Thursday, september 10, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Annual returns: CAC to de-list 50, 000 companies

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

SEC may deregister 188 capital market operators JOHNSON OKANLAWON Mahmud

Vol. 5 N0. 1197

orporate Affairs Commission, CAC, yesterday said 50,000 companies would soon be de-listed for failing to file

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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their annual returns. Registrar General of CAC, Mr. Bello Mahmud, disclosed this in an interCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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NNPC signs new oil swap with foreign companies

... to build more refineries CHIDI UGWU AND ASA MSUE

WITH AGENCY REPORT

igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has set up four new crude swap contracts to replace those cancelled last month that were vital for bringing in about half of domestic fuel demands, industry sources disclosed. NNPC cancelled the 2015 deals with Nigerian companies Sahara Group, Aiteo

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Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Haram: Military releases 128 detainees in Borno

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Police: Agonies of suspects detained by SARS

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L-R: Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Acting Clark to the National Assembly, Mr. Ben Efeturi and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Ailimikhena, during familiarization tour of the National Assembly Fire Service Station, yesterday.

Lagos midnight fire kills family of four, grandma, two others Ambode warns residents on safety

Navy deploys 28 Rear Admirals, 33 Commodores

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NNPC signs new oil swap with foreign companies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Group and NNPC’s trading arm Duke Oil because they were alleged to have been “skewed in favour of the companies.” Though there is a change to the new contract winners, it’s unclear whether these will be more transparent. According to a source close to the Corporation, NNPC has no choice but to continue with some form of swap arrangement as the only other form of fuel input comes from a fraud-ridden import subsidy scheme and revamping its refining system, neglected for years, has already met crude supply obstacles. The country had been hit hard by the sustained slump in global crude prices since last year as oil sales account for the bulk of government revenues. The cancelled deals will run through September before being replaced by the interim offshore processing agreements (OPAs) between NNPC subsidiary the Products and Pipelines Marketing Company, PPMC, and four joint venture companies, industry sources said. A spokesman for NNPC did not respond to requests for comment. It was gathered that two of the agreements are with NNPC joint-venture companies: One with Swiss trader Vitol called Calson and the other with commodities trader Trafigura called Napoil. The other two are with non-incorporated joint ventures between oil major BP and Nigermed Ltd and NNPC’s trading arm Duke Oil Co with Sahara Group. NNPC set up the first swaps in 2010, when it could no longer pay cash for fuel imports. Facing cash flow problems and refineries that were barely running, the Corporation decided to use half of the oil destined for its refining system for the swaps scheme. The contracts came in two forms: an OPA, whereby a trader takes Nigerian crude to a foreign refinery and returns with the resulting products, and a direct crude-for-product swap. Calson is new to this scheme while BP and Nigermed previously held an OPA for one year in 2010. Trafigura had a direct contract between 2010 and 2014 while Duke and Sahara have been

involved until now. The interim OPAs will run from October until December when fresh contracts take over in 2016. PPMC issued a tender on August 31 for new OPAs that close on October 14, according to a public tender document. NNPC, at first, invited Oando, Sahara, Calson, MRS, Duke Oil, BP/Nigermed and Total to bid for the 2016 contracts before opening up the process to the public. One of the industry sources added that NNPC was seeking to give the new contracts to those with

retail stations to speed up delivery and cut out some middle men. The 2010-2015 swaps, particularly the OPAs, were widely criticised for their opacity and are now being investigated by the authorities for short-changing the government. NNPC’s five trading companies including Napoil, Calson and Duke Oil were described as “financial black boxes” by a 2012 presidential task force. Natural Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, a U.S.-based watchdog, said the joint ventures’ earnings, kept in offshore accounts,

have not been declared by NNPC. The firm has also not explained how they are accountable or share profits. NRGI said last month that scrapping the 445,000 bpd domestic crude allocation and removing “unqualified intermediaries” would be key to help clean up how NNPC sells its about 1 million bpd share. President Muhammadu Buhari is bent on stamping out graft in NNPC and oil theft in the oil-producing delta region, which he pegs at about 250,000 bpd. Nigeria produces just over 2 million bpd. Tens of billions of dollars

in potential oil and gas revenues has been allegedly lost or unaccounted for through mismanagement and theft, according to international watchdogs and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI. NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, in a statement yesterday said the OPA was entered into as a stop-gap arrangement, designed to run for three months. It said the agreement obliges the Corporation to allocate a certain volume of crude oil within the period for refining at offshore loca-

tions in exchange for petroleum products at pre-agreed yield pattern. The Corporation explained that the temporary OPA package will lapse with the advent of the fresh OPA contracts envisaged to come into effect at the end of the ongoing public tender process. It noted that the OPA arrangement would help augment in-country production of refined petroleum products from the nation’s refineries to meet local demand. Meanwhile, Group General Manager of NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Amb. Babagana Kingibe; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Chairman/Founder of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, during the launch of African Global Commission Report on Governance, Security and Development, organised by Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, in Abuja, yesterday.

Annual returns: CAC to de-list 50, 000 companies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

view in Abuja. Mahmud said defaulters would be de-listed after due notification through different channels of communication as prescribed by law. He disclosed that 9,347 companies had so far been de-listed by the commission since inception for failing to file their annual returns. According to him, 623,659 out of a total of over 1.2 million registered companies in the country had not filed their annual returns. Mahmud said the 623,659 companies, which represent 49 per cent of the total number, were those that “have not filed a single return since their registration.”

He said others were those in partial default of between two and four years, but he did not specify the number in this category. Mahmud noted that the commission did not take delight in deregistering companies because some of the defaults were due to economic reason. The Registrar General said that was why the commission ensured that laid down procedure was followed to allow for remedy by defaulting companies before they were deregistered. He, however, could not immediately specify the total revenue lost by government as a result of the

defaults. He said the commission had come up with a number of measures to ensure compliance, including enlightenment campaigns and engagement of revenue agents to advise erring companies. “For the partial defaulters, we have decided to sweep their files under the carpet and deny them service until they update their annual returns records. “Whenever they come to do any business with the commission like change of directors or increase in share capital, we won’t attend to them. “This is one of the most appropriate steps we have

now taken as punishment for those who haven’t filed. “We are also going on enlightenment campaigns in electronic and print media as well as appointing revenue agents to go round and advise these companies to comply. “We are going to make a publication and give the defaulters the last chance to file their returns, and if they fail to respond we will delist them. “Delisting here doesn’t mean they are going forever. Some of them can go to court to say they are still in existence. “If the court agrees with them, then they are required to update their records with the commission and pay the

penalty fees before returning to business,” he said. Section 370 to Section 378 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA, 1990 provides for the filing of annual returns by companies and prescribe penalties for default. The law requires every registered company to file its first annual return 18 months after registration, and not later than 42 days after holding its annual general meeting for the year. CAC currently charges between N1,000 and N5,000 as filing fees for annual returns, depending on the size of the company, while default attracts a penalty CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

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L-R: Member, Monetary Policy Committee, CBN, Mr Dayo Salami; Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mrs. Ene Essien Lore; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Otunba Debola Osibogun; Forum Chairman, Mr ibidapo Obe and former President of CIBN, Chief Olaoye Jaiyeola, during the 9th Annual Banking and Financial Conference of CIBN in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Head of Research, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr James Anenih; NACA Director General, Prof John Idoko and Deputy Director, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos State, Dr Oliver Ezechi, during Roundtable on HIV/AIDS Pre-exposure Prophilaxis Demonstration Study in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Representative of Secretary, National Planning Commission, Mr Samuel Eloho (left) and Programme Analyst, Demography and Statistics, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr Daslie Dasogor, during a stakeholders meeting on National Taskforce for Partners in Population and Development on South-South Cooperation, in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Operation Director, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, Mr. Doyin Ashiru; Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa and Human Resource Director, Mr. Tominiyi Oni, during the company’s celebration of 1000 days without Lost-Time Accident, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

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CBN advises states to adopt Treasury Single Account

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday advised state governments to adopt the Federal Government’s system of using a single account for all its revenue deposits. Head, Client Services, Mr Kure Abubakar, gave the advise while presenting a paper on “Understanding Treasury Single Account, TSA,”at the close of a two-day workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Act in Abuja. The workshop, which began on Tuesday, was organised for government revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. He said the TSA, if adopted by states, could help them get maximum benefits. Abubakar while an-

swering questions from participants urged the MDAs to comply with the Federal Government’s directive and adhere to the Sept. 15 deadline to avoid sanctions. On the sidelines of the workshop, he told newsmen that some MDAs had complied and that if others failed to comply, they stood the risk of being sanctioned by the president. “There are sanctions and the directive says all erring MDAs will be penalised and that is enough because that is the type of political will we need. “If you don’t comply the consequence is yours. I cannot say specific penalties but I believe the president has

the authority to penalise either the Managing Director or Chief Executive of such MDA. “So those that refuse to comply are on their own or they should show reason to the government why they cannot comply,” he said. He also said MDAs that require a waiver could do so by making a presentation to the president stating why such should be granted. World Bank Lead Economist and Programme Leader for Nigeria, Mr. Khurima Nthara, while commending the Federal Government on the TSA implementation, said it had been tested in other countries and it had been effective. He said the concept

would help government to reduce borrowing because it would enable it have a more consolidated view of the cash that it has at hand. “I think the TSA has got a very simple concept. You want the government to have a good view of all the cash that it has in one single account. “You don’t want the situation that one department or ministry has funds lying idle in one commercial bank when another is in need of those cash and the government has to borrow to make sure that the other ministry or department has access to funds. “So the concept of the TSA is that all funds should be consolidated

so that whichever agency is in need of cash at the moment should have access to those funds,” he said. One of the participants, Mr Ibeh Benneth said the workshop had helped him to understand how the Fiscal Responsibility Act works and how to go about the TSA remittance. He further said the workshop gave him a better understanding of the importance of the TSA to the nation and that it would ensure transparency in governance. “I know I have been hearing of TSA but confronting it very closely was good. “We have discussed it extensively in our organisation but we did not know how to go about it.

“But now we have an idea and even though we had previously gotten an exemption letter, it is obvious that letter will not work, we have to start the process afresh. “We saw the TSA as a directive that government just wants to be seen to be doing something but now I know that it is with good intentions,” he said.

CBN Gov, Emefiele

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

Lagos midnight fire kills family of 4, grandma, 2 others FRANCIS SUBERU

awanson in Surulere area of Lagos State was yesterday thrown into mourning when a three-week-old baby, his siblings, parents, maternal grandmother and two others were burnt to death in a midnight fire that engulfed a building at 21, Michael Ogun Street. Some of the victims as identified by their neighbours, are Nkiru, the wife; Kelechi, the husband and their son, Favour. Our correspondent gathered from people on the street where the incident happened that the family lived in a room and parlour self-contain apartment. They said the fire outbreak was noticed around 11p.m., but could not ascertain what caused the inferno. When our correspondent visited the scene, it was learnt that efforts by the victims to escape the inferno proved abortive as the body of the grandmother and the three-week-old baby were discovered at the entrance, while the body of the parents and other victims were sighted clustered together at the corner of the room. It was learnt that the fire was curtailed by officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, after residents notified them. Residents were sighted wailing over the fate that befell the family.

The family was scheduled to leave for their hometown yesterday for their baby’s dedication. Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe confirmed the incident. “It was a tragedy. A family of five persons, father, mother, grandmother, a baby and a girl were consumed by fire at No. 21 Michael Ogun Street, Obele, Lawanson. A man who slept under a truck was also unknowingly crushed at Sari Iganmu in the midnight,” he said via text messages. Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has warned residents against storing inflammable materials in their homes or garages, urging them to put off candles and lanterns whenever they are going to bed. The governor expressed worry over increasing cases of fire incidents across the state in recent times, which has led to loss of lives and property. He lamented that most of the fire incidents were caused by power outages, particularly at night as a result of high voltage supply from Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, Governor Ambode said he was deeply worried about the avoidable incidences which have negatively impacting

NNPC signs new oil swap with foreign companies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

has reiterated that the Federal Government will not kill the corporation as being suggested by some Nigerians. Kachikwu however said the corporation would build more refineries in country. Speaking with journalists in Kaduna yesterday, during a visit to Kaduna Refinery and Patrol chemical Company Limited, KRPC, Kachikwu said government was also doing everything possible to ensure that they brought an end to vandalism of oil pipelines across the country. He said the era of vandalising pipelines will soon be a thing of the past in Nigeria. He said the manage-

ment is working with security agencies to put a stop to pipelines vandalism. His words: “We need to begin to look at building new refineries in the same land space where they can share facilities so that you will have something to lean on when these old ones are beginning to kick out. “We are doing quite a lot with security as you are aware; we are working with the security forces to enhance the Warri to Kaduna points.” The GMD, who was taken round the oil facilities by KRPC management, said getting the refinery to function efficiently would require new business and commercial module.

on the social economic activities and lives of Lagosians. The statement said: “The state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, therefore urges Lagosians to be vigilant particularly at night, when they go to bed, and ensure they switch off all electrical appliances, such as plugs, sockets, adaptors, changeover switch etc, to prevent fire outbreak aris-

ing from power surge, in case PHCN restores power. “The governor also advised that they should take steps to rectify electrical problems that could cause fire. Avoid joining of cables and naked wires in homes. “Avoid the use extension cords as recommended and don’t overload them. Do not place power cords under rugs or coil them up while in use. Make sure all the out-

lets used by your appliances are grounded regularly “Always check ground fault circuit interrupters. Never cut or alter a plug in order to fix into an electrical outlet and ensure that all electrical apparatus are switched off at the close of work in offices or when leaving home for work. People must also ensure that electrical sockets are not overloaded.”

The governor enjoined Lagosians to be safety conscious, as well as educate their young ones on all safety measures in order to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of fire in the state. He reminded Lagosians to take advantage of the state emergency lines 767 and 112, which is toll free, to contact relevant agencies of the state should the need arise.

General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, acknowledging cheers from the crowd as he arrives the venue of Lagos City-Wide Crusade at Ketu, yesterday.

Annual returns: CAC to de-list 50, 000 companies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

fee of N100 per day. Meanwhile, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, yesterday confirmed 304 capital market operators with valid status and 188 others with incomplete registration. To facilitate the smooth implementation of the new minimum capital requirements for the operators, the

Capital Market Committee, CMC, set up a panel, comprising SEC, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON and other capital market trade groups. A notice at the SEC’s website advised investing public and public compa-

nies to verify the compliance status of their preferred operators, saying that any operator that fails to comply with the September 30, 2015 deadline will cease to operate in the Nigerian capital market. It however added that the current list may change because some operators are in the process of injecting additional capital, seeking

reduction or reclassification of functions as well as undergoing mergers and acquisitions. The apex capital market regulator, which has insisted on September 30 this year as recapitalisation deadline, said affected operators would only have to apply for fresh registration to operate in the Nigerian capital market.

There was no election in Rivers –Military OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ilitary authority yesterday told the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja that the governorship election did not actually hold in the state on April 11, 2015. When the matter came up for hearing, Captain Garba Sani who testified on behalf of the military told the Justice Suleman Ambrosa-led tribunal that violence marred the electioneering process and that officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were rescued by military operatives from the claws of political thugs,

who entangled them. He admitted that he led the military team that was deployed in the state to maintain law and order. The appearance of the military at the tribunal to give evidence followed a subpoena issued against the Chief of Army Staff by the tribunal at the instance of the two petitioners. Led in evidence by Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, counsel to APC and its governorship candidate Dr Dakuku Peterside, the witness confirmed arresting some of the armed thugs and handed them over to the police for further actions. “We arrived at Tai Local

Government on April 10 to ascertain the level of security but we encountered thugs, over 200 in a particular place and some of them carrying machetes about. “I was able to arrest one of them with his cutlass and handed him over to police who came in an operational truck. There were a lot of road blocks mounted by thugs and as we are clearing one, the hoodlums were erecting in other places. “Specifically, we had serious crisis in Nonwa Community on the election day, some of the thugs came up and disrupted the electioneering processes. They carted away some election materials.

“In the process of curtailing them, one Corporal by name Jelili was injured and we had to take him to hospital. We rescued some INEC officials from the claws of the thugs and we moved them to INEC office at the local government headquarters. “Along the line, we saw a patrol van of Civil Defence operatives who stopped us and told us how they arrested some policemen and thugs thumb printing ballot papers and we handed them over at a police station. “In some places, there were attempts to conduct elections but I did not see any particular place where election took place,” he said.

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NJC queries judge over demand for Aregbesola’s impeachment Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

ational Judicial Council, NJC, may have queried Justice Oloyede Olamide Folahanmi of Osun State judicial division, sequel to a petition to the council

by a group called Coalition of Civil Societies. The query, it was learnt, was signed by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and the judge was asked to reply within 14 days. Justice Oloyede has been subject of controversies since writing a petition to Osun

State House of Assembly requesting immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings against Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori, for alleged mismanagement of the state’s resources. A committee set up by the assembly to look into the petition, however, dismissed it for

abandonment and lack of evidence against the respondent. Apparently miffed by action of the judge, Osun Civil Societies Coalition subsequently petitioned the NJC, accusing the judge of overstepping her limit by writing a petition to the House of Assembly, demanding probe and impeachment of the

governor and his deputy for breaching the constitution in their conducts. The petition was signed by the Coalition Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal,

Nigeria deserves UN Security Council seat –Osinbajo Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

L-R: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Kachikwu; Executive Director, Services, Kaduna Refining and Petro-Chemical Company (KRPC), Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, and Managing Director, KRPC, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, during the Group Managing Director’s visit to the company in Kaduna, Yesterday.

Navy redeploys 28 Rear Admirals, 33 Commodores Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

igerian Navy yesterday announced the redeployment of 61 of its flag officers comprising 28 Rear Admirals and 33 Commodores. This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja, through its Director of Information, DINFO, Commodore Kabir Aliyu. The redeployment as approved by Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Aliyu said, affected Rear Admiral S.U. Chinweuba, formerly Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Lagos, who is now to resume as Chief of Naval Engineering, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral P.A. Agba, formerly Chief of Logistics, now Chief of Naval Transformation. Rear Admiral J.A. Ajani, who was also affected, has been moved from Defence Headquarters to Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre as Admiral Superintendent, while Rear Admiral S.I. Alade, formerly Chief of Naval Transformation, was moved to National Defence

College as Commandant. “Furthermore, Rear Admiral A.A. Dacosta moves from Defence Headquarters to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Admiral K.B. Ati-John is now Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral B.A. Egbedina moves to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Administration from Naval Training Command, where he was Flag Officer Commanding, while Rear Admiral M.M. Salami resumes as Director of Policy, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral O.C. Medani, formerly Chief of Training and Operations, is now Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Rear Admiral G.A. Anyankpele, formerly Chief of Administration, is now Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral H.H. Babalola, former Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, is now Chief of Training and Operations at Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral E.G. Ofik resumes as Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command. “The redeployment also

affected Rear Admiral A.L. Akintola, who is now Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos. Rear Admiral J.K.Z. Ango, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, resumes as Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral J.D. Michika resumes at Defence Headquarters as Director of Logistics. Rear Admiral J.O. Okojie, formerly Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot, moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans. Similarly, Rear Admiral J.O. Oluwole resumes as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Navy Holdings Limited and Rear Admiral A.A. Osinowo moves from Defence Headquarters to Naval Training Command as Flag Officer Commanding. Rear Admiral A.S. Abdulkadir is now Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command. “Additionally, Rear Admiral R.O. Osondu, formerly Admiral Superintendent, Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, is now Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, while Rear Admiral A.O. Odeh, formerly

Managing Director, Naval Engineering Services Limited, resumes at Naval Shipyard Limited as Admiral Superintendent. Rear Admiral U.E. Essien resumes at Naval Headquarters as Director of Operations from Defence Headquarters, while Rear Admiral S.O. Paul resumes as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot. Rear Admiral A.O. Suleiman, formerly Chief Staff Officer at Naval Training Command is now Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa. “Other senior officers affected include Rear Admiral B.E.E. Ibe-Enwo, Deputy Commandant, AFCSC Jaji; Rear Admiral S.A.G. Abbah, Director of Logistics, Defence Intelligence Agency; Rear Admiral T. Dick, Director of Training, Defence Headquarters and Rear Admiral D.O. Ajatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele,” the DINFO said. He further stressed that the redeployed senior officers were expected to resume in their new units third week of September 2015.

and was forwarded to NJC on July 28, 2015, along with a page verifying affidavit requesting for investigation of the judge’s impropriety allegations against the governor.

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday advocated a permanent membership status for Nigeria in the United Nations Security Council. According to Osinbajo, Nigeria deserves the seat considering its population, economy and contributions to international peace-keeping. The vice president spoke while delivering a keynote address at the Africa launch of Global Commission Report, Confronting the Crisis of Global Governance at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. Osinbajo said Nigeria fully shared the views expressed in the report, that the United Nations’ Security Council should be expanded, including calls for restraint in the use of veto by the five permanent members of the council. According to him, since

Africa is the only continent without a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, Nigeria has the strongest profile to represent Africa and therefore balance the membership composition of the council. Speaking on the issue of good governance, the vice president said the crisis of global governance has deeply contributed to insecurity, corruption, injustice, insurgency, violent extremism, terrorism, piracy, cyber-crime, underdevelopment, climate change fears, among many other vices. According to Osinbajo, the way out of the crisis in Africa was for the leaders to treat their people not as mere statistics, but with the respect and human dignity they deserves. He noted that good governance was the solution to the challenges confronting the world which he said, can only be realised by a determined and visionary leader, with the active cooperation of all segments of the society.

Lagos Airport records another stowaway attempt Olusegun Koiki

urtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday morning recorded another stowaway attempt on board a Med-View Airline aircraft to Accra, Ghana. A source close to the airside of the airport confided in our correspondent that the stowaway man in his 20s successfully hid himself in the tyre compartment of the aircraft, which was ready for taxiing from the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos, to the international wing in preparation for the Accra route of the airline. The source added that few minutes before taxiing, the pilot went round the aircraft for last inspection and discovered the man inside the wheel-well of the aircraft. The pilot immediately raised the alarm and called the attention of the security officials at the airport who immediately swung into ac-

tion, arrested the man and handed him to the Police Station at the domestic airport. The suspect allegedly confessed that he had been hiding around the airport for two weeks, trying to achieve his purpose of travelling out of the country by all means. He confessed during investigation that he attempted to stowaway out of desperation to leave the country for another one in search of greener pasture. When asked how he managed to find his way into the tyre compartment of the aircraft, he declared that he jumped through the fence that demarcated the Very Important Person, VIP, lounge from the tarmac where the plane was waiting for clearance for take-off. When our correspondent contacted an officer from the airport police, he declined to comment on the issue, but when pressed further, confirmed the report on phone with our correspondent.

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Med-View Airline begins direct flights to Jeddah, plans London route

Blind man bags 5 years jail for selling marijuana

Olusegun Koiki

ne of the leading indigenous airlines in Nigeria, Med-View, has commenced direct scheduled flight operations to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Our correspondent also gathered that the airline would commence direct daily flights to Heathrow, London, before end of this year. With the commencement of operations, it became the first Nigerian airline after the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, to fly the route. A statement by the airline’s consultant stated that the direct flight operations started on Sunday, Septem-

Bankole, MD, Med-View Airline

ber 6, 2015. The statement added that for now, the airline would operate four flights a week to the country as approved by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority, CAA. It emphasised that the flights were routed through Lagos-Abuja-Jeddah and Lagos-Kano-Jeddah.

Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said commencement of the flight operation coincided with the 2015 Hajj airlift to accommodate international passengers, who are not going on the platform of the various states’ pilgrims’ welfare boards and other passengers not on the exercise. He added that the flights would run throughout summer period, adding that Saudi Civil Aviation Authorities had also approved the winter schedule for four direct flights a week. Bankole assured that the airline was also committed to service the routes hitherto granted it by the Federal Government, which included London, Dubai, Dakar, Accra, Monrovia, Libreville

and Douala, among others. He explained that the airline had continued to maintain its over 10 years track record of hitch-free operation in airlifting pilgrims. It would be recalled that Bankole had in 2014 told journalists that the airline would commence operation to Saudi Arabia before end of 2015 to reciprocate the Bilateral Air Services Agreements, BASA, between the two countries. Bankole said the flight was sequel to obtaining necessary licences and approvals to operate four flights into Jeddah and Dubai weekly. Med-View airline airlifted pilgrims from SouthWest, South-South, SouthEast and Borno state.

Wale Igbintade Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday sentenced a 21-yearold man, Nura Abdullahi, to five years imprisonment for unlawfully dealing in 62 kilogrammes of marijuana. The convict was said to have become blind while in the prison custody, since his arrest on March 19, 2013. Justice Mohammed Yunusa sentenced the convict after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, prosecution led by Mr. J. I. Aernan, tendered the confessional statement and exhibits. Abdullahi, who was only arraigned on September 3, on one-count of unlawful possession of marijuana, had promptly pleaded guilty to the offence. The prosecutor informed the court that the convict was arrested with 62 kilogrammes of marijuana on March 19, 2013, at Ezewanta Motor Park, Ijora, Lagos

State. He said the offence contravened Section 11 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. “We most humbly urge my lord to convict the accused person based on his own confessional statement coupled with the evidence adduced before the court,” Aernan prayed. Justice Yunusa in his judgement said he was convinced the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and pronounced the convict guilty as charged. The accused, in his brief allucutus, urged the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing him. He claimed that he was a first offender, and that he had had bitter experiences while in prison custody, which included loss of his sight. Justice Yunusa sentenced Abdullahi to five years in prison, to start running from the day he was first arrested.

Ekiti Assembly approves N19bn govt bailout loans Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

E L-R: Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi and Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Barrister Ekpo Nta, during a Capacity Building Workshop on Transparency and Accountability for Speakers and Members of Houses of Assembly for States in South West geo-political zone at ICPC headquarters, yesterday. Photo: Osun Assembly

Ondo Poly yet to reinstate sacked workers Ojo Oyewamide Akure

anagement of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, is yet to obey the Appeal Court’s judgment that reinstated some workers of the institution sacked more than two years ago. Akure division of the appellate court had on June 26 ordered the reinstatement of 15 of the 32 affected workers after two years of legal battle. Delivering judgment on the appeal filed by the workers’ lawyer, Femi

Falana, SAN, the court said 15 of them were wrongfully sacked. It was learnt that the institution had received the court order but is yet to recall the effected workers because its Governing Council had been dissolved by the state government. A source also ascribed the development to the fact that the institution has no substantive Rector, since Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA. A lawyer from Femi

Falana Chambers, Adedotun Osobu, lamented the delay in obeying the court judgment and recall the workers. Osobu, who said the court would have to force the polytechnic to comply with its decision, cautioned the institution to stop giving excuses, noting that the judgement was delivered before the board members were sacked in August this year. He said: “Our clients have been denied employment for so long. So, you can imagine the economic hardship they

have been going through. We are in a democratic era where all arms of government ought to be respected. “The executive arm which the polytechnic belongs ought to respect the judiciary which has given the judgement. The school authority has no right to neglect the court order. The court would use its power to force them to obedience.” Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Polytechnic, Samuel Ojo, declined to comment on the issue when contacted on phone.

kiti State House of Assembly has passed two resolutions giving approval to the state government to access about N19.6 billion loans under the Federal Government bailout funds and from the Excess Crude Account, ECA. The approval was consequent upon two letters written by the governor requesting the Assembly’s consent to access the loans. A breakdown of the loans showed that the state would access N10bn from Access Bank payable in 10 years at nine per cent repayment arrangement and another N9.6bn from Skye Bank payable in 20 years at the same interest rate of nine per cent. Earlier, Speaker Kola Oluwawole had read the governor’s letters requesting the lawmakers’ permission to partake in the ECA loan, as well as the Federal Government Bailout Package for the Payment of Back-log Arrears of Workers’ Salaries. Oluwawole, who said the term, bailout, was not in tandem with the conditions of the package, opined that any assistance on payment of

outstanding workers’ salary should not attract interest. House Leader, Akinyele Olatunji, had called for speedy consideration of the requests, saying that granting government access to the loans would guarantee a better prospect of paying outstanding workers’ salaries inherited from the former administration. Olatunji stressed that the loan would also enhance delivery of dividends of democracy to the people. According to him, access to the loan would enable the present administration to provide basic infrastructure and social amenities to the people. Supporting the view, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan (Ikole I); the Deputy Speaker, Hon Segun Adewumi; and Mr. Dele Fajemileyin (Gbonyin) said the current financial challenges facing the state would be significantly addressed when government accessed the loans. Hon Owolabi-Akerele Titilayo (Ikole II) described as worrisome the plight of civil servants that were owed two months salaries apart from other allowances by the immediate past administration.

