts since he was arrested by SARS operatives earlier in the year. According to the sister, Rita Okoro, Nriezedi was arrested along side four other suspects, Kelvin Igah, 39; Ogechi Igah, 32; Victor Igah 35 and Chukwuma Kingsley, 43, over the kidnap of one Chief Idowu Coker, owner of Dapsey Oil, where they collected a N20million ransom. According to the police, the suspects were arrested by SARS operatives led by one

IGP Arase

SP Abba Kyari, when they stormed the gang’s hideout at Isheri-Oshun, Ikotun, Lagos after the gang allegedly kidnapped a business man. Okoro in a petition through an NGO, Network For Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) stated that “Afam Nriezedi was arrested with the other suspects whom he is now being lumped together which contradicts the earlier police account captured in the news report sponsored by SARS indicating that Afam Nriezedi’s sisters were held hostage by SARS operatives who forced them to take them to a hospital in Ikorodu where he had gone for surgery and where he was arrested. Later they said other suspects during interrogation, confessed that Afam Nriezedi was the mastermind who led them to kidnap the two oil dealers. “Afam had spent months in detention with none of his family members or lawyer has been allowed to see him. Why has it been difficult for SARS to charge him to court with the evidence they claim they have or disclose his whereabouts to his family and legal representative? After our complaints, a ‘police team from

Abuja’ approached us and told us to meet them in a hotel in Lagos. The policemen said we should make a false statement changing the facts of the case and we refused. Why did SARS initially tell us that he was wanted for allegedly been in possession of four AK47 rifles belonging to the police and later made a volte face causing the publication of a news report that he was an informant to a kidnap gang?” NOPRIN in its petition to the police authority accused SARS of extra-judicial killing of suspects in its custody. One of such cases of extra-judicial killings by the police according to NOPRIN was the alleged killing of one Mr. Eze Okon by SARS operatives while conducting a raid in Lagos. A petition by NOPRIN detailing how Okon was allegedly killed stated, “On March 8, 2013 some operatives of SARS, Ikeja after six hours of drinking alcohol at Olak’s Hotel, shot and instantly killed one Mr. Eze Okoro in front of his residence at No. 1, Oguntolu Street, by Meiran Bus Stop, Alagbado, Lagos. The victim had just returned from work and was sitting out with his wife and

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Insight

Thursday, October 29, 2015

suspects detained by SARS other neighbours in front of their residence, close to the hotel, when the alcohol-soaked operatives emerged from the hotel and started shooting sporadically, created panic among the residents and in the pandemonium, one of the officers accosted Mr. Okoro who joined others to seek cover. Despite his explanations that he was a resident, pointing to his house, the operative shot and murdered the businessman in cold blood. In an initial but unsuccessful bid to cover-up, SARS sponsored the publication of a news report claiming that the victim was killed by armed robbers who engaged them in a shootout. Witnesses later narrated a different account of how Okoro was killed, contradicting SARS.” NOPRIN further gave a detailed account of the alleged killing of one Mrs. Fumilayo by SARS operatives in Ogun State. “Mrs. Funmilayo, a mother of three was killed by the police in Sagamu, Ogun State while taking refuge in a bush to avoid being caught in the cross fire between the police and an armed robbery gang. The police shot the woman after the shootout without listening to the unarmed woman’s explanations that she was a staff of a nearby Demirs Poultry Farm. She further explained to the police that she was on her way to buy fuel for the farm’s generator before she ran into the bush to avoid being hit by bullet. A witness, one of the vigilante members who joined the police to engage the robbers, said the police tied some amulets and charms to her arm before bringing her out from the swamp. Then they shot her by the side after bringing her out to give the impression that she was killed during a shootout. We have the picture taken before they tied the arms band and shot again. She was paraded with her charms-laced body, as the leader of the robbery gang. Giving further accounts of SARS alleged killings, NOPRIN report stated that In Benin City on November 24, 2013, police officers of the Edo State Police Command, extra-judicially killed Mr. Samuel Imaikop, a well known farmer with his three hired labourers on their way to his farm in Ute village. The police paraded them as armed robbers, in spite of evidence contradicting police’s claims that the victims were killed when they engaged them in a shootout.” Also, the case of one Ekenechukwu Uwakwe, a motorcycle spare parts dealer in Lagos who had travelled to his village in South-East Nigeria for his traditional marriage was informed that he was wanted by SARS Ikeja for armed robbery, kidnapping and fraud. In his absence, his sister and her pastor who visited her were arrested and detained until Ekenechukwu returned to Lagos on January 4, 2014 and presented himself to SARS, confident that he would clear himself of the allegations against him. Instead, the SARS operatives allegedly collected the sum of N175, 000 to release his sister and her pastor and then detained him. By the time the information reached NOPRIN on October 9, 2014 he had spent 10 months in cell without being charged to court and denied access

Former OC SARS, Abba Kyari

The IG said the same officers

Suspects paraded by the police

cannot make arrest and investigate the

same case, so he split

SARS into

two units to family and legal counsel. NOPRIN contacted the O/C SARS and inquired about the case. The O/C SARS after inquiry, replied that Ekenechukwu would be charged to court that same week. He was eventually charged to court without evidence. The National Coordinator of NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma, while commending the police for reducing crime in the country, however called on the police authority to check increasing cases of torture and extra-judicial killings among officers and men of the Force especially by SARS detectives. “NOPRIN appreciates and commends the efforts of the police to tackle crime and criminals and to secure the society in the face of inadequate resources, equipment and motivation. However, it is NOPRIN’s conviction and contention that the police cannot continue to commit crime in order to solve crimes. Fighting crime is not a substitute to respecting human rights and the due process guarantees for crime suspects and persons under custody.

“NOPRIN’s contention is that SARS should not continue to trample on the constitutional rights of detainees by detaining them indefinitely and denying them their right of access to family members, legal counsel and doctors. The law requires of the police to promptly grant suspects bail or charge them to court if they have credible evidence to secure conviction. The police cannot also continue to hide under national security as a pretext to circumvent the law, commit crime, abuse their powers, violate human rights and undermine due process and rule of law. “The police, as a creation of the law, charged to enforce the law, cannot go outside the law to enforce the law. SARS has, in their anti crime operations, be-

Afam Nriezedi

Rose Bajulaiye

Okechukwu Nwanguma of NOPRIN

come notorious for breaching all legally established procedures for arrest and detention, as well as international human rights standards for the treatment of persons in custody. “ Lagos State Police Command and SARS, in particular, should focus on resolving these puzzles and contradictions, rather than resorting to instigating newspaper reports attempting to divert attention by accusing influential persons of being on the neck of the Lagos State police and government to release a kidnapper. It is for the court, not the police, to determine the guilt or innocence of a crime suspect.” Following countless petitions to the IGP over the alleged unlawful killings and rights abuse by SARS detectives, the police authority said it has taken steps to check abuses of suspects in SARS custody. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Investigation, Dan’azumi Doma, made the disclosure during a routine visit to Lagos. DIG Doma stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, had split the Special Anti-Robbery Squad into two units with a view to checking human rights abuses. The DIG said, “The IG has just revisited the operational method of SARS across the country either at the federal or state level. He is doing a lot to ensure that human rights abuses are corrected. “If you are in touch with the Lagos State Police Command, based on reactions by members of the public, the officer in charge of SARS was redeployed to Abuja. The IG said the same officers cannot make arrest and investigate the same case, so he split SARS into two units. “One is to be in charge of operational activities, while the other section will investigate the case. The people who go out to make arrests will not be the same people to carry out the investigations,’’ he said. The DIG added, “By doing so, you are isolating the operational men from human rights abuses and other allegations. This thing is going to flow down from federal to states, including divisions if such units exist at that level.’’

Cocktail

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Oddities

Indiana Jones arrested after chase in New York

uthorities said yesterday that a 21-yearold man named Indiana Z. Jones led police on a chase that topped 100 mph on a road in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike said the chase started late Sunday when Jones tried to evade a traffic stop in his hometown of Rushville, 35 miles southeast of Rochester. Spike said spike strips were used to puncture Jones’

tires after several miles, and he was taken into custody. The charges include unlawfully fleeing police, speeding and having an unregistered, uninsured and uninspected vehicle. Jones posted $1, 000 bail and was released. Court officials however said yesterday that he did not have a lawyer. A call to a phone number associated with Jones rang unanswered.

Couple wed at ‘haunted’ theme park

he bridesmaids wore black and the flower girl showed up in a skeleton costume at a wedding held at a haunted theme park in New Hampshire. Melissa Cote and Tom Cowern, who both work at SpookyWorld/Nightmare New England in Litchfield, tied the knot last night in front of the attraction’s haunted house. Cote wore a traditional white wedding gown with a black sash, but her dad

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dressed as Beetlejuice, the spirit played by Michael Keaton in the 1988 movie of the same name. Cowern, dressed in black with a top hat, was the first horror actor hired at the attraction eight years ago. During the ceremony, the justice of the peace encouraged them to “haunt and howl at the moon together as long as you shall live,” and “to have and to hold from this night on, in madness and in haunting fun.”

Russian police find caviar in hearse P olice in Russia’s far east yesterday stopped a hearse speeding on a highway, only to find half a ton of caviar stashed inside. The Interior Ministry’s department in the Khabarovsk region said the hearse was caught speeding on the road connecting Khabarovsk, not far the Chinese border, to a city further north. When police officers asked the driver to open the car they saw plastic containers with caviar hidden under the wreaths lying next to a casket. More caviar was found inside the casket, which did not contain a body. The driver and his partner, who both work for a funeral director, told the police they had been hired by a man in a village outside Khabarovsk who asked them to take the casket with the body of a female relative to a city morgue. The men insisted that they had no idea what was inside the casket.

Police are looking into the source of the caviar and considering charges for illegal production and distribution. Caviar production in Russia is strictly regulat-

ed and contained to about 50 sturgeon farms. Wild caviar production and sturgeon fishing is almost entirely banned, except for indigenous peoples of Russia’s north who have

Some of the caviar found inside the hearse by police yesterday

to obtain permits. Sturgeon populations in the Caspian Sea have shrunk dramatically since the fall of the Soviet Union because of illegal fishing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, October 29, 2015

FRC, Stanbic IBTC saga: Shareholders seek FG’s intervention Stories: Johnson Okanlawon

hareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings have appealed to the Federal Government to look into the activities of the Financial Reporting Council, FRC, in order to forestall more damage to the operations of businesses and the larger economy. Speaking in Lagos yesterday, the President of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie, said shareholders were shocked by the actions of the FRC which, he claimed, did not follow the procedure as outlined in financial system

regulations. Okezie pointed out that in a case where a corporate body disagreed with FRC’s interpretation of its accounts, , FRC ought to go to court according to Regulation 27 of the Directorate of Inspection and Monitoring Guidelines Regulations. Expressing shock at the approach deployed by FRC, Okezie said that shareholders would have expected FRC to recognize that circumspection ought to be its guiding standard. He added that the role of the FRC is to help enhance the quality of fi-

nancial reporting in Nigeria adding that the FRC is not a regulator of banks neither is it a regulator of the capital market. He argued that the Council ought to have recognized the implication of their reckless pronouncement in an unsophisticated capital market as it could lead to panic among investors. “Unfortunately, this recklessness has already made this happen as we have recorded losses in our share price over the last two days on account of the misguided actions of the FRC.” Affirming confidence in the leadership of the

board and management of the bank, he stated that shareholders have always commended the transparency and commitment by the board to conduct business only in line with world class corporate governance principles. He said, “It is on account of this that Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC is the only bank in Nigeria that has an AAA Fitch rating.” He added that shareholders support the bid to expand the operations of the bank as this would “guarantee optimal returns on our investment.”