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

Daniel Conrad Taiwo monument on Broad Street. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Daniel Conrad Taiwo: 18th century Lagos Island business icon

djacent to the demolished Bank of Industry, BOI, building and directly opposite the old African Church Cathedral, Bethel on Broad Street Lagos Island lays conspicuously the bed on which the 18th century legendary merchant, Daniel Conrad Taiwo, has been having his ‘sleep’ since 1901. Why is he so revered and renowned even century after his demise? Broad Street Diary, BSD, gathered that this business icon was noted for his business acumen and gross sense of magnanimity to Lagos residents and his natives the Aworis in his time. A critical look at one of the buildings owned by the late Business icon behind his graveyard on Broad Street speaks volume of his generosity as you find all and sundry taking their shelter and resting there after the day’s hard work all at no hidden charges in an environment where even to urinate will costs you money. Some people even have their luggage kept in one corner of the living room while mothers and their wards were lying down on the marts to take a nap. This is atypical of a highly costly environment such as Broad Street where every space is quickly converted to make money through rent by landlords. Why this is not so even among the descendants of Chief Daniel Conrad, we gathered, is because of the need to maintain the philanthropic nature and way of life of the late business tycoon. Born in 1781, he hailed from Isheri Olofin in Ogun State and was a man of many sides business wise until he died in 1901 having spent 120 years on earth. On enquiry, BSD gathered from two of his 4th generation descendants, Mr.Gbadebo Odushemowo Taiwo and Oladipo Sunny Taiwo on what they know about the life of their fore father. Gbadebo in his response stated that his fore father was very rich, hence; he was fondly called Taiwo Olowo meaning “Taiwo the richman” by his peers because of his huge wealth. His words; “They called him Taiwo Olowo because of his wealth and art of generosity. He started his lines of business as a farmer, but along the West Coast, he met some Europeans who introduced him to brewing business and sales of cloths at that time. The type of clothing material he was dealing on was known as Velvet and his favorite colour was green, hence, what informed our choice of green colour as his descendants even till date. If you look around the midst of his descendants green colour is so popular because it is one of the things we all inherited from him.” He asserted that, although, he was not formerly educated, but due to his constant interaction with the Europeans, he learnt English language enough to make him highly successful in business. “Our forefather was not educated, but

Taiwo’s monument

he was enlightened through business dealings with the Europeans, hence, he was a formidable force to reckon with during his time” On why he was so successful in business and very rich, he said Conrad was a man of different sides business wise. “He became very successful because there were many sides of him in business. For example, he was first a farmer, he later engaged in brewing business, he later traded in Velvet cloths and at the same time ventured into the infamous 18th century slave trade along the West Coast, more importantly he was a loyal and liberal soul. He was a committed giver and this attracted many people to him which in turn made him very famous among his peers” On his affinity with royalty at Isheri Olofin now located between Lagos and Ogun State respectively, his great, great ground son affirmed that he was indeed a king at Isheri till he died. “He was a king at Isheri Olofin till he died having been summoned by the kingmakers of the town and on enquiry with confirmation from the Ifa Oracle as Yoruba culture demands.” He pointed out that Isheri Olofin is

now located both in Lagos and Ogun State which equally suggests that the king’s domain or jurisdiction is in both aforementioned states. ‘’Isheri Olofin by geographical location is now found in both Ogun and Lagos state respectively. There is a part of Isheri currently on Ogun State soil while the other side is on Lagos State territory, but all is still being governed by one king. According to him this also provides the descendants the platform to aspire to be king in Isheri when the need arises. Late Daniel Conrad was described as a stinkingly rich merchant who purchased virtually half of Oko Faji area of Lagos Island and out of generosity gave some part of the land out for free, particularly to the Aworis who were his kinsmen. “Look at the Church opposite us here (referring to the African Church Cathedral Bethel) he gave the land to the church at no cost such was the kind of big heart of my forefather he reiterated” He stated that all the structures behind his graveyard and the Iga now Iga Taiwo Olowo Street are owned by him and have been bequeathed to his offspring” However, typical of a traditional African man, he got married to about 16

wives with many children who were mostly girls. When asked about the relationship that exists among his descendants after his demise. Mr. Oladipo Sunny Taiwo one of his 4th generation descendants noted that they were still one big family till date. ‘’ We are still very united as a family. We the descendants hold meetings once in every month deliberate on issues regarding his estate, we all have our fare share of his properties, so there is no need to fight.” While corroborating this, Gbadebo stated that their forefather did not die interstate as he had shared all his belongings to his descendants despite the level of illiteracy and lackadaisical attitude of Africans to the issue of will at that time, hence, no room for rancour among his family members. ‘’ He had shared all his properties accordingly before he died. We are his 4th generation descendants, yet, we still benefit from the proceeds of his labour years after his death. There is absolutely no need to squabble over his properties as every one of us has his own share”. –Omoju Busayo

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LASU IRPM graduates tasked on creativity, job creation Victor Udoh

agos State University has bid farewell to its students of the Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, external system 2013/2014 set, with a call on them to brace up and follow their dreams. Stressing that the future was very bright, the school urged the graduates not to be daunted by the harsh economic situation and lack of jobs, but to be creative and harness all they were taught during the programme, their talent and skills to blossom in whatever endeavour they find to do. They were also urged not to wait for white-collar jobs but to create jobs so they could be self-sufficient and able to cater for their families, and impact on the society. Programme officer, Dr Mike Aremo, who represented Head of IRPM Department, Akanji Bankole, disclosed these during a valedictory and awards presentation ceremony organised by the graduands. Aremo, who described the former students as one of the best IRPM sets ever,

charged them to strive hard to better themselves; that as human resource managers they could fit anywhere, and expressed unconditional support of the institution. A lecturer, Pastor Ayo Salako, urged the students to value relationships made during their programme “because you will need them in future.” Head, Organising Committee, Yusuf Adekunle Shonekan, who decried problems faced during the programme, however, thanked God for making it turn out a success. He said the five to six years spent on the programme had fully equipped the students to be all-round successes. A member of the committee, Patience Uwemedimo, was also grateful to God for finishing her programme successfully. “We didn’t expect we’d get this far, but God did it. We started together, over 200 of us, but now we are barely 150 here. Some died, others dropped by the way.” She described LASU as a “different and very great school.” Highpoints of the event included the cutting of cake and presentation of plaques to lecturers and student awardees.

Aregbesola pledges to pay workers’ salary before Sallah Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said he shared the pains of workers in the state over their unpaid salaries and promised to pay them before Sallah festival. Aregbesola made the pledge while addressing workers and other stakeholders in Osogbo. He said the storm was over as the state has started a new era of development, progress, transformation and lasting peace. “By the grace of God, the state will come up again; we will pay workers their salaries before Sallah celebration. Our government is committed to workers’ welfare. “We will also like to implore workers to join government in its effort to block channels of leakages. It will be of great help

to government and the people if you turn yourselves to whistle-blowers by reporting any act or persons doing anything that will affect the state,” the governor said. He expressed appreciation for what he called workers’ commitment to his administration’s dream of transforming the state, commending “their high sense of understanding and commitment by identifying with us during the hard times.”

Dare Akogun

South West

Thursday, September 10, 2015

ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has created a Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate to further strengthen the agency’s capacity in robust food safety regulatory activities. Director General, Dr. Paul

Court remands man over rape, infecting minor with HIV

n Abeokuta Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday remanded a 29-year-old man, Morufu Sofoluwe, in prison custody for allegedly raping his nineyear-old neighbour’s daughter and infecting her with human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, told

the court that the offence was committed at IsaleAbetu in Abeokuta in July. Eigbejiale said the accused person lured the victim, whose parents were his neighbor, into his room and had carnal knowledge of her. “The nine-year-old girl, who had been sick for a while, was taken to hospi-

tal on August 28, some tests were carried out and results indicated that she had contracted HIV. “After questioning, the victim later told her parents that the accused raped her. The accused had also been diagnosed of HIV,” the prosecutor said, adding that the offence contravenes Section 218 of the

Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006. The court did not take a plea from the accused. Chief Magistrate Anthony Araba ordered that the accused be remanded in Oba Prison pending advice from Director of Public Prosecution. Araba adjourned the case till October. 30.

L-R:Lagos State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Henry Ajomale; Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District,Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Leader,APC Lagos Central Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, during the 15th Edition of Lagos State Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Ambode to fast-track completion of Lekki Trade Zone Francis Suberu

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has vowed to ensure speedy completion of ongoing development of Lekki Free Trade Zone that requires multi-billion-dollar investments. Chatting with journalists yesterday after inspection tour of the zone, Ambode said his administration would provide all incentives required to hasten the development of the 16,000-hectare FTZ, adding that inputs from the zone was needed to

boost economic prosperity of the country. He said, “I came here to see the level of development going on here. The Free Trade Zone is a major catalyst for the development of Lagos State. It was started during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and continued by my predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. “I have come here to give my commitment that we would follow up this project because it is going to be a major catalyst to the economy of this particular zone as well as the economy

of Nigeria. Whatever it is that we need to do together alongside with the community, we have gotten their commitment that we would join hands together to move this project forward.” The governor said his administration will also look at the Lekki seaport, which has been idle for about nine years and ensure it is revamped, stressing that there was no way the FTZ can function effectively without the seaport. He promised his administration will look into the matter of the seaport and make sure the port was ac-

tivated and construction begins with immediate effect. “I also want to assure the people here that the issue of electricity will be looked at. It is surprising that some communities here do not have electricity in the last five years. In the next four weeks, something must happen. “It is totally unacceptable and we would make sure that we bring succour to our people. That is why we are in government and that is what they have told us we should do and that is what we will do everyday in this administration,” the governor said.

NAFDAC advocates food safety awareness Orhii, disclosed this at the maiden National Food Safety Week celebration yesterday in Lagos. The event tagged ‘How Safe is Your Food? From Farm to plate, make food safe,’ according to Orhii, is aimed at preventing, reducing, detecting and reporting food safety issues and also

strengthen the National Food Control System. He said, “The objective of the Maiden Food Safety Week is to improve food safety through public awareness campaigns and encourage consumers to ensure the food on their plate is safe by asking questions, checking food labels and following hygienic

tips. “Food safety is of growing concern in all parts of the world, including Nigeria. Safe food supplies support national economies, trade and tourism, contribute to food and nutrition security and underpin sustainable development. “The growing pressure of

demand on food production, handling and distribution systems could contribute to potentially serious food quality and safety problems. Unsafe food poses global threat, endangering everyone from children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable.”

South East

Umahi tasks council bosses on N1.8bn stolen funds Aliuna Godwin Abakaliki

bonyi State Governor Dave Umahi yesterday charged new 13 local government caretaker chairmen to recover over N1.8 billion stolen funds by former chairmen of the various local government councils. Umahi made the charge while addressing the caretaker chairmen at AkanuIbiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki. He further ordered them to ensure total recovery of all stolen vehicles, among other properties belonging to local government areas, that was taken away by the former chairmen. The governor noted that the purpose for appointing caretaker chairmen was because he deemed it necessary to forgive those who fought against him during the last general election. “Our promise to our people is to carry everybody along and that topmost of my promise is to provide stomach infrastructure, road and electricity development to the people who voted us into power,” he said. He charged the caretaker chairmen to embark on agricultural development, but revealed that in one year of his administration, he would ensure that all local government areas in the state have 10-kilometre asphalted roads, including

other meaningful developments to enhance the lives of the people in rural communities. Umahi declared no work, no pay policy to workers who did not go to work as a result of the seven days strike embarked on by workers in the state, stressing that a register would be made available for those who come to work to put down their names, and that only those who come to work would be qualified to receive salary. He stated his readiness to increase salaries of workers in the state, noting that junior workers should have more benefit, adding that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and that running of local government will not be business as usual. The governor further presented certificates and staff of office to seven traditional rulers that made up the 13 local government areas of the state and charged them to assist the state government to ensure there is peace and order in their respective communities. In a remark, one of the caretaker chairmen, Mr Anselm Anigwe of Izzi Local Government Area pledged their commitment to uphold the vision of the governor to the people in rural areas. He assured of their readiness to put in their best to ensure that incessant strikes was prevented in local government areas.

MASSOB threatens war if… Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

eaders of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday warned the Federal Government to have a rethink on the current arrest of its members. The group advised the government to channel its effort towards bringing peace in Boko Haram-ravaged North-East. Addressing journalists in Enugu, chairman of the group in Enugu West senatorial zone, Chief Edwin Iloagu, said they were not a violent organisation, stressing that they had always witnessed unprovoked attack from security agencies. Iloagu warned that if anything happened to their leader, Chief Ralph Uwazu-

like, the country would not know peace. He called for the immediate release of their members arrested by the police. The MASSOB leader wondered why unarmed and non-violent group, who were agitating for freedom by peaceful means, according to the United Nations guidelines, would be oppressed for violating no known law in Nigeria. He regretted that the same security agencies could not address the issue of Boko Haram, who is killing thousands of innocent Nigerians. He said: “Instead of President Buhari to concern himself with finding ways to address the fundamental issue that has continued to divide Nigeria and heal the wound of the civil war, he is now championing another war.”

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Abandoned confab centre: Ugwuanyi shocked at vandalisation Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

nugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has expressed shock and sadness over deplorable condition of the abandoned multi-billion naira Enugu International Conference Centre. The project, which was started by former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 2003, was later abandoned by former governor of the state, Sullivan Chime. Although Nnamani’s administration had sunk

over N2 billion into the project, Chime’s government showed lack of interest, which had reached 80 per cent completion. Besides, a good portion of the ICC complex was parceled out to private developers, a situation that drew the ire of Enugu residents. However, speaking when he was conducted round the three conference units of the centre by Mr. Kenneth Onoh, Ugwuanyi assured that his administration would ensure the objectives for which the centre was established would be duly realised.

When the governor arrived at the centre located behind the famous Michael Okpara Square, rescue work was in progress as bulldozers and other heavy machineries were seen clearing the premises overgrown by grass and trees, aimed at safeguarding the complex from further vandalisation. The governor in a remark noted that the Conference Centre was in the heart of Enugu City, and can attract prospective investors and make the state a choice investment destination for all. He ordered that the wall

of the centre be painted and the dilapidated fence be remolded to prevent further vandalisation. Earlier, the governor paid an unscheduled visit to Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, to get first hand information on how to give the station a face-lift. Ugwuanyi, who was led by Managing Director of ESBS, Mr Jika Ato, expressed dissatisfaction over management of the station. He noted that the service signal of the station was not getting to remote villages, especially in Nsukka.

Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi (middle); new Commissioner of Police in the state, Peace Abdallah (fourth right) and other officials, during the commissioner’s courtesy visit to the governor in Abakaliki, on Tuesday.

Francis Ekpone Onitsha

nambra State House of Assembly has passed a motion urging Governor Willie Obiano to direct the Ministry of Health and other agencies to provide emergency ambulances at strategic junctions and locations throughout the state. The motion, which was moved by member representing Aguata 1 constituency, Ikechukwu Umeh, received overwhelming support from members, who argued that there was need for such ambulances as it would help provide on the spot first aid assistance to victims of accidents and reduce the number of deaths, especially in these ember months. The motion also urged

Assembly urges Obiano to provide emergency ambulances the governor to direct the Ministries of Health and Transport to provide adequate professional manpower for effective utilisation of the ambulances. While supporting the motion, Uche Okafor (APGA-Ayamelum) argued that, “there is efficiency and effectiveness of governance in Europe because they decentralise governance and have ambulances in strategic places,” which, according to him, help to create jobs for the citizenry. Speaker of the House, Rita Maduagwu (APGANnewi South 2) while passing the motion, also urged philanthropists and transporters in the state to

assist government in that regard by donating ambulances to save lives. Similarly, the House also passed a motion urging Obiano to direct Head of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to encourage and ensure steadfast programmes towards literacy campaign in the state. The legislature passed the resolution after deliberating on a motion moved by Mr. Uche Okafor, representing Ayamelum Constituency, and seconded by Ikem Uzoezie, representing Aguata 2 constituency on the floor of the House in Awka, Anambra State. In the motion, Okafor and others aligned them-

selves with the report of UNESCO Global Monitoring Report on Education for all, which states that there are many children out of school around the world, mostly in Africa. “Celebrations of International Literacy Day had included specific themes in line with education for all. “And we are aware that Governor Willie Obiano has done well in ensuring that no child should be out of school during school hours through its awareness programmes, he has also done well in the area of empowering youths through its empowerment programmes,” he said.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

o the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Governor Abubakar Sani Bello-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration in Niger state has just attained 100 days in office, but it is yet to takeoff and therefore, nothing to use as parameters to assess it. At the moment, just as it is at the national level, the administration has not yet appointed commissioners to head the various ministries; the governor is administering the affairs of the state with permanent secretaries inherited from the immediate past administration of former Governor Muazu Bababgida Aliyu. Not even Special Advisers, SAs have been appointed and this has in a way seriously affected government activities in the state. The only appointments made by Governor Bello were those of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chief of Staff, CoS, Head of Service, HoS and media aides of both the governor and his deputy, Alhaji Ketso. Briefing journalists in Minna, the Niger State capital the state PDP deputy chairman, Barrister Tanko Beji, noted that the present development in the state is a pointer to the fact that the APC government was not ready for the task of governance. He said: “There is nothing on ground to show that the APC government had started in Niger State when asked to assess the performance of the APC government so far. There is nothing, therefore our take is that the government, by all implications is yet to take off. “What has it done that is worth commenting on? Apart from the inaugural address by the governor, has anything taken place? The administration has no defined focus, no agenda. So let us wait for them to start something before we can talk about assessing them.” Commenting on the APC administration, especially, at the national level, a Minna-based political analyst, Alhaji Shuaibu Badeggi, appluaded President Muhammadu Buhari for the efforts his administration has made to bring the country back to the path of sanity. Badeggi said: “The reorganisation of the armed forces and the police through the appointment of Service Chiefs has boosted the security situation in the country. The Boko Haram sect, which has been a threat to the country, has now been caged.” The political analysts also opined that stability has also returned to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, that was before now, a conduit pipe for defrauding the country with the appointment of a seasoned technocrat as NNPC boss. “President Buhari ‘is slowly and steadily winning the race of governance in the country.” It would be recalled the state House of Assembly, last

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Politics

100 days: APC govt yet to function in Niger –Stakeholders PRISCILLA DENNIS reports that stakeholders in Niger State believe that the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration in Niger State has yet to take off.

Abubakar

At the moment, just as it is at the national

level, the administration has not yet appointed commissioners to head the various ministries

month, directed the administration of Bello to probe the immediate past PDP administration in the state. Hon. Mohammed A. Haruna, representing Bida II state constituency stirred the hornet’s nest, when he urged his colleagues on the floor of the state House of Assembly to direct the state governor to as a matter of urgency, set up a commission of inquiry to “investigate the fraudulent manner” the immediate past administration of Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu conducted the affairs of the state in the past eight years. Though, many argued that such move was needless, since the incumbent governor has already initiated the process of addressing the issue of official misdemeanor by the immediate past administration. Governor Bello had constituted three committees to look into the many challenges his administration is being confronted and draw up an agenda of development. The committees include that of rationalisation which is expected to scale down the number of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, merging those whose functions are duplicated; there is also the committee on infrastructure, which is expected to take stock of all the projects embarked upon by the immediate past government and look at their stages of completion, while that of finance will look into the income and expenditure of the state. Reacting to this development, Niger State PDP deputy chairman, Beji, while briefing journalists, stated that his party is not scared of probing the immediate past Aliyu administration by the incumbent administration. He said: “It is okay to assert but, if you assert, you must prove. As far as we are concerned, those are mere allegations until they are so proved. The issue of probe is a vicious circle. But, be mindful that, this administration will also be held accountable, when it leaves office. So, they can go ahead and we are waiting to see the outcome.” But, will the executive ever consider the resolution of the Assembly as regarding probing the PDP government? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Nigerlites waited with bated breath for the promised dividends of democracy from the APC-led administration.

No struggle for APC BoT chairmanship –Tinubu IPAC affirms election of Bashir Yusuf Tinubu, who was accom- cascade into mistakes of ... says it was free, fair and credible R F panied by former Interim unimaginable magnitude. otimi

ABUJA

adeyi

leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu yesterday said that there was no struggle for the position of chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, in the party. Speaking with State House Correspondents after he met President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu said that APC was looking beyond power struggle at how to support the President to succeed.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, explained that APC is interested in helping Buhari to realise his vision for a new Nigeria. While speaking on the delay in the appointment of ministers, Tinubu said that it was better for Buhari to take time to put together his cabinet than for him to rush and make mistakes. He said: “There is pitfall in rushing, quick fix, depending upon the depth of the rot and that rush can

There is equally glory and recovery in slowness, when you have a slow fix of a bad foundation. So to me, I would rather take the one that will last the country and endure for a longer period of time than the rush hour shopping.” Reacting to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accusation that Buhari was running a dictatorial government, Tinubu said there was nothing dictatorial about the decisions that the President had taken so far.

Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

xecutive Committee of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, yesterday affirmed that Malam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, as IPAC chairman, saying that the election was free, fair and credible. IPAC Publicity Secretary, Chief Dike Ogbuenyi, told newsmen in Abuja that those returned were given certif-

icates of return, jointly issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and IPAC election committee on July 31. Ogbuenyi clarified that since the election of July 24, no other IPAC election took place, adding that report of another IPAC election which returned Mr Peter Ameh as chairman is false as no such election took place. He further explained that IPAC election com-

mittee was constituted on June 23 by the IPAC general assembly which is made up of representative of Nigeria’s 29 political parties. He said: “INEC is to supervise IPAC elections, according to the IPAC Code of Conduct 2013. “This should put to rest media reports of an IPAC faction as the IPAC general assembly is firmly behind its new executive committee, under Malam Ibrahim.

Politics

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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100 days: Understanding Bindow’s for change in Adamawa

damawa State Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow might earn plaudits for initiating massive infrastructural provisions, ever undertaken by any chief executive of the state within 100 days in office. Within the first 53 days of Governor Bindow’s administration in office, he awarded 23 road projects covering over 300 kilometre in the state. Some of these roads are expected to be commissioned in October. But it is not only in the area of roads infrastructure, that the administration has made its change mantra, a reality, within this time. It however extended its tentacles to other sectors, with rehabilitation and upgrade of health facilities across the state while the hospitality and tourism sectors were also paid attention. The health sector in the state, is also receiving its deserved attention with the award of a multi billion naira contracts to TEC Engineering Consortium to upgrade and equip four general hospitals in the state, one in each of the three senatorial districts with Numan general hospital, being the addition. While in the hospitality and tourism sector, work is at advanced stage to revive the moribund Yola International Hotel, the government has coughed out an estimated N1.7 billion to get the flagship leisure resort owned by the state back into operations, after ten years in the limbo, following its winding down in 2005. The government within its first 100 days, has also committed itself to addressing the plight of farmers in getting fertilizer, just as it said it has earmarked N3.5 billion for the supply of 30,000 metric tonnes of the farm input, which is to be resold to farmers at subsidized rate. This, the government said, would help to cushion the spiraling cost of the commodity, given current market price of N6,200 a bag the commodity is sold for in the state.

The urgency of change The enormity of the projects being undertaken by the Bindow administration within this past 100 days has no doubt put a huge strain on state resources. The evidence is perhaps, made obvious when the executive requested for approval of the state legislature to secure additional N19 billion in loans to fund developmental projects already embarked upon by the administration. Part of the money it plans to borrow will also be used to offset salary arrears and allowances owed its workers. Analyst have estimated the capital outlay required by the Bindow administration to fund ongoing projects by the administration, within its first 100 days in office, at a little over over N30 billion, something they described as being very ambitious for a state government with quarterly earnings of less than N20 billion, even if statutory transfers are factored into its revenues. But the state government through the Chief of Staff, CoS, Government House, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abba Jimeta, has said the mere sight of bulldozers everywhere should explain to everyone the great task before the new administration. He noted that given the state’s history of neglect and maladministration which resulted in lethargic state of disrepair of critical infrastructure, absence of roads and other social amenities, the administration needs not make any excuse because the people wouldn’t accept it. He explained that the infrastructural gaps and neglect of social services by past administration thus required urgent actions by the Bindow administration, else the new administration which rode to power on the premise of effecting social change, risk facing public discontent. But, if the feat recorded by the administration in settling the one month salaries owed workers, upon assumption of office, is being considered as perfunctory, then the administration has not disappointed in its resolve to bring about change in the state.

LIVINUS MENEDI explains the rationale behind Adamawa State Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow’s urgency need for change in the North Eastern state.

The enormity of the projects being undertaken by the

Bindow administration within this past 100 days has no doubt put a huge strain on state resources

He said there is now a heightened clamour by more communities in the state for consideration in the roads infrastructural development agenda set by the government, adding that the request underscores the fact that its policy has struck the right chord.

Hurdles

Bindow

Since, the government claimed it met an empty treasury, which made her to borrow N2.3 billion from a commercial bank; the state government was already indebted to the tune of N12.7 billion, before it could fulfill its obligation of paying wages. Nevertheless, the administration’s effort at infrastructural provisions which has seen contracts for repair and construction of township and rural roads, appears may have been borne out of the urgency to effect change in the socio-economic life of the people. Efforts the government has since defended, as being propelled by the need to bridge the gaps of parlous infrastructural, following calls from opposition elements, on the new administration not to further plunge the state into another round of debts. Hope has now risen, that some of the government’s interventions in the areas of roads construction is likely to impact positively on agricultural production. The government’s collaboration with multinational funding agency, will see over 341 kilometers of new rural roads accesses, opened to farmers through, the phase two programme of the Rural Access and Mobility Project, RAMP-2, funded by the world Bank and French Development agency. But the project, which is to cost $50 million, according to Jimeta, wouldn’t have been feasible without the keen political will by the governor, to pay $3.2 million counterpart funding required for enrollment into the programme. Adamawa State deputy governor, Hon. Martins Babale, who represented his principal to inspect some of the ongoing roads construction projects in the state, described the project as proceeding at amazing pace while equally noting that government interventions in the area of roads construction and repairs had started to elicit positive response from residents in the state.