Equities sustain losses streak, down 0.59%

rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors sold their holdings. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.59 per cent to close at 29,396.31 points, compared to the decline of 0.86 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 29,572.90 points. Market capitalisation lost N61 billion to close at N10.10 trillion,

compared to the dip of N88 billion recorded the preceding day to close at B10.16 trillion. Ashaka Cement Plc led the gainers’ table with 90 kobo or 4.07 per cent to close at N23.00 per share, followed by Livestock Plc with six kobo or 3.90 per cent to close at N1.60 per share. Fidson Healthcare Plc gained 10 kobo or 3.33 per cent to close at N3.10 per share, while NEM Insurance Plc appreciated two kobo or 2.90 per cent to

close at 71 kobo per share. Seplat Plc added N3.00 or 1.28 per cent to close at N238.00 per share, while Red Star Express Plc was up five kobo or 1.18 per cent to close at N4.30 per share. Conversely, Oando Plc dropped 78 kobo or 9.59 per cent to close at N7.35 per share, while Stanbic IBTC Plc depreciated N1.56 or 7.51 per cent to close at N19.20 per share. Transnational Express Plc dipped nine kobo or 7.38 per cent to close at

Sterling Bank posts N7.2bn PAT in Q3

terling Bank yesterday released its interim earnings report for the third quarter, showing steady growth in the top-line and bottomline. The nine-month report for the period ended September 30, 2015 showed gross earnings and net income rising by 12 per cent and 6.9 per cent respectively. Key extracts from the earnings report showed gross earnings of N82 billion in the third quarter of 2015 compared with N73.1billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Non-interest income grew by 13.3 per cent from N18.1 billion in 2014 to N20.5 billion in the period under review. Profit after tax rose by N400 million

to N7.5 billion in the third quarter 2015 as against N7.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Commenting on the results, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the third quarter performance was in line with expectations as the bank continues to prioritize efficiency in the management of its balance sheet in response to a challenging operating environment. He explained that in spite of the pressure on earnings, the bank was able to achieve a 12 per cent growth in top-line revenue to N82 billion, driven by a 13 per cent increase in non-interest income and a 210 basis points improvement in

cost-to-income ratio. He attributed the increase in funding costs by 130 basis points to tighter monetary policy measures while the increase in non-performing loan ratio to 4.9 per cent was driven primarily by a reduction in the size of the overall loan book as a result of the re-purchase of state government loans by the federal government. According to him, the bank would deploy the capital freed up from the liquidation of the re-purchased loans to generate further earnings and bolster the returns to shareholders. “Our capital adequacy ratio reached an all-time high of 19.3 per cent driven by asset substitution arising from the liquidation of the previously

N1.13 per share, while Wema Bank Plc was down six kobo or 5.77 per cent to close at 98 kobo per share. Guinness Nigeria Plc declined N6.75 or five per cent to close at N128.34 per share, while Diamond Bank Plc fell 14 kobo or five per cent to close at N2.66 per share. A total of 386 million shares valued at N1.91 billion were traded in 2,923 deals.

highlighted sub-sovereign loans. Additionally, liquidity ratio improved substantially to 47.8 per cent, further improving our buffers in a very difficult operating environment,” Adeola said. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,396.31 points Market capitalisation 10.10trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ASHAKACEM

22.10

23.00

0.90

4.07

LIVESTOCK

1.54

1.60

0.06

3.90

FIDSON

3.00

3.10

0.10

3.33

NEM

0.69

0.71

0.02

2.90

SEPLAT

235.00

238.00

3.00

1.28

REDSTAREX

4.25

4.30

0.05

1.18

DANGCEM

163.50

165.00

1.50

0.92

CADBURY

20.00

20.15

0.15

0.75

ETI

18.08

18.13

0.05

0.28

GUARANTY

23.50

23.55

0.05

0.21

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

OANDO

8.13

7.35

-0.78

-9.59

STANBIC

20.76

19.20

-1.56

-7.51

TRANSEXPR

1.22

1.13

-0.09

-7.38

WEMABANK

1.04

0.98

-0.06

-5.77

GUINNESS

135.09

128.34

-6.75

-5.00

DIAMONDBNK

2.80

2.66

-0.14

-5.00

FBNH

5.47

5.20

-0.27

-4.94

UAC-PROP

8.15

7.75

-0.40

-4.91

UBA

3.78

3.60

-0.18

-4.76

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.00

-0.05

-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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015

Equities as at October 28, 2015

Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

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 25 5 30

Current Price 28.00 30.50

Quantity Traded 316,369 2,030 318,399

Value Traded 8,703,367.63 62,991.02 8,766,358.65

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 1.60

Quantity Traded 342,822 342,822

Value Traded 542,014.42 542,014.42

661,221

9,308,373.07

Quantity Traded 16,328,859 17,205 16,346,064

Value Traded 32,120,763.08 490,171.94 32,610,935.02

16,346,064

32,610,935.02

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Daily Summary as Industries of 28/10/2015

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Activity Summary on Board EQTY Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 141 16 157

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.94 29.00

157

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 7

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 678,031

Value Traded 339,265.50

Symbol

No. of Deals 7

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 678,031

1Value Traded of 12 339,265.50

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 39.99

Quantity Traded 11,850 11,850

Value Traded 465,043.50 465,043.50

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 7.75

Quantity Traded 628,034 628,034

Value Traded 4,945,711.32 4,945,711.32

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 100,000.00 100,000.00

1,327,915

5,850,020.32

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Sector

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Processing Systems Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Activity Summary on Board EQTY ASHAKA CEM PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock PLC Exchange © BERGER PAINTS CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Totals Packaging/Containers Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

No. of Deals 16 79 15 93 (Equities) 203

Current Price 4.36 128.34 16.00 135.03

Quantity Traded 368,000 296,882 473,209 886,591 2,024,682

Value Traded 1,527,200.00 38,196,701.77 7,573,541.00 119,762,770.54 167,060,213.31

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 11

Current Price 196.00

Quantity Traded 11,288

Value Traded 2,153,989.60

Symbol

No. of Deals 11

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 11,288

12 2Value Traded of 2,153,989.60

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004and Services Totals Energy Equipment Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

No. of Deals 16 40 75 13 13 157

Current Price 2.55 6.50 21.06 2.58 7.08

Quantity Traded 53,463 532,067 850,949 76,576 447,020 1,960,075

Value Traded 130,840.09 3,445,738.72 17,923,008.13 192,828.80 3,160,561.20 24,852,976.94

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 33 43 76

Current Price 20.15 830.00

Quantity Traded 650,259 46,857 697,116

Value Traded 13,100,298.67 38,898,019.06 51,998,317.73

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 14 7 21

Current Price 5.33 0.92

Quantity Traded 251,500 656,133 907,633

Value Traded 1,302,385.00 607,766.35 1,910,151.35

No. of Deals 34 8 42

Current Price 24.71 40.71

Quantity Traded 536,133 11,103 547,236

Value Traded 13,331,972.57 429,464.04 13,761,436.61

SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004

261,737,085.54 12 3 of

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

CONSUMER GOODS CONSUMER GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY PLC Daily Summary as ofBANK 28/10/2015 WEMA BANK PLC. Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 Banking Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

Daily Summary (Equities)

510

6,148,030 Page

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK

No. of Deals 118 39 36 28 201 67 28 212 64 1 24 818

Current Price 4.80 2.66 18.13 1.40 23.55 1.99 2.00 3.60 5.60 1.43 0.98

Quantity Traded 7,783,337 9,608,832 546,170 3,679,249 7,379,490 2,086,555 253,906,229 10,085,291 3,177,871 50,000 1,255,703 299,558,727

Value Traded 37,258,697.34 25,890,304.29 9,899,142.14 5,216,841.40 173,860,142.04 4,168,617.59 495,138,216.93 36,996,091.11 17,686,451.80 71,500.00 1,221,012.65 807,407,017.29

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO Daily Summary CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR Activity Summary on Board EQTY INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS

No. of Deals 2 (Equities) 2 1 1

Current Price 0.85 1.00 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 14,500 8,000 50,000 200

Value Traded 12,325.00 7,650.00 25,000.00 100.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary of 28/10/2015 Otheras Financial Institutions Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 3 2 2 1 22 1 2 3 42

Current Price 0.50 0.50 2.65 0.50 0.71 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 300,000 11,666 40,520 Page 4,800 3,944,625 5,000 210,000 48,961 4,638,272

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 6 8

Current Price 5.42 1.00

Quantity Traded 60 1,002,500 1,002,560

Value Traded 309.00 1,002,500.00 1,002,809.00

No. of Deals 68 26 46 75 (Equities) 76 291

Current Price 2.56 4.11 2.00 19.20 1.30

Quantity Traded 839,797 1,376,000 4,602,145 1,683,923 4,575,971 13,077,836

Value Traded 2,172,209.77 5,675,567.56 9,204,989.37 32,105,172.91 5,982,786.06 55,140,725.67

318,277,395

866,782,127.77

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC Daily Summary UBCAP

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL Published by The Nigerian Stock PLC. Exchange © FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

1,159 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

No. of Deals 13 6 6 10 2 1 2 40

Current Price 0.56 3.10 38.20 1.22 1.03 4.91 2.14

Quantity Traded Page 284,257 146,752 59,180 133,127 5,000 2,922 24,000 655,238

Value Traded 150,000.00 5,833.00 4 102,924.80 of 12 2,400.00 2,793,362.51 2,500.00 105,000.00 24,480.50 3,231,575.81

Value Traded 5 158,568.78 of 12 456,216.20 2,223,909.40 164,370.94 4,900.00 13,645.74 49,020.00 3,070,631.06

655,238

3,070,631.06

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 24,000 24,000

Value Traded 12,000.00 12,000.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.84

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 2,840.00 2,840.00

25,000

14,840.00

Quantity Traded 438,010

Value Traded 10,074,231.70

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC

Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 37

Current Price 23.00

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors

Activity Summary CONOIL PLC on Board EQTY

ETERNA PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Hotels/Lodging

Hotels/Lodging Totals SERVICES Printing/Publishing Published by ACADEMY The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Transport-Related Services Totals Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

655,238

3,070,631.06

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 24,000 24,000

Value Traded 12,000.00 12,000.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.84

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 2,840.00 2,840.00

25,000

14,840.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 37

Current Price 23.00

Quantity Traded 438,010

Value Traded 10,074,231.70

Symbol BERGER CAP CCNN DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 11 7 20 1 3 28 107

Current Price 9.79 38.00 8.25 0.70 3.37 95.80

Quantity Traded Page 478,138 24,000 213,428 4,999 32,450 144,057 1,335,082

Value Traded 12 6 of 4,723,697.07 913,731.50 1,711,187.01 3,349.33 112,948.50 13,795,808.54 31,334,953.65

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 1.68

Quantity Traded 37,000 37,000

Value Traded 62,856.00 62,856.00

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 1 4 1 6

Current Price 1.52 46.20 9.37

Quantity Traded 500 4,080 250 4,830

Value Traded 725.00 180,114.60 2,457.50 183,297.10

1,376,912

31,581,106.75

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 3,980.00 3,980.00

117

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

1 1

4.18

Page 1,000

12 of 3,980.00

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 9,100 9,100

Value Traded 4,550.00 4,550.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 51 51

Current Price 7.35

Quantity Traded 705,833 705,833

Value Traded 5,188,252.55 5,188,252.55

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA

No. of Deals 3 9

Current Price 27.41 1.69

Quantity Traded 636 279,800

Value Traded 16,561.44 472,099.00

Symbol FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 38 3 1 22 76

Current Price 290.00 154.00 49.66 150.01

Quantity Traded 63,339 6,207 59 46,002 396,043

Value Traded 18,011,032.05 908,084.10 2,783.62 6,858,063.80 26,268,624.01

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 238.00

Quantity Traded 38,172 38,172

Value Traded 9,075,722.43 9,075,722.43

1,149,148

40,537,148.99

Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Totals

Activity Summary Board EQTY IKEJA HOTELon PLC

Value Traded 158,568.78 456,216.20 2,223,909.40 164,370.94 4,900.00 13,645.74 49,020.00 Value of Shares(N) 3,070,631.06

Symbol COURTVILLE

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Personal/Household Products Totals

No Of Deals

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 13 0.56 284,257 6 3.10 146,752 6 38.20 59,180 10 1.22 133,127 2 1.03 5,000 1 4.91 2,922 2 2.14 24,000 Quotation(N) Quantity Traded 40 655,238

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Summary Daily

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

Household Durables Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

AGRICULTURE Totals

TRANSNATIONAL Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004 CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Company name Pharmaceuticals Totals

149

Page Quantity Traded 712,100 591,503 1,303,603

8 of 12 Value Traded 3,062,030.00 698,120.19 3,760,150.19

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 5,000.00 5,000.00

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.58

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 6,820.00 6,820.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 1 10 11

Current Price 0.59 0.71

Quantity Traded Page 1,055

Value Traded 9 of 12 611.90

820,555 821,610

582,594.05 583,205.95

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 320,000 320,000

Value Traded 160,000.00 160,000.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 2 24 26

Current Price 1.90 4.20

Quantity Traded 23,500 256,561 280,061

Value Traded 42,595.00 1,058,328.75 1,100,923.75

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.05

Quantity Traded 1,100 1,100

Value Traded 3,190.00 3,190.00

2,738,374

5,619,289.89

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 9 18 27

Current Price 4.30 1.13

No. of Deals 1 1 (Equities)

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

Symbol CILEASING

Daily Summary

Daily Summary (Equities)

SERVICES Totals

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM EQTY Board Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Financial Institutions Totals

348,706,297

1,257,115,538.41

Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 190 190

Current Price 17.35

Quantity Traded 20,298,151 20,298,151

Value Traded 354,868,072.34 354,868,072.34

Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals 416 416

Current Price 5.20

Quantity Traded 15,954,842 Page 15,954,842

Value Traded 83,576,730.65 10 of 12 83,576,730.65

2,275

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals

606

Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 42 42

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 165.00

36,252,993

438,444,802.99

Quantity Traded 1,321,057 1,321,057

Value Traded 217,580,099.56 217,580,099.56

1,321,057

217,580,099.56

PREMIUM Board Totals

648

37,574,050

656,024,902.55

Daily Summary as of 28/10/2015 Equity Activity Totals Printed 28/10/2015 14:32:04.004

2,923

386,280,347

1,913,140,440.96

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name Exchange Traded Fund LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF Name Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

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

No. of Deals 2 No. of Deals 1 10 1 1 1 16

Current Price 9.53 Current Price 2,253.00 3.10 7.49 13.45 21.15

Quantity Traded 1,010 Quantity Traded Page 40 303,228 11 129 10 304,428

Value Traded 9,585.30 Value Traded 11 90,120.00 of 12 939,996.70 82.39 1,735.05 211.50 1,041,730.94

ETF Board Totals

304,428

1,041,730.94

ETP Activity Totals

304,428

1,041,730.94

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, October 29, 2015

200 budding artists set for dance festival

Leonard Okachie

bout 200 young dancers, musicians and actors will be one stage at a final performing art production of the graduation ceremony of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN tagged ‘Voice Of The Voiceless.’ The event which holds on November 22, 2015 at the Grand Ballroom Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, is the grand finale of the second edition of the SPAN 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 starting from November 7- 22, 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, 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 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

Kogi governorship poll: Youth group drums support for Wada Leonard Okacjhie

outh group under the umbrella of Champions Youths Development Association of Nigeria (CHYDAN) has endorsed the candidacy of the Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming November 21st governorship election in the state. The group in press statement issued after the 2-day National Conference of the National Working Committee held at its National Secretariat, National Theatre, Lagos State, boasted that it would support Wada’s re-election across the 21 Local Government Areas of in the state with at least 21, 000 votes. National President of CHYDAN, Comrade Umar Isma’il speaking shortly after conference said Wada’s integrity, his transformational agenda and the need for continuity necessitated them to endorse and support him. Isma’il noted that Wada has touched every sector in the state particularly in education, primary health care, housing, agriculture, civil servants, empowerments, zero tolerance for insecurity and so on. He stated that Wada’s administration has made Kogi State one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. Founder of CHYDAN, Mr. BameyiZekeri who is also Kogi State indigene said that Wada has institution-

alised good governance and therefore should be appreciated with another four years to enable him complete all his on-going transformational agenda. According to the statement, CHYDAN Board of Trustees Chairman who is also the OnuIgala of Lagos Mainland, Chief Umoru Abdul was in Kogi State two weeks ago to study the political situation in the state noted that there is a need for Wada to urgently create a platform of meeting personally with all non-governmental organisations and groups that are in support of his re-election and solicit for their votes. Chief Abdul wondered why Wada has not be meeting with these groups, adding that some of them have their formidable structures across the state and could as well assist him with some campaign strategies that will strengthen his chance of winning the election. He advised Wada to be wary of some of his sycophants who are silently working against his re-election. Secretary-General of CHYDAN, Mrs. Lynda Nweke who is also a legal practitioner, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a free, fair and credible election in the state. She warned INEC not to plug the state into violence in the name of election, even as she also called on the electorate to come out massively and vote for their choice.

Performance at Centre for Black African Arts and Culture. heritage, starting November 17th at The Ocean View Marque, Victoria Island. 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 Deb-

bi 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. 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.

From orphanage to stardom: George releases new singles Leonard Okachie

oung and soulful Nigerian gospel artiste, Michael George, released two debut singles ‘My God’ and ‘Chioma’ on his birthday recently. Produced by Mystro Music Production, the two songs were inspired by his late mother who used to sing to him when he was young. These childhood memories evoked a feeling of nostalgia that saw Michael producing these hits, almost 15 years later. Having been raised at a young age by The Little Saints Orphanage, Michael soared above life’s obstacles and pursued his passion for music. He joined the church choir at the age of 12 and got his first limelight when he performed a medley in front of a jubilant congregation. The resounding applause he received at the end of his performance was copious evidence that he indeed was towing the right path. With eyes on the world stage, Michael is on a meteoric rise to fame. ‘My God’ and ‘Chioma’ are soulful melodies that are very uplifting. They send a strong mes-

sage of faith, courage and thanksgiving to those who are oppressed by the trials of life. “I have been through the ups and downs of life and I emerged victorious. That’s the message in my songs. People should see themselves triumphant, no matter the obstacles life throws at them,” said the young vibrant artiste”, he said. Garbed with a powerful vocal chord, Michael evokes deep emotional and spiritual bonding with divinity through his songs. A part of Michael’s humanity is also reflected in his music. The lyrics are embedded with his humble beginning and his endearing personality.. A graduate of Business Administration from Lagos State University, Michael an indigene of Edo State, became an orphan at a young age, and was raised at the Little Saints Orphanage Home. There, he tapped into his creative mind and honed his musical skills. His humane nature empowers him to make an impressive impact in the lives of many through his music. He is determined to raise a pious army for God through his music.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ex-district presidents of Leo Club find love Leonard Okachie

ioneer District President of the youth affiliate of Lions Club International, Leo District 404A1 Nigeria and recipient of Leo of the Year award for 2014 Leo, now Lion Shogo Oloshunde, got hooked to the love of his life Miss TosinAkinwale, who also served as the immediate past District President. The church service took place on Saturday at C & S Church, Ileri-Oluwa Parish, Ikorodu, Lagos, after the traditional marriage (engagement ceremony) that held on Thursday. During the sermon, the officiating minister, Rev Ajayi admonish the couple to keep living in love, share everything together with each other, avoid keeping personal secrets, pray together, even as he prayed that God will abide with them and give them the grace for their marital journey. The reception held at the Ikorodu Town Hall and was attended by who is who in Lionism in Nigeria. Some of them included former aviation minister AVM Anthony Okpere CFR; Hon Olayiwola Olawale ( representing Mushin Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly ), Hon Nurudeen Solaja ( representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly ), Lion Tope Thychus, PDG Kola Oyekanmi, VDG TaiwoAdewunmi, VDG Isaac Shola Dada MFR, members of Lagos Eko Li-

Couple, Tosin and Oloshunde

ons Club led by the Club President, Lion Gbemisola Shittu amongst many others. The Chairman of the occasion Engr ‘LaitanOnolaja OFR, highlighted the achievements of the bride and groom in the Leo Club while also advising them on their marital journey. The bride Leo Tosin Akinwale said she’s so happy to finally get hooked to the man of her dreams while also describing him as a very caring and loving person who can go to any length to put smiles on

Why do goats eat paper?

oats are herbivores animals. They eat plants, grass, or anything made from wood. It’s not a surprise that goats also eat paper. Goats eat paper because of its smell. Since paper is made from wood, the goat thinks that it is also one of the plants. Paper is specifically made

from pulp which contains vegetable fibre. There’s nothing wrong for goats eating paper because they can also digest it. They have well-built digestive system so they don’t usually experience constipation or diarrhea when they eat paper or any other plants.

people’s face. The groom Shogo Oloshunde describe his bride as perhaps the only woman that truly understands him and has all the qualities he wants in a wife and he’s so elated to walk down the aisle with her. The bride’s father Comrade Babatunde Akinwale described his daughter as very humble, very loving and an absolute planner and wished her all the best in life. Similarly, the groom’s mother, Mrs.

Science for Kids However, paper with ink can be dangerous to the goats because the ink contain chemicals that might damage the digestive system of the goat. Goats have special stomach because it acts like a huge fermentation jar. This means that whatever they eat (plants, grass, paper) can be easily digested because inside the stomach of the goats are bacteria that help digest what they feed. The bacteria give off proper nutrients to the goat’s system. Goats are always willing to eat anything edible. They are browsing animals which means they can eat, chew, or nibble anything that resembles and smells like plants. They are also curious how these plants taste so they also give it a try and decide whether they are good to eat. Paper, being made from plants, emits an odour that attracts goats. Since they are curious animals, they will surely taste the paper. Goats do not only consume paper but t they can also each cardboards and labels in cans. However, it must be noted that goats are not grazers. They don’t feed mostly on grass. Instead, they would prefer plants, woody shrubs, and trees. If you leave your goat in grassland, don’t be surprised if it will prefer eating the scattered paper rather than the grass.

Seyi Olokode expressed her joy in the union, saying, “ Olorunshogo and Oluwatosin as you become One, may your hearts beat as one and may your love run endlessly like a river. “I wish you the best of marital bliss. May you be blessed with children male and female as the Lord had decreed. Your union will be fruitful in all areas. Happy married life and God’s blessings as your start your journey together.”