No one in Adamawa State is now in doubt, after the sights of bulldozers dotting many street corners, that the Bindow administration is out to bridge the infrastructural deficit of the state, which the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Works, Mr. Yakubu Ngbale, concurred with. He said, the administration’s agenda for infrastructural development of the state in its early life, clearly demonstrated the governor’s concern about the socio economic development of the state since it came on board. Assessing Governor Bindow’s administration 100 day in office, it is clear civil servants in the state may not be among the administration’s praise singers, and even that is glaring, because despite assurances by the government to settle outstanding allowances, such as leave and transport grant, it is yet to materialise. The crux of the disenchantment has to do, especially, with the settlement of the backlog of leave, transport grant and arrears of salaries owed some local government employees and employees of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency, PHCDA, and several years of accumulated and unpaid allowances to the workforce in the state. There’s also the angst by a section of the population, who in the past have benefitted from social welfare programmes where funds were channeled to cronies, for doing nothing, but which the new administration has said it would no longer continue. The welfarist programme which the government scrapped and replaced with a N500 million SME fund, had made it impossible for political hangers-on, miscreants and the indolent to be rewarded with monthly stipends under the popular Special Assistant Scheme, responsible for billions in state resources being used for political patronage. The scheme was a vague reward system for political associates and cronies of past administration to be placed on monthly allowances, even for doing nothing. Yet the government’s replacement for the scheme, which is curiously been awaited by youths in the state with bated breath is still yet to come on stream despite its launch two months back. The government had announced its roll out of a N500 million Small and Medium Enterprise, SME, support fund, during the last Sallah festivities, in June, where the government said youths could access credits ranging between N30,000 and

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urgency N50,000 to carry out any enterprise of their choice. The paradigm shift the government noted in this new social change agenda is meant to encourage enterprise and at the same time address youth unemployment, which it said had been allowed to spike, but, however, now requires urgent public policy action to redress. It is also to the credit of the administration, that as soon as it came into office, it set up a fact finding committee to assess the level of damage wrought by the insurgency, with part of the terms of reference to the committee, to cost and suggest the amount needed to fix broken down infrastructure in affected communities, so that government can be well guided in its effort of restoring normalcy, in the affected areas. The committee, headed by the permanent secretary, political, Mr. Ibrahim, noted that a minimum of N21 billion, is needed to fix broken infrastructures destroyed in the insurgency ravaged communities which spanned 7 local government council of the state. The government therefore, in its compassionate disposition to plight of the victims of the Boko Haram sect and in order to restore normal economic activities in the affected areas announced its plans to set up a N5 billion support funds, as its own response to the report of the fact finding committee it commissioned on the economic impact of Boko Haram on the state. There’s an urgency by the Bindow administration at least within the last three months of its existence, given its favorable disposition, to want to address the myriad of challenges besetting the state, and has in the process, bitten more than it can chew. Perhaps with even more greater danger, going by the immense pressure the new administration has unwittingly created for itself to deliver, and walk its talk. Many have also lampooned the government’s uncoordinated response to several policy pronouncements, at the whims and caprices of state officials, especially the recent wild public denouncement that followed statement credited to the CoS that N200 million was meant to accommodate prayer warriors and imams, saddled with the task of interceding on behalf of the state, for the quick return of peace, following the onslaught of insurgency in the region. These, sadly, made mockery of the government and exposed it as one which came into office without a plan. With that altercations, already jolting the government into clarifying and delineating duties of key administration officials, it has since become poised to deliver dividends of democracy, moreso as the administration also within this time also constituted the state executive council after 21 new commissioners were sworn in. For Governor Bindow, the past 100 days have been marked by good and lofty intentions. But in an era of biting economic crunch only priority needs can be implemented. This the administration, within the last 100 days, has come to appreciate, perhaps, as developmental plans meant to bring change to the beleaguered state, further steeps the state into debt. Battling with a bouquet of policy intentions meant to fast track the socio-economic renaissance of the state, the governor had requested the state legislators to approve N19 billion loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The request addressed to the Speaker of the state Assembly, dated September 1, asked the lawmakers to pass a resolution authorizing the state government to access a total of N19 billion to enable the state fund developmental projects and also offset salary arrears and allowances of staff. Therefore, with the development, civil servants, who appeared to have been left out of the change agenda may soon have their faces brimming once again with joy, because N7.25 billion out of the loan the state government, is seeking to access from the CBN, will be used to offset salary arrears and allowances of staff.

Bauchi: Governor Abubakar’s 100 days and politics of change EZEKIEL TITUS takes a look at 100 days in office of Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State.

hen Governor Mohammed Abubakar took the mantle of governance on May29, there were lots of expectations, especially with the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on whose platform he won the number one seat in Bauchi State. People expected to see him, at least in his first 100 days, to have started the salvaging process of the rots and decay the state has find itself in, owing to the supposed misrule of his predecessor, Isa Yaguda of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The expectations became heightened following Abubakar’s boast at the famous Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa Stadium, during the historic inauguration of the APC administration, of his genuine determination to rescue the people from the shackles of poverty. The governor then lamented that the APC administration inherited about N125 billion debts from the Yuguda administration, promising to trace looted funds, government properties and lands. And appearing to be faithful to his words, the governor recovered several government vehicles, properties and traced an aircraft belonging to the state to far away Morocco, through assets recovery committee. According to Abubakar, his government in its bid to meet the people’s expectations, has done a lot in revamping agriculture in the area of fertilizer procurement, Yankari game reserve, as well as creating better working environment for civil servants through labour relationship with Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its 100 days in office. The state APC government is boasting that its 100 days in office is only a milestone that has rekindle the hope of Bauchi workers as government had paid their outstanding salaries incurred from the misrule of PDP government, saying the state is yet to receive President Muhammadu Buhari’s bailout funds, explaining that the Federal Ministry of Finance had written to Zenith Bank in that regards and that soon Bauchi State will receive the money. Abubakar in his 100 days in office address, stressed that within 100 days in office the administration had commissioned various projects as well as paid N160 million as counterpart funding to eradicate polio. Among the giant strides of the APC administration, according to the governor, is the resuscitation of patient feeding, fuelling generating plants in all the hospitals, procurement of essential drugs worth N87 million among others, assuring that the administration had since inception prioritised the health sector towards eradication of diseases through affordable health services delivery It is also of note, that in its 100 days in office, the governor is alleged to have borrowed N4 billion without the approval of the State Executive Council, SEC and the state House of Assembly, an allegation the governor has kept mute on, even as it is drawing outrage from all quarters. While the APC government is happy with its achievements in its first 100 days in office, it could be recalled that the Chairman, National Congress of Democrats and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Dogon Yaro Bibi, only scored the performance of Bauchi State Governor Abubakar in 100 days in office, as a poor, saying there was nothing tangible to show to the electorate. Bibi, who made the assessment recently in a chat with selected newsmen at his residence in Bauchi while commenting on the governor’s 100 days in office, alleged that the governor is using N80 million, through the of-

Abubakar

Within 100 days in office the administration had commissioned various projects as well as paid

N160 million as

counterpart funding to eradicate polio

fice of the Chief of Staff, CoS, to run the affairs of Government House, against his campaign promises that he will be accountable for every public funds he spent. He said: “This governor is the most travelling governor; very soon we will declare him missing because of his frequent travels.” He appealed to Bauchi State House of Assembly members to investigate and made public the N4 billion loan obtained by the state government and the recent state governor’s trip to Czech Republic. Pundits had said that APC has nothing to tender at 100 days in office since there is no machinery of government, with the non-appointment of commissioners and other political appointees in complimentary of the government to implements its blueprints, saying the governor may likely played the tunes of Yuguda for claiming to hunt for technocrats that finally prepared the whole PDP administration for failing the entire Bauchi people, thereby forcing them out of government. A stitch in time they say saves nine. Only time shall tell how well this government of change will live to its promises and fulfil the people’s expectations.

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‘Nigeria’s democracy hanging in the balance’ Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

he first Nigerian Bishop theologian, Prof. Dapo Asaju, yesterday said only religious environment can produce right leaders for the country, even as he warned that the nation’s democracy is hanging in the air. Asaju, who disclosed this while delivering a keynote address on the theme: ‘Religion and Democratic Sustainability in Nigeria’ at

the opening session of the 36th Annual Conference of Nigeria Association for the Study of Religions, NASR, held at Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, said honest leaders are hard to come by in the country, a development he said portends dangers for the country. According to him, inability of President Muhammed Buhari to form cabinet over three months of coming on board, said to have been caused by the search for people of im-

peccable character, tells much about the total neglect of religion as guiding principle in Nigeria’s democracy. He added: “Since the death of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe and Ahmadu Bello, have the tribes they represented been able to raise leaders that are generally acceptable to all? No. The absolute democracy the country imported from America and United Kingdom will spell doom for the country.

“Absolute democracy does not take care of Nigeria’s peculiarities, because before government came to being, the rulers of people, the Obas, Obis and Emirs used to consult the divine being before taking decisions. What we have today are rulers that are not of God.” The cleric also warned leaders in the country against global rebellion against God, especially among the western nations, stressing that the world powers are using

science and politics to attack religion. He however urged religious leaders in the country to partner government in the fight against corruption, stressing the need for convocation of Christians’, Muslims’ conference for best of minds from the two religions to sit and proffer solutions to the challenges facing the country. The national chairman of NASR, Dr. Musa Adeniyi, in his address, said the choice of OAU as the

host of the event was significant because the association was formed in the institution in December, 1975. In his remarks, former Nigeria’s ambassador to Cuba, Senator Bamgbetan Baju, who chaired the session, said the role of religion in sustenance of democracy cannot be over-emphasised and called on leaders in the country to use religion to foster unity among Nigerians and avoid using it to cause division among the people.

My experience as Senate President, interesting, challenging, says Saraki Ebere Ndukwu

L-R: Former Chairman, APC, Chief Bisi Akande; President Muhammadu Buhari and National Leader, All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, after an audience with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

Bayelsa guber: Baba Hammed to chair APC primaries Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has chosen Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed as chairman to lead the committee that will screen the 19 aspirants seeking the party’s gubernatorial ticket in the forthcoming Bayelsa State primary elections scheduled for September 19. While inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja, APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Olusegun Oni, assured that the screening of the aspirants will be free, fair and

transparent. Noting that Nigerians are now getting used to transparent primaries and that the party will continue to provide level playing field for all aspirants seeking the ticket of the party, Oni said: “We will continue to conduct transparent primaries in our party as part of our contribution to deepen democracy, so that others will begin to see the wisdom in doing that. “We have done that in Kogi successfully, and we have confidence in the ability of this team to do justice to all aspirants. “We are not screening

the aspirants to determine result, we are doing it to determine if all of them are qualified to contest and if they are, they will all contest, we would not discriminate against any aspirant.” Responding, chairman of the committee, Baba Ahmed, commended the party for trusting them with the job, assuring that the screening of the aspirants will be free, fair and transparent. He said: “The race to Bayelsa Government House starts today, the APC is a party that respects the views of Nigerians, the people of Bayelsa is yearning

for change. We would treat this responsibility with all the seriousness it deserves; we would submit the report on Friday morning.” The Bayelsa State Screening Committee also has arrister Awole Nwoko, who is to serve as the secretary. Other members of the committee include: Mrs. Kemi Olaleye, Hon Sunny Adamu, Hon Okon Eket, Hon Bashir Bolalowa, and Engr. Nonso Nnorom. The committee is expected to screen 19 out of the 20 aspirants who have obtained the nomination forms. One of the aspirants was reported to have died.

enate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday said that his experience since assumption of office three months ago has been both interesting and challenging. Saraki spoke while answering questions from reporters after his official tour of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the first of such tour to be embarked upon by any Senate President since 1992, when the National Assembly moved to its present location. He however said that the rewarding aspect of the job is the overwhelming support he has received from his colleagues, the management and staff of the National Assembly, Nigerians in general and the international community. He said: “Well, it is interesting, challenging but I think what is rewarding about it is the support from one’s colleagues, the management and the enthusiasm that you see going round with some of the staff of the National Assembly. Also, similar support from Nigerians from all walks of life and the international community”

He said the familiarization tour was to allow him and the principal officers of the Senate have on-thespot assessment of the environment so as to make for good understanding of issues and challenges being faced by both staff and management of the National Assembly. Saraki said: “The Assembly complex represents the image of the National Assembly, So, it is important for us to see what the issues are and have an understanding of the environment. Unless you go round and have a firsthand understanding, sometimes, it is difficult for you to understand what are the issues and challenges for all the staff, their conditions, productivity and all that. “By and large I think for an institution like this and over the many years of its existence as well as the number of staff, I think the maintenance is generally acceptable.” Urging the management to improve on what is on ground to protect and project a better image of the legislative institution, Saraki added: “I think, of course, there is still area of improvement here and there, considering the number of people here, people that are coming in and out.”

Oyo Ezendigbo backs creation of special courts for corruption cases Ayo Esan

aramount ruler, Ezendigbo, of the Igbos in Ibadan and Oyo State, Dr Alex Anozie, has backed the call for the creation of special courts for the trial of

corruption cases. In a release he issued and signed yesterday, Alozie said the creation of special courts to try corruption cases will ensure quick dispensation of justice. He said he supports the present drive to recover loot-

ed funds by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying in this regard “everything possible and lawful should be done to see that these monies be recovered back to the country’s coffer.” Urging the government to give suspects of corrupt

practices the opportunity to defend themselves, Alozie said that instead of sending them to jail, their names should be published in newspapers for Nigerians to know them and the amount they stole. He said anybody found

guilty of having looted the treasury should be banned from holding any public office again in their lifetime. Oyo Ezendigbo said he knows a lot of prominent Nigerians will be found culpable in corruption, hence he said a new law should be

promulgated where any Nigerian that gets involved in corruption cases or looting of the country’s resources must be send to life jail or minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment without option of fine, and all stolen monies and all his property confiscated.

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Buhari’s slanted appointments: Matters arising EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

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

t is to be recalled that before the last appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari, there had been outcry on the one sided nature of his administration’s way of doing things, which many see as a complete breach of the extant laws of the land. It was in reaction to this perceived discriminatory slant in Buhari’s appointment of some of his staff that southern political leaders, under the aegis of the Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly (SNPA), shouted in a very loud and unmistaken voice over what they described as selective and discriminatory appointments. The leaders drawn from all the three geo political zones in the southern part of the country, after its convention in Akure, On State capital, strongly criticized this unwarranted patronage by the President of a section of the country at the expense of others. The reaction of the presidency to this timely warning and advice was dished out by his Special Adviser on Me-

dia and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. Dismissing the advice as unoriginal, Mr. Adesina stated it was a “rehash of the same hackneyed phrases used by those in the opposition to government”. What a way to react to critical issues by informed elders and political activists overly interested in the future and stability of Nigeria! There have been numerous mixed reactions to what has been seen as a display of impunity and absence of regards to the feelings of undisguised patriots and corporate existence of the country. The government has been battling with all the instruments available to it to defend what looks indefensible. There have been all kinds of arguments, most of which are as flimsy as they come. One of such was that those being appointed are the personal staff of the president. This is laughable. All over the world, what constitutes personal staff is well known. The Comptroller General of Customs Service and that of Immigration Service cannot be seen as the President’s personal staff. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation cannot also be seen as the personal staff of the president. What about the systematic and deliberate dissolution of boards of federal government parastatals and the replacement of their chief executives with persons from the northern part of the country. Some have been done in clear violation of extant laws of the land. Asset Manage-

BUHARI

ADMINISTRATION’S MANNER OF APPOINTMENTS HAS OPENED A NEW AND UGLY

CHAPTER IN OUR NATION’S POLITICAL HISTORY ment Corporation of Nigeria (AMCOM) is a very good example. The law that establishes it empowers the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to nominate its chief executive for ratification by the Senate. This was ignored as the president was obviously anxious to satisfy his ego. There are already a number of cases in the court challenging this brazen infraction of the laws of the land. The only regret in this move at remedial measure is the epileptic nature of the nation’s court processes. It will have been interesting to know what the court sees in this negative political adventure in our body politics. But before anything tangible could come out of this, the matter would have been stale and overtaken by events. Buhari administration’s manner of appointments has opened a new and ugly chapter in our nation’s political history. It gives bad name to

partisan politics. It is a glorification of politics of winner takes all, unmindful of what the laws say and how the others feel about it. It is this type of practice that promotes ‘do or die’ politics. This is so because it is clear that supporters of candidates that lose will not only be persecuted, they will also be made total strangers in their own land. It is easy to attempt to rationalize any action no matter the level of violence it does to our collective psyche. Does it make sense to say that the President should appoint only people he has trust and confidence in? Honesty and integrity is not the exclusive property of any section of the country. There are good and bad men all over the world. There is no part of the country that should arrogate to itself the exclusive claim to honesty and integrity .Thus if the President is anxious to be fair to all and sundry and do justice to all parts of the country, it does not take him much to find men and women that suit his purpose. On the argument that Buhari is out to please those that supported him at the last election, I have not seen a position as naive as this. This is not the first time we have elected a president on party platforms, but this is obviously the first time there is a conscious and deliberate attempt by a president to act as if he is a sectional leader.

Nigerian athletics and the shame of Beijing 2015

he just-concluded International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2015 has come and gone amidst blaze of glory and pains of disappointment for different folks from diverse countries. While many countries could hold their heads up with pride for posting laudable performances, the same could not be said of Nigeria, which ended up without a single medal! A worse performance from even the mediocre achievement in the last edition. At the last edition of this competition held in Moscow in 2013, Nigeria also performed poorly, but the Golden girl, Blessing Okagbare, ensured the name of the country was at least put on the medal table with her silver and bronze medals (one each). But this year, not even Okagbare could salvage Nigeria. She reached the 100m final only to crumble when it mattered most. So Nigeria came home empty-handed after enormous waste of time and resources. The woeful performance of Nigeria came in sharp contrast to the achievements of other African countries: Kenya amassed a whopping six gold medals; Ethiopia won one gold and two silver medals. South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Uganda had their names on the medal table. And most shameful is that even tiny Eritrea had her name on the medal table! Development like this can only have one interpretation: Something is wrong somewhere! We have talented athletes in abundance, enough financial muscle to nurture them and put in place necessary facilities, and the masses that love sports. Why then

WE RARELY HAVE GOOD PREPARATION FOR ANY COMPETITION, HOPING

TO SUCCEED ON SHEER WILLPOWER do we fail perennially or at best post suboptimal performances in international sporting engagements? By some inexplicable genetic constitution and biological propensity, sporting activities like track and field events are black man’s game. That for instance explains why all those people who have held records in 100m dash since the start of the Olympics in 1896 have all been blacks (men and women) – right from the first sprint champion Tom Burke of the United States of America to the incumbent champion, Usain Bolt of Jamaica. What obtains in the sprint essentially holds true, to a lesser degree, in most of the other track and field events. If then sporting is the black man game, what should you expect of a country that boasts of the largest concentration of blacks in the world? Every analyst should be surprised with Nigeria’s woeful accomplishment in sports, in spite of her humongous potentials. Historically, our performances in the Olympics call for serious soul-searching. Nigeria has participated in virtually every summer Olympic Games since 1952. The only time she was missing was in the 1976 Montreal, which she boycotted. Nojeem Maiyegun won our first medal at the 1964 Tokyo games, bagging a bronze medal in

boxing in the light middleweight category. Altogether, Nigeria has hauled a meager 23 medals for her adventures in the past 61 years of participation at the Olympics. These comprise three gold, eight silver and 12 bronze medals. This medal profile was last updated at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. In the last edition held in London, our contingent returned home empty handed. It is absolutely saddening that the record of Jamaica at the last Olympics alone (four gold, four silver and four bronze) was better than Nigeria’s all time 61-year record at the games! Jamaica’s all time accumulations amounted to a whopping 67 medals – 17 gold, 30 silver and 20 bronzes. Yet the ratio of her population to Nigeria’s is just about 1: 60. Jamaica consisted mainly of descendants of people taken away from this same West Africa! Nigeria got her first medal in the International Amateur Athletic Federation organized-WAC through Ajayi Agbebaku, who bagged a bronze at the game held in Helsinki, Finland in 1983. From that time till the just concluded 2015 WAC, she has won only 8 medals comprising four silver and four bronzes. Not a single gold! Why is our performance this abysmal? The perennial problems of poor funding and inadequate preparations of the athletes have always blighted our sports administration and undermined our potentialities to excel. We don’t have enough funds to develop sports, but we have enough resources to waste on nu-

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

merous unprofitable and white elephants projects. As I am writing this piece, the 11th All African Games is taking place in Congo. As sure as death, Egypt and South Africa would seal the first two positions leaving the Giant of Africa to be struggling for the third position. We rarely have good preparation for any competition, hoping to succeed on sheer willpower. We also lack strategic planning to procure great performances which do not just happen but have to be planned for. Things have to change, and the most convenient point to beam the searchlight is on sporting administration in the country. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ketesco Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Dilemma over Europe’s illegal immigrants

urope has been in the eye of the aggravated storm of immigrant problems for some years now. This is notwithstanding the thousands of immigrants that perish as a result of the harshness of the Sahara Desert and the vicissitudes of crowded boats and the turbulence of the Mediterranean Sea, among other illegal choice routes of illegal migrants. At the last count, over 2000 migrants were said to have died trying to get into Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, Hungary or Turkey, et cetera in the past 12 months. They take off mostly from war- or strife-torn countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Desperation by some European Union nations to erect protective shields round their territories has scarcely saved the situation. Hungary, for example, ordered the closure of its border with Serbia and the construction of a four-metre high fence along the frontier to keep out migrants. The country is still battling with the influx of over 100,000 migrants this year alone. Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, the foremost dreamland for most migrants, recently backed police raids on the homes of illegal immigrants and promised a fresh crackdown on the illegal visitors. The country’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) said 641,000 people arrived in the United Kingdom last year.

Cameron reportedly ordered every minister in his government to step up efforts to tackle immigration, including access to benefits, housing and health services. Plans were afoot to ensure ‘foreign criminals’ booted out of Britain were tagged and tracked by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites; and that people in the UK illegally were deported first and only allowed to appeal against the decision after they must have left the UK in non-asylum cases. There were also concerns about the threat posed by low-skilled migrants taking jobs which could go to Britons. The migrant crisis has not only literally swept Europe off its feet, but has also generated suspicion and bad blood among EU nations at the receiving end. Italy recently threatened to issue visas to migrants to allow them travel to other EU countries ‘if no deal is struck’. In other words, Italy seemed set to unleash migrants like loose cannons on fellow EU nations should they fail to partake in sharing the migrants’ burden. Few months back, as the French port town of Calais battled with thousands of migrants, scourging them with persistent police harassment, razing their make-shift camps and warding off those of them insistent on crossing over to neighbouring Britain, Natacha Bouchart, the Mayor of Calais, said Britain was to blame for illegal immigrant

FOR AFRICAN NATIONS AND NIGERIA IN PARTICULAR, THEREFORE, LASTING RESPITE MIGHT ONLY BE FOUND IN THEIR READINESS TO PROVIDE QUALITY AND PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP problems on the French side of the British/French border. The Mayor accused the UK of lack of commitment to the “European project”. “We are suffering the consequences of the British government’s actions… They (migrants) want to go to England because they can expect better conditions on arrival there than anywhere else in Europe or even internationally… The UK is not really interested, since border controls take place on French soil… It (UK) provides no support to the city of Calais, nor to the local population, and it leaves the Mayor of Calais to manage the problem without financial assistance”, Bouchart lamented. The Calais Mayor stated in addition: “I will demand 50 million Euros for 15 years of economic losses. I am citing the figure 50 million. I could have said 10 or 20. But the true nature of the

ON THIS DAY

September 10, 1960

September 10, 2008

At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila became the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet. Abebe Bikila (August 7, 1932 – October 25, 1973) was a double Olympic marathon champion from Ethiopia, most famous for winning a marathon gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics while running with barefoot. A stadium in Addis Ababa was named in his honor.

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, described as the biggest scientific experiment in history, was powered up in Geneva, Switzerland. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and highest-energy particle accelerator. It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) from 1998 to 2008, with the aim of allowing physicists to test the predictions of different theories of particle physics and high-energy physics.

problem is that the English are ready to pay Eurotunnel 10 million Euros to ensure the security of their frontier. Calais is suffering in terms of its image, its tourism and consequently in economic terms”. Down here, unfortunately, arguments are being broached on how the classification of the fleeing immigrants as ‘refugees’ or ‘migrants’ elicit empathy or cruelty; and buck-passing on how what goes around comes around. It is the reckoning of many, for example, that most strife-torn nations now producing illegal migrants in droves were victims of America-led subversion, carried out with the support of Britain and other EU nations. The home truth remains, however, that growing global terrorism, war and restiveness are majorly fallouts of bad governance, mismanagement and injustice by political leaders, like the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, who visited Nigeria recently, did say. For African nations in general and Nigeria in particular, lasting respite might only be found in their readiness to provide quality and purposeful leadership that will engender peace, development and prosperity on the continent. African leaders should inspire hope of a better and greater future for their peoples, not desperation to flee from the shores of Africa.

September 10, 2014 The first Invictus Games took place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. The Invictus Games is an international Paralympic-style multi-sport event in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in sports, including Wheelchair basketball, Sitting volleyball and Indoor rowing. It is named after ‘invictus’, the Latin word for for “unconquered or undefeated”.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Education Today Suspension of university project, not political —Niger gov 21 Saidat Alausa

hursday, September 3rd, 2015 would remain indelible in the mind of Master Chisom Emeto, a 16-year-old student of Port-Harcourt International School, Rivers State. The day to him was not just like every other one. Although, the occasion was the Mike Okonkwo Annual lecture to mark the 70th birthday of the presiding pastor of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Chisom also turned out to be another celebrated personality at the event. This is because he is now the current best Nigerian student essay writer following his outstanding performance in this year’s edition of the national essay competition which was organised and sponsored by the renowned cleric. Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition has become an annual event with this year as the 12th in the series. Chisom’s journey to stardom however was not an easy one according to him. He, like every other 2,996 students who participated in the open and free competition nationwide wrote on “The Nigeria political class and the citizens’ quest for good governance” and “Age and efficiency in governance: The Nigeria’s case study.” While the former topic was for all the participating contestants for the preliminary stage, only seven who scaled through the stage participated in the later topic, from which an overall winner was produced. Interestingly, Chisom, who is the first born in the family of six children, reluctantly filed his entry as nothing suggested to him then that he could come up with a good essay, let alone the one that would win him a trophy. “Aside being an average student, I had participated in many essay competitions at local, state and national levels without getting far at every attempt. That alone was enough discouragement. And that was why I had no interest in taking

L-R: Second runner-up: Ihejirika Jonathan; Sponsor of the competition, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Winner, Emeto Chisom and 2nd prize winner, Asuquo Mirabel during the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Mike Okonkwo Annual Essay Competition in Lagos, last week.

How I emerged overall best —Winner of Mike Okonkwo Essay contest part in this essay contest when entries were declared open. But my mum encouraged me and insisted that I should make a trial by doing my best and leave the rest for God. And I thank God I yielded to the pressure, especially when my English teacher also spoke in support of my mother’s stand on the competition,” Chisom told National Mirror shortly after he collected his prize, which included a trophy, N100,000, plaque and a laptop. That was not all. His school was also presented with three sets of computers and printer for producing him. Chisom scored 73 per cent at the first stage while he scored 66 per cent to win the star prize. He told National Mirror that coming out with that score was like a Biblical Carmel trying to pass through an eye of a needle. “I did a lot of research on the subject matter on the internet. And this

‘NTI should play dominant roles in sustainable development goals’ 20

took a lot of my time and effort. So, I used to be very busy during the days by combining the school work with the essay work and other necessary engagements, and I still made use of most nights to read and study so as to be able to do well. It was indeed a serious issue and I thank God the efforts paid off,” he declared. Chisom who also, as a result of being the winner, enjoyed flight between Port Harcourt and Lagos as well as a two-night free hotel accommodation in a highbrow Lagos hotel alongside his coach also further revealed how difficult the second stage was for him. “I couldn’t compose myself for the first 30 minutes in the exam hall during the final stage. Unlike the first stage where we sent in our entries individually, all of us, the finalists, had to sit in the same hall to write the essay on the given topic. That alone came with its own fever.

Aside being an average student, I had participated in many essay competitions at local, state and national levels without getting far at every attempt. That alone was enough discouragement.