Parents advised to de-worm children every 3 months

arents have been advised to deworm their children periodically, at least every three months to prevent intestinal worms infestation. A paediatrician with Optimal Children Clinic Surulere, Dr Abiola Ajala, who gave the advice in Lagos, said that children had a higher risk of worm infestations She said regular deworming improved a child’s nutritional status and growth which could otherwise be hindered by worm infestation. She said: “Parents are advised to deworm their children at least every three months with effective worm expellers. “Regular deworming is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation and it ensures a child remains healthy and develops properly,’’ she said. Ajala said that worm infestation in children could cause severe malnutrition, poor learning abilities, poor physical development and reduce immunity which leads to children falling ill often. She added that worm infestation was preventable in children if regular and constant personal and environment hygiene habits were maintained.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Experts urge media to explore FOI Act Stories By Leonard Okachie

oard of Governors of the Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria (FOICN) has asked the media to take advantage of the existence of the Freedom of Information law to improve the quality of their reporting by providing more accurate and reliable information to members of the public. It made this call after it held a threeday Strategy Meeting in Abuja recently to review the state of implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and to discuss various issues affecting the coalition and its operations. The Board also called on the Nigerian Government to allocate adequate resources to public institutions to ensure effective implementation of the FOI Act. The meeting expressed concern over the poor level of awareness among members of the public about the existence of the FOI Act and their right to information under the law. It also expressed concern about the low level of awareness among public institutions and officials about the Act and their duty under the Act to provide information to the public as well as the low level of compliance by public institution to their proactive disclosure obligations under Section 2 of the Act. The meeting further expressed concern that despite the relatively few number of requests for information being made by members of the public, most public institutions have been unresponsive, opting instead to withhold such information without legitimate or justifiable reasons. Consequently, the meeting called on public institutions to demonstrate a more serious attitude towards their duties and obligations under the Act by making a clear commitment to provide citizens with information about their institution’s activities, operations and governance in general. FOICN expressed regret that the National Assembly, which is the ultimate oversight institution in the implementation of the Act, is perhaps also the greatest violator of its provisions. It noted that the National Assembly has failed to submit a single annual report to the Attorney-General of the Federation over the last years and had repeatedly failed to provide information to requesters even in cases where it has been ordered to do so by court of law. The meeting therefore called on the National Assembly to fulfil its obligations under the Act, both as a public institution to which the Act applies as well as its oversight responsibility in the implementation of Act. The Board pledged its readiness to collaborate with other stakeholders in-

A cross section of journalists at a workshop.

cluding government institutions, professional associations, trade/labour unions as well as media practitioners to improve awareness of the FOI Act, and improve the levels of compliance and implementation. The Board developed a five-year strategic plan to improve the implementation of the Act, outlining a number of measures that the board and coalition members would undertake over the coming years to reverse the poor implementation of the Law and to bring about a culture of transparency and accountability in Nigeria. The Board also elected officers to run the affairs of the coalition over the next four years as follows: Dr. Walter Duru of Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC) Owerri as Chairperson; Mr. Isah A. Garba of Bauchi State Coalition for the Improvement of Public Expenditure Management (BACIPEM) Bauchi as Deputy Chairperson; Mr. Ayode Longe of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) as Secretary. Also elected included Ms Seember Nyager of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) Abuja as Director of Programmes; Mr. Yusuf Yakubu of the Muslim League for Accountability (MULAC) Kaduna as Director of Finance; Dr. Tope Olaifa of Stefanie Peace Building, Abeokuta as Director of research and Strategic Planning; Others include Mr. Amegua Lezina of

Karibi-Whyte & Co (Coronation Chambers) Port Harcourt as Director of Legal Services; Mr. Edegbe Odemwingie of Centre for Public Opinion and Media Research (CePOMeR) Abuja as Public Relations Officer and Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Lagos as Director of Welfare and Logistics The Board appointed the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Mr. Ede-

taen Ojo, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition to serve, along with three members of the Board of Governors, incorporated trustees in the registration of the Coalition. It expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) II Project, for sponsoring the strategy meeting.

Facebook expands smartphone alerts to news, weather

acebook, making a bigger push to deliver personalized information to its members, said on Monday it was expanding its mobile alerts to include sports scores, weather updates and local news updates. Until now, the huge social network’s alerts to smartphone users had been focused around postings by friends, birthdays and upcoming events. Facebook’s expanded alerts will now also include community news and events, storm warnings and other weather information, and suggestions for television programs or nearby movies. “We’ve heard feedback that people wanted to add important information that they can easily see, all in one place,” said Facebook product manager Keith Peiris. Members will be able to personalize these messages for “things happening around your community, like local events and news that is

popular in the city you live in,” Peiris added. Facebook said the change will be rolling out gradually to users of Android and iOS devices but that the notifications will be opt-in. “Your current notification settings will not change, and you can adjust those any time in your settings,” through “cards” on the social network, Peiris said. “We’ll continue to listen to feedback about the information people find most useful and may periodically add more cards to choose from.”

Media

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

New contents berth on BET V iacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa is set to launch a thrilling new programming line-up for BET (Dstv channel 129) over the next few months. Speaking with top media executive in Lagos recently, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa Alex Okosi said, “We are delighted to add this rich mix of contemporary and classic reality shows, drama, family friendly sitcoms, entertainment news, comedy and more to the BET schedule, providing a daily celebration of African and African-American culture that is as uplifting as it is entertaining.” The BET programming team has created an exciting new schedule packed with first-run entertainment shows including season 4 of the popular spoof show Real Husbands of Hollywood, Punk’d (BET’s reworked version of the classic MTV prank show), documentary series “The BET Life of…”, season 3 of drama series Being Mary Jane, and reality series DeSean Jackson, “Blood Sweat and Heels” and “Frankie & Neffe”, in addition to new episodes of The Wendy Williams Show and The Real. Locally produced programme content will play a prominent role on the channel with BET Buzz (local and international entertainment news) airing every weekday, and a second series of Top Actor currently in production, in addition to locally commissioned shows

L-R Alex Okosi, Colette Otusheso, Darey Art Alade

set to air in early 2016. The channel is also introducing a new Saturday night urban movie slot showing such classics as “Black Chocolate Nutcracker”, “Let The Church Say Amen” and Eddie Murphy’s “Best Defence”. Other interesting pieces of content airing from November will include the 2015 edition of “The Soul Train Awards”, a 2-part documentary about

South African designer David Tlale, reality series “The New Atlanta”, and classic comedy sitcoms “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “My Wife and Kids”, and “Are We There Yet?” There are also other exciting contents for the New year, as viewers will also be able to enjoy programme content from BET Experience Africa, the brand new lifestyle and music event, which in-

cludes a star-studded concert headlined by neo-soul star Maxwell. Launched on DStv on 2nd of April 2015, BET is a 24-hour TV channel and multimedia entertainment brand designed to reflect, respect, and elevate the rich variety and positive values of African and African-American culture.

Media Abroad

Prolonged TV viewing linked to 8 leading causes of death in US - Study

n average, 80% of American adults watch 3.5 hours of television per day and multiple observational studies have demonstrated a link between TV viewing and poorer health. In this new study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, investigators reported an association between increasing hours of television viewing per day and increasing risk of death from most of the major causes of death in the United States. Virtually all Americans (92%) have a tele-

vision at home and watching TV consumes more than half of their available leisure time, potentially displacing more physical activities. Previous studies had reported a relationship between TV viewing and elevated risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this study, researchers at the National Cancer Institute looked at more than 221,000 individuals aged 50-71 years old who were free of chronic disease at study entry. They confirmed the association for higher mortality risk from cancer and heart disease. In addition, they identified new associations

x dc

Television viewing as a family

with higher risk of death from most of the leading causes of death in the U.S., such as, diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease. “We know that television viewing is the most prevalent leisure-time sedentary behavior and our working hypothesis is that it is an indicator of overall physical inactivity. In this context, our results fit within a growing body of research indicating that too much sitting can have many different adverse health effects,” explained lead investigator Sarah K. Keadle, PhD, MPH, Cancer Prevention Fellow, Nutritional Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute. Dr. Keadle cautioned that although each of the associations observed have plausible biological mechanisms, several associations are being reported for the first time and additional research is needed to replicate these findings and to understand the associations more completely. “Our study has generated new clues about the role of sedentary behavior and health and we hope that it will spur additional research.” The study found that compared to those who watched less than one hour per day, individuals who reported watching 3-4 hours of television watching per day were 15% more likely to die from any cause; those who watched 7 or more hours were 47% more likely to die over the study period. Risk began to increase at 3-4 hours per day for most

causes they examined. The investigators took a number of other factors into consideration that might explain the associations observed, such as caloric and alcohol intake, smoking, and the health status of the population, but when they controlled for these factors in statistical models, the associations remained. Another important finding of the study is that the detrimental effects of TV viewing extended to both active and inactive individuals, “Although we found that exercise did not fully eliminate risks associated with prolonged television viewing, certainly for those who want to reduce their sedentary television viewing, exercise should be the first choice to replace that previously inactive time,” said Dr. Keadle. Investigators caution that more research is needed to explore connection between TV viewing and mortality and whether these same associations are found when we consider sitting in other contexts, such as driving, working, or doing other sedentary leisuretime activities. “Older adults watch the most TV of any demographic group in the U.S.,” concluded Dr. Keadle. “Given the increasing age of the population, the high prevalence of TV viewing in leisure time, and the broad range of mortality outcomes for which risk appears to be increased, prolonged TV viewing may be a more important target for public health intervention than previously recognized.” Source: Elsevier Health Sciences

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Lagos Island and return of gridlock

riving on Lagos roads in recent times is not a cozy experience by all standards or how else does one describe a situation where somebody left Abeokuta around 5pm recently and did not get back to Lagos until some minutes past 12 midnight. This is the lots of motorists and commuters in Lagos State lately, particularly those who work or reside on Lagos Island as spend their productive hours on the roads, losing so much economically to this harrowing experience. Broad Street Diary went round some places on Lagos Island recently to get peoples view on what are the causes of the gridlock and the way out even from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the agency of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring free-flow of traffic in the state. In his response, Mr. Sanya Olu, a senior traffic officer of LASTMA stated that the new government had not formulated a clear cut policy on tackling the issue. ‘’The incoming administration does not have a clear blueprint on how to combat the raging traffic gridlock in Lagos that is why there seems to be traffic chaos everywhere. “If you may recall the former General Manager Mr. Babatunde Edu was recently relieved of his job and the new General Manager, Mr. Bashir Braimah was recently appointed, so work has not really started in this sector as far as I am concerned”. On the statement recently credited to governor Akinwunmi Ambode that LASTMA officials should stop harassing motorists and desist from impounding vehicles, but rather booked motorists, he said; “That statement is yet to be backed by law because the immediate government in the state through the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a law called 59 Lagos traffic laws. “Under these laws, LASTMA is empowered to arrest traffic offenders, impound their vehicles and impose fines on them and that law is still in place until repealed, but as I am speaking to you that law is still the law guiding LASTMA operation in the state. The new General Manager, Braimah corroborated this by saying that the existing laws had not been rescinded, but only the method of implementation had changed. Olu, however, concluded that LASTMA officials were doing their best to ensure that the situation would be brought under control. Apongbon Bridge on Lagos Island also bared his mind on the

Traffic jam on Lagos Island development and said; “The reasons for the sudden emergence of traffic gridlock in Lagos metropolis particularly on the Island are diverse, bad road is one of the factors. For instance, there is a trouble spot at check point in Bonny Camp causing heavy traffic daily on Lagos Island. Also, another cause of traffic gridlock according to him is the unavailability of parking spaces for commercial drivers to conveniently pick and discharge passengers.

“Look at the way commercial driver’s park arbitrarily under Apongbon Bridge to pick passengers this is because there are few traffic enforcement officers on ground to arrest the situation. For example, the commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada riders do park unlawfully by Tribune House and Apongbon bridge causing heavy traffic”. He however, suggested that more traffic control officers be brought to clear the double parking in the area particularly during the closing hours when people

are returning home from work. He further advised that alternative means of transportation be provided to solve spending productive time needlessly in Lagos traffic. “Let me advise that Lagos State and the Federal Government should collaborate to provide alternative transportation system such as water and rail transport for the teaming masses. “It may be recalled that during the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a big ferry popularly

known as “baba kekere” was provided for the masses which could accommodate about 400 passengers per time from Lagos Island to other parts of the state with ease. “This was a huge relief to Lagosians on the Island then, who could connect their various abodes in matters of minutes. “This type of transport arrangement should be revisited alongside modern rail transport system that will undoubtedly decongest the road to a great length he concluded”. –Omoju Busayo

Why fire is common on Lagos Island

he ember months are here, it is a period of joy, celebrations and family re-union. Suffice it to say that it is also a dry- season, when lives, properties and buildings at large are more prone to fire disaster than any other time of the year. From the charred great Nigerian building opposite Oluwole Market to another disaster at Number 32 building Gbajumo Street, Lagos Island and to some ravaging infernos at Balogun market recently to mention but a few. The list is on over times owing to some factors highlighted by some of our respondents as Broad Street Correspondent went out to find out the major cause or causes of these fire outbreaks and how the disaster can be averted.

Nevertheless, there is a common ground among all our respondents that incessant fire outbreak on Lagos Island is as a result of faulty and illegal electrical connections. Mr. Adebayo Ademola an Office Assistant in one of the banks on Broad Street stated that the reason for repeated fire outbreak on Lagos Island was largely due to awkward and illegal electrical connections everywhere. “Look at the manner in which electrical wires are tapped unprofessionally from sources very difficult to trace. “This is what often causes electrical sparks and from sparks to uncontrollable fire outbreak that has destroyed lives and properties in this environment He added that some companies do shockingly placed their power generating set on roof top due to

space constraint a development he described as very dangerous which in the past has caused preventable fire outbreak. Speaking on the causes of incessant fire outbreak in Lagos Island, Zonal Commander of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Oduyelu Olumuyiwa, ascribed the development to gross carelessness on the part of building developers and occupants of such razed buildings who often overload sockets with all manner of electrical gadgets. “Incessant fire disaster in Lagos Island, well, I will blame it on carelessness of the building developers and victims of the fire disaster. “Imagine, it is the same socket that occupants will use to plug the fridge, pressing Iron, television and other electrical gadgets all just one socket that is simply a

disaster waiting to happen.” He advised parents to be watchful of their wards by warning them against toying with electrical gadgets and combustible materials, because this could subsequently ignite fire as was experienced in recent times. He concluded by asking the agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring quality and standard like the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, to leave up to expectations by scrutinising electrical materials being imported to or manufactured in the country. “Let me advised the Standard Organisation of Nigeria to intensify its effort in supervising companies importing or manufacturing electrical cables as what majority of them manufactured or imported into the country are sub-standard.” –Omoju Busayo

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

It is not even in our brains thinking about us as a couple or having a relationship right now.

–REALITY TV STAR, KHLOE KARDASHIAN

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ote d’Ivoire President, Alassane Ouattara, was yesterday declared winner by the electoral commission officials for a second five-year term with nearly 84 per cent of the vote. Ouattara’s previous victory in 2010 was rejected by the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, sparking a civil war which killed 3, 000 people. The winner’s closest challenger, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, an ally of ousted former president Gbagbo, who faces trial at the International Criminal Court, got 9 per cent. Several candidates withdrew from the poll, saying it was not free and fair. After two civil wars, most of the country will simply be happy these elections passed by peacefully. Relatively low voter turnout may concern the president but he clearly has support from all corners of the country as he won in 30 out of 31 regions. Ouattara’s strongest support lies in the north, where he won close to 100 per cent of the vote in some areas, although the scale of that victory may raise some eye-

CIV election: Ouattara wins second term

Ivorien President Alassane Ouattara

brows. But those opposed to Ouattara cited a lack of transparency, a claim that was not backed up by a heavy presence of election

observers who declared the elections free and fair. While Ouattara has been praised for transforming the economy and returning Cote

d’Ivoire to the economic success story it was in the 1970s, he has also been criticised for not doing enough for reconciliation and justice.

Rape, cannibalism prevail in S/Sudan –AU

he African Union (AU) has accused government and rebel forces in South Sudan of extreme violence since the conflict erupted at the end of 2013. A commission of inquiry found evidence of killings, torture, mutilations and rape, mostly against civilians, as well as episodes of forced cannibalism. However, it specified that genocide had not been committed during the conflict. Tensions remain, with a peace deal agreed between the government and rebels in August repeat-

edly broken. Tens of thousands of people have died and another two million people have been forced from their homes since the civil war began nearly two years ago. In its report, the AU said the commission, formed last year under the chairmanship of Nigeria’s ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, had identified perpetrators of violence from both sides. It documented details of brutal killings, abductions of woman and sexual violence among other abuses, mostly committed against civilians who were not taking

part in the fighting. “The commission believes that war crimes were committed in Juba, Bor, Bentiu and Malakal,” the report said in reference to the key conflict towns. Some witnesses in the capital, Juba, told commission members that they had seen people forced to drink the blood and eat the flesh of people who had just been killed. They spoke of seeing the perpetrators “draining human blood from people who had just been killed and forcing others from one ethnic community to drink the

blood or eat burnt human flesh”. Despite the seeming ethnic nature of the conflict, the commission said it found no reasonable evidence to prove that genocide had been committed. Spokesman for the President, Ateny Wek Ateny, said human rights abuses were not government-sanctioned. “It is not sanctioned by the government, it is the individual that might have taken the law into their own hands,” Ateny said, adding, “South Sudan will form its own commission of inquiry to investigate.”

Edward Lowassa, said the problems in Zanzibar could be mirrored across the country. Earlier, he called for the national electoral commission to stop releasing results, alleging the whole process nationwide had been marred by fraud. The elections in Tanzania are the most competitive in the country’s history, with four opposition parties forming the Ukawa coalition to challenge the ruling CCM’s 54-year grip on power.

Previous elections have turned violent on semi-autonomous Zanzibar, whose two main islands are Unguja, often referred to as Zanzibar, and Pemba. The ballot papers for the national presidential election have been taken to Tanzania’s main city Dar es Salaam, where they will continue to be counted. Never before has an election in Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination, been scrapped.

Zanzibar vote annulled after fight

South Sudan President Salva Kiir

lections in Zanzibar have been annulled for not being free and fair, the electoral chief on the Tanzanian archipelago, Jecha Salum Jecha, has announced. “Rows between rival electoral commissioners had led to physical fights,” Jecha said yesterday. But the opposition said the vote on the islands was cancelled because it won. The main challenger in the national presidential election,

WORLD BULLETIN

Troops free Boko Haram captives Nigerian troops have rescued 338 people from Boko Haram Islamists, local officials said yesterday. The captives, mostly women and children, were being held near the group’s Sambisa forest stronghold in the north-east and have been moved to a camp for displaced people in Mubi, the army said. It is unclear if any of the 200 Chibok schoolgirls, also thought to be in the forest, were among those rescued. The raid took place on Tuesday and targeted “suspected Boko Haram terrorist camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages”, the army added. Of those rescued, 192 were children and 138 were women. Troops also killed 30 suspected jihadists and seized arms and ammunition found in the area. Four suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers, apparently on a mission to Gubula town were also ambushed and killed by troops. The Nigerian army has rescued hundreds of Boko Haram hostages, but none of the 219 kidnapped schoolgirls have been found.

Lion population faces threat The number of lions in Africa is rapidly dropping, except in highlymanaged areas in the south of the continent, a study has found. It suggests that lion populations in unprotected areas could be cut in half over the next two decades. The paper’s authors say lions should now be upgraded to an endangered species in Central and West Africa. The loss of habitat, hunting, and a demand for traditional medicine have all contributed to population decline. Lions are currently considered “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but endangered status means they would be considered at “a very high risk of extinction in the wild”. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, said “many lion populations are either now gone or expected to disappear within the next few decades”. The study predicted a 67 per cent chance that lions in West and Central Africa will decline by half. The decline could lead to a reversal of previous trends, making the protected, managed populations of southern Africa more viable than the East African savannah. A reduction in lion numbers could also change the local ecosystems, “with the lion no longer playing a pivotal role as apex predator.”

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Osahon Julius Yenagoa

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has approved with immediate effect the automatic classification of all paramount rulers in the state with monthly stipends to enable them administer their various communities more effectively. A statement from his

Port Harcourt

eadership of 27 of the 29 political parties that contested the last general election in Rivers State have affirmed support for Governor Nyesom Wike. The parties said they were strongly behind the candidature of the governor should the Supreme Court nullify the April 11 gubernatorial election and order a re-run in 2016. Speaking under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, they pointed out that leaders of the other parties that contested the governorship election along with Wike had paid him a solidarity visit on April 15, where they collectively declared their support for his victory at the polls. Rivers State Chairman of Labour Party, LP, Favour Reuben, who addressed newsmen on behalf of other political parties, stated that other political parties that participated in the governorship election in the state congratulated Wike over his victory because “the election was free, fair and credible.” Continuing, Reuben said should the Supreme Court order that the Rivers governorship election be

Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Dickson made the announcement on Monday during an interactive meet-

conducted afresh, “the governorship candidates of all other parties that participated in the last governorship election, other than the APC, will step down for Wike of PDP.’’ While condemning the judgment of the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal delivered last Saturday, the parties said the judgment goes against the ruling of other petitions tribunals that dwelt on the use of the card-reader during the governorship elections. Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, were not represented at the press conference. Leaders of the 27 political parties, who admitted that the judiciary has so far been independent, warned that “some bad eggs should not be allowed to dent the image of the judiciary. “Rivers State needs peace; Rivers State needs development. We don’t need this sort of distraction from the judiciary. “Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi should allow Wike settle down and develop Rivers State. The state needs peace and only peace can bring development to the people. Everybody cannot be governor at the same time,” Reuben noted.

ing with paramount rulers from all communities in the state at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yenagoa. He said the gesture was in appreciation of the royal fathers’ contributions toward the development of the state. According to the governor, the Ministry of Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs and other relevant government agencies will work out modalities for the monthly entitlements and responsibilities of the traditional rulers under the supervision of the deputy governor. Dickson, however, said the allowances would take effect from January next year as government needed to follow due process by incorporating it into the

state’s budget before implementing the policy, which he noted was already captured in the proposed Community Administration Bill. He said when passed into law, the community development legislation would enable them to work more closely with government in tackling a lot of issues better, including security as well as enlightening their subjects on the policies and programmes of government. While expressing gratitude to the traditional rulers for supporting the present administration, the governor, while condemning the resurgence of kidnapping in the state, urged the monarchs to redouble efforts and cooperate with

government and security agencies to ensure perpetrators of the dastardly act are flushed out from communities where they reside. To ensure effective communication between him and the community leaders, the governor gave out one of his dedicated mobile phone lines, 07068132577, and asked them to call or send text messages on issues affecting their communities, especially security-related matters for necessary action. Dickson, who promised to start his campaigns, which he noted, would serve as a meet-the-people tour later this week, however, warned them not to use private numbers in making the calls as such would not register.

Earlier, Commissioner for Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Martins Agbede, noted that the interactive meeting was convened at the instance of the governor to enable the hitherto unclassified royal fathers interact directly with him. In their separate contributions, representatives of the traditional rulers from all the local government areas, including the sub-Clan Head of Atissa in Yenagoa, Godwill Simeon, the Paramount Ruler of Bieama in Brass Local Government Area and the Ibenyanaowei of Oluasiri in Nembe, King Awululu, commended Dickson for the recognition and pledged to continually support the present administration.

L-R: PDP South-South Zonal Chairman, Dr. Cairo Ojugboh; Bayelsa, State Governor Seriake Dickson and Acting National Chairman, People Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, during a Condolence visit by the PDP National Working Committee over the demise of the 1st Civilian Governor of the state, the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, at Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday.

Urhobo, Ijaw youths fault Itsekiri’s ultimatum to DESOPADEC, Delta govt Elo Ogwara Warri

ix youth groups of Urbobo and Ijaw ethnic extractions in Delta State have faulted the recent threat by an Itsekiri group to shut down the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. In a communiqué issued to newsmen at the Petroleum Training

Dickson approves classification, stipends for traditional rulers

28 parties declare support for Wike Dennis Naku

South South

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Institute, PTI, conference centre, Effurun, in the state yesterday, the groups described the allegation as baseless and unfounded. It would be noted that a coalition of Itsekiri groups under the platform of Itsekiri Joint Action Group, IJAG, on Tuesday issued a 7-day ultimatum to shut down activities of the commission over perceived marginalisation.