And honestly, I became nervous especially in the beginning when I looked round and discovered some of my fellow contestants were already asking for extra sheets of paper while I had still not exhausted my own. But something within me told me not to worry about that, that it was not how lengthy an essay is but the substance that it contains that really matter. “Even at that, I still didn’t know how I eventually came up with the winning script at the time of submission. That was why I was surprised when I was called on the

Why many Nigerian teachers lack ICT knowledge

phone three days after to inform me that I won the competition,” Chisom said. While appreciating his mother and his coach as well as every other person who contributed in one way or the other to the achievement, Chisom, who is aspiring to become a renowned petroleum engineer, however thanked Bishop Okonkwo for establishing the competition, saying it was very rewarding. He noted that his participation in the contest has made him not CONTINUE ON PAGE 23

FUNAAB to mentor Mountain Top, Chrisland universities

Education Today

Can you tell us some of the landmark achievements of the NTI under your watch? Well, talking about the achievements of the NTI, I think the time we have now will not allow us to be able to mention all those achievements. But one important thing I have to say is that when we came on board a few years ago, we tried our best to transform and reposition the institute and we have at least succeeded to a certain extent, in repositioning and transforming the institute such that we have introduced new programmes and strengthened the quality of the programmes we met on ground. We have introduced the Bachelor’s degree programme. And, we are proud that we have added to the quality of training of teachers in the country through the various transformations and repositioning that are taking place at the institute and through the introduction of other programmes and activities and also by enhancing and improving the quality of the programmes that we met on ground. We have done a lot. I also think we have imparted the teachers positively and we hope to continue to do our best within the period that we are going to be on board. How can the current administration leverage on the NTI’s national reach and capacity to galvanise change through quality education delivery? Yes, like I have said, we have done our best since we came on board. Even before the change regime that we are in, I think we had started at the NTI much earlier and what we are doing now is consolidating the change agenda that we brought in when we came in newly in the institute. And of course, like I have said, we have two major programmes that are conducted by the institute. These are upgrading and capacity building programmes. Either of the two programmes has brought in new activities, which we keep improving on. We are changing our game plans such that the training that we are conducting for teachers is now on all over the country. And again, we have made a lot of tracer studies. And, through our tracer studies, we have seen that a lot of impact has been made in the quality of teachers that we have in the country and also in the way in which our teaching is being done across all the states of Nigeria. We are doing a lot. Like I said, time will not permit me to bring out one by one, the issues we have brought in, and the changes we have made. I think one thing I have to mention is that we have brought in what we call, the “5-Point Targets” which we actually use to improve on what we are doing. Number one, is what we call strengthening quality assurance programme of the institute, through which we ensure that everything that is being done has quality. There is quality in what we have done, and in what we are doing. And, then, many experts and professionals ensure that our training programmes are conducted in the contexts of best standards and quality. We have succeeded a lot in these regards. The quality of the manuals we have produced and given to our students testifies to our insistence on quality. Then, the facilitators and lecturers that we engage to train our students meet our quality standards. We make sure we select the very best. And, if you consider the way we conduct and mark our examinations, there is quality in the entire process. All in all, we are doing better than what we met on ground. The second issue borders on enhancing and improving the quality of our programmes and activities. We have introduced new programmes in the area of upgrading. We have introduced the Bachelor’s degree programme and other programmes. Again, even the NCE programme that we met on ground, we have tried as much as possible to see to the possibility of introducing additional courses at least in the NCE level. Also, the PGD in Education programme is being done with same quality assurance just like in any other programmes that we do. We have also introduced many capacity-building programmmes. The Mathematics and Science teachers programme is there and enables us to train Science and Mathematics teachers. These teachers are trained in all states of Nigeria. The trainings are conducted in batches. There is improvement in the quality of Mathematics and Science teachers across the country. If you go round the country and assess the teachers we have trained, you will certainly see changes in terms of their quality and depth of knowledge. We have also introduced information and communications technology in the conduct of our programmes. We have established computer laboratories in all the states of Nigeria though there are a few states that are left. Our plan is to establish at least one laboratory in every state of Nigeria. These laboratories will not only be open to the teachers that we have

Thursday, September 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NTI should play dominant roles in sustainable development goals —DG Established in 1976 to among others, provide in-service education for teachers, using the Distance Learning System, the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Kaduna has attained a global reckoning, partnering international institutions, and providing a compelling model for compact, flexible, equal, and ICT-driven, open and distance learning upon which the institution was adjudged the most reputable teacher-education institution by distance learning mode. The Director General, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sherahu, spoke with MARCUS FATUNMOLE and UKAEGBU BLESSING in Abuja recently on the sidelines of an orientation programme organised for the institute’s 2015 candidates for the PGDE, BSc., and N.C.E. Excerpts: country. So we are the institution with the widest spread in the country. I do not think there is any educational institution in the country that has the kind of spread that the NTI has. And of course we are doing as much as we could. We have training programmes like the ones at this centre of the FCT. Any where you go, across the states of the country, you will meet our students having similar programmes that are taking place today. I do not think it will be easy to find an administration like the one we have at the NTI at the moment. So we are doing it as much as possible to ensure success. The last of the 5-Point Targets that I earlier mentioned is what we call adequate utilisation of the meager resources that we have at the institute. The limited resources that we have at the institute, we try to deploy them according to some stringent guidelines to ensure that due process and procedures are adhered to.

Ladan trained. But, as long as you are a teacher in the classroom, you will be able to use the facilities there. Once you can show your identity card you will be allowed to use these laboratories. These computer laboratories are equipped with modern computers - laptops and desktops. We have also provided generating sets and inverters where there is no public power supply, and the rest of that. They are functioning 24 hours in some of these states. Not that anyone has given us money, but it is through our personal contacts and efforts that we got the computers which are worth over N1 billion which we have used to establish the computer laboratories across Nigeria. A few states are remaining. We are going to establish them in due course. We are now making sure that everything about what we do in terms of running our programmes is done using the information and communications technology. Now candidates’ applications, registration, admission, and checking of results are done online. When we came on board, all of these were done manually. We have indeed embraced the use of ICT at the institute. The fourth one is what we call staff sourcing and training. We try to ensure that our staffers are adequately trained. And, we source the most experienced experts for our programmes. All the lecturers and facilitators that we employ are people of high integrity. They have a high level of expertise in their chosen fields. These are the ones we recruit and engage on both part-time and full-time basis. We also provide training for them. If you go to the institute now, we have many PhD holders that we had supported their training and those we had also sponsored their studies. There are so many of them, including the centre manager of the FCT. She just bagged her PHD recently. And there are so many of them that we had encouraged to further their studies. We also have many Masters Degrees holders and I want to tell you, many are professors all over the country. So, we make sure that we support what our workers do, whether part-time or full-time. And we make sure that we get the best that we can lay our hands on. This is working for us. If you go round now and assess the workers that are working for us, you will see that they are highly qualified people across the country. And you remember that our programmes are in every state of Nigeria. We have almost 500 centres across the

Could you tell us what the NTI’s Open and Distance Education is all about? There is the issue of lack of understanding of what the Open and Distance Education (ODE) can actually provide. The open and distance mode of education which the NTI is applying to run its own programmes is relatively a new method of education delivery which the advanced world are using to ensure that their citizens get quality education without any constraints. Education must be given to the citizens. This is the mode of education we are using and through that we have produced a great number of teachers many of whom would not have had the opportunity of receiving good education in the first place. In view of the fact that the NTI has been a stakeholder in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) what efforts is the NTI making towards adapting some of its strategies in order to cope with the challenges of the newly revised Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations? Yes, even when the issue of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was about to be endorsed, I think we who are, so to say, stakeholders in the management of the MDGs, were involved. We are now actually engaged in training teachers as I had rightly mentioned. I think we will try to make our point. The point is that the NTI should also be a part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme because the training that was expected to be conducted through the MDGs for teachers was not enough. Training of teachers should be a continuous exercise. It is not because the MDGs are winding up and the training of teachers should stop. No, no, no! In fact if there is anything that should be sustained, it is the training of teachers under the SDGs. It should be the number one item that must be sustained. So, we made that point and it was accepted and we believe that we should be among those that will be considered actually when the SDGs take off. And it is the same way with some changes or innovations and improvements that we continue to introduce in the training for teachers. Like I rightly mentioned, training like the ones we have done should not be a one-off thing. It should not be that you trained last year and you trained the year before. No. Like I said, every teacher should have the opportunity to be trained in terms of capacity building at least three times in a year. So there should be more funding for the MDGs. The funds were not much. They were so meager such that you would realize that you will be training about four thousand across the country.

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Suspension of university project, not political —Niger Gov Priscilla Dennis Minna

iger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the suspension of the newly established state university projects was not political but was to look for ways of sustaining, funding it and its desirability. He disclosed this during the inauguration of an 8-man committee Chaired by Hajiya Dije Bala to look into the projects. Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, the governor expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the proposed university, but he said his administration was concerned about how to sustain it. “The establishment of the Niger state University of Education should not be an Ego trip but should take into consideration the challenge of sustainable funding of its programme and projects in its entirety,” he stated. It would be recalled that

the immediate past administration led by former Governor Babangida Aliyu set up the university at the College of Education, Minna the state capital, following the approval it secured from the Nigeria University Commission (NUC). The governor urged the committee to determine the viability and sustainability of the university and report back to the state government. The members of the Committee were Rabi Yahaya, UB Ahmed, Ahmed Sadauki Abubakar, Prof. MAT Suleiman Mohammed Agwai, and Permanent secretary Education Shuaibu Adamu, as well as Aliyu Isah Ekkan as secretary and assistant secretary respectively. Responding, the Chairperson of the Committee Hajiya Dije Bala pledged the commitment of the committee to the task assigned it, while thanking the government for the confidence repose on them, which she said will not be betrayed.

Abuja, Ondo State top semi finalists’ table in Cowbellpedia quiz Tunbosun Ogundare

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ondo State have recorded the highest number of contestants who have qualified for the semi final in the ongoing maiden edition of the weekly Cowbellpedia TV Quiz showing on 14 stations across Nigeria. Three representatives each of the FCT and Ondo State have scaled the huddle to the semi final stage of the competition. Evans Owamoyo of Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi got the first ticket for Ondo State in the junior category of the competition, sponsored by Cowbell, produced by Promasidor Nigeria Limited. For the senior category, Ayodeji Akinkuowo of Adeyemi Demonstration Secondary School; and Titilayo Adewale-Fasoro (Hallmark Secondary School) have made the state proud to qualify for the next round. For the FCT, two of its students participating in the junior category of the competition have scaled the hurdle to the semi final and

Education Today

Thursday, September 10, 2015

one in the senior category. Munachi Earnest-Eze of Loyola Jesuit College; and Abdulmeez Yusuf of Nigerian Turkish International College; have already secured the semi final tickets. Meanwhile, Loyola Jesuit has also produced a student, Kamaldeen Raji, for the next round in the senior category. Ogun has recorded the highest number of losers this year unlike before when the state used to dominate. Five of its students participating in the competition have been evicted – three in the junior category and two in the senior category. Similarly, three representatives of Cross River State have been evicted from the competition. Meanwhile, Abuja is among the bad losers in the competition so far. Three of its students have been evicted. The TV stations showing the Cowbellpedia Quiz are: AIT Network, TVC Lagos, NTA Channel 10 Lagos, MITV, Ondo Television, NTA Ibadan, NTA Port Harcourt, ABS Onitsha, NTA Enugu, ITV Benin, NTA Kaduna, STB Jos, ITV Abuja, and Niger TV Minna.

Why many Nigerian teachers lack ICT knowledge —Don Tunbosun Ogundare

he Dean of School of Education, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Ibrahim Salawu has observed that the attitude of Nigerian teachers to information and communication technology (ICT) usage and the degree of possession of needed proficiencies that would guarantee the maximum usage of the innovation was low in the country. He made this observation in Lagos while delivering the 8th inaugural lecture of the institution last week. He spoke on “Educational technology in teacher education and distance learning: The facts, the puzzles and the remedies” with many high profile academics in attendance. According to him, experience has shown that a good number of teachers show resentment to the acceptability of ICT as part of the tools needed to enhance teaching in the 21st Century. Salawu, who is the professor of education at NOUN, noted that some of the teachers were skeptical of ICT not only because it was new but also for the fear of taking their jobs away from them. “Today, the use of live instructional television programmes in the school system in the country is very rare. “What we notice are pockets of usage of television related programmes in the

likes of video packages on video tapes and or compact discs at the nursery and primary schools, not as an integrational necessity but as a means of showcasing technology utilization to the desired parents,” he said. The don however added that the use of ICT at the primary and secondary levels had been prominent in private secondary schools than in public schools. He argued that despite the presence of such facilities in private schools, only few teachers use them as learning and teaching tools and in some cases the facilities are not used at all. Salawu said the development was contrary to expectation, adding that it remained one of the puzzles of concern. “I want to state that about 90 per cent of Nigeria public schools are still using chalkboard and textbooks in classroom activities and thus is because of the low level of ICT literacy possessed by teachers. “It is astonishing that inspite of the global embrace of e-examinations even for the conduct of esoteric courses like Medicine, Space Engineering/Aeronautic studies, the situation with us in Nigeria is still not encouraging. “One of the sure ways of dealing with the high rate of illiteracy, ignorance, poverty and ill-health in Nigeria still remains Open and Distance Learning driven with strong ICT. “The existence of little or none of

Salawu this technology in our schools today, coupled with poor teaching has been identified as one of the problems of the sector. He however advised teachers to acquire adequate skills on the subject matter form them to improve on their services as well as the quality of education. In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ado Tenebe who gave commended the lecturer for what he described as impactful lecture promised to put recommendations at the forum into use. Represented by his deputy in charge of academic, Prof. Patrick Eya, the vicechancellor restated NOUN’s commitment to mass quality university education for the citizens.

Covenant University partners firm on waste recycling Saidat Alausa

ovenant University, Ota, Ogun State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bel Papyrus Limited, a foremost recycling and waste management company in Nigeria. The MoU which covers the management of the university’s waste paper products is to take effect immediately, following the signing of the partnership documents. According to a statement by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo at the occasion,

Covenant University urgently required such collaboration to help drive its pursuit of the vision of becoming one of the ten topmost universities in the world by 2022. In his remarks, he enthused, “We are most delighted to commence this project, given the fact that we are the first institution that would be signing this MoU with Bel Papyrus Ltd.” He further expressed an interest of the university’s management to partner with the company in other areas like Organic Waste Management; noting that organic produce were usually

more expensive than their counterparts, implying a more rewarding investment opportunity for the university. In his remarks, the Registrar, Pastor Olamide Olusegun stated that the CU/Papyrus partnership was a great development which would increase the university’s momentum towards the attainment of its vision. In his remarks, the Personnel and Administrative Manager of Bel Papyrus, Mr. Olu Olanrewaju admitted that Covenant University would be the first educational institution they would be

A cross section of graduating students of Ostra Private Schools, Okota, Lagos, during the school’s 20th anniversary and prize giving ceremony, recently.

partnering with in Nigeria. He assured the university’s management that Bel Papyrus which is a subsidiary of Bolous Nigeria, is a company with great integrity and commitment to excellence and hard work and it would not jeopardise its relationship with the university through compromise of any form. Mr. Olanrewaju explained how excited he was to see the Covenant University campus, which he described as out of the Nigerian context. He enthused, “I have not been to this place before; I’m so moved by the environment.” Also present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Abioye; the Director, Financial Services, Pastor Adebayo Oladehinbo; the Pioneer Manager, Industry Partnership, Professor Oluwole Obembe; Chair, Covenant University Waste to Wealth Committee, Professor Kolawole Ajanaku and a member of the Committee, Dr. David Olukanni; a member of the Legal Team, Barr. Ayo Osayande.

Education Today

Topfaith Academy pledges quality Tunbosun Ogundare

opfaith Academy of Arts and Science (TAAS), Mkpatak in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated its commitment to uphold its reputation as a renowned institution that is delivering quality education for its categories of students. The Board of Governors of the academy, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham gave the assurance in a press release, reassuring students of the institution of placement in various leading universities of their choice abroad after completion of their programmes to study their dream courses. The academy according to him offers oneyear International University Foundation Programme (IUFP) and International Degree Foundation Programme (IDFP) as well as a two-year Cambridge A-Level course. These programmes, he said, qualify students for direct admission into leading universities overseas for a wide range of over 70 Arts, Technology and Science courses covering Management Studies, Medicine, Engineering, Computer/ICT, Aeronautic Technology, Law, Psychology, Accounting, Journalism/Media, International Relations/Development, Political Science, Theatre Arts, Tourism/Hospitality Management, Criminology, among other disciplines. He explained that students for IUFP and IDFP had the advantage of progressing to reputable affiliate universities and institutions abroad on completion of their course at Topfaith. Such universities in the United Kingdom according to him include Buckingham, Middlesex, Coventry, Wales, Kent, Essex, Sussex, Nottingham, Thames Valley, Bedfordshire, Herfordshire, Queen Mary and Rothampton universities; Waterloo and Vancouver Island Universities in Canada; University of Massachusetts and New York Institute of Technology in the USA; Edit Cowan University in Australia; University of Debrecen Medical School in Hungary; University of Nicosia and The European University in Cyprus; in addition to over 15 others. Also, the programme coordinator, Mr. Moses Udoudo gave further clarity, saying the institution made all its programmes affordable so as to bring the opportunities closer to as many Nigerians as possible without compromising quality.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Saidat Alausa

ederal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State is set to mentor two newly-approved private universities at becoming a force to be reckoned with, as citadels of learning. The institutions are, Mountain Top University and Chrisland University, both located in Ogun State. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, disclosed this while receiving officers of both institutions, who paid him courtesy visits to seek partnership with the university. The partnership is in terms of staff development, knowledge exchange, facilities sharing and other areas that would promote teaching, learning and research in line with the set standards by the National Universities Commission (NUC). While receiving the team from the Mountain Top University, a faith-based University, owned by the Mountain of Fire and Ministries (MFM), Prof. Oyewole, said that FUNAAB was delighted when it received a memo from the NUC, urging the institution to mentor MTU for a period of five years. The Vice-Chancellor reminisced on the establishment of FUNAAB on January 1, 1988, saying it sits on approximately

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FUNAAB to mentor Mountain Top, Chrisland universities

L-R:Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole; ViceChancellor, Mountain Top University, Ogun State, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi; Chairman Board of Trustee, Prof. Akintunde Obilade and MTU Legal Adviser, Barr. Yemisi Oaikhire during the MTU team visit to FUNAAB, recently. 10 hectares of land within a 12km radius. Commenting on the university’s staff strength, he said the university has a world-class agenda that bordered on the provision of visionary leadership, commitment to quality in whatever it does and sound funds management. The VC stressed further that the university was open to collaboration from within and outside the country, adding that the institution places emphasis

on the acquisition of skills and competencies in teaching, as well as engaging in quality and relevant research. He, however, charged the MTU team to prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would include their expectations, as well as define the extent of the collaboration between both Universities. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of MTU, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, who noted the visit was not his first time of coming to

FUNAAB, disclosed that he had earlier come as a resource staff to the Physical Sciences Department in 1994, and was glad that the campus was still developing. He stated that the vision of MTU was to be a dynamic centre of academic excellence in the liberal tradition for the production of top rated, morally sound graduates of distinction, who would be globally competitive for making outstanding impact on the Nigerian society as well as global development.

UAC reaffirms commitment to education devt

Tunbosun Ogundare

AC Nigeria Plc has reaffirmed its determination to contribute meaningfully to the development of education at all levels in the country. The Executive Director, Corporate Services of the company, Mr. Joe Dada made this commitment last Friday in Lagos at the closing ceremony of the company’s 2015 free holiday coaching organised for students in secondary schools in Lagos State. The lesson was held for seven weeks with students from both private and public schools participating.

Decrying the growing deterioration of the education sector in the country, Dada said UAC had been organising the free holiday coaching since 2008 as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives with a view to contributing its quota to the training of students and the development of education sector in general. He noted that no country could attain greatness without the provision of quality education to its citizenry, thus, the reason the company has taken it upon itself to embark not only on impacting of knowledge on students but also on the provision of infrastructures and educational materials for schools across the states of the federation.

However, the free weekend lessons, tagged: “UAC Good-ness League” was held at Lanre Awolokun Senior Secondary School, Gbagada and Newland Senior Secondary School, Ajegunle both in Lagos with each centre recorded an impressive turnout of students, majority of who are in the senior classes. They were taught such subjects as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Guidance and Counseling and Account. Dada, while thanking the Lagos State government for supporting the scheme, urged participating students to remain focus and take their studies very seriously so as to be able to realise their dreams and aspirations for life.

PAU alumni elect leaders

he Governing Council of the School of Media and Communication Alumni Association, Pan Atlantic University(PAU), Lagos has concluded plan to elect new leaders that will steer the affairs of the group for the next two years. Announcing the proposed election on behalf of the council, the electoral committee constituted for that purpose declared the following offices: Vice-President, Secretary and Public Relations Officer vacant, calling on interested and qualified members to contest. Mr. Anthony Okoeguale, an Internship and Alumni Relations Manager of the school in a release, stated that the election would hold on September 16, 2015 while interested contestants should file in their intents on or before that day.

L-R: Corporate Marketing Services Manager, UAC; Mr. Olaseni Fawehinmi, Principal, Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Abiodun Adams; Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC, Mr. Joseph Dada; first runner-up, Christoper Ekele, second runner-up, Deborah Ikhuoriah; Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, UAC, Mr. Abdul Bello and Managing Director, MDS Logistics, Mr. Solomon Aigbavboa, at the closing ceremony for the UAC Goodness League free weekend classes for SS2 and SS3 students in Lagos State, last week.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Restoring mandate of colleges of education

arely nine days before the exit of the last administration, the Federal Executive Council met on Wednesday the May 20, 2015 and approved the conversion of four federal Colleges of Education to Universities of Education. Though nothing else was done beyond the proclamation of the change in status, the seed of controversy and industrial unrest was inadvertently sown for the incoming government. The protests and threats following the reversion of the Colleges of Education to their original mandate were therefore not unexpected. Surprisingly however, the conversion received the endorsement of some notable Nigerians including a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission Professor Peter Okebukola who expressed pleasure at the development as it would eliminate “major challenges” faced by faculties of education in existing universities. Others, including Dr. Olusegun Omisore, an education consultant and Taiwo Hassan, coordinator of Education Rights Campaign organization believed that the upgrade is necessary to “fill the gap in the dearth of teachers in the country”. But I saw this conversion as part of the a covert plot to phase out the Colleges of Education in order to provide greater access to university education even at the detriment of the Colleges of Education. According to a former Minister of State Mr. Kenneth Gbagi, the Colleges of Education are no longer “fashionable”, because Nigerian youths no longer show interest. They believed that graduates from these new universities will be superior to the products of the Colleges of Education namely, the holders of the National Certificate of Education. But unfortunately, the proponents of this act failed to realise that the facilities in these institution would not have improved with a mere change in name. Neither would the quality of the lecturers nor candidates admitted. In reality, the graduates that would emerge from these institutions would not be different from the National Certificate of Education holders except of course, in name!

any institutions are opting out of the NCE training programme in favour of graduates The National Certificate of Education (NCE) is the minimum qualification required for teaching in the Universal Basic Education Scheme being operated by Nigeria. The mandate of the Colleges of Education is therefore to produce competent teachers for the basic education programme, namely the Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in order to lay a solid foundation for the rest of the educational sector. The Colleges of Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) established to ensure the quality of the products of the former together bare the unenviable burden of ensuring a steady flow of qualified teachers to meet the manpower needs of the UBE. Unfortunately it has suddenly become unfashionable for the Colleges of Education to train NCE teachers for the nation’s basic education programmes. Rather, most Colleges of Education in Nigeria today prefer to offer courses leading to degree programmes either directly or in affiliation with established universities rather than award the NCE. Regrettably, many of the nation’s appointed and elected leaders seem to agree with them and actually facilitate the transition without considering the consequences on the state of our education.

While Nigeria holds the record of the largest shortfall in primary school teachers worldwide, the institutions mandated to produce the additional teachers have continued to shrink in number. Many institutions are opting out of the NCE training programme in favour of graduates, being cheered on by the administrators of education at both the state and federal level. According to the last minister of education, mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, all 21 federal colleges of education in Nigeria currently offer degree programmes. Many state owned institutions are either offering degree programmes already or in the process of securing affiliation to existing universities in order to acquire the capability. Some state owned colleges of education have converted fully to degree awarding universities thus abdicating their responsibility to train teachers for the nation’s basic education programme. These are indicators of the lack of focus, confusion and total disarray that characterise the management of the educational sector in Nigeria today. According to the UNESCO country director, Nigeria continues to parade some of the worst education indices globally, including the highest number of out of school children and highest level of dropouts. Basic education, being the foundation and the chief determinant of the quality of the entire educational system of Nigeria require greater attention. The reversion and restoration of the new Universities of Education to their original designation and mandate is a welcome development. Restoring the mandate of all the Colleges of Education to train qualified NCE teachers for the basic education programme would reduce the deficit in the number of teachers in a very short time. A little tinkering with the training curriculum, delivery machinery and quality assurance mechanisms could produce significant improvement in quality of teachers in a very short time! Infrastructural expansion would then provide the necessary accommodation for additional pupils to reduce the number of out-of-school children; the momentum must be sustained!

Lagos harps on quality education Tunbosun Ogundare

T L-R: Director General, National Teacher Institute, Kaduna, Mr. Ladan, Dean, Post Graduate School, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Folorunsho Adu and Director, Learners’ Support Services, Prof. Nebath Langtang at the eight inaugural lecture of the university on “Educational technology in teacher education and distance learning: The facts, the puzzles and the remedies” held in Lagos, last week. PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

UNILORIN VC assures workers of promotion Saidat Alausa

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Kwara State Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has assured the university staff that the 2015 promotion exercise would be conducted and concluded on schedule despite seeming delay in the process. Prof. Ambali gave the assurance last Friday during the closing ceremony of the training programme for the university technologists. More than 80 Technologists I and II participated in the two-week programme. Speaking through the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Obafemi, the VC said

before the October 1st effective date for promotion the process will be completed. He urged member of staff to play their own part, saying promotion this year will be steady though the procedure will remain very thorough but faster. On the training, the VC said his administration is committed to career development of staff hence the need for training and re-training of staff, to increase productivity and efficiency. Earlier in his paper entitled, “Administrative Protocol”, the Registrar had called attention to critical sections of the new Condition of Service particularly the line of communication and university organogram.

he Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to high standards in the education sector, saying education is the major pillar of national development anywhere in the world. The Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo stated this at the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of the Lagos Book Expo organised by the Lagos State Television, stressing that the developed nations all over the world paid greater attention to their educational service delivery. The expo with theme “Information: Tool for development and advancement” served as a forum for publishers, booksellers, educationists, parents, students and all stakeholders in the education sector to interact, among others. Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource in the ministry, Mrs. Omolara Akin-Aderibigbe, the permanent secretary said Nigeria could not afford to lag behind in this perspective. She however pointed out that the state initiatives on education are to improve learning outcomes and capacity building of staff. Commending the organisers of the expo for the initiative, she said the programme was known to be reviving the reading culture of students especially in the state and also offering opportunity to purchase variety of books at discount rates.

How I emerged overall best CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 only a better essay writer but a student with a clear vision about the future. However, it was not only Chisom that was celebrated at the event. 16-year-old Asuquo Mirabel of Redeemers’ International Secondary School, PortHarcourt and Master Ihejirika Ikechukwu of king’s College, Lagos were equally rewarded for taking the second and third position respectively in the contest. While Asuquo went home with N75, 000, a laptop and a plaque, Ihejirika was given N50,000 and plaque. And their schools also were awarded with computers and printers. Congratulating the three winners and the defeated contestants, the leader of the panel of judges, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo of the University of Lagos, Akoka told the audience that Chisom’s essay was adjudged the best because of its power of engagement of the readers from the beginning to the end. “Apart from his good style of writing, Chisom’s opinion on the given topic at his age was not only informative, educative but also found worthy to help Nigeria solve part of its political problems,” the don said. On his part, the organiser and sponsor of the contest, Bishop Okonkwo said the initiative was part of his contributions to the education development in the country. While promising to sustain the initiative, he asked the winners as well as others not to rest on their oars but to take their studies more seriously. He noted that topics covering different fields of endeavours such as education, health, politics, law, agriculture, finance, among others had been treated in the previous editions with the plan of not living any strong sector of the economy out of it. The immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola was the guest lecturer at the event.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNILORIN student wins ICAN essay competition AbdulGaniy Shehu UNILORIN

300 level law student of the University of Ilorin,Kwara State Adekunbi Ademola Alexander has emerged as the 2nd Prize winner in the recently concluded Institute of Chartered Accountants’ of Nigeria (ICAN) 50th Anniversary essay competition. The award was presented to Adekunbi alongside other winners from five tertiary institutions last week by the institute during its 50th anniversary held in Abuja. The essay topic titled: “The Next 50 Years of Professional Accountancy Practice: Making ICAN Globally Relevant” was keenly contested by students in Nigeria tertiary institutions. In a congratulatory statement signed by the President of the Students’ Union University of Ilorin, Alao Ibrahim said the union is highly elated by the achievement and “we hope that the entire members of the union takes hint from this enviable attainment.”