The statement signed by Comrade Samuel Oghotomo, National PRO, Urhobo Youth Leaders Association, UYLA; Hon. Sunday Apah, National President, Urhobo Professional Association; Comrade Festus Otesiri, Vice President, Urhobo Youth Council; Comrade Isaiah Ingo, President, Ijaw Youth Forum; Comrade Kingsley Oke, State Youth Leader, Host Communities of Nigeria Oil

and Gas, HOSTCOM, and Comrade Napoleon Kenerekedi, Information Officer, Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, further accused the chief security officer of past DESOPADEC board chairman as being the mastermind of the move. Stressing that the ultimatum was capable of causing crisis among ethnic nationalities in the state, the statement read, “As we appreciate

their agitation, the Itsekiri must be cautious of their activities because they have no right to shutdown the commission. The commission was established in 2007 to cater for the development of the oil producing areas and also to promote ethnic harmony.” The Urhobo and Ijaw groups also warned that there are other groups like theirs who are prepared to resist any

threat no matter who is behind them. Urging the apex Itsekiri body, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, to call to order the allegedly aggrieved ousted CSO and his cohorts, they appealed to all oil producing ethnic groups to support the current administration headed by Chief William Makinde, adding that he has no links to the issues raised.

North

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Bailout fund: Benue workers to embark on strike HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (sitting middle) and other top ranking army officers with gallant soldiers from the 28 Task Force Brigade, during the visit of Buratai to the unit’s headquarters in Mubi, Adamawa State, yesterday. PHOTO: NA

Katsina received N11.8bn bailout funds –Masari JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

atsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari says the state received N11.8 billion bailout funds from the Federal Government. Masari, who was speaking on the issue yesterday, said the funds would be used for payment of outstanding pension and gratuity arrears for retired

civil servants. He said the fund was released to the state as loan facility to be paid in 20 years, and that the money had been deposited with one of the commercial banks. The governor, however, said a committee, which he had inaugurated, would need to verify beneficiaries before the funds were disbursed. Masari also said another committee, which was

inaugurated earlier this week, would conduct verification of health workers’ salaries and allowances, as well as audit of staff at the council areas. The governor assured that the setting up of the committee was not aimed at reducing health workers’ salaries. He added that the verification exercise was necessary to come up with actual figures on monthly salaries and allowances ac-

cruing to health workers, adding that rather than sack health workers, the state government plans to employ additional personnel to improve health services at governmentowned hospitals. He said the government would screen all casual staff in the sector and engage them in the civil service, but they would be paid fixed salaries in view of the state’s financial situation.

APC’ll end bad governance in Plateau –Lalong JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ith the recent revalidation of his election victory by the tribunal, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, yesterday vowed to end bad governance in the state. Addressing the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftains and supporters at the Rayfield Government House, Jos, the gov-

ernor, who was away in Jerusalem on pilgrimage when the tribunal delivered judgment in his favour, said he was not surprised over his victory at the tribunal. According to him, he believed God would never disappoint the people of Plateau State, who gave him their mandate during the April 11 governorship election, adding that his victory was a sign of better things to come for the

people He urged those who were against his election to drop politics and join his administration to rebuild the state for the better. He also commended the media for partnering with the government to achieve total peace in the state. The governor assured those who worked for the victory of the party that they would not be left out from the government of

change in the state Also addressing party supporters, chairman of APC in the state, Latep Dabang, lauded the party supporters for the victory at the tribunal, asking them to see the judgment as God’s divine favour. Dabang also promised that the party would deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state no matter the challenges in line with their campaign promises.

Poverty not an excuse for vice –Aliyu REGINA OTOKPA

mmediate past governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has said that poverty was not enough excuse for Nigerian youths to indulge in social vices. He disclosed this in Abuja during the public presentation of a book ‘Maneuvering through the Bunkers of

Life’, an autobiography authored by the Asiwaju of Iresiland, Chief Oluwole Aina. Represented by former Secretary to Niger State Government, Mohammed Yahaya, he stressed the need to change the perception of youths in the country. He said every man’s life was filled with challenge, but the ability to maneuvre and deal with the uncertainties of society was based on personal

principles and values. He said: “Permit me to tell Nigerian youths that there is no valid excuse to go into vices on account of poverty or poor family orientation. We must imbibe our own personal drive, internalise attitudinal concepts and manifest determination to be useful members of the society.” Commending the principles of the author, the Pro-Chancellor, Africa Busi-

ness School, Anthony Ubani, lamented the dearth of integrity, honesty, discipline, hard work and the fear of God by past leaders in the country, adding that these principles would have formed the roadmap to achieving national development. In his remarks, the author enjoined youths to imbibe the culture of hard work, sincerity and trust in God to become successful in life.

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and Joint Public Service Negotiation Council, JPSNC, in Benue State have threatened to embark on strike over non-payment of salaries by the state government. The workers said failure by the state government to effect payment of workers salary arrears on or before Friday from the bailout fund would be met with industrial action. The labour unions in a joint statement signed by Comrades Godwin Anya of NLC, Ordue T. of the TUC and Philip Ter Nongo, JPSNC, after their meeting yesterday in Makurdi said in as much as workers in the state appreciated the government for accessing the bailout funds to settle outstanding arrears of salaries owed them, they would not guarantee any industrial harmony and tranquility if it fails to heed the ultimatum. The labour leaders also asked government to stop the on-going biometric screening, and not make it a prerequisite for pay-

ment of salary arrears owed workers. “Benue workers should not be subjected to the untold hardships they are currently experiencing especially that it could lead to loss of lives as a result of mass movement of workers. “The bailout fund was assessed based on the payment vouchers of the months in arrears; therefore, the fund is the representation of the financial implication of salary arrears owed Benue workers. “The organised labour appeals to the state House of Assembly to put on hold its on-going screening exercise as part of their oversight function until there is a formal consultation with the organised Labour,” the communique reads in part. The communiqué added that “organised labour is not against any Biometric screening initiated by government, but however, called to questions the competence of the contractor handling the exercise having handled a similar exercise during the past administration in the state without any tangible result and calls for immediate termination of his contract.”

Fulani lament kidnappings by fellow herdsmen WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

ulani settlers who live in their camps in Kwara State have raised the alarm over incessant kidnapping of their own, calling on government and law enforcement agencies to save them. The Fulani residents particularly in Ekiti, Oke Ero, Irepodun and Isin local government areas of the state made the appeal in Ilorin yesterday, while narrating their ordeals to newsmen. Their spokesman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, said about six of their members had so far been kidnapped at Oko, Omu Aran, Osi, Obbo Aiyegunle, Obbo-Ile, Ekan Meje and Otun in Ekiti State. He disclosed that victims have been forced to pay ransoms ranging from N300,000 to over a N1 million before they could secure their release after some days in captivity.

Not only that, Ibrahim added that the kidnappers also double as rustlers, stealing their cattle and forcefully collecting proceeds they made on selling their cattle at the end of each cattle market day. He disclosed that “a timber operator kidnapped around Obo Ayegunle was tied to the tree and N2 million ransom was demanded by the kidnappers, but the victim was lucky to have been saved from the kidnappers who were sighted and took to their heels.” The spokesman lamented that the kidnappers were Fulani of Bororo extraction with few Yoruba recruited as their operatives. The Fulani spokesman further disclosed that one Ibrahim Dasuki (aka Dowuro), a notorious Fulani and the kingpin of the kidnapping gang, used to brazenly call prospective victims ahead of their operations, demanding for money to escape being kidnapped.

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North

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Dankwambo decries dearth of chartered accountants in north WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

Participants at Kaduna State 2nd Health Care Summit in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Tribunal sacks Taraba speaker JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

ational and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jalingo yesterday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to set aside certificate of return issued Abel Diah, Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly. The three-man panel of justices held that election in eight polling units did not conform substantially to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, and ordered INEC to conduct fresh

election in the polling units within 90 days. Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Emmanuel Bongo, had approached the tribunal, challenging the result declared by INEC in nine polling units of Mbamga state constituency on the ground that elections in the polling units did not comply to the provisions of the Electoral Act. Justice A.M. Ali, a member of the panel, who read the judgment, held that the 1st petitioner, Bongo, and 2nd petitioner, APC, did not prove their case in one of the polling units complained of and

went ahead to cancel elections in eight of the nine polling units. After deducting votes in the cancelled polling units, the APC candidate, Bongo, leads with 6,695 against the Speaker, Abel Diah’s 5,561, with a marginal difference of 1,044 votes. The tribunal held that the total number of cancelled votes in the eight polling units were more than the marginal difference between APC candidate, Bongo, and Abel Diah of PDP. Justice Ali therefore, ordered INEC to set aside the certificate of return earlier issued to PDP’s

Diah and conduct election in the eight polling units within 90 days. Reacting to the judgment, lead counsel to APC, Festus Idepefo, commended the panel of justices for a well-delivered judgment, saying time has come for politicians and the electoral umpire, INEC, to play the game by the rules. Counsel to PDP declined comment on the judgment when approached, while the speaker could not be reached at the time of filing this report, as his telephone lines were switched off.

…upholds Gombe speaker’s election •APC mulls appeal WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

overnorship, National and State Legislative Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Gombe yesterday struck out a petition seeking cancellation of the election of a member of Gombe State House of Assembly, representing Deba state constituency, Abubakar Nasiru Nono. Nono of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after the April 11 governorship and state legislative election, was returned and later elected by the state legislators as Speaker. The petitioner, Mohammed Saidu, of All Progressives Congress, APC, who contested the general

election with Nono, was seeking the cancellation of Nono’s election on the ground of mass rigging and other electoral malpractices, as well as noncompliance to the Electoral Act during the election. But, ruling on the matter, Justice Roseline Audu’s panel dismissed the petition on the ground that the petitioner could not prove beyond reasonable doubt all the allegations against Nono, PDP and INEC in his petition. However, reacting on the judgment, counsel to the petitioner, Aliyu Usman Barde, who felt aggrieved by the outcome, said he would immediately consult with his client to consider their next line of action. But in an interview with the speaker in his residence after the judg-

ment, Nono commended the tribunal for upholding the rule of law and the trust of Gombe electorate. He called on the oppo-

sition to close ranks and support the PDP administration in developing the state, saying the judgment, again, confirmed the mandate given him.

overnor Ibrahim Dankwambo has decried the low number of chartered accountants in northern Nigeria, even as he commissioned the NNDC/ICAN study centre in Gombe State. According to him, the little number of chartered accountants might not be unconnected with the absence of tuition centres, lack of proximity to the administrative centre of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, as well as lack of examination centre in the area, among many others. He said: “Given the legendary industriousness and ability of our people, I have no doubt that the inauguration of Gombe ICAN District Society as well as the Study Centre we are opening today, will translate into a sharp increase in the number of chartered accountants from the state.” He appealed to ICAN to complement the study cen-

Rotary spends $300m on polio in Nigeria JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

otary Club International says it has spent about $300 million in the last 27 years to fight polio in Nigeria. District Governor of the organisation in Nigeria, Dr Mike Omotosho, stated this yesterday in Katsina State on an occasion to

Gombe guber: APC candidate heads for Appeal Court DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

ll Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in Gombe State in the April 11 governorship election, Mohammed Yahaya, has taken Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo to the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment of the state’s election petitions tribunal. The tribunal had dismissed the election of Yahaya and his party and declared Dankwambo as duly elected

governor. Others joined as respondent in the appeal are the People Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In the appeal filed by Yahaya’s counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, the appellants raised 22 grounds. Akintola said the chairman and members of the tribunal erred in law when they resolved issue 1(one) against the appellants and held that the appellants failed to adduce evidence to establish that the petitioners, rather than the 1st and 2nd respon-

tre with an examination centre as well as a liaison office and assured that the state government will give whatever support required at achieving the set objectives. Earlier, Executive Director, Corporate Planning and Business Development of New Nigeria Development Company, NNDC, Mallam Abbas Waziri, disclosed that 548 chattered accountants were produced from 2007 to 2015 in three northern study centres of Kano, Kaduna and Ilorin. According to him, Gombe is the fourth study centre to be inaugurated and expressed optimism that Gombe will follow the track record of success recorded by the three centres. He added that the centres were introduced to develop and improve the capacity of young graduates in northern Nigeria. Inaugurating the staff of Gombe district office of ICAN, Otunba Samuel Deru, national president of ICAN, said the institute has 53 district centres in America, United Kingdom, Canada, Cameroun and Nigeria.

dents scored majority of lawful votes cast in the April 11 governorship election held in Gombe State after the appellants led cogent and credible evidence to prove that the 1st and 2nd respondents did not score the majority of lawful votes cast. He also said the chairman and members of the tribunal erred in law when they placed no reliance on the chart drawn by the appellants and held that there was no iota of statistical analysis, mathematical calculation or evidential explanation of how the final figures stated in the chart were arrived at.

honour 15 volunteer community mobilisers. Omotosho said of the amount, $9 million had earlier been released by the organisation for the current year in the fight against polio. He said Rotary Club was honouring the volunteer community mobilisers, which total 540 in number across 36 states of the country, adding that each volunteer would be given N20,000 and a certificate of merit for contributing to the eradication of polio in the country. Omotosho said three of the volunteers would subsequently be selected from each state to receive national merit awards from President Muhammadu Buhari. The state’s Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, commended stakeholders for achieving total eradication of polio in the state. Yakubu, however, called on them to ensure that no child is missed in any future immunisation programme against polio.

World News WORLD BULLETIN

US targets ISIS rout The U.S. said yesterday that it is considering increasing its attacks on ISIS through more ground action and airstrikes, Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter, has said. Carter told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the U.S. “won’t hold back” from supporting partners carrying out such attacks or from “conducting such missions directly, whether by strikes from the air or direct action on the ground.” The White House, however, has yet to make a decision on the options for upping the campaign against ISIS, according to defense and administration sources. They said that further involvement on the ground was one of the possibilities being presented. The ground option Carter mentioned to the committee was part of a three-prong effort-which he dubbed the “three Rs”-to adapt the U.S. policy on countering ISIS.

‘Australians paid people smugglers’ Amnesty International said yesterday that it has evidence showing Australian officials paid people smugglers to turn back boats and threatened asylum seekers. In a new report, the rights group said asylum seekers’ lives were put at risk in two incidents in May and July. In response the Australian government denied the allegations, as it has done ever since they first emerged in June. The country has a controversial policy of zero tolerance towards migrant boats approaching its territory. No migrants or asylum seekers are allowed to reach Australia’s territories by boat. They have been instead intercepted at sea and turned back or taken to detention facilities in neighbouring Pacific countries. Amnesty is now calling for a government-appointed investigation, known as a Royal Commission, into Operation Sovereign Borders, the name for Australia’s controversial security operation to stop such boats.

Priests decry anti-gay treatment A senior Vatican priest, Krzysztof Charamsa, stripped of his post after admitting being in a gay relationship, has launched a scathing attack on the Roman Catholic Church. In a letter to Pope Francis this month, Charamsa accused the Church of making the lives of millions of gay Catholics globally “a hell”. He criticised what he called the Vatican’s hypocrisy in banning gay priests, even though he said the clergy was “full of homosexuals”. Pope Francis has yet to respond. Until October 3, Monsignor Charamsa held a senior post at the Vatican at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the department that upholds Roman Catholic doctrine. The Vatican immediately stripped him of his post after he held a news conference in a restaurant in Rome to announce that he was both gay and in a relationship. Roman Catholic priests are meant to be celibate.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

ranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, will attend multilateral talks on finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria in Vienna this week, a ministry’s spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, said yesterday. It will be the first time Iran, an ally of President Bashar alAssad, has attended such a summit with the US in addition to representatives of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, even as Egypt and Iraq also confirmed they had accepted invitations to the meeting. Earlier, the US said an invitation had been extended to Iran, a move Syria’s Western-backed opposition questioned. Meanwhile, Russia said its aircraft had struck 118 “terrorist” targets in Syria over a 24hour period, a new record, as a result of what its Defence Ministry said was new intelligence. The main round of talks on Syria is expected to take place on Friday, but diplomats say some preparatory meetings could happen in the evening today. “We have reviewed the invitation, and it was decided that the foreign minister would attend the talks,” Afkham said. The war in Syria has killed more than 250, 000 people and displaced about 11 million Reports also said Zarif had discussed participation in the Vienna talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov by phone on Tuesday. But Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, later said Russia wanted a “widening of the dialogue” on Syria. Iran is believed to have spent billions of dollars over the past

Syrian conflict: Iran set to attend Vienna talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

four years propping up President Assad’s government, providing military advisers and subsidising weapons. However, Syria’s political opposition has warned that Iran’s involvement will only complicate the meeting in Vienna. Both Iran and Russia, another ally of President Assad, have recently stepped up their military role in the Syrian conflict.

Iran has long acknowledged sending military advisers to Syria, but has denied the presence of any ground forces. Despite that, unconfirmed reports earlier this month said that hundreds of Iranian troops had arrived in Syria. They were reported to be joining government forces and fighters from the Lebanese Shia Islamist movement, Hezbollah,

‘Assaulting’ US policeman fired

US police officer, Senior Deputy Ben Fields, has been fired after video showing him throwing a female student across a classroom was shared widely on the internet. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said that Fields “did not follow proper procedure”. He was a school resource officer at the school in South Carolina. He “should not have thrown a student - he could have done a lot of things he was trained to do, he was not trained to throw a student,” Lott said. The incident occurred at the Spring Valley High School in Columbia, witnesses said, when the unnamed African-American student refused to put away her mobile phone and then refused to leave the classroom. Video showed the officer knocking the student down and pulling her across the floor. The incident was filmed by a fellow student and was pub-

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lished on the internet, prompting an outcry from various civil rights and parents’ groups. Lott said he had received expressions of support for the of-

Senior Deputy Ben Fields (left)

ficer, who had been at the school seven years, from some parents and school officials. But he said the officer had “lost control” and had not dealt

in assaults on rebel positions in northern and central Syria. Russia began its military intervention in Syria at the end of last month, launching air strikes in support of President Assad. Meanwhile, the US has indicated it could only tolerate President Assad during a short transition period, after which he should step down.

with the incident correctly. “That is not a proper technique and should not be used in law enforcement. And based on that, that is a violation of our policy and approximately 20 minutes ago Officer Ben Fields was terminated from the Richland County Sheriff ’s Department,” the Sheriff added. He said complaints had been made about Officer Fields during his time at the school - some had been upheld and some had not. The officer was sued on one occasion, he said, but a jury found in his favour. Lott had said the girl was uninjured, aside from a carpet burn. However, the girl’s attorney, Todd Rutherford, told ABC’s Good Morning America’ that she “has a cast on her arm, she has neck and back injuries” as well as a bandage on her forehead because of the carpet burn.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Siasia raises alarm over non-availability of kits for U-23 players 55

Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Sport

Bayern Munich is past for me. Please, ask me about my new club

–Manchester United midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger

Glo League results Super Eagles in training session

W/Cup qualifiers

Akwa

Sunshine

IfeanyiUbah

Heartland

Dolphins

El-Kanemi

Sharks

3SC

Giwa

Wikki

Bayelsa

Abia

Enyimba

Kwara

Pillars

Rangers

Taraba

Nasarawa

Today’s Match Lobi

Wolves

Swaziland Sihlangu plan Eagles’ fall under floodlight Paul Erewuba

he Sihlangu Semnikati of Swaziland will on November 13 at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, play the Super Eagles under floodlight in their 2018 FIFA World Cup African Round 2 first leg tie. The Super Eagles will resume camping for the match in Abuja on Monday, November 9. This much was revealed yesterday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who said the Swaziland Football Association had fixed the match to start at 7pm Swazi time (6pm Nigeria time) on Friday, November 13 at the 20,000 –capacity Somhlolo Stadium, which is an all –standing arena. And to oversee the all important first leg encounter, it was further learnt that football’s world governing body, FIFA, had already appointed Germain Koole of Benin Republic as referee for match, with his compatriots Bienvenu Dina, Sena Ulrich Houedin and Gustave Eugene Tohouegnon as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively. Mohamed Bahou from Morocco will

... Musa, others to hit Abuja camp Nov. 9 serve as the referee assessor with Joseph Nkole from Zambia to serve as match commissioner. The Super Eagles, currently rated 52nd in the world, drew bye in the Round One as the Sihlangu easily beat past Djibouti easily. The Sihlangu sit

in 135th place in the FIFA ranking. Sihlangu Semnikati (which means ‘King’s Shield’) famously defeated Guinea’s Syli Nationale 2-1 in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Casablanca last month, and then eliminated Djibouti 8-1 on aggregate in the

2018 FIFA World Cup Africa Round One. While Nigeria has won three African titles and played at five previous World Cup finals, Swaziland has never qualified for any continental event, talk less the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA confirms seven candidates for Presidential election

he World football gover ning body, FIFA, yesterday officially released the names of candidates who will contest the presidency of the body in the February 26 election. With the likes of Nigeria’s Segun Odegbmi and ex-Abia Gover nor, Orji Uzor Kalu, falling by the way side, only seven candidates will be jostling to replace erstwhile president, Sepp Blatter, who is being investi-

gated for corruption. Blatter has been at the helm of affairs for 17 years and a breath of fresh air is now knocking at the door especially with the list of presidential candidates now confir med. Those in the race to become the world’s number one football citizen are Prince Ali, Musa Bility, Jerome Champagne, Gianni Infantino, Michel Platini, Sheikh Salman and Tokyo Sexwale.

Hayatou

Sports

Thursday, October 29, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Neymar

Barcelona offers Neymar £500,000-per-week contract

anchester United’s hopes of securing a major deal for Neymar have taken a huge hit, with reports from The Sun claiming Barcelona are ready to offer the forward a massive £500,000-per-week contract. The Brazil international is considered to be among the band of elite level players in

..To keep Man U off his reach world football and has been a huge hit at the Nou Camp since moving from Santos in his homeland to Spain. However, there have been rumblings that United are interested, with summer reports having claimed that an offer of £140m was being prepared

Mascherano handed two-match ban

arcelona’s Javier Mascherano has received a twomatch suspension following his red card in Sunday’s La Liga clash with Eibar for verbally abusing a linesman, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said yesterday. The Catalan side were worried the Argentine would miss El Clasico against Real Madrid on November 21 if he had been hit with a four-match ban since Barca’s squad is already stretched. Referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande said Mascherano was dismissed for directing an insult, common in Argentina, towards the linesman but Barca appealed saying it was said in passing.