Union congratulates WAPOGA gold medalist Hameed Muritala FEDPOLY, Offa

he Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State has congratulated a 25-yearold Accounting student of the institution, Afusat Oyegoke who won gold medal of the female single Lawn tennis event at the just concluded 2015 West Africa Polytechnic Games (WAPOGA). Afusat is also the defending champion of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA). In a statement issued by the SUG Public Relations Officer, Shodiq Olorunnisola the union also thanked every other student who represented the school at the games for giving their best. “We are particularly happy that Abiodun who represented Offa poly in lawn tennis made the institution proud, and this is indeed worthy of celebration and it is our hope to see her registered with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for her to get to the top of her career. “The union equally appreciates the efforts of the school’s Rector; Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo, Olofa of Offa; Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, the majority of leader of the Kwara House of Assembly; Hon. Taiwo Hassan and Professor Oyawoye for supporting FEDPOFFA team to Ghana.”

Temitope Yakubu FEDPOLY, Ado-Ekiti

ational Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to help scrutinize the fraudulent act being perpetrated by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in higher institutions in Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by the Association Senate President, Royce Ochai and his Deputy, Oluwasegun Famuyibo in Abuja, the students’ body called on President Buhari to direct the anti graft agencies to succinctly beam their searchlight on the National Health Insurance Scheme. “Having watched with keen interest, recent happenings in Nigeria, vis-a-vis the resultant effects of governmental policies on the teeming population of Nigerian Students, we cannot but voice out and act now against the fraudulent exploitative programmes of the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS). “The National Health Insurance Scheme, established under Act 35 of 1999 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, was a right step in the right direction meant to provide easy access to healthcare for all Nigerians at an affordable cost through various prepayment systems,” the statement reads.

Scrutinise NHIS activities in tertiary institutions, NANS appeals to Buhari

NANS said NHIS mandate at inception was to improve the health status of Nigerians, especially for those participating in the various programmes and products of the Scheme. “It was hence with great enthusiasm, hope and strong believe sometimes last year that the National Association of Nigerian Students keyed into the Universal Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP), a proj-

by NHIS, through Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) with the criminal connivance of school authorities without any commensurate provision of healthcare services to Nigerian Students,” the president states. The Association said cases abound across campuses has it that those who are supposedly covered by the TISHIP of NHIS, having paid their statutory premiums only have access to “Paracetamol.”

Cross section of the new executive, Student Union Government, University of Ilorin during their swearing in ceremony recently.

FUTA installs self-built traffic light

Tunbosun Ogundare

ect of the NHIS which was meant to holistically address the overall health issues of Nigerian Students at tertiary level. “But the TISHIP, as being run today by NHIS has proven to be one of the greatest monumental scam of disheartening proportion in the history of our dear nation. “Money running into billions of Naira are being collected from students across Nigerian campuses today under the guise of TISHIP

he Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has installed a self-fabricated traffic light to control vehicular movement within the campus. The traffic light which has been inaugurated according to the university is to further boost its prowess in technology for selfreliance which is in tandem with the motto of the university. The project from start to finish according to the press release by the university’s

spokesman, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo was carried out solely by the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering of the university. The head of the Department, Dr. Samson Oyetunji and the Project Manager, who is a technologist in the department, Mr. Sola Oladiran, disclosed that the university management which entrusted the project to the department gave the department a mandate to harness locally fabricated equipment to control vehicular traffic on campus. They explained that the project with the pi-

lot stand already erected at the Middle Belt road (School of Engineering junction) of the campus is power ed by solar inverter with the capacity of retaining power for seven days before recharge. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, while commending the ingenuity of the project team pledged the full support of the university, saying the management would ensure that steps are taken to replicate the project at other levels after the successful completion of the pilot scheme.

KWASU graduates condemn management over certificate delay Hameed Opeyemi UNILORIN

ome 2015 graduates of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have condemned the institution’s management over its refusal to release their certificates to enable them process their clearance and mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The students showed their displeasure against the university management in separate interviews with our correspondent over the weekend in Ilorin, the

Kwara State capital. They also condemned the state government for not coming to their aid following several letters of appeal that were sent to the Governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed, which according to them, have not yielded any positive outcome. It was gathered that KWASU management had threatened not to release the results of the students and process their certificates until they pay a sum of N45, 000 each for the payment of hostel bed spaces which they never lived in. The university authorities at the beginning of the 2014/15 academic session mandated all new

and final year students to stay in university hostels (both on and offcampus), which goes for N45, 000 per bed space. Many of the final year students, however, were not satisfied with the new arrangement, on the ground that hostels outside the school are cheaper when compared with that of the school acquired hostels. The students gave exorbitant rate and distance as reasons they decided not to stay in the hostels acquired by the university management. According to one of the students who simply gave his name as Dayo, the accommodation facilities on

campus are not enough for the whole of 1,00l students, but the desire of the school management to make outrageous profit from students forced it to acquire private hostels off-campus at a relatively low price and sub-let them to students at a higher price. The university authorities have, however, denied allegation of extorting the students, stressing that the policy was introduced for the benefits of the students. This was contained in a statement released by the management. “KWASU neither extorts nor compels all students to stay in university accommodation."

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNILAG student offers scholarship to 21 Miftaudeen Raji,

100L, Mass Comm, Unilag

n his quest to impact on students, a 400 level student of Mathematics and Education at the University of Lagos, UNILAG,Akoka, Tajudeen Mukaila has offered scholarship to 21 students, who will be trained on Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and research for three months. The 21 beneficiaries were drawn from various departments at the University of Lagos, and Yaba College of Technology. According to him, the maiden edition of the scholarship shall run between 17th August and 16th November 2015. He said second edition of the scholarship shall cater for 11 undergraduates and postgraduates of UNILAG starting on the 24th August 2015 and run concurrently with the first edition. Mukaila told Campus News that the will to impact lives and empower the youths, whose major challenge had always been fund informed the initiative adding the entire programme will gulp a sum of N600, 000. He said, “I believe this programme will be kind of valueadded skills for students in the labour market and academic pursuit. So through this, they can earn a living even for their lifetime.” Mukaila, a Member of African Association of Entrepreneurs (MAAE), is giving out the scholarship bundles under the tutelage of his research institute, Kolket ventures. A researcher and data analyst, he started his career in research and data analysis in 2009. He has successfully worked on several research works, ranging from ND, NCE, HND, BSc., MSc., MBA, Executive Diploma and PhD, with 3 research papers to his credit.

Expert provides solution to Nigerian’s problems Afees L asisi OAU, Ile-Ife

Public Consultant, Mr. Innocent Osaghe, has provided solution to the challenges bedeviling the country at a symposium organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, recently. The lecture was titled, “Development of Leadership Qualities and Positive Thinking Among University Undergraduate.” He said that the problem facing the country today is not the problem of funds or political problem but lack of critical thinking leaders who is ready to lead the country to greater height. He said leadership problem has been the missing link in Africa and “I believe Nigeria has been worst hit by this major factor.” He said a leader must be competent, have capacity, personal drive, good character, must be diligent, hard work and God fearing factors. Mr. Innocent said that the country is blessed with leaders who are liabilities and life does not celebrate liabilities but celebrates productive leaders “Because how do you explain what is happening in Nigeria, a land flowing with milk and honey, and yet poverty level in the land has attained dangerous proportion. There are countries like Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia who have no resources like ours, but thanks to their visionary leaders who removed them from third world countries to developed countries. Urging the students to work towards a better Nigeria, he said so much has been heard about leadership and yet the country is having leadership challenge. “Since you are the leaders of tomorrow, we must prepare your minds for that leadership positions.

Niger/Delta Students’ Union senators during their session before the impeachment of their president, Akpomiemie at Rivers State College of Art and Science, recently.

Niger/Delta Students’ Union president impeached for impersonation Emmanuel Ahanonu UNICAL

he Niger Delta Students Union Government which is the highest students’ Union governing body for students of Niger Delta Region has known no peace recently. It started like distrust between the executive members and suddenly turned to verbal attack, and then petition galore. All the executives in July 2015 with exception of the treasurer wrote a petition against the National President Comr. Obada Akpomiemie for financial racketeering and impersonation of their offices among other perceived irregularity to the Senate.

Yomi Ayeleso

300L, Bus Admin AAUA

he Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo state, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun have advised new students to be focused, determined and law abiding. He also told them to choose the narrow but dignify path of industry and responsibility so that their dreams of becoming responsible members of the public could be realised. The VC said this during the matriculation ceremony for new students for the 2014/2015 academic session. He said the matriculation ceremony is an exercise in which new students take the Matriculation Oath to officially become bonafide members of a university. He congratulated the new

In an extraordinary Senate sitting held at Rivers State College of Art and Science on the in August Obada received the Senate boot. The sitting had senators from 30 different institutions attended the congress seating. The impeached president was said not to be a student of any school when he contested but a 2012 Engineer graduate of River State College of Education who impersonated being a FUTO undergraduate in his electoral form. A 7 man Committee headed by Comrade Iwu Franklin of Imo State University, Owerri who were formed earlier to look into the petition were called for their report. Rendering their report, Comrade Iwu alleged that Comrade Obada Akpomiemie

declined all the invitations from the committee and resorted to continuous verbal threats to the lives of the committee members. The Senate while frowning at Obada’s action invoked the constitution of NIDSUG section 17 and they impeached him. The Vice President Administration Comrade Bariture Ngbee was empowered to fully take over as the New National President of NIDSUG as enshrine in section 18 of body constitution. But in his reaction, the impeached president, Obada who was the former Senate President of the Union laughed off the impeachment and called it a baseless kangaroo seating that lacked both authority and common sense.

Be focused, AAU VC tells new students students for their admission into the university through its merit-driven admission policy. The VC, who said the university has provided an enabling environment through enacting relevant laws and provision of adequate and modern facilities for the students to learn,

urged the new students to obey the extant rules and take advantage of the available facilities to learn and succeed. Prof. Ajibefun also told the students that they have engaged with the university through the matriculating Oath. He reiterated the univer-

sity’s zero tolerance for academic and social vices which includes examination malpractices, rape, cultism and theft among others. The Registrar of the institution, Mr. Bamidele Olotu administered the matriculation oath on the 3,989 students, representing only 18 per cent of applicants.

A cross section of new students during their matriculation at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

HE PUNCH Editorial of September 2, 2015, committed a faux pas: “With crime gangs fast acquiring notoriety for maiming and killings in our major cities and campuses (on campuses), the need for action is pressing.” From the Back Page of the above edition comes this inaccuracy: “And he should know that Nigeria will cross the bridge when it gets to recovery of stolen loots stashed in foreign banks.” ‘Loot’ does not admit plural inflection. “…said the newspaper company is (was) determined to change the face of sports journalism with the birth of….” “Nigeria must not miss polio free (polio-free) certification in 2017, Buhari warns”, “APC exposes fresh lootings” Voice of the nation: ‘looting’, just like ‘loot’, is uncountable. “We won’t allow you rubbish Igbos (Igbo), PDP tells Buhari” “Swazi girls dance and sing Friday on a farm in (on) the outskirts of Luve, Swaziland….” “Dangote commissions (inaugurates) $250m cement factory in Cameroun” “Parents must not interfare (interfere) in their children’s education” “And so to have the equipments there….” ‘Equipment’ is non-count. “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and late (the late) Yar’Adua ensured fair balance in the distribution of public offices in the country.” THE NATION ON SUNDAY Front Page Banner of August 30 goofed: “N2.4b pay off (pay-off) for ex-Senators, Reps” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, of August 2 disseminated just three blunders: “An example within our contemporary socio-political milieu, (unnecessary punctuation) is an article in defence of….” “After all, he who pays the piper dictates (calls) the tune.” “If the troubles of Abia State are as popular and relevant as envisioned by Wabara in his imaginary world, how come Orji Uzor Kalu has….” Get it right: why is it that Orji Uzor Kalu has…. “The basic education sector: the very foundation of the educational sector has been in shambles (a shambles) for too

On, not in, campus/Victoria Island long.” “Google, MTN, Jumia brings (bring) Android One to Nigeria” “Judgment debts: Why luxury cars rot in (on) court premises” “Bangladesh arrests 3 over (for) secular bloggers” Finally from the NATIONAL MIRROR Back Page of the edition under review: “Many undocumented Nigerians roam the streets of Deira-Dubai with majority (a majority) of them engaging in ignoble acts.” “Corruption probe: Learn from Ghana, Reps (Reps’) caucus tells Buhari” “The arousing (rousing) ovation and prayers among the officers and men of….” “Just before National Assembly milk (milks) us dry” “NDLEA nab (nabs) 2 for drug trafficking in Lagos” “NCAA task information managers on accidents, incidents” “Mercy Johnson signs-off (signs off) until next year” “Igbinedion mourns Ooni’s death” Is it the man or his death that is being mourned? Wrong: largess; right: largesse From THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, of August 22 comes this fault: “Poilce approves (approve) gunshot treatment” “Again, Airtel raises hope for the less-privilege (less-privileged) withTouching Lives” “Buhari goes after Jonathan’s aides over government (government’s) assets” “Ondo reads riot (the riot) act to land owners” FEEDBACK MR. G.O. Komolafe’s two-part reaction (The Nation, August 23 and August 30) to his undeserved description as “Baba Sala Jnr (jester) and a quasi-intellectual was quite understandable and well delivered. But it exhumed the remains of a man academically “buried” in an unimaginable dimension through his recall of a past Wordsworth episode. All the same, I commend Mr Wabara for throwing open his

Teaching Chinese language in Nigerian schools, a plus —Administrator Abimbola Akanji

he Administrator of Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Tokunboh Edun has explained that the school would continue to teach her students Chinese language, also known as Mandarin, despite criticism by stakeholders that Nigerian children are learning more foreign languages at the expense of indigenous ones. She made the statement in Lagos while speaking as the Chief launcher of “Chinese Made Easy,” a book, written by Mr. Olaniyi Banwo of the University of Lagos, Akoka. The book which translates Chinese words into Yoruba is meant to teach Yoruba speakers how to learn the language. According to the administrator, those who are complaining against exposure of

Nigerian students to foreign languages are not mindful of current trends in world policies and business. She disclosed that Grace High School became the first private school to introduce Mandarin to students because the school is aware of latest trend worldwide. Edun said that she had discovered that students

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who speak major international languages like French, English and Chinese often have an edge for international jobs over those who cannot speak those languages. While commending the author for making Chinese language easy to learn by Yoruba speakers and making Yoruba easy for mandarin

speakers, Edun gave three reasons why Nigerians should take learning of Chinese language as a serious business. Also speaking, the author of the book, Mr. Banwo said he decided to write the book to promote cordial relationship between China and Nigeria.

L-R: Mother of the Head girl, Lead City High School, Ibadan, Oyo State; Mrs. Adebisi; the head girl and best graduating student, Tomisin Adebisi; being presented an award during her graduation ceremony by the Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University Prof. Jide Owoeye flanked by her father, Mr. Adebisi.

column (some others do not welcome divergent views) to people who make robust contributions to appropriate English usage. Soon, we shall be introduced to Chinese English as the preferred choice. The pope talks ex-cathedra, some others pontificate. So, if it took time to accept that the word “witch-hunt” is not a verb but a noun and that Bill (William) Clinton was impeached (by the U.S. House of Reps), where then lies the infallibility? Me, I no sabi book! Brother Ebere, keep the flag hoisted. (KOLA DANISA/ 07068074257) Who or Whom? “Who” and “Whom” cause problems. “Who” is the subject of a verb, e.g. Who told you? It was you who told him and The girls who took part in the play had travelled abroad. “Whom” is the object of a verb or preposition, e.g. Whom did he tell? To whom did you speak? To whom it may concern! And The people from whom he stole had reported him to the police. However, in modern usage “whom” is falling into disuse, especially in questions, except in formal contexts. “Who” is used even though it is ungrammatical, e.g. Who did you speak to? “Whom” should be retained when it is a relative pronoun, e.g. The man whom you saw is my friend. The person to whom he spoke was our old teacher and The girl to whom she gave the book had returned it. I repeat, “whom” is falling into disuse – in truth, it has been declared obsolescent, i.e. going gradually out of the language, except in the Dative or Ablative case, e.g. to whom/with whom/on whom/by whom/through whom/of whom, e.t.c. Hence the Revisers of the Holy Bible corrected the “whom” in Matthew 16:15, But “whom” (who) say ye that I am? And in Luke 9:18, “Whom” (who) do the people say I am? “Who” (also in Luke 9:20) is in conformity with modern usage. These are sacred sentences. Ebere, lest we forget, the “conspirators” (I have known them for donkey’s years), like Don Quixote in Cervantes’ novel, are tilting at windmills. They can never ever win. Ride on, no one can rile you. (BAYO OGUNTUNASE/08056180046)

Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

he Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of the Federal Government College, Ipetumodu, Osun State, has said the authority of the school does not charge any fee not approved by the Ministry of Education and agreed to by the PTA. A statement signed by the PTA’s chairman, Mr. Akande and Secretary, Mr.Bello, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, said contrary to the insinuation that the school is charging unauthorized fees, “we can attest to it that what is being charged are fees prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Education.” The said fees are as agreed to at the meetings of parents and teachers as well as the authorities of the school”. It would be recalled that a report on pages of a national daily where a parent said he was being asked to pay more

FGC, Ipetumodu does not charge high fee —PTA

than N100,000 on his child in the school per term. Reacting to this, the PTA helmsmen asserted that the fee being charged is the only ones approved by the relevant authorities “which is far less than what was stated in the publication.” According to them, the fact that the person who was quoted by the writer of the story insisted to be anonymous “is a proof that even he could not substantiate his own claim. “We state with all emphasis at our disposal that the allegations of high handedness and unethical conduct leveled against the school principal by the said anonymous parent were untrue and bother on mere calumny as the principal, Mrs. Borha is a hardworking woman”, the statement stated.

Business Thursday, September 10, 2015

Airtel to disconnect phone lines

Illegal miners face hurdles, as FG vows to sanitise sector

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Substandard products: SON set to raid major markets nationwide 29

NEPC inaugurates committee on non-oil export products Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

igerian Export Promotion Council ( NEPC) on Tuesday inaugurated an inter agency committee with the mandate to chart a new course for the nation’s non oil exports with a view to ensuring a zero reject of Nigeria’s export commodities.

This is against the backdrop of the ban on some agricultural food exports from Nigeria by the European Union. Some of the food items banned from Europe till June 2016 as a result of noncompliance with standards are beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish no meat, peanut chips and Palm oil. The inter agency technical committee has sub division such as: Trade Information, Export Procedures and Documentation, and Capacity Building, Quality Standards and Compliance. Speaking during the inauguration, the Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, noted that recent economic and political developments the world over underscored the imperatives of development of non-oil produce. Awolowo, who noted that Nigeria witnessed a steady growth in non oil exports in 2013 by contributing USD 2.97billion to the economy, representing 15.9 percent increase over USD2.561billion in 2013, however noting that these gains could be marred by the wave of reject of Nigeria’s exportable products

According to him, “Nigeria is on the EU restricted list for some products which stipulates that there should be 50 percent physical inspection for specified imported food items thereby creating a barrier to food export trade” The NEPC boss listed some of the reasons for the rejects to include, non compliance to administrative procedures like documentation import/ export requirements, incorrect filling of information for entry, inadequate information and know how on entry/ requirement for food imports to EU. Others, according to him, include non adherence to food safety measures, presence of high levels of pesticide residue, technical bartier isues such as poor

packaging, labelling, insufficient information on the nurritional content. Bemoaning the effects of this on the nation’s economy, Awolowo added,”The possible effects of this action on our economy especially as it relates to non oil exports include reduction in the number of agricultural food exports from Nigeria thereby shrinking export portfolio, Trade imbalance, high cost to the exporters who have to bear the cost of shipping the rejected products back to Nigeria or the cost of destroyed shipment and attraction of wide international media attention and unfavourable image.” He disclosed that the committee was carefully selected to ensure that Nige-

rian agricultural and food items listed for exports conform to stipulated food safety measures and documentation requirements. Members of the inter agency committee on non oil exports are Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Federak Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standards Organisation of Nigeria,Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria- Export Group, Federation of Agricuktural Commodities Association of Nigeria.

The Promo draw, which attracted thousands of customers to the corporate headquarters of the bank, was witnessed by a team from National Lottery Regulatory Commission led by the Director Regulation & Monitoring, Prince Emmanuel Jeminiwa; auditors of the bank, journalists and other relevant stakeholders in the banking industry. At the end of the raffle draw, a

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

NDIC Managing Director, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim (centre) presenting the Commission’s in-house publications to the President/Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Otunba (Mrs.) Debola Osibogun, when she led a team of the Institute’s Council members and Registrar on a courtesy visit to NDIC’s headquarters in Abuja.

52 customers win HASAL MFB’s ‘Save & Win’ promo prizes ver 50 winners have emerged in the HASAL Microfinance Bank Limited’s One Year Reward Promo, during the first raffle draws held in the bank’s corporate office in Abuja.

customer at the Utako branch, Mrs. Nkechi Ofonelo, won 32” Plasma TV, Home Theater and Toaster for saving multiples of N10, 000, while another customer, Emma Kris, won Refrigerator and GoTv Decoder. Similarly, Mrs. Itedgere Eze Blessing from Kubwa branch won two sewing machines and a blender while Mrs Fatima Anthony won a generator set just as Mrs. Chika Oluchukwa, and Francis Chukwu Onu won Rechargeable Fans. In his remarks, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Rogers Nwoke, thanked all the customers for their strong loyalty and the mutually beneficial relationship between them and

the bank, adding that One Year Reward Promo was “structured to help customers to nurture the habit of saving and entrenching a savings culture”. He therefore urged the old customers to keep doing business with the bank in view of its demonstrated sense of corporate responsibility to impact their lives even as he asked potential ones to key into the bank’s ‘win-win’ business strategy which it has adopted over the years. The banking expert pointed out that this was required in order to enable HASAL MFB add value continually to customers’ businesses by delivering world class and innovative products and services to them on sustainable basis and by doing so, contribute to the

nation’s economic growth. He explained that for any old customer to qualify or stand a chance of winning an award, they needed to save N10, 000 while a new customer is required to open a Savings Account with HASAL MFB to start saving N10, 000 for six months before the qualifying date for the draw, adding that the more money one saves in his or her account, the more the opportunities for winning a prize. Expressing her joy for emerging the winner of 32” Plasma TV, Home Theater and Toaster during a chat with the media, Mrs. Ofonelo disclosed that she opened her account five years ago and expressed her appreciation to the bank for rewarding her.

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

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Business News

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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NCAT trains 16 ATCs on Area Airways non-radar Olusegun Koiki

he Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria has graduated another batch of 16 Air Traffic Controllers, ATC, from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, on Area Airways Non-Radar Course. NAMA in a statement by its Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona, indicated that the training was in line with the agency’s determination to continuously strengthen capacity of personnel in the critical area of operations. Adetona stated that the training, which lasted for three months began in June and ended in August 2015. She said that participants were drawn from airports across the country for the course titled ACC 34. She clairifed that the nonradar training was designed to equip ATC with the ability

to control traffic procedurally in the event of radar failure. Commenting on the training, the Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, who was represented at the graduation ceremony in Zaria by the Director of Operations, Mr. Uzoma-fyneboy commended the course participants for coming out in flying colours in the training. Abdulsalam assured that NAMA would continue to give priority to training and retraining of staff especially in operations to effectively man the sophisticated air traffic management infrastructure deployed by the agency. He recalled that a total of 40 ATC had early this year been rated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, while other 12 ATC Cadets graduated from NCAT and proceeded for on-the-job training. The NAMA boss said: “Also, as another 17 Air Traf-

fic Engineers graduated from the same institution after undergoing a three-month course designed to equip them in handling CNS/ATM as well as ICT equipment of the agency.” In addition, the National Association of Air Traf-

fic Engineers, NAAE, Lagos Chapter recently held a symposium to raise the consciousness of members on safety management as a critical aspect of air navigation. The symposium, which was held at the Conference

Room of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport II in Lagos with the theme ‘Safety Management Systems: ATSEP Perspective’ attracted air traffic engineers from NAMA as well as other aviation agencies.

L-R: National President, Prime Women Builders Foundation (PWBFN), Mrs. Olofinkua Adekemi; Assistant National Sales Manager, Nobel Carpets and Rugs, Mrs. Bunmi Odunoye and Mr. David Akai, during the PWBFN Empowerment Day in Lagos, yesterday.

UBA’s revises loan growth projection on risks to lending

Africa Business Communities, MSI-ACI Airspace capacity: NAMA completes launch Africa Consumer Panel Kano Safe Power Project Olusegun Koiki

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has successfully completed installation of the Safe Tower Project of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano. The Safe Tower Project, which was conceived in 2006 was aimed at automating air traffic management services at four major airports across the country; Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano. While others have since been commissioned, that of Kano suffered a series of setbacks, leading to the rebuilding of a completely new safe tower for Kano airport. The successful completion of the project is therefore significant as one of the bold steps taken by NAMA to continue to deploy new technologies in air traffic management for the Nigerian airspace and boosting airspace capacity for the industry. A statement by the acting General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona stated that at the inspection of the completed Digital Safe Tower ahead of its commissioning, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello expressed satisfaction over the high

technical capacity of the project at Kano. Bello during the inspection commended the management of NAMA, for ensuring that the project was delivered promptly in keeping with the agreed timelines. She maintained that the effort of the agency in maintaining safety of air navigation in Nigeria would be boosted by the sophisticated standard of the facility. The statement stated that Bello seized the opportunity to observe Air Traffic Controllers, ATCs, as they controlled traffic live with the new facilities, which she described as a massive improvement from the past. She observed that the new process was entirely purely digital and simple, without the use of paper strips as was the case with the old tower. She said, “This is very encouraging. I am highly impressed that the facility has been delivered within the period agreed with the ministry and I am happy to say that we have achieved what we bargained for within the scheduled time. Other project managers should emulate this one. They have delivered a good job and on time too.”

Tola Akinmutimi

frica Business Communities and MSI-ACI launched together the Africa Consumer Panel. They already operate Africa Business Panel, which is a strong research tool with almost 15,000 members who work in the private and public sector for organizations registered in and operating out of Africa. Since big international clients frequently expressed the need for a consumer panel, they have decided to launch it now. Speaking on the joint initiative, Managing Partner of Africa Business Communities, Marc Stubbé, said that the launch was in response to the increasing need for the big international and national players to hear the voice of the African consumer. He explained: “Big clients as SSI (Survey Sampling International) and Toluna already indicated the need for a high quality pan African consumer panel. We see an increase in demand and can conclude that the big international and national players want to hear the voice of the African consumer. The African consumer panel provides the opportunity for the African consumers to share their opinion. “We want to know what they

think about different products and services and much, much more. Their input will help to improve products and services. Occasionally, we let the participants earn gift certificates as a reward for their participation”, Stubbé added. Similarly, the Chief Operating Officer of MSI-ACI Netherlands, Rodney Tiesselinck, confirmed that the company’s clients were demanding for reliable and up to date data in the African continent,

adding that the partnership with ABC will create a fantastic proposition for their clients. Tiesselinck said: “Our clients are asking for reliable and up to date data in Africa. The moment we met the partners of Africa Business Communities, Marc Stubbé and Bas Vlugt of Africa Business Communities (ABC), we knew that combining our strengths would create a fantastic proposition for our clients.

Kano empower 250 youths on ICT ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI K anu

ano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday conducted the graduation of 250 youths trained at the state Institute for Informatics on ICT as part of activities marking his 100 days in office. He disclosed that the state government expended over N3 million in facilitating the training of the youths couple with empowering them with ICT gadgets to make them self reliant. Ganbduje urged the graduates to conduct step down training programme by educating their fellow youths on how to put social media to work without contravening culture and values.

The governor decried the use of ICT in disseminating vulgar language, creation of unwarranted political tension and various anti societal functions. He cited the importance of information and communication technology, stressing that the advent of ICT has crystallized the world into functioning a global village. “No serious government will not equip its youths with ICT skills , it plays an important role in the development of our society, the training is for the graduates to direct the proper use of ICT skills,” Ganduje said. In a related development, as a part of the activities in celebration of governor Ganduje’s 100 days in office, Post office road and Lagos street were equally commissioned.

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Business News

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Substandard products: SON set to raid major markets nationwide FRANCIS EZEM

tandards Organisation of Nigeria may have concluded plans to commence a total raid of major markets nationwide as part of its strategy to curtail the influx of fake and substandard foreign products.