The suspension means the defender will miss Barcelona’s league matches against Getafe and Villarreal. Barca have suffered a series of injuries to key players including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Rafinha. The squad has also been hampered because the club have not been allowed to bring in players over the last two transfer windows due to a Fifa ban over the illegal signing of minors. However, last season’s treble winners are joint leaders of La Liga with Real Madrid on 21 points from nine games following their 3-1 win over Eibar and top their Champions League group.

at Old Trafford. Further to this South American football expert Tim Vickery has stated that he sees the Red Devils’ interest as long-term, hinting that a move either in 2016 or 2017 is on the cards. However, Barca are ready to react with a contract worth h a l f - a - m i l l i o n - p o u n d s - p e rweek, which the Manchester giants would surely have to match to have any chance of

snapping him up. The deal w o u l d make Neymar the third highest paid footballer on the planet behind Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Remy

Mou still right man for Blues –Remy

Mascherano

helsea striker Loic Remy has asked for patience with under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho as speculation over the Portuguese’s future at Stamford Bridge continues after yet another defeat. The Premier League champions have endured a dismal season so far, losing eight of the 16 games they have played in all competitions, and were knocked out of the League Cup, that they also won last season, in a penalty shootout against Stoke City on Tuesday night. The speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future has escalated with each fresh setback and, despite the club issuing a public backing of the manager a few weeks ago, rumours that the hierarchy’s patience is running out have refused to die down.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Siasia raises alarm over nonavailability of kits for U-23 players

... Says NFF not serious about Olympic qualification Paul Erewuba

ream Team coach, Samson Siasia, has raised the alarm over the non availability of training kits for players, even as he revealed that he is owed three months salaries. Siasia, who revealed that the team is not well prepared for the 2015 Africa U-23 Nations Cup, said they were being treated like orphans by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He added that he should not

be held responsible if the U-23 Team fail to qualify for the football event of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. “We are like orphans. People see the finished product, but they don’t know what we pass through,” Siasia said yesterday.. Continuing he said, “We have not been paid for the past three months. “It took me so much courage to come out with this, but it is embarrassing. We don’t have training kits up till now, we wash and wear.

“The Super Eagles got extra bonus for playing a draw and qualifying for the African Nations Championships and they keep saying there is no money. “The NFF know exactly what to do. We have weeks just before our first game. We are liars in this country. The NFF keeps telling us there is no money. We can’t just sit here, be quiet and die. “Whatever happens I should not be held responsible, I thought the Olympic was important to them.”

Oguchi

NSA 2015 nomination thrills Oguchi Afolabi Gambari

aving been nominated in two categories of this year’s prestigious Nigerian Sports Award, 2015 Afrobasket Most Valuable Player (MVP), Chamberlain Oguchi believes his consideration for the award hasindeed humbled him. Oguchi, who plies his trade with Anwil BasketballClub in the Tauron Basketball League of Poland, said his nomination showed that Nigerians appreciated D’Tiger’s efforts at the 2015 Afrobasket Championship. “I am honoured and humbled to be nominated for Ball Sportsman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year and it would mean the world to win these awards,” he said, stressing, “I want to thank the Nigerian publics for recognizing me and hope to wear these awards proudly in representation of all Nigerians at home and around the world.” He also lauded the organizers

of the Nigerian Sports Award for the initiative to recognize and reward athletes that have done Nigeria proud across the globe. Oguchi and 2014 ITTF Star Player, Aruna Quadri are both nominated for the Ball Sports Award and the Sportsman of the Year award while Oguchi will also be competing against his teammate, Olumide Oyedeji in the Ball Sports category alongside Quadri. Coach of the National Men’s Basketball team, William Voight, will be competing with Are Feyisetan, Nigerian Powerlifting Coach and the Women Cycling Coach, Bashir Mohammed for the Coach of the Year category. Nigerian Wrestler, Boltic Sinivie, tackles Efe Ajagba (Boxer) and Henry Hendrix (Kungfu) are the top three nominees for the Combat Sport Person of the Year while Awoniyi Taiwo (Footballer), Kelechi Nwanaga (Javeline), Amusan Tobiloba (Hurdles) top nominations for the Discovery of the Year category.

Amoo to get part of GOtv boxing gate takings Ifeanyi Eduzor

lykite Productions, promoters of the GOtv Boxing Night, have announced their decision to give former Commonwealth Flyweight boxing champion, Ray Amoo, twenty-five per cent of gate takings from the fourth edition of the event, which held last Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. An announcement to this effect was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Jen-

kins Alumona. Amoo, said Alumona, was one of the people who put Nigeria on the global boxing map through his exploits in the ring and is thus deserving of the gesture to be extended to him. In July, after the third edition of the tourney, the same gesture was extended to Dele Jonathan, a former boxing champion, who required surgery for prostate enlargement. Amoo told National Mirror that he is happy with the announcement even as he commended GOtv for its efforts at reviving boxing in the country.

El-Kanemi Warriors

Week 33: FC IfeanyiUbah, El-Kanemi get Nov. 4 replay date

he League Management Company (LMC) has fixed November 4, 2015 as new date for the replay of a postponed 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 33 match. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the postponement came after El-Kanemi Warriors failed to honour the league encounter originally scheduled for October 11 in Nnewi. The game did not hold as the Maiduguri club failed to turn up, following the refusal of players

to travel to honour the game over unpaid wages. NAN reports that LMC had earlier ordered that the match be replayed on Oct. 28. Salihu Abubakar, LMC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), told NAN that the new date was to give way for NPFL week 35 matches which were rescheduled because of the Nigeria-Burkina Faso match. “We have moved the match’s replay from October 28 to November 4 and we have communicated to both teams on the new date

since last week. Abubakar said LMC, as well as both clubs, have gotten over the controversies surrounding the possibility of a replay. “El-Kanemi Warriors FC will bear the cost of organising the match to the tune of N2 million, having failed to promptly notify LMC and the home team of their inability to honour the match. “The club will also pay N240,000 compensation to FC IfeanyiUbah, for loss of revenue accruing from the match,’’ the LMC official added.

Nigerians applaud Glo-Caf Awards promo

ational Telecommunications Company, Globacom has been commended for introducing the “Find Your Place among the Stars” promo ahead of the 2015 Glo-Caf Awards. Nigerians who spoke to the media commended the company for introducing the promo which they believe will give more Nigerians the

opportunity of attending the next edition of the glamorous Glo- Caf Awards scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria on 7th January, 2016. A banker, Sylvia Adeyinka, said she was highly excited about the promotion and looked forward to attending the showpiece event. “I so much want to at-

tend and be part of the fun. I plan to use the required airtime to qualify for a ticket. I can’t wait for January 7,” she enthused. An Abuja-based Automobile Engineer, Rasheed Ahmed, commended Globacom for giving Nigerians the opportunity to watch the 2015 Glo-Caf Awards “live” in Abuja. “I will ensure that I

use the required amount of Glo credits and hopefully, I will be lucky to be one of the ticket winners,” Ahmed posited. Stephen Nduka, Human Resources Manager of Lagos-based Pel Edge Resources Limited, said the promo is “very good and commendable,” adding that he looks forward to winning one of the tickets to the awards night.”

WORLD RECORD

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

Vol. 05 No. 1231 Thursday, October 29, 2015

N150

Prince Ogunwusi: A hero-king come to berth M y friends all, it is no longer a rumour. Ile Ife, acclaimed cradle of the Yoruba nation has a new ruler. When in the early hours of last Monday, the Osun State government announced the approval of the appointment of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as the new Ooni, not a few came up with a sigh of relief and some upbeat sense of de ja vu. Nigerians, especially Ife sons and daughters had a right to this feeling of vindication. Having been so mesmerized and inspired for nearly four decades by the late flamboyant and seemingly larger-than-life Sijuwade, the fear in most quarters was the difficulty of finding someone with the moral, princely, intellectual and financial wherewithal to fit in the gigantic shoes discarded by the legendary potentate. But something noteworthy is the rath-

IFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that Russia were chosen as hosts of the 2018 World Cup before the voting process took place and accused Michel Platini of plotting against him in an extraordinary interview. Blatter started off by blaming Platini for getting him in hot water over

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

er largely unanimous acceptance of the king-designate as a worthy successor. Really, talking of worthiness, Ogunwusi’s pedigree, professional success and exemplary charismatic carriage speak volumes about his readiness for the arduous challenges of the foremost king in Yorubaland. Another factor in his favour is his youth. At 40, people are already comparing him with the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Trudeau who according to noted social critic, Steve Aborisade, is even older. Besides the hilarious fawning of some women making issues out of his so-called handsome features, that the king-to-be has hit a high note with the young and the young at heart, is a great plus. He is already being seen as a breath of fresh air and the very antithesis of the geriatric tendencies of the current national leaders. I have this pleasant feeling that Ogunwusi’s advent has hit a sweet chord in the heart of millions and it’s not a bad ascendancy at all. His choice is seen as a great coup by Ife kingmakers to lead the way for other Yoruba towns. However, the king-designate must not be hoodwinked by the euphoria welcoming his ascendancy. His task, to say the least, is arduous indeed. In spite of the best efforts and intentions of the late Sijuwade, Ile-Ife remains a project in need of serious surgical therapy. Its historical and cultural glory notwithstanding, the city, to me, more or less suffers infrastructure deficit. Having been reportedly “involved in Engineering, Procurement and

A DISTURBINGLY

BALKANIZED NATION,

YORUBALAND IS IN

NEED OF A UNIFYING HERO-KING

Construction (EPC) locally and abroad for over 12 years and actively involved in the development of over 2,500 housing units with various consortia of developers/promoters over the last eight years in Nigeria,” the new Oba must immediately bring his experience to bear on the many dilapidated infrastructure of Ile-Ife. With such magnificent international fame due to its unique history, Ile-Ife deserves more than its look and facilities. Economically, the city is also in need of renaissance. With such forward looking and modernizer’s credentials, Oba Ogunwusi must take up the economic revival of Ile-Ife with utmost urgency. Thank God the new king has seen the best of the world’s cities and has been actively involved in missions aimed at bringing the best to bear on our efforts at infrastructural development. According to a report, the king-designate “facilitated strong trade relationship through Association for International Business (AIB) with presence in over 200 member countries across the globe which he set up in Nigeria. One of the key achievements of this body is the trade facilitation between the United Arab Emirates (Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone develop-

ment) and Federal Government of Nigeria through Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)”. What better person to assume the Obaship of Ile-Ife at this period of serious economic transformation needs? As the famed “co-organizer for Ondo State Economic Planning and Implementation Committee, who led the government delegation to Canada in 2002 for strategic alliances and partnership with Ondo State Government on solid mineral potentials of the State (bitumen, dimension stones, granite, etc.)”, Ile-Ife and indeed the entire Yorubaland need this wealth of experience in the current drive to advance the development and socioeconomic re-integration and rejuvenation agenda. The great growth-prospect indices that experts have bandied over the years in the perennial quest to make Ile-Ife’s economy and modernization truly commensurate with its intercontinental fame are all reposed in the new king. Getting the ancient city to become a true moneyspinning tourist attraction should, therefore, not be a very difficult task for Ogunwusi. With his experience in the real estate sector, especially as the initiator of Essential Homes, a product reportedly formed to deliver cheap upscale homes to the middle and low income earners, bringing affordable, modern and decent homes to a city filled with dilapidated ancient residences should indeed not be a problem for the new king. Having made a huge success of such housing projects like The Southpointe Estate, Lafiaji Road, Lekki, Lagos State, the Northpointe Estate Phases I, II, III and Midland Court on Chevron Drive Lekki Lagos, the new Ooni must really let charity begin from his Ife homeland. A disturbingly balkanized nation, Yorubaland is in need of a unifying heroking and Ogunwusi has a great chance to be one. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra Blatter claims Platini plotted against him the FIFA saga. He claims that he was a lobster in this scenario, thrown into the pot against his will. ’’ Yeah, he started it, but then it became politics. And when it is in politics, it is not any longer Platini against me. It is then those, who have lost the

World Cup. England against Russia. They lost the World Cup. And the USA lost the World Cup against Qatar. But you cannot destroy FIFA. FIFA is not the Swiss bank. FIFA is not a commercial company. So, what they have done together with the Swiss, they have created this attack towards

FIFA and the president of FIFA. And I am sure that at the beginning when UEFA said they don’t want me, they didn’t know that finally it came out with such a political importance.’’ Blatter went on to say Platini doesn’t like him ‘because he wanted to be FIFA president’.

Blatter

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