The organisation had projected that the rate of the influx of fake and substandard goods into the country, which currently stands at 40 per cent, would reduce to 10 per cent or less before the end of the year. This projection is against the backdrop of the recent integration of the organisation’s electronic certificates and SONCAP into the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System NICIS, which connects major stakeholders in the nation’s supply chain such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Ports Authority etc. Director General of the organization, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who gave the indication in Lagos, said that the 7th National Assembly passed the SON Act of 2015, which gives the organisation far-reaching powers in its quest to rid the nation’s market of fake and

substandard goods. According to him, the new enabling Act gives the organisation the supervising Minister to enter any market in the country and sieve out all fake and substandard goods, which have over the years posed a major threat to the health and wellbeing of the citizenry. He disclosed that the Federal Government it would no longer be willing to leave the nation’s borders to unbridled influx of all manners of fake and substandard goods. Odumodu said: “We have got to that point when we would enter any market or warehouse in the country and check the authenticity of the goods and products in those places because it has been proven over time that we can no longer limit this fight to the seaports.” He also disclosed that the organisation is working towards the establishment of an ultramodern laboratory that would enable it test the suspected products with a view to reducing the delay associated with looking for private laboratories to test suspected goods and products. Investigations showed however that the delay in the appointment of ministers by

President Muhammandu Buhari had stalled moves by the organization to commence the planned raid on markets and warehouses. This is because the new legislation provides that the CEO of the organisation requires the approval of the supervising minister before raiding any market or shop. It was gathered that this might pose some procedural

challenges for the organisation, as some importers of fake and adulterated goods might seek legal redress, thus cashing in on the loophole in the delay in the appointment of ministers, to subvert the war against them. Stakeholders, especially real sector operators, have commended the organisation over its policy of automating and simplifying trade processes,

which in addition to enhancing efficiency, would also reduce cost of operation. Similarly, this will also guarantee easy access to information on products regulated by SON, as the importer can confirm if a product is regulated through the automated platform, a development, which would drastically reduce influx of substandard and fake products.

L-R: Chairman, Business committee, Omosa Folorunso; President, FS Club, Gbolagade Adebisi; Guest Speaker and MD/CEO, FBN Microfinance Ltd, Paulin Nsah; MD, Lagos Microfinance Institution, Gbolahan Bakare, and Vice President, FS Club, Kunle Adeniyi, during the FS Club’s Business lunch in Lagos, recently.

GE wins EU-U.S approval for Alstom Deal with Asset-Sale Vow Keystone Bank takes CSR to highways, counsels drivers on health G eneral Electric Co. got the go-ahead from European and U.S. antitrust regulators to buy most of Alstom SA’s energy business, boosting Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt’s attempt to return GE to its industrial roots. GE’s pledge to sell gas-turbine assets to an Italian rival, Ansaldo Energia SpA, helped allay antitrust concerns over the 8.5 billion-euro ($9.5 billion) plan, the European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday. The U.S. Justice Department signaled its approval minutes later. “We got a deal that’s good for our customers and good for GE and good for our investors,” Immelt said in a phone interview. The CEO conceded his company faces “a more challenging regulatory environment, not just in Europe, but in the U.S. and every other region that we compete in.” The EU’s blessing removes a crucial hurdle for GE to close an acquisition central to Im-

melt’s plan to reshape the company around its manufacturing divisions and pivot away from finance. In 2001, European regulators blocked the company’s takeover of Honeywell International Inc., a failure that shadowed the months-long review of the Alstom deal. GE agreed last year to buy Alstom’s gas-turbine operations -- and create joint ventures in the steam turbine, renewable energy and electrical-transmission businesses -- in a 12.4 billion-euro deal. GE said the final purchase price, adjusting for remedies, joint ventures and changes in the deal structure, is expected to be about 8.5 billion euros. GE still has years of work to integrate the large operation and achieve promised synergies of $3 billion in five years, said Deane Dray, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets LLC. “Alstom does not fall off the radar screen but it will transform,” Dray said. “Can they execute on all the synergies?”

eystone Bank has advised commercial drivers in the country to pay attention to their health as a strategy to prevent road traffic accidents.

Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, who gave the charge in Lagos, said when the drivers remained in good health, it would reduce the incidence of highway accidents. Ikeazor, who was represented by Mr. Hafiz Bakare, Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, spoke at the Health and Eye Screening project organized by Keystone Bank in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Public Health Partners (PHP) and the Eye Foundation Hospital. The Keystone Bank health and eye screening initiative tagged Think Road Safety, Save Lives, is in line with the FRSC projection to reduce road traffic accidents

by 50 percent by 2015. Similarly, it aligns with the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 2010 calling for a Decade of Action for Road Safety from 2011 to 2020. The health screening exercise for long distant drivers held at the Ekesons Motor Park in Jibowu, Yaba and the Ojota New Garage Park, on Wednesday and Thursday last week. Hundreds of drivers from several motor companies operating in several motor parks participated in the screening exercise and majority whose vision were found to be deficient got free medicated eye glasses for improved vision apart from being counseled on healthy living. In an address titled, Health in the Driver’s Seat, Mr. Hafiz Bakare said the Keystone Bank’s Think Road Safety, Save Lives project is one of the Bank’s CSR initiatives.

He said it is driven by the need to identify with and support the transport sector because “we believe that this would improve safety on our roads thereby saving lives.” According to him, the scope of the exercise is for interstate commercial transport drivers to check for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol and to ascertain their blood group and the state of their eyes, while the Eye Foundation personnel conducted tests for glaucoma, visual and automated refraction. He Further stated that for “The bank, giving back to the community is well entrenched in the way we do business, which has led us to develop four cardinal pillars that guide our engagement with the different communities that impact our business as a financial institution, directly or otherwise.”

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Steel & Mining Industry

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Illegal miners face hurdles, as FG vows to sanitise sector CHIDI UGWU, Abuja

here is hardly any doubt that the illegal and artisanal miners across the country may be in for troubled times as President Muhammadu Buhari sets out to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative for revenue generation source. Disturbed by Nigeria’s dwindling oil-induced fortune, stakeholders have urged President Buhari’s administration to prioritize solid minerals development which for several decades, had been abandoned with hope that crude oil alone was enough to give the country economic independence. However, after receiving a brief from the permanent secretary and his team on the activities of the ministry of Mines and Steel development, Buhari described the presentation as one of the most demoralising briefs he had so far received from permanent secretaries of various ministries. The President specifically noted that the nation’s mining sector had been infiltrated by “illegal aliens” who engage in unlawful mining activities. He expressed displeasure that the mines and steel sector which, according to him is very important to the diversi-

Mining plant

fication of the economy and key to employment generation, had been overrun by illegal miners. Buhari noted that the biggest threat to the country, besides the Boko Haram insurgency, was unemployment, and emphasized that Nigeria could not be held back on such a strategic sector as mines

Chamber of Mines just dances on same spot –NUM J

ohannesburg - The time of dancing on the same spot in different shoes must come to an end, the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) said about the Chamber of Mines’ wage negotiations. “The members of NUM expect nothing less than a tangible commitment towards a living wage and a better life for workers and their dependents,” the union said in a statement issued this weekend. The wage demands of the union include R9 500 for entry level surface employees and R10 500 for underground employees, a 15% increase for all miners, artisans and officials, maternity leave benefits, a living-out allowance and better housing conditions, a medical contribution at a 70:30 ratio, a commuting allowance for collieries. It wants agreement on these demands withing 14 days. NUM wants the chamber to be aware of “the urgency and gravity” of its wage demands and rejects what it claims to be “the senseless and ridiculous offers” made by the chamber. The union says its members have

grown tired of what it regards as the chamber’s “lack of commitment to address our reasonable demands to improve our living conditions”. Num claims it is “intolerable that after 21 years of democracy mineworkers are still trapped in conditions of abject poverty together with their families, while the mining executives and bosses have grown richer by the day”. The union pointed out that the workers continue to take risks at the workplace, “while bosses rake in millions without any threat of harm to their lives”. NUM furter alleges that it is aware of “a systematic attack” by the industry on NUM and its members. Examples of this kind of attack according to the the union are nullifying secondment agreements so as to recall leaders who serve in the structures of the union on a full time basis, undermining negotiated agreements between the chamber and NUM,a lack of transformation, growing attacks on NUM branch leadership and manipulation of membership statistics to disadvantage NUM.

and steel which, he said, could give the country much needed jobs and promote economic growth. “This is one of the most demoralising briefs I have received. The biggest threat to this country, besides the Boko Haram, is unemployment, and the mining sector is key to employment creation. “We cannot be held back on such a strategic industry that can give us much needed jobs and promote economic growth,” the president stated. He, therefore, warned that his government would no longer tolerate illegal mining and other improper activities which, according to him, have inhibited the growth of the country’s solid minerals sector. Buhari, who described the mines and steel sector as very important for the diversification of the economy, expressed displeasure at the permanent secretary’s report that the sector had been overrun by illegal miners. President Buhari also vowed that his administration would instill seriousness in the running of the affairs of the country. “There must be more seriousness in running this country and we are determined to instil that seriousness”, he said. Earlier, the permanent secretary had told Buhari that the nation’s mining sector had been infiltrated by “illegal aliens” who, according to him, carry out unlawful mining activities in the country. With the president’s posture to bring sanity to the sector some industry watchers have said it certainly would not be business as usual stressing that illegal miners who have made huge profits engaging in unwholesome activities in the sector may be faced with imminent hardship. Already, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and In-

vestment (FMITI), Alhaji Abdulkadir Musa, has charged the nation’s solid minerals sector stakeholders to strive to improve its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said Nigeria has abundant mineral endowments to compete with the South African mining sector which contributes 18.7% to its over $365 billion GDP. Analysts say this may mean the miners may face more taxation as the government moves to harness the full potentials of its solid minerals base. The President, Miners Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Mr Sunny Ekozin, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Nigeria Customs Service to stop importation of solid minerals that are available in the country. Ekozin noted that “about 66 per cent of the 41 items banned from forex are essentially solid minerals base, these are items that can easily be sourced locally. If a total ban or prohibitions of these items are not urgently promulgated, it will lead to an increase in the cost of these items locally for consumers and ultimately inflation.” He said that the Nigeria’s solid minerals sector was in comatose and the change agenda of President Buhari is urgently needed to revamp this sector and re-position it for global competitiveness. The President, Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sani Shehu, also appealed for the development of the solid mineral sector, saying his association was optimistic that Buhari would fulfil his presidential campaign promise, to develop the sector for economic diversification and job creation. Shehu said that the need to develop the solid minerals sector had become necessary, as revenue generated from crude oil, the country’s major source of income, was on the decline.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Subscribers task lawmakers to rally NCC on drive for improved telecom services Millions of telecommunication services subscribers are worried that lawmakers in the National Assembly have not come hard on Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, over poor quality services, despite sustained lamentations over the years. Some of them feel that the failure of the lawmakers to call the MNOs to order may not be unconnected with the ‘symbiotic relationship’ between them and the telcos. Isaiah Erhiawarien

ince the introduction of Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communication in 2001, the quality of services from the mobile network operator, MNOs, unfortunately the regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has not been able fully tackle the problem, thereby fueling the speculations that those who are supposed to have oversight function of the have not done enough. However, latest speculations suggested that lawmakers in the last 10 years of the existence of the sector may not have performed their oversight roles effectively, particularly considering the fact that Nigerians have not ceased to complain about service quality during the period. Investigations revealed that lawmakers may have been influenced by factors best known to them which continued to make them pretend to be ignorant of what millions of Nigerian subscribers go through in terms of poor quality services by the MNOs. Indeed, many of these subscribers, who lose money on daily basis to drop calls and other poor services, see the telecommunications market as an environment where the telcos violate consumers rights with impunity. President of the National Telecommunications Subscribers, NATCOMS, Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo said that whatever the lawmakers might be enjoying from the MNOs should not be enough to make the lawmakers abdicate their legislative responsibility, especially when the rights of Nigerians are being violated. He told National Mirror the position of NATCOMS was that subscribers be compensated whenever they lost money due to failed text messages that they are usually billed for by MNOs or dropped calls noting that paying money to sanction does not reward the subscribers who lost from quality service. According to him, past sanctions from the NCC has not solved the problem of quality service from MNOs, saying that complaints are still coming in spite of efforts made by the telecoms operators and the telecoms industry regulator to address the situation. He disclosed that it was no longer news that the NCC had at several times threatened to withdraw the license of the MNOs after even introducing other sanctions such even monitoring the performance of their network. Meanwhile it was learnt that the House

of Representatives last month called on the NCC to apply relevant laws in checking exploitative activities of telecommunication service providers in the country. The called was sequel to a motion raised by Rep. Ali Madaki from KanoAPC under matters of urgent public importance. Moving the motion which was unanimously adopted by members, Madaki stressed the need for NCC to quickly address inefficient service delivery, exploitative tariff system and unsolicited Short Message Services (SMS). According to industry analysts, tackling the problems of quality of service has become a major part of the agenda for any purposeful regulation in the sector, given the astronomical growth in mobile subscriptions and tariffs and other charges that go along with it. Speaking on the impact of sanctions on the MNOs, Emmanuel Okitiakpe, who runs a hotspot at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, and formerly operates a cyber café in Surulere, said that the quest for quality of service was a not a new development in the industry, saying that it is obvious that the MNOs are going through serious challenges in providing the desired services for their subscribers. Okitiakpe said that there were times he experienced service failure from his service provide caused largely by the destruction of telecoms infrastructure by government doing one road project or the other saying that even the activities of miscreants further compounds the problems of quality services. He projected that subscribers would continue to experience poor quality services as long as damage is consistently done to telecommunications infrastructure noting the improved electric power supply may soon bring relief to the

Danbata

MNOs. The ICT operator appealed to Federal and States Governments to assist subscribers by creating an environment that will be free for the MNOs to operate stressing that the operating environment was not conducive enough to maintain uninterrupted services. Although he suggested sanctions, Okitiakpe however explained that no business would thrive in an environment where resources that could have been used in network upgrading were diverted to the repairs of damaged telecommunications infrastructure in violence prone areas. A mobile money agent in Ojodu, Julius Ajibade said that infrastructure was a key aspect of the industry that regulators must ensure that MNOs address urgently given the expected growth of the mobile money market and its potential positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

The task-force is part of the agenda of the new NCC Executive ViceChairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, following the general outcry from subscribers about poor quality service

He said that the speculation that the lawmakers were not doing their oversight effectively may not have impact on the industry since there is a regulator which has not minced its words concerning sanctions. It was however gathered that the NCC had set up a nine-member task force to proffer solutions to the declining quality of service in the telecommunications sector. The task-force is part of the agenda of the new NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, following the general outcry from subscribers about poor quality service. NCC’s Director of Public of Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who released details of the task-force to the media said that the one term of reference is to look at the issue of QoS in all its ramifications and suggest practical measures that will lead to its improvement, and recommend any other measure as appropriate that will project the image of the commission in a good light.” The NCC director said the task force was expected to submit its reports periodically to the monthly management meeting, beginning from August 21, 2015, until the expiration of its tenure in six months. NATCOMS President described the decision as very fundamental to the ending of the underlying cause of the poor quality of service, saying that the subscribers are hoping for improved services thereafter.

Info Tech

Thursday, September 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Technology acquisition limitations hamper Fitness tracking on analog watch CDMA firms’ market growth Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he limitations of the CDMA mobile phone technology amidst aggressive competition from the advancing technology of the GSM mobile phone of were responsible for the demise of CDMA companies in Nigeria. Chief Executive Officer, IS Internet, Solution, Mr. OlusolaTeniola told National Mirror in an interview that the CDMA technology did not give room for the consumer to move with different devices adding that as such it was easier for them to ride on the GSM technology. The CDMA operators were the dominant operators before the introduction of the GSM mobile phones into Nigeria in 2000 but stiff competition from the GSM companies eventually shut down the market for CDMA mobile phones. According to Teniola, the operators of CDMAs were in the market

fter being acquired by Adidas for $240 million, Runtastic isn’t stopping to catch its breath. Recently, the company announced the Runtastic Moment, a line of analog watches that also track your fitness. Instead of wearing a watch and a rubber fitness bracelet, one device can count your steps and active minutes, and a quick glance at its face will show you not only the time, but also your progress toward the day’s goals. Like the Withings Activité and Activité Pop, the Runtastic Moment watches have a clean, classy look, with a round face and a second dial that shows your progress toward your goal. You’ll still have to fire up the companion Runtastic app for your smartphone to see your actual step count, but the dial can show you at a glance if you’re halfway there, almost done, or just getting started. In the app, you can set goals based on steps taken, active minutes, calories burned, and whatever you choose in the app will be indicated by the second dial. The watch can vibrate when you’ve been inactive for too long, and track how much you sleep each night too. Best of all, the watches don’t require charging once a day or even once a week. They’re powered by standard watch batteries that should last months, and you can swap it out yourself with the included screwdriver. Waterproof to 300 feet, they’re fine to wear when swimming. Runtastic is offering the Moment in four collections, each with a slightly different style. All of them feature stainless steel cases, scratchresistant glass, and standard watch band attachments, so you can easily swap it out for any band you want. The Moment Fun, which comes in bright colors like raspberry, plum, sand, and indigo has silicone straps that are designed for working out, and the face is 37mm. The Moment Basic is similar but a little more masculine, with a 42mm watch in black or sand, with a silicone strap.

before the GSM operators, but the fact they became regionalised prevented them from being national network noting that in terms of device, the GSM phones were more appealing to the consumer compared to CDMA device. He said that there are aspects of the GSM technology, which the CDMA technology misread such as the SIM technology saying that the fact that a consumer can remove the SIM card and put it into another device gave the GSM companies a great competitive advantage over the CDMA operators. He disclosed that since the introduction of the GSM technology, there are several innovation that has given an edge over the CDMA technology and that the GSM technology that is currently to migrating to LTE, saying that “I think that looking at the way we are going voice at some way will be given out for free.” He added that that is inevitable because “now you have Skype and instant messaging as well as differ-

ent ways of communicating that are free and think that is the trend of going forward.” Commenting on what analysts described as drought in the ICT industry in the country, Teniola observed that it is partially true considering the fact that most youths have skills that are unexploited saying however that Internet Solution has Nigerians working in it. “The lacking in our generation and the generation before us is that we did not create those companies that absorb them. And I am also encouraged that the youths are creating those companies that we didn’t create but you are not seeing it because they are not the Dangotes of the world, the Facebook or Microsoft of the world”, he said. He said: “You see I have a problem with the media and it is that they are looking for the big names but they are not actually supporting those who are going through pains and building great things for the future.

L-R: Managing Director, Abuja Leasing Company Ltd, Mr Tolu Delano; Product Development Manager, Mr, Victor Ubani and Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Ebube Nwankwo, during Official Launch of Hetogrow, UK Solar Power Bank in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA

African Union, Huawei restate commitment to better connected Africa

uawei, a global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, and the African Union have reaffirmed their commitment towards ensuring a better connected Africa. Leaders of organisation,Senior Vice President, Charles Ding and Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union, Dr. Elham Ibrahim made the promise at the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information Technologies (CCICT) which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the conference, Ibrahim revealed that in January, Huawei signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with the African Union to jointly enhance Information and Communication Technology literacy and capability and ICT infrastructure development saying that the MOU would further speed up the realisation of the lofty set goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063. She said that the AU is very grateful of Huawei’s goodwill to offer ICT training for 25 employees of AU in China in the near future. As a gesture of goodwill, Huawei would offer ICT training for 25 employees of AU in China in the near future adding, “We are very grateful of such opportunities. Huawei has also pledged to train up to 1,000 ICT professionals from member states.”

Senior Vice President of Huawei, Mr. Charles Ding, disclosed that Huawei is solidifying efforts over the years with our partners on all fronts because it believed that ICT technologies are reshaping Africa and other parts of the world, and leading the next wave of sustainable social development. According to him, Huawei 17 years of experience within Africa’s ICT industry coupled with its extensive industry global network, has well positioned it to share the best practices and latest ICT solutions stressing that “we hope to support ICT infrastructure deployment and digital transformation practice across the Continent.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Government Technology

Uwaje links slow growth in Africa’s domain names to apps shortage Stories

by I saiah

E rhiawarien

he slow pace of domain name growth in Africa, particularly Nigeria has been attributed to dearth of apps development coming from developers in the region. Chief Executive Officer, Mobile Software Solution, Mr. Chris Uwaje who made the disclosure during a discussion on new generic top-level domains at the 3rd Aficta Summit, hosted recently in Johannesburg told delegates at the forum that Africans remains unsatisfactory, as evidenced by the low number of applications from the continent. The discussion was under the auspices of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the New generic Top-Level Domain Program’s aim, which is to increase competition and choice in domain names by facilitating global domain name applications. Uwaje led the offensive said that Africa was not aware, initially, when all these top level domain issues were being defined criticised Africa’s

attitude to technology at international level. According to him, when African ICT experts went to the United Nations they had not really consulted and engaged in the process that translated into TLD, “so it was late coming which turned into an opportunity loss.” He said that Africa now has the largest domain estate in the world, which has not been exhausted adding that lessons should be drawn from the challenges encountered so far. Speaking at the Summit, Board chairman, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, AfICTA, who was reelected at the event said that Africa needs to re-strategise because there are too many failed projects noting that it was recently announced that there are over 20 000 failed ICT projects in Nigeria. According to Olufuye, it is in other regions in Africa as well and that a policy framework is needed for sustainability emphasising the need for industry stakeholders to ensure that strategies and policies are correct and sustainable in order to facilitate

Women Revalidating their Sim Cards in An ‘Open Have Communication’ outlet in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, yesterday.

development and prosperity. He said it was important to remember ICT’s contribution to the millennium goals and referred to the relevance of the ‘World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) + 10’

review by the UN General Assembly, renewal of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and inauguration of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda. Olufuye added, “AfICTA at

three is still young but determined to impact our rich continent and her over 1.1 billion people positively to fulfil the promise of the digital age.”

Financial Technology

Konga’s investment to boost logistics services Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

onga.com, Nigeria’s online mall, has announced a fresh investment with the launch of Mercury, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics management system that will enable logistics, courier companies and their customers to track the exact location and status of their orders online. Chief Executive Officer of Konga, Mr. Sim Shagaya, said that Mercury was created by Konga’s Technology and K-Express teams explaining that Mercury evolved from Konga’s previous ‘Kollect’ Track and Trace’ logistics and transportation platform. According to him, “There are many small and large logistics companies today serving sellers on the Konga marketplace. Beyond this, there are hundreds of logistics companies that are licensed by NIPOST to do parcel delivery

across Nigeria. As we engaged with them, we found that one consistent complaint these companies have, is an absence of a robust track and trace system. We decided to extend the proprietary technology we had built for KExpress and make it broadly available to all logistics companies - large or small - that need it”. Wale Adisa, Director Distribution & Fulfilment at Konga. com remarked that Mercury will employ basic hardware requirements of computers, printers, handheld scanners and will enable businesses to migrate from having to capture data manually, to a fully automated process guaranteeing better data fidelity. According to him, the launch of Mercury is in line with konga’s mission to be “the engine of trade and commerce in Africa,” as it will facilitate the growth of logistics business in the country. According to him, “Mer-

cury’s robust track and trace system will allow for the full visibility of parcels and make for increased customer satisfaction, whilst facilitating automated cash reconciliation and reduced operational costs.

With Mercury, these logistics businesses will have fewer issues to contend with.” He revealed that for now Mercury is available free of charge with no conditions, constraints or limitations; he

however mentioned that interested logistics companies must be approved by NIPOST. Interested companies should visit www.mercury.ng/ for more information on how to sign up for Mercury.

Airtel to disconnect phone lines

obile network operator, MNO, Airtel Nigeria has begun the barring of non-compliant lines in accordance with a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

In a press statement, the company called on subscribers on its network, who were yet to fully complete their SIM registration requirements to do so without further delay. The MNO disclosed that any subscriber that had been barred or received a message that he or she will be barred as a result of this process

must reactivate his line or update the records accordingly. It stated: “If you have been barred or, we appeal to you to kindly to continue enjoying our quality services. Please, visit any of our Airtel Express Shops or KYC registration centres across the country to update your Registration details. “For customers who have duly completed the SIM registration requirements as stipulated by the NCC, please be assured that your lines will continue to remain functional and your services will not be interrupted. We wish

to assure everyone that Airtel is committed to providing top of the class telecommunication experience. The statement indicated that in order to respond promptly to consumers’ needs the company had extended the working hours of its showrooms daily operations by two hours from Monday to Sunday. every day of the week, Monday to Sunday. It would be recalled that the management of Airtel had earlier advised its customers to update their records in line with the NCC directive.

Global News

Thursday, September 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Merkel says reform efforts of euro British Airways plane zone countries have paid off catches fire in Las Vegas G

British Airways plane bound for London has caught fire at Las Vegas airport, forcing the evacuation of 172 people on board on emergency slides. Airport officials said at least 14 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. US Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the left engine of the Boeing 777-200 caught fire before take-off. The plane was seen engulfed in flames and smoke. The fire was later put out. In a statement, British Airways said the aircraft “experienced a technical issue as it was preparing for take-off”. In a distress call the plane’s captain asked for the airport’s emergency services: “Speedbird Mayday Mayday. Speedbird 2276 request fire services.” “Speedbird 2276 heavy, we are evacuating on the runway. We have a fire, repeat, we are evacuating,” he adds. The pilot later told passengers that the accident was the result of a “catastrophic failure of the engine”, reports the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, who was onboard the plane. “We looked out the window and for the first time saw smoke near the wing. We could smell it. It was

BA aircraft on fire in Las Vegas

like burning rubber - bitter and deeply unpleasant - and it was time to panic,” Steinberg writes. It all happened so fast and the crew were amazing. The plane was jetting across the runway to take off, when there was a bump and the plane starting screeching to a halt. I was sitting on the right hand side near the wing, but I could see the smoke from the left engine belching out. Debris was falling from the sky and I could smell smoke and fuel so knew it was a fire. People were getting out of their seats and the crew were trying to calm them down. Then the pilot said, “emergency evacuation... off plane now”.

People were pushing and shoving and screaming. There was panic but then the chute was deployed and down I went. Then we saw the flames and smoke. We all ran far from the plane as the fire crew arrived and doused the engine. A spokesman for Rolls Royce told Reuters news agency the engine was not made by the company, British Airways uses engines made by either Rolls Royce or General Electric, the agency adds. The airport tweeted: “Received first call at 4:13 PM (23:13 GMT); flames were spotted at 4:14, and by 4:14 response was underway.” It added: “@LASairport had the fire out and all passengers off BA flight by 4:18 PM - excellent work by our ARFF team.”

China changes GDP data calculation method to improve accuracy

hina’s statistics bureau said on Wednesday it has changed the way quarterly gross domestic product data is calculated, a move it calls a step to adopt international standards and improve the accuracy of Chinese numbers. There has long been widespread scepticism about the reliability of Chinese data, especially as the government has sought to tamp market expectations of a protracted slowdown in the world’s second-

China President Xi Jinping

largest economy. The move by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) comes after China said in July its annual growth rate in the second quarter was 7.0 percent, the same as in January-March. Many economists believe the April-June pace was lower. The combined economic output of China’s provinces has long exceeded that of the national level compiled by the bureau, raising suspicion that some growth-obsessed local officials have cooked the books. Now, China is calculating GDP based on economic activity of each quarter to make the data “more accurate in measuring the seasonal economic activity and more sensitive in capturing information on short-term fluctuations”, the NBS said. Previously, China’s quarterly GDP data, in terms of value and growth rates, was derived from cumulated figures rather than economic activity of that particular quarter, the bureau said. The new methodology - in line

with that of major developed countries - will pave the way for China to adopt the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) in calculating GDP, it said. The bureau, which has revised some historical quarterly GDP figures for 2014 and prior years retrospectively, said it will publish thirdquarter GDP data, due out on Oct. 19, based on the new methodology. The NBS has revised down yearon-year economic growth rates for every quarter last year by 0.1 percentage points, following its revision on Monday of the 2014 annual economic growth rate to 7.3 percent from 7.4 percent. The bureau has also revised down growth rates in the first two quarters of 2012 by 0.1 percentage points respectively and revised up the fourth quarter by 0.1 percentage points. For 2015, China is targeting annual economic growth of “around” 7 percent, which would be the weakest expansion in a quarter of a century.

erman Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that the euro zone economy was in better shape than a year ago and said reform efforts by countries like Spain and Ireland had paid off. “If we look at the euro zone as a whole, we can say that there is an economic recovery, the situation is better than a year ago,” Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament. “In particular, the euro countries that carried out deep reforms, Spain and Ireland, are growing more than average. Spain is growing as fast as it did before the crisis. We can only say

that the reform path was worth it,” she added.

Merkel

United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek steps down amid probe

nited Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.N) said on Tuesday Chief Executive Jeff Smisek had stepped down in connection with a federal probe of the airline, and that two other senior executives tied to the investigation would also be leaving. Oscar Munoz, a United board member and CSX Corp (CSX.N) chief operating officer, was immediately tapped as CEO. “The departures announced today are in connection with the company’s previously disclosed internal investigation related to the federal investigation associated with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The investigations are ongoing and the company continues to cooperate with the government,” UAL said. United Continental’s executive vice president of communications and government affairs, Irene Foxhall, and its senior vice president of corporate and government affairs, Mark Anderson, also were leaving, according to a person familiar with the matter. The surprise departures at the world’s second-largest airline come just after its chief financial officer left for the same role at PayPal Holdings Inc.

Smisek

“I think some investors are going to be concerned given that degree of management turnover,” said Joseph DeNardi, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus. “I was surprised by” the news of Smisek’s departure, he added. “I would imagine most people were.” United Continental’s shares fell 2.8 percent in trading after the bell. Smisek, who has been the company’s CEO since 2010, will also step down as chairman and president, United Continental said in a statement. UAL’s general counsel, Brett Hart, declined during a conference call Tuesday to elaborate on the reasons for the departures or the status of a federal investigation into UAL’s relationship with David Samson, a former chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In February, the carrier had opened an internal investigation into its relationship with Samson, following a government probe. Media reports have said the government probe focused on whether United added direct flights to Columbia, South Carolina, from Newark to accommodate Samson, who had a home there. The route was canceled after Samson resigned in early 2014 following news of a federal probe into the potential conflict of interest between his role as port authority chairman and his private law firm. The investigations are ongoing and United’s internal probe and the related circumstances do not raise any accounting or financial reporting concerns, United Continental said on Tuesday. “We don’t expect it to impact our operations,” Hart said. United under Smisek had faced mounting pressure from investors to improve its day-to-day operations and financial performance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 10 2015

Brands & Marketing

Mobile ad spend to hit $100bn, Nigeria drops in retail index ranking With the United States of America and China accounting for an estimated 62 per cent of global mobile ad spending next year, industry researchers project that mobile ad spending is bound to take a larger chunk of the global digital ad expenditures in the years ahead. DAVID AUDU reports on the emerging trends.

he global mobile advertising market will hit two significant milestones in 2016, according to new figures from eMarketer, a market research firm, surpassing $100 billion in spending and accounting for more than 50 per cent of all digital ad expenditure for the first time. The $101.37 billion to be spent on ads served to mobile phones and tablets worldwide next year represents a nearly 430 per cent increase from 2013. Between 2016 and 2019, the last year in our forecast period, mobile ad spending will nearly double, hitting $195.55 billion to account for 70.1 per cent of digital ad spend as well as over one-quarter of total media ad spending globally. Not surprisingly, growth in mobile ad spending is being driven by consumer adoption of mobile devices. Next year, eMarketer estimates, there will be more than 2 billion smartphone users worldwide, over onequarter of whom will live in China alone. Especially there and in other emerging and developing markets, many consumers are accessing the internet mobile-first and mobileonly, so leading advertisers allocate their digital expenditure to mobile accordingly. The number of tablet users worldwide, while growing more slowly than the smartphone audience, is still expected to eclipse 1 billion in 2015. The proliferation of these mobile devices across the world is driving the shift in advertising from the desktop to reach these untethered, always-on consumers. In the short term, the leading global markets, particularly the US and China, will drive mobile ad spending growth. In 2016, US advertisers will spend $40.24 billion to reach consumers on tablets and mobile phones, more than doubling the total from 2014, while those in China will invest $22.14 billion— nearly triple the amount they spent in 2014. Both of these countries will see mobile become a majority of digital ad spending next year. Rounding out the top five countries, the UK, Japan and Germany also will see significant increases in mobile ad spending next year, but in all three markets, a majority of digital ad spending will be on mobile devices

WE ANALYZE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA FROM A VARIETY OF RESEARCH FIRMS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, MEDIA OUTLETS AND COMPANY REPORTS, WEIGHTING EACH PIECE OF INFORMATION BASED ON METHODOLOGY AND SOUNDNESS in 2017 for the first time. While the top five countries will maintain their positions throughout our forecast, there are other markets on the move. Next year, Canada and Australia will surpass South Korea to become the sixth- and seventh-largest mobile ad markets globally, respectively. By 2018, several of the top growth markets will have made significant gains. That year, Brazil will jump three spots from 2015 to become the ninth-largest mobile ad market globally, and Indonesia will make the largest gain, rising from No. 21 this year to No. 12. Notably, however, despite India’s massive mobile audience, the market will continue to lag in mobile ad spending, failing to eclipse $1 billion by 2018.

Emarketer is a market research firm. A note to explaine the methodology of its report states that it bases its forecasts on a multipronged approach that focuses on both worldwide and local trends in the economy, technology and population, along with company, product, country and demographic specific trends, and trends in specific consumer behaviors. “We analyze quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of research firms, government agencies, media outlets and company reports, weighting each piece of information based on methodology and soundness”. Meanwhile the African Retail Development Index has released its current report on the retail potentials on the continent. The report shows Gabon, Bostwana and Angola topping the list of African countries with diverse options for retail expansion. Nigeria currently drops from the number two position it previously occupy to number four, while Ethiopia, with Africa’s second largest population doodles at number 15. The report also discusses the growth in the middle class in Africa, increased consumerism, the spread of malls, land being taken up for development for retail purposes and Sub-Sahara’s young and connected middle class that is growing fast and still deciding on its favourite brands. Beside the ranking of the top 15 Africa

countries according to market attractiveness for retail expansion, it is also a useful framework for retailers because it identifies the markets in Africa most attractive for retail expansion today, and those that offer the most potential. The Index identifies three distinct differences in stages of retail advancement in the top 15 countries—basic, developing, and mature—with only Southern Africa falling into the mature bracket. They are characterized by having a formal shopping culture, international and growing private label exposure, innovation, and stable and transparent pricing. In this market, the key purchase drivers are convenience and quality. AT Kearney partner and leader of the firm’s consumer industries and retail practice for Europe, Middle East, and Africa Mirko Warschun, noted that Nigeria moved down the index, despite its market size and room for growth. “Nigeria has massive room for growth in formal retail with 25 new shopping centres in development,” said Warschun. “True spending, however, remains comparatively low as the ‘true middle class’ is a lot smaller relative to the smaller countries ranked higher.” With its tremendous potential and strong economic projections, however, Nigeria is still a market to consider. While Tanzania (#5) has dropped a notch, it was the largest and most stable of the East African community countries and remained an attractive retail market said Warschun. “Tanzania is in the early stages of development, and therein lies the opportunity,” he said. “This unsaturated market has one of Africa’s fastest growing retail sectors, boosted by new shopping malls.” Bart Van Dijk, AT Kearney partner and leader of the firm’s consumer industries and retail practice in Africa, said that it was instructive to think of Africa as a set of opportunities that can be augmented and added onto one another, rather than just one singular opportunity. “How you pick among the opportunities depends on your offering,” he said. “Retailers with a basic offering should target the large cities and countries because scale will be important, while retailers with a wider assortment should target higher average income countries including the smaller ones.” The ARDI is based on four dimensions: market size, market saturation, country risk, and time pressure, and ranks the potential and urgency of moving into each country accordingly.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Okeme assures on ADVAN ‘s sustainable growth DAVID AUDU

he new president of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, Mr, David Okeme, has said his administration will focus on ensuring that the country becomes the centre of attraction as far as advertising is concerned. Speaking with journalists after the annual general meeting of the association and election of new executive in Lagos recently, Okeme said, his executive will “shift the focus a bit and that shift will be moving from being a pressure group to an enabler of growth in the industry. There is a Nigeria market agenda that we have and we are going to leverage on it”. He said Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and when you talk about advertising platform, people tend to go south of the continent but “this executive will work to make Nigeria the centre of gravity in advertising. These are real big ambi-

tions and we will mobilise our partners to make this happen”. Okeme lamented that about a million dollars is being spent every year on advertising, adding that “it is a very big investment but if you look at the kind of returns that we get, it shows that growth among our members is between zero and five percent. According to him, with the high level of investment that goes into advertising, it was unfortunate that advertisers were not getting the desired returns promising that the association was ready to collaborate and deploy all that is necessary to ensure clients get the desired leverage, he promised. “So one of the things that ADVAN will look into is how to leverage on the industry such that we can build greater efficiency in terms of advertising returns,” The new executives take over from the immediate past President, Kola Oyeyemi. The new executives who were elected in a contest that

pitched the Brand Building Director, Unilever, David Okeme against the Executive Director, Commercial, of Promasidor Nigeria, Onyekachi Onubogu, saw the former emerging with a slim margin. Also elected to make up the new executive committee include Joan Ihekwaba, General Manager Marketing, UACN Foods, 1st Vice President, Bimbo Alabi, Marketing Manager, SoKlin 2nd Vice-President, Bukunola Ogunnusi PR & Advert Manager, Toyota Nigeria Treasurer and Samson Oloche Marketing Manager, Non-Alcoholic drinks, NB Plc Publicity Secretary. The three Ex-offcios are Toruka Osandukwo, Head, Communications UBA, Osamede Uwubamen, Head of Corporate and Investment, Marketing and communication -StanbicIBTC and Ibraheem Awelenje Category Manager, Breakfast Cereals and Ediri Ose-Ediale remains the GM/Executive Secretary of the association.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Havas Media partners Genero for online video

avas Media Group has signed an agreement with Genero, the online community that brings together creatives with brands or musicians, giving it access to 300,000 filmmakers in 220 countries. The agreement will provide the agency with access to Genero’s full technology platform and deliver video content for Havas’ clients. The partnership will cover Havas Media, Arena Media, Havas SE Cake, AIS, Havas Media International, SCB Partners and DBi. It will enable Havas to deliver video content for brands including HP, Diageo, Qantas, Visit Britain, Pernod Ricard and Airbnb. Pedro Avery, the group managing director at Havas Media Group, said: “Partnering with Genero helps us very quickly offer a new model of video content production to our clients. “There is a need for so much more video to build and keep audiences engaged online and

the ability to plug into a pool of 300,000 creatives and filmmakers helps us meet that need without having to scale up our internal resources.” Last year VisitBritain, the tourism agency, used a network of filmmakers on Genero, to produce a short film “reflecting the variety of sights, sounds and experiences on offer across Britain”. Darren Khan, the managing director at Genero, said: “Most of the forward thinking agencies are looking for ways to quickly adapt so they can produce much larger volumes of shorter video content without having to totally transform their agencies. “Our focus is on providing agencies and brands with the ability to quickly produce very high quality video content via the growing number of people around the world who can create it and a technology platform that helps them manage the end to end creative and video production process.”

Media General to buy Meredith for $2.34bn

L-R: Socialite, Mrs Sade Okoya; Representative of Jackson Family Foundation, Cecilie Binoche; Brand Manager, Natures Gentle Touch, Mrs Toyin Adepegba and Founder/Chair, Basic Education Africa (BEAfrica), Ms Abimbola Okoya during the BEAfrica/Jackson Family Foundation ‘Make That Change’ seminar supported by Natures Gentle Touch, at

Young SMEs commends Life Beer on funding support DAVID AUDU

oung entrepreneurs in the South East of Nigeria have applauded Life Continental Lager Beer, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc for its entrepreneurial talent hunt radio show. The entrepreneurs said the initiative have addressed some challenges militating against their operations. The entrepreneurs, whose applications for lifeline have been considered for the young tycoons of SouthEast extraction, described the talent hunt competition as a relief that has assisted them in realising their dreams. It would be recalled that Life Continental Lager Beer initiated the N12.5 million worth talent enhancement and empowerment

competition to encourage and enhance the dreams of budding and talented businessmen and women within the South-East. One of the past winners in the scheme, Mr. Madubuike Maxwell, whose application focused on Palm Produce, disclosed that the grant given to him for winning in the radio show has taken his business to higher level. Maxwell said the fund came at the right time when his business was in dire need of vital implements. According to him, personal attempts to source for grants from other sources failed because of the prevailing lull in the nation’s economy. Again, he said banks in the country are not helping promoters of the SMEs as they are always asking for collaterals that are not available. His words: “My business has moved to another level following the

grant given to me by Life Continental Beer. In fact, we have employed more hands for the business and in two years time, we should be using foreign machines instead of the local machines we currently deploy Similarly, Mr. Benjamim Ukwuora, an indigene of Anambra State who is into mechanical engineering, expressed gratitude to Life Continental Beer for the entrepreneurial talent hunt scheme, which he said gave him a ray of hope that Nigeria will be better very soon. Ukwuora, whose application focused on transparent bar soap production, disclosed that he was building a machine for his production plant when the Life Continental Lager Beer talent hunt project was flagged to him. He disclosed that for two years, he had been struggling to raise money to complete construction of that machine.

edia General Inc said it would buy diversified media company Meredith Corp for about $2.34 billion to create the third-largest local TV station owner in the United States. The cash and stock offer of $51.53 per share is a premium of about 12 percent to Meredith’s Friday close. The combined company, to be named Meredith Media General, will initially have 88 TV stations that reach 30 percent of U.S. TV households, the companies said on Tuesday. Media General shareholders

will receive one share of the new company for each share held. Meredith shareholders will receive $34.57 in cash and 1.5214 shares of the new company for each share held. Media General shareholders will own about 65 percent of the new company after the transaction closes, with Meredith shareholders holding the rest. Including debt, the deal is valued at about $3.1 billion. Media General shares closed at $11.15 on the New York Stock Exchangeon Friday, while Meredith’s shares closed at $45.94.

Gay admen group elect leader

leadership group has been set up for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in advertising called PrideAM. The managing director of the Marketing Agencies Association, Scott Knox, will be the first president of the group, which will use the strapline: “Doing different.” The group’s other founding members include: Jan Gooding, the group brand director at Aviva and chair of Stonewall; Nick Bailey, the chief executive and executive creative director at Isobar; and Matt Scarff, the director of ITV Creative. An MAA survey found that just one-third of its agencies are aware of LGBT staff. Knox said “PrideAM aims to ensure that anyone who is les-

bian, gay, bisexual or transgender in our industry is supported and represented at the highest level. “No-one should feel they need to hide who they are at work, and particularly not when they work in an industry as vibrant and progressive as advertising. “We have come together to connect, inform and empower LGBT people in our sector, to realise and celebrate the value we bring.” Knox will launch the group at the Wacl president’s dinner later this month. Gooding said: “If people in marketing are going to be equipped to help change the attitudes and behaviour of society with regard to LGBT consumers, then they need to get their own house in order.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Lack of market research data, bane of SMEs’ growth– NIMN President DAVID AUDU

resident of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye, has identified lack of proper marketing research by those who applied for small and medium enterprise loans as responsible for over 70 per cent of the failures. The NIMN president who spoke to newsmen in Lagos recently said majority of those who applied for the loan did nothing or very little in the area of market research before they were given the loans, adding that nothing but failure should be the result of such lack of preparation in the area of key element in starting a business. It would be recalled that the federal government had in 2013 earmarked about N220 billion for disbursement to small and

medium enterprises in Nigeria through the local banks. But investigations years later showed that most of those who benefited from the loan where not properly mentored on the need to develop proper market analysis to enable them breakthrough in the various areas of business. “We want to inform Nigerians that a proper market research and analysis is critical to empowering the small scale enterprises. It is not just about doling out money; they need to be taught on how to do proper market projections and what happens in the market place”. He said the marketing institute is concerned about such high failure rate in the SMEs, hence the need to bring together experts to brainstorm on it which form the focus of the institutes 2015 Marketing Week

scheduled for Enugu in November. The marketing week with the theme: Paradigm Shift in Nigeria’s Development equation-The Role of Micro Marketing as Catalyst for Establishing Enduring SMEs, according to the institute, is meant to x-ray the potentials SMEs and how to use marketing tools to enhance the effectiveness of businesses in Nigeria. Other sub themes of the conference include, unlocking opportunities for growth through proactive policies and regulations; integrating marketing concepts into entrepreneurship and SMEs; market5ing strategies for leveraging non oil resources for sustainable development and impact of digital marketing in emerging economies.

‘Sprite Triple Slam’ campaign kicks off nationwide DAVID AUDU

n line with its brand promise of engaging Nigerian youths creatively, flavoured drink, Sprite, has announced the comeback of its youth engagement platform, the Sprite Triple Slam. According to the beverage brand, the reactivation of Sprite Triple Slam, an experiential activation platform hinged on three passions of youth- basketball, music and dance- is borne of the desire to encourage Nigerian youths to display their skills and dexterity inways that allow for true self-expression. Senior Brand Manager, Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Toyin Nnodi, said that “consumer insights reveal that Nigerian teens and youths desire a platform to express their emotions and key passions. “We have therefore taken a decision to re-activate this property to provide Sprite consumers with an appropriate platform to express themselves.” Nnodi revealed that this year’s activation will focus on

town storms, awareness drives and freestyle performances in Basketball, Music and Dance in each of the seven University locations where the activations will be carried out. She also added that, “there will also be performances by popular artistes to give the audience a truly rewarding experience at the event.” Shedding light on the timelines for the activations, Nnodi explained that the Sprite Triple Slam events will kick off this week end at the University of Benin, after which the train will make a move to the University of Calabar the following week and University of Ibadan subsequently. She said the team will take a one week break, after which they will proceed to Enugu State University, first week of October, followed by River State University of Science and Technology, then to the University of Lagos, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri for the final stop of the 2015 activation. The activations will be held in each of the Universities every Friday.”

LG targets 100m customers worldwide DAVID AUDU

H Cross session of Digital Marketing Masterclass participants from Dana Airlines, KIA Motors and Renault Motors flaked by course instructors; Semira Mahmud, Michael Ernest and Jerry Oche at the Street Toolz Digital Centre, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.

MTN offers free incoming calls to subscribers DAVID AUDU

TN Nigeria has said subscribers on its network can now enjoy free incoming calls and SMS while roaming in fifteen countries across the world. The selected countries for the free incoming calls are the United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Netherlands and Belgium. Others are Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kenya and Ghana. Announcing the offer, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria Richard Iweanoge, stated that the offer affirms MTN’s believe in

satisfying the need of its subscribers anywhere across the globe. “This new offer which allows for free incoming calls, is a solution introduced to address issues of high cost of receiving calls whenever our esteemed subscribers travel out of the country. Driven by world class technology, this package will afford our subscribers an opportunity to constantly communicate with friends, families and business associates whenever they are on international trips.” He said. He said the service requires no registration as the customers’ MTN SIM automatically connects when they switch on their phones at any of the se-

lected destinations; preferably they have phones and gadgets that allows roaming. While the new package will afford all subscribers on the MTN network an opportunity to enjoy free incoming calls and SMS in fifteen selected countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, subscribers will also be able to make calls for as low as N60 per minute whenever they are in these selected countries. Over the years, MTN has always being at the fore front of seeking innovative ways of meeting its subscriber’s needs to enable them stay connected to their friends and loved ones and even while transacting businesses without barriers.

ome entertainment and consumer electronics maker, LG Electronics, is revving up its marketing efforts to foster its organic light emitting diode, OLED TV, business with an aim to outpace rivals in the world’s premium TV market. LG Electronics introduced into the Nigerian Market, the World’s First Curved OLED TV some years back, which competing brands are catching up with. In line with this strategy for global leadership, LG has announced that it would join hands with Google to promote OLED TVs. Head of LG’s global marketing division Kim Ki-wan, said “through the joint promotion LG will have potential consumers experience the picture quality and true values of LG OLED TVs and enhance the firm’s brand image,” Targeting to secure 100 million customers worldwide, LG said it will try to deploy marketing strategies tailored for each step of the sales cycle, including building rapport with customers, increasing brand recognition and closing deals on top of Google’s digital marketing platforms such as YouTube, according to the Korean firm. “Google has been supporting marketers to communicate effectively with customers online through Google’s advertising and marketing solutions,” said Korean chief executive of Google, John Lee. “The company will continue to

help global firms such as LG to promote their products and the values of the products around the world,” he said. A statement from the Korean based firm decribed the curved OLED TV to have pioneered a new era in TV technology, saying “most leading brands only recently rolledout their own version of the TV”. Describing further the features of the new product, LG said, “unlike traditional, synthetic LED’s, Organic Light Emitting Diode, OLED, uses an organic, carbon-based compound that emits its own light when hit with an electric current. A thin-film transistor, TFT. backplane switches each specific pixel on and off and light passes through a combination of filters to reproduce high-definition images. “Since OLED displays do not require a backlight, pixels that are switched off are truly black, so OLED achieves deeper black levels and a higher contrast ratio when compared to LCD and LED TV’s. This LG says is a revolutionary material that enables quality resolution”. On enhancing television viewing, LG said “the curve of the screen ensures that your eyes are equally distant from all parts of the screen to provide a natural and immersive viewing experience. “The technology of OLED TV permits a simpler internal structure. This means the TV is lightweight and pencil-thin, making it slimmer than your Smart Phone”.

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, September 10, 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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, September 10, 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, September 10, 2015

Oddities

Parade shoes unveiled, as competition begins

ontestants in the 2016 Miss America pageant will wear butterflies, snowflakes, dice, potatoes and dinosaurs on their shoes when they hit the Atlantic City Boardwalk this week. The Miss America Organization unveiled on Tuesday the footwear that each of the 52 contestants would wear during Saturday evening’s “Show Us Your Shoes” parade. Most of the shoes have designs specific to their contes-

tant’s home state. Miss New Jersey had dice and Monopoly money on her shoes, in a nod to the pageant’s Atlantic City history. Miss Idaho had a potato, Miss District of Columbia honoured the U.S. Marine Corps, Miss Florida had the Gators logo on her shoes and Miss Kansas sported wheat on hers. The most unusual design belonged to Miss Montana, whose shoes featured green dinosaurs.

Woman stops by Police station, hugs officer

he Arvada, Colorado, Police Department has posted a photo on its Facebook account of a woman who came into the station just so she could hug an officer. KMGH-TV (http://bit. ly/1IW0jyF) reports the woman told police yesterday she was upset about the deaths of law enforcement members nation-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

wide. She hugged 20-year veteran Officer Chris Steiner, who said he responded to almost every fatality the department handles. “It’s nice to get a hug rather than observe trauma,” Steiner said afterwards. The post has received thousands of likes and generated comments of support.

Wayward chicken owner comes forward

he owner of a wayward chicken that fouled up traffic at the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge last week, Ken Houston, tried to reclaim his bird yesterday. Former Oakland mayoral candidate, Houston, said he was taking two of his chickens to donate them to a nearby school garden last Wednesday, when he stopped his pickup truck at the Oakland Army Base, near the toll plaza, to check on a work project and realized the cardboard box carrying his chickens in the back of his truck was empty. “I look around, look around, look around and then I leave,” the 50-year-old Houston explained. When Houston’s assistant called with the news that the wayward chicken was on the news, he said he was worried he’d get in trouble with transportation officials.

One small brown chicken was eventually captured by the California Highway Patrol, as well as news cameras and people with their cellphones at the ready. The agency later posted a photo of the “felonious fowl” in custody on its Twitter account. The second chicken was never found. Houston swung by Oak-

The wayward chicken

land Animal Services, where the chicken had been taken, and asked an employee if he would get into trouble for his wayward chicken and got assurance it was safe The shelter named the chicken Chip, a nod to the CHP for the rescue. Coincidentally, she went by Chipper before her escape. Houston was donating

the birds to the garden at Stonehurst Edible Schoolyard, where several chickens had recently died. “It’s so great because we are finishing the mission. The mission was to give the school the chicken so they can enjoy it in the garden, in their own backyard and see nature,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Index sheds 2.9% on profit taking Stories: Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, halting three consecutive days of positive trends. The All Share Index depreciated 2.98 per cent to close at 29,454.09 points, as against the increase of 1.02 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 30,358.87 points. Market capitalisation lost N311 billion to close at N10.13 trillion in contrast to the rise of N105 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.44trillion. Research analysts at

DLM Securities Limited, an investment firm, noted that besides profit-taking, the decline may not be unconnected with the announced removal of Nigeria’s FGN Bonds from the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Government Bond Index by the end of September and October 2015, due to liquidity concerns and lack of transparency in the foreign exchange market. “Our view is informed by the magnitude of today’s drop in the broad equity index. Meanwhile we maintain our view of a cyclical trading pattern with occasional spikes driven predominantly by smart-money investors’ speculative activities.

“We equally maintain that decelerating economic activities and a lack of a clear overall economic policy direction will continue to weigh heavily on the domestic financial markets,” the firm said. Transnational Express Plc led the gainers’ table with 10 kobo or 9.01 per cent to close at N1.21 per share, followed by Fidson Healthcare Plc with 16 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.36 per share. Guinness Nigeria Plc appreciated N6.26 or five per cent to close at N131.48 per share, while Costain West Africa Plc rose three kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at 64 kobo per share. Smurfit Plc was up four

kobo or 4.26 per cent to close at 98 kobo per share. Conversely, Oando Nigeria Plc dropped 97 kobo or 8.15 per cent to close at N10.93 per share, while Fidelity Bank Plc shed eight kobo or 5.30 per cent to close at N1.43 per share. FBN Holdings Plc fell 36 kobo or 5.15 per cent to close at N6.63 per share, while Flour Mills Plc declined N1.13 or five per cent to close at N21.47 per share. Mansard Insurance Plc depreciated 13 kobo or five per cent to close at N2.47 per share. A total of 459.5 million shares valued at N4.29 billion were exchanged in 3,396 deals.

NSE achieves milestone on dealing compliance

igerian Stock Exchange yesterday said it has recorded a 100 per cent compliance rate with the dealing members’ regulatory filings for the second quarter renditions for the period ended 30 June 2015, which was due on 17 August, 2015. A statement from the Exchange said the attainment augur well with the Exchange’s implementation of its zero tolerance policy for infractions as all active dealing members of the Exchange are expected to submit their returns within the re-

quired timelines. It quoted the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar Onyema, as saying that the achievement is a reflection of the Exchange’s collaborative approach to regulation, with a strong emphasis on relationship management within an ethical problem solving prism. He said, “We believe that this approach is key to developing a strong and sustainable capital market”. Commending the dealing members for the achievement, he stated that the milestones un-

derpinned by dealing members buy-in to the Exchange’s vision to be the foremost securities exchange in Africa driven by regulation, efficiency, liquidity and innovation. According to him, the Exchange is keenly aware of the burden of regulation on the dealing member community and therefore they deserve the kudos of their high sense of compliance despite the challenging times. He said, “The achievement serves to remind us, not only that we have come a long way in our journey to transform the Nigerian

capital market but also that our great hopes and aspirations for this market are not a pipe dream no matter how daunting the challenges ahead of us.” The NSE being a selfregulatory organization maintains a body of rules to regulate the admission and supervision of its dealing members to enforce compliance with financial and operational requirements and the continuous monitoring and surveillance of their trade operations.

Global stocks rally amid economic stimulus

lobal equity markets rose yesterday, led by an eight per cent surge in Japanese stocks, helping lift the dollar as the prospect of more economic stimulus out of Asia soothed investors rattled by recent market turmoil. The charge into stocks pushed yields on low-risk government bonds higher, and a sale of German 10year debt attracted bids worth less than the amount on offer. The US Treasury is scheduled to auction $21 billion of 10-year paper later. Oil prices gave up early gains, beset by ongoing concerns about oversupply. Wall Street’s reaction to the overseas rally was muted. The biggest move was in Japan, where signals from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Japan will cut corpo-

rate taxes pushed the Nikkei 225 stock index up 7.7 per cent, its biggest one-day rise since October 2008. China’s Finance Ministry said it would strengthen fiscal policy, boost infrastructure spending and speed up tax reform, helping lift Chinese shares for a second day. The Shanghai Composite .SSEC closed 2.3 per cent higher and the CSI 300 index rose 1.96 per cent while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 4.5 per cent. China’s shares rallied Tuesday on investor expectations that Beijing will add more stimulus to bolster slowing growth. Angus Gluskie, managing director of White Funds Management in Sydney, described s stock rally as a speculative bounce. “The market will remain

susceptible to a return of negativity until we see signs of some improvement in the original causes of weakness, which were predominantly Chinese growth concerns,” he said. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 22.05 points, or 0.13 per cent, to 16,514.73, the S&P 500 gained 2.84 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 1,972.25 and the Nasdaq Composite added 3.39 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 4,815.32. European shares followed Asia higher. The panEuropean FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 1.4 per cent. Investors’ increased appetite for risk saw the dollar firm against the safe-haven yen and the euro. The single European currency EUR= was down 0.3 per cent at $1.1163 while the yen was one per cent weaker at 121.04

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira Market indicators All-Share Index 29,454.09 points Market capitalisation 10.13trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TRANSEXPR

1.11

1.21

0.10

9.01

FIDSON

3.20

3.36

0.16

5.00

GUINNESS

125.22

131.48

6.26

5.00

COSTAIN

0.61

0.64

0.03

4.92

SMURFIT

0.94

0.98

0.04

4.26

NAHCO

4.31

4.45

0.14

3.25

EVANSMED

0.66

0.68

0.02

3.03

HONYFLOUR

2.50

2.52

0.02

0.80

OKOMUOIL

25.83

25.90

0.07

0.27

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

OANDO

11.90

10.93

-0.97

-8.15

FIDELITYBK

1.51

1.43

-0.08

-5.30

FBNH

6.99

6.63

-0.36

-5.15

FLOURMILL

22.60

21.47

-1.13

-5.00

MANSARD

2.60

2.47

-0.13

-5.00

MOBIL

150.00

142.50

-7.50

-5.00

UACN

34.00

32.30

-1.70

-5.00

UAC-PROP

8.00

7.60

-0.40

-5.00

ZENITHBANK

17.85

16.96

-0.89

-4.99

GUARANTY

24.50

23.28

-1.22

-4.98

FGN Bonds

per dollar. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was up 0.2 per cent. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

US Dollar

N197

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.63

98.38

16.23

98.53

16.12

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.81

99.34

16.21

99.64

16.11

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.43

98.11

16.14

98.41

16.04

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.39

101.04

16.11

101.34

16.03

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.51

90.93

16.20

91.23

16.13

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.87 68.00

15.58

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 8, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

10-Dec-15

12.63

13.04

WAUA

270

USD

197

03-Mar-16

13.84

14.84

EURO

214

04-Aug-16

13.73

15.69

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

7.6283

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.1876

16.2000

SDR

273

17.7743

NIBOR

The Fixings of September 9, 2015

Capital Market

Thursday, September 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055

Equities as at September 9, 2015 Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities)

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 50 6 56

Current Price 25.90 31.00

Quantity Traded 793,760 56,000 849,760

Value Traded 19,704,051.35 1,736,000.00 21,440,051.35

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 1.70

Quantity Traded 1,505,874 1,505,874

Value Traded 2,533,579.65 2,533,579.65

2,355,634

23,973,631.00

Quantity Traded 177,888 720 2,000 15,349,448 649,583 16,179,639

Value Traded 169,201.50 662.40 8,320.00 35,787,873.12 20,982,530.90 56,948,587.92

16,179,639

56,948,587.92

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015

Diversified Industries Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries TotalsEQTY Activity Summary on Board CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (WStock A) PLC. Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT SCOA Daily Summary TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 8 1 1 (Equities) 93 18 121

Current Price 0.95 0.96 4.37 2.33 32.30

121

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Current Price 0.64

Quantity Traded 630,026 Page 630,026

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

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 14 1 15

Current Price 42.00 6.60

Quantity Traded 193,392 150 193,542

Value Traded 8,201,052.02 1,039.50 8,202,091.52

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 38 38

Current Price 7.60

Quantity Traded 412,340 412,340

Value Traded 3,158,026.23 3,158,026.23

1,235,908

11,753,804.89

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Value Traded 393,687.14 of 13 393,687.14

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,000 4,000

Value Traded 2,000.00 2,000.00

No. of Deals 5 (Equities) 68 8 97 2

Current Price 4.75 131.48 17.50 123.18 3.10

Quantity Traded 56,380 569,578 78,750 1,122,298 2,000

Value Traded 276,841.20 72,648,246.58 1,367,515.50 137,965,834.80 5,900.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 180

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 1,829,006

Value Traded 13 2 of 212,264,338.08

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 190.40

Quantity Traded 40,559 40,559

Value Traded 7,691,948.60 7,691,948.60

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 28 26 155 28 33 7 277

Current Price 2.85 6.85 21.47 2.52 5.80 9.46

Quantity Traded 166,154 121,615 1,709,290 477,108 684,620 64,450 3,223,237

Value Traded 475,714.26 791,743.65 37,193,640.07 1,226,471.98 4,079,018.05 609,844.00 44,376,432.01

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 19 62 81

Current Price 24.51 802.00

Quantity Traded 98,329 247,871 346,200

Value Traded 2,410,043.79 198,755,166.98 201,165,210.77

No. of Deals 5 7 12

Current Price 5.99 1.08

Quantity Traded 80,000 130,300 210,300

Value Traded 463,500.00 140,724.00 604,224.00

No. of Deals 41 40 81

Current Price 25.00 43.50

Quantity Traded 354,024 Page 888,367

Value Traded 9,068,793.77 13 337,951,842.06 of 47,020,635.83

Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015

Food Products--Diversified Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. HouseholdGOODS Durables Totals CONSUMER

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Published by The NigerianNIGERIA Stock Exchange UNILEVER PLC. ©

Symbol DUNLOP

Symbol CHAMPION Daily Summary GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC PLC. EQTY ActivitySTERLING SummaryBANK on Board UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES

Banking UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. Published byLINKAGE The Nigerian Stock Exchange ASSURANCE PLC © AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY FCMB GROUPon PLC. NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND FINANCIAL SERVICES ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Other Financial Institutions STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangePLC © UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 171 DIAMONDBNK 55 ETI 51 FIDELITYBK 84 Daily Summary (Equities) GUARANTY 226 SKYEBANK 26 STERLNBANK 12 UBA 396 UBN 15

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

513,124,789.29

Current Price 4.90 3.40 18.75 1.43 23.28 2.36 2.11 4.09 6.37

Quantity Traded 36,219,768 141,330,239 5,214,961 7,788,411 26,002,490 1,396,012 784,364 42,874,473 295,782

Value Traded 175,475,196.52 487,658,306.60 96,631,290.96 11,195,736.35 605,468,108.70 3,294,828.32 1,661,105.38 175,671,265.60 1,884,791.34

Value Traded 3,170,645.84 2,985,804.34 1,565,097,079.95

Transport-Related Services

Quantity Traded 1,061,988 691,500 17,280 Page 2,000 1,500,500 5,000 449,521 7,000 3,734,789

3,905,765.00 2,500.00 287,693.44 3,500.00 5,636,350.24

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 1.04

Quantity Traded 11,200 11,200

Value Traded 11,341.00 11,341.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB NESF ROYALEX Symbol STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 45 4 36 1 1 No. of Deals 42 78 207

Current Price 2.60 4.00 2.43 552.20 0.50 Current Price 24.90 1.51

Quantity Traded 2,238,415 669,352 1,454,633 100 5,000 Quantity Traded 1,680,052 Page 14,521,884 20,569,436

Value Traded 5,831,779.00 2,677,408.00 3,550,158.19 52,459.00 2,500.00 Value Traded 541,832,094.28 of 13 22,260,447.02 76,206,845.49

No. of Deals 20 2 11 20 3 56

Current Price 0.68 3.36 35.00 1.24 1.02

Value Traded 1,627,769.88 797,840.00 11,250,542.25 488,885.06 7,851.00 14,172,888.19

3,464,189

14,172,888.19

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,000 7,000

Value Traded 3,500.00 3,500.00

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 2

Current Price 0.50 2.33

Quantity Traded 5,000 200,300

Value Traded 2,500.00 466,699.00

Page

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Activity Summary on Board ASeM Support and Logistics

Value Traded 849,620.40 577,631.40 8,640.00 13 4 of 1,000.00

Quantity Traded 2,504,811 238,000 332,218 381,210 7,950 3,464,189

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Board AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily EQTY Summary as ofTotals 09/09/2015 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Transport-Related Services Totals

Current Price 0.80 0.81 0.50 0.50 2.47 0.50 0.64 0.50

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 6

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 25,000,000

Value Traded 12,500,000.00

25,000,000

12,500,000.00

25,212,300

12,972,699.00

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 21 4 11 15 2 44 97

Current Price 22.40 9.05 37.05 8.43 3.57 96.04

Quantity Traded 65,505 24,700 65,802 77,670 20,000 2,016,048 2,269,725

Value Traded 1,493,887.17 217,509.00 2,437,009.46 650,686.20 74,800.00 195,173,177.61 200,047,069.44

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.70

Quantity Traded 12,000 12,000

Value Traded 19,640.00 19,640.00

Symbol BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 4 3

Current Price 40.85 10.91

Quantity Traded 50,000 56,731

Value Traded 1,941,864.77 618,935.21

No. of Deals 7

OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC EQTY CAVERTON Board Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Support and Logistics Totals Property Management Activity Summary on Board EQTY SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC SERVICES Totals Property Management Totals Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Activity Summary on Board ASeM Property Management Totals

Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015ESTATE CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATETotals CONSTRUCTION/REAL PrintedActivity 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Property Management Summary on Board PREMIUM

SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC ASeM Board Totals FINANCIAL PropertySERVICES Management Totals Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Banking CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM Activity Other Summary Financial Institutions Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM ASeM Board Totals Other Financial Institutions Totals Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES FBN HOLDINGS FINANCIAL SERVICESPLC Banking FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Other Financial Institutions BANK PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Other Financial Institutions Totals Banking Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Other Financial Institutions DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Banking FBN HOLDINGS PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL ZENITHGOODS INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Building INDUSTRIAL GOODS Banking Materials Totals Totals CEMENT PLC Published by DANGOTE The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Financial Building MaterialsInstitutions Totals PREMIUM Board Totals FBN HOLDINGS PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Equity Activity Totals

ETP Activity Totals 13

Value Traded 13 7 of 2,560,799.98

2,388,456

202,627,509.42

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 760,323 760,323

Value Traded 380,161.50 380,161.50

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 208 208

Current Price 10.93

Quantity Traded 2,730,562 2,730,562

Value Traded 29,896,248.73 29,896,248.73

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA

No. of Deals 33 9

Current Price 25.78 1.77

Quantity Traded 282,180 1,190,660

Value Traded 7,276,260.88 2,210,335.20

Symbol FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 8 22 16 88

Current Price 234.99 142.50 150.50

Quantity Traded 22,825 145,352 33,646 1,674,663

Value Traded 5,129,881.25 21,096,326.24 4,986,977.60 40,699,781.17

Symbol Symbol SEPLAT FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals Price 13 Current 226.03 234.99 138 22 142.50 313 16 150.50 88

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 10,100 22,825 10,100 145,352 5,175,648 33,646 Page 1,674,663

Value Traded Value Traded 2,316,955.63 5,129,881.25 2,316,955.63 21,096,326.24 73,293,147.03 8 4,986,977.60 of 13 40,699,781.17

Symbol Symbol AFROMEDIA SEPLAT

No. No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price 2 0.50 13 226.03 2 13

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 50,000 10,100 50,000 10,100

Value Value Traded Traded 25,000.00 2,316,955.63 25,000.00 2,316,955.63

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 313 Current Price 2 0.56 2 No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals2 Current Price 0.50 42 4.03 12 1.21 No. of Deals 16 Current Price 2 0.56 2

Quantity Traded 5,175,648 4,546 4,546 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 50,000 20,700 50,000 610,500 Quantity631,200 Traded 4,546 4,546

Value Traded 73,293,147.03 2,568.94 2,568.94 Value Traded Value Traded 25,000.00 81,798.00 25,000.00 686,878.11 Value Traded 768,676.11 2,568.94 2,568.94

No. of Deals Current Price 4 4.03 12 1.21 16 No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.50 5

Page Quantity Traded 20,700 610,500 631,200 Quantity Traded 312,470 312,470 Page

9Value of Traded13 81,798.00 686,878.11 768,676.11 Value Traded 156,235.00 9 156,235.00 of 13

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.79

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 19,210.00 19,210.00

Symbol UPL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 5.20

Quantity Traded 1,950 1,950

Value Traded 9,945.50 9,945.50

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

Quantity Traded 155,600 155,600

Value Traded 88,692.00 88,692.00

Symbol Symbol AFROMEDIA REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR Symbol RTBRISCOE

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR Symbol CILEASING

ABCTRANS

2 2

0.57

No. of Deals

Current Price 1.81 4.45

Quantity Traded 356,247,273 31,319 241,911 273,230

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

CAVERTON 2.94 207,320 Daily Summary (Equities) 2,8725 356,247,273 5 207,320 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded

609,520.80 2,558,580,865.08

Symbol

AIRSERVICE Daily Summary (Equities) 2,8724 NAHCO 27 Daily Summary (Equities) 31

Symbol

No. of Deals

SMURFIT

1 68 1

Symbol SMURFIT

1,027,037.21 1,082,343.31

50,000 1,641,316 50,000

609,520.80 Value Traded 49,000.00 2,762,191.66 49,000.00

356,247,273

2,558,580,865.08

Current Price 0.98

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 49,000.00 49,000.00 49,000.00

50,000Page

No. of Deals 11 1

Value Traded 55,306.10 2,558,580,865.08

0.98

2,872

Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities)

13 10 49,000.00 of

50,000 49,000.00 Quantity Traded Value Traded 1 0.98 50,000 49,000.00 50,000 1 49,000.00 1 50,000 49,000.00 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded Daily Summary (Equities) 50,000 49,000.00 ZENITHBANK 2581 16.96 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 258 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 50,000 49,000.00 192 1 Current Price Quantity 7,739,626 51,539,490.01 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value Traded Daily Summary (Equities) 192 FBNH 6.63 7,739,626 51,539,490.01 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 450 102,767,885 1,664,344,581.01 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value Traded ZENITHBANK 258 Current Price 16.96 Quantity 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 192 7,739,626 51,539,490.01 258 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 Page 11 of 13 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 450 102,767,885 1,664,344,581.01 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded DANGCEM 73 163.06 393,291 64,029,080.11 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded FBNH 192 6.63 7,739,626 51,539,490.01 73 393,291 64,029,080.11 ZENITHBANK 258 16.96 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value Traded 73 393,291 64,029,080.11 258 Current Price Quantity 95,028,259 1,612,805,091.00 DANGCEM 73 163.06 393,291Page 64,029,080.11 13 11 of Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity393,291 Traded Value Traded 73 64,029,080.11 103,161,176 523 FBNH 192 6.63 7,739,626 1,728,373,661.12 51,539,490.01 73 393,291 64,029,080.11

No. of Deals Current Price DailySymbol Summary (Equities) SMURFIT

3,396

Exchange Traded Fund Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Name 14:59:55.055 Printed 09/09/2015 LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Name Exchange Traded Fund Totals LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) ETF Board VETIVATotals GRIFFIN 30 ETF PublishedExchange by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Traded Fund Totals ©

Quantity TradedPage 106,731

No. of Deals 4 4

EQTY Board Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL Published by The Nigerian StockESTATE Exchange © CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATETotals Daily Summary as of Management 09/09/2015 Property Printed ASeM 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Board Totals

Current Price

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Daily Summary (Equities)

OILExploration AND GAS and Production Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD FORTE OIL PLC. Exploration and Production Totals MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. OILbyAND GAS Totals TOTAL NIGERIA Published The Nigerian StockPLC. Exchange © Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals SERVICES Advertising Exploration and Production AFROMEDIA PLC SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Advertising Exploration Totals and Production Totals

Roadas Transportation Daily Summary of 09/09/2015 ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Road Transportation Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 53 10 1 1 30 1 9 1 106

1,646,951,616.68

Symbol MTI

Daily Summary (Equities)

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Activity Summary CONOIL PLC on Board EQTY Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 ETERNA PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on BoardProducts EQTY Distributors Totals Petroleum and Petroleum

UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM WAPIC

291,698,490

Value Traded 469,199.00

106

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Printing/Publishing

Quantity Traded 2,359,676 3,116,889 267,383,065

1,405

Quantity Traded 205,300

Symbol

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 09/09/2015 Energy 14:59:55.055 Equipment and Services Totals

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 1.34 0.96

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 34 18 1,088

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

6,895,693

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. GREIF NIGERIA INDUSTRIAL GOODS PLC

Quantity Traded

No. of Deals 3

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

OILAutomobile/Auto AND GAS TotalsPart Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Advertising Courier/Freight/Delivery AFROMEDIA PLC Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 RED STARTotals EXPRESS PLC Advertising Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol UNITYBNK WEMABANK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

1,242,391

643

Quotation(N)

Symbol

ICT Totals

No. of Deals 19 19

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board PREMIER BREWERIES PLC CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

No Of Deals

Telecommunications Services MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC Telecommunications Services Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts Daily Summary as of 09/09/2015 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Printed 09/09/2015 14:59:55.055 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Company name

ICT Processing Systems Processing Systems Totals

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

Sector

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

459,458,449

Daily Summary (ETP)

4,287,003,526.20

13 11 of 103,161,176Page1,728,373,661.12

523 3,396

459,458,449

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price LOTUSHAL15 1 9.47 Daily Summary (ETP) NEWGOLD 1 2,145.00 VETGRIF30 1 13.52 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 3 Daily Summary (ETP) LOTUSHAL15 1 9.47 NEWGOLD 1 2,145.00 3 VETGRIF30 1 13.52 3

Quantity Traded 20 111 15 Quantity Traded 146 20 111 146 15 Page 146

146

Page

4,287,003,526.20 Value Traded 189.40 238,095.00 202.80 Value Traded 238,487.20 189.40 238,095.00 238,487.20 202.80 12 of 13 238,487.20

238,487.20

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Celebration of talents at music trek Lagos finale Leonard Okachie

iggest names in Nigerian music were brought together recently at the Gbagada Open Field, Ifako-Gbagada, Lagos, to round off the 2015 edition of Africa’s largest music festival, Star Music Trek. The sponsor, Nigeria’s favourite beer, Star Lager also kept true to its tradition of giving young Nigerians a platform to shine with several performances from upcoming Lagos artistes who got the rare opportunity to showcase their talents in front of over 10,000 people at the packed venue. The night featured several exciting performances from the ‘Who is Who’ of Nigerian music including 2Face Idibia, Seyi Shay, Cynthia Morgan, MI, Burna Boy, Runtown, Sound Sultan, Young Grey C, Immaculate, Pepenazi, Sean Tizzle, Joe El, DJ Xclusive, DJ Big N, Lafup, MC Gbenga Adeyinka and several others. The evening had kicked off with a crowd-pleaser as DJ Xclusive and DJ Big N faced off in a tune clash that kept the crowd moving.. Pepenazi arrived onstage as the evening took off in earnest with a rousing performance of smash hit “Illegal” which he performed alongside his brother Do2dtun of Cool FM. With the crowd still screaming “Illegal!” and dancing raucously, Young Grey C hit the stage to raise the noise level a decibel higher with smash hit “Chukwuma”. Joe El also made an appearance, moving the crowd with renditions of “Hold On” and “Chukwudi”. Vivace Records act Immaculate was next up with “GoGo Baby” and “Osanle” which kept the crowd warm until Seyi Shay stepped out to a wall of noise – the night’s first established superstar was finally onstage. To the delight of the boisterous crowd, she started off with a special version of “Irawo” and moved on to popular favourites “Murda” and “Jangilova”. Hosts Lafup and MC Gbenga Adeyinka kept the crowd engaged until it was time for the next act, and what an entrance it was! Sean Tizzle made his way onstage dressed in a gleaming white suit with black loafers. Starting off with smash hit “Sho Lee”, he thrilled the crowd with “Loke Loke”, “Mama Eh”, “Kilogbe”, “Bottles” and “Rara”. He then created a major talking point of the night with a mock wedding onstage while performing his hit wedding favourite “Perfect Gentleman.” The crowd could not have enough of Sean Tizzle and he

Sean Tizzle and crowd at the Star Music Trek in Lagos. was overwhelmed with the response to his performance, throwing his wristwatch, bracelets, eyeglasses, jacket and tie to the ecstatic audience. Before the euphoria from that performance died down, Sound Sultan made his entrance with his customary ninja routine and live band. The crowd sang along enthusiastically to “Natural Something”, “Bushmeat”, and “Mathematics”. Immaculate then joined him onstage for a hilarious dance routine while he performed “Orobo”, much to the delight of the audience. Immediately after Sound Sultan left the stage, it was time for one of African music’s most famous name, 2Face Idibia to make his grand entrance. At this point the security guards had to work extrahard to ensure the crowd did not overrun the stage as he launched into performances of his catalogue of hit songs: “For Instance”, “Ole”, “Only Me”, “Implication” and “Ihe Ne Me”. He then created one of the night’s biggest surprises when he brought Olu Maintain onstage for a surprise performance of their collaboration “Cinderella” to the delight of the increasingly boisterous crowd. Runtown took the stage in quick succession and churned out his hit tracks “The Latest”, “Banger”, “Successful”, “Gallardo” and “Baby Answer” which kept the crowd dancing Morgan then made a spectacular entrance, flanked by several stage dancers all of whom wore her trademark red hair. Gbenga Adeyinka dropped the surprise of the night on the unsuspecting Lagos crowd as someone clad in a monkey costume came onstage dancing to MI’s “Monkey”. The costume came off and the

crowd exploded into wild applause as MI Abaga was revealed. The superstar rapper who was not on the bill to perform for the night launched into his performance, taking the crowd on a journey from “Africa Rapper No 1” to his recently released video “Bad Belle”. Merging all his stage antics from previous appearances on this year’s Trek, he brought a fan onstage and gave him the chance to perform the track “Beef ” alongside him. Next,

he brought a girl out from the crowd and sang his hit track “One Naira” to her as the crowd sang along enthusiastically. Speaking aafter his performance, the visibly excited Choc Boi Nation President remarked, “I was excited to be approached to be a surprise act tonight and I have to say this Star Music Trek has been the best one yet. I have enjoyed every moment of my time on this year’s tour and I have to give credit to Star for putting together

such a wonderful platform for Nigerian artistes to connect and interact with fans. I hope to be here again next year!” Burna Boy arrived to close a night of fantastic entertainment with a flourish. After performing “Amorawa”, “Tonight” and “Smoke Some Weed”, he then took it a notch higher by throwing a fistful of money into the crowd. He subsequently ran offstage and jumped into the crowd which joyfully carried him as he performed “Run My Race.” Speaking afterward, Corporate Media & Brand PR Manager, NB Plc, Edem Vindah remarked, “This year’s Star Music Trek has been the most successful edition ever and it is symbolic of our position as leader in Nigeria that hundreds of thousands of people across the country showed up to be a part of this platform, in addition to the millions of people who watched the concert series live on television. “We are extremely proud of the reputation we have created for being the number one promoter of the dream of young Nigerians and we believe that the aim of this year’s theme “#MySuperstarStory” has been well and truly achieved. It has been a wonderful tour and we hope to come back next year for an even bigger one.” Star Music Trek has a proud tradition of bringing the country’s biggest artists together to entertain fans across Nigeria for nearly two decades. This year’s theme, #MySuperstarStory aims to inspire the youth to view their situations as a work in progress and to always keep their goals in mind.

Shuga season 4 premieres Leonard Okachie World premiere of the sizzling sex and relationships drama and multimedia campaign, MTV Shuga (series IV) will be held today at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos. The campaign, which is developed by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base in partnership with NACA, PEPFAR, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF and UNFPA carries important public health messaging aimed at a young audience. Last seen with a life-threatening gunshot injury sustained in the dramatic season 3 finale of the TV drama, former ‘runs girl’ Sophie, profoundly affected by her brush with death, and has vowed to turn her life around, working part-time on the NACA 6222 helpline and going out with Leo. Meanwhile businessman Nii, now separated from his wife Malaika (Leonora Okine), has turned his predatory gaze onto a new and younger target. Music promoter Femi should be in the blissful early stages of a blossoming new relationship with Shei-

la, but stigma rears its ugly head before Femi takes brave steps to confront it… Heavily pregnant Princess is struggling to come to terms with impending motherhood and HIV with the help of mentor Eniola, while Weki is on an emotional roller-coasting trying to keep his HIV+ positive status secret from his girlfriend, Leila as their intimacy develops. Among the cast attending the red carpet premiere are returning cast members Dorcas Shola Fapson (Sophie), Emmanuel Ikubese (Femi), Sharon Ezeamaka (Princess), Nick Mutuma (Leo), Chris Attoh (Nii), Timini Egbuson (Tobi) and Olumide Oworu (Weki). New cast members Adesua Etomi (Sheila), Peace Hyde (Eniola), Zoe Favour (Mary), Jemima Osunde (Leila), Tunbosun Mohau Mokoatle (Bongi), “Tuby” Aiyedehin (Sheila’s mum), Jude Chukwuka (Sheila’s dad), Kate Adepegba (Sheila’s aunt), Paul Adams (Sheila’s uncle), Ifeanyi Dike Jr (Sheila’s brother), Najite Dede (Mary’s mum) and Olakunle Dada (Mary’s dad) are also expected to attend.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Biometric technology will reduce travels among corps members –NYSC DG Leonard Okachie

irector-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi has disclosed that the newly introduced biometric data capturing technology by the Scheme would ensure that corps members stay in their places of primary assignment as well as reduce the rate at which they travel. The programme, which was inaugurated recently in Abuja, will help in the nationwide conduct of weekly and monthly check on corps members. Speaking during the inauguration and practical demonstration at Kuje Area Council, Abuja, Olawumi noted that “It will help the core employers to benefit from the services of these corps members maximally because they will now remain in their places of primary assignment “We have policies in the scheme that guide absence from places of primary assignment. For example - there are certain number of times a corps member can be absent and such a corps member - in punishment - the service will be extended. “We are not doing this in isolation it is in line with the policies of the scheme.

Corps memebers

It is going to bring transparency and accountability into the way we do things. “My staff, who have been conniving with corps members in the past will not be able to do that anymore because unless such a corps members cuts the

Ikorodu Diamond Lions Club immunizes children Leonard Okachie

hildren under five years old were immunized against polio, yellow fever and others recently at Ikorodu Maternity Health Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos, by Ikorodu Diamond Lions Club, as part of activities to celebrate her Children Dignity Week. The exercise was in accordance with the directives from Lions Clubs International President and as part of humanitarian projects geared towards the organisation’s centenary celebration. The immunization lasted over five in which the Lions team aided by Lion (Dr) Mrs. Ajayi and by assisted the matron, nurses and officers on duty, immunized the children present at the clinic. Mrs Ajayi while welcoming the Lions to the health centre appreciated the Lions for the choice of the project and enjoined them to do more. Apart from the immunization, the children were also given gift items as well as light refreshments. Speaking after the event, the Club President for 2015/2016 Lion (Prince) Adewale Michael expressed happiness that Club expectation was met adding that it was able to touch lives parents and children. He stated that immunization is very

important as it aids the proper growth of children and makes them safe from avoidable illness, diseases and deformity. Similarly, the Club’s project director, Lion (Prince) Adeyinka Oyenuga said he was elated about the success of the project, while also acknowledging that it’s just one of the numerous activities highlighted by the Club to directly touch the lives of the most vulnerable members of the society. Other members of the team were, Lions Adeola Rotinwa, Funmi Bashorun, Funmi Alabi, Bukky Adefolayiga, Tajudeen Salawu, Shefiu, Shogo Oloshunde of Eko Lions Club, and the Leos led by the Pioneer Leo Multiple District President, Leo Tosin Akinwale.

Ikorodu Diamond Lions Club immunising children at Maternity Health Centre, Ikorodu, recently.

thumb and gives to anybody to thumb print for him.” The DG said that six members of staff were presently facing possible dismissal from the scheme after being caught engaging and conniving with corps mem-

bers to leave their places of primary assignment. He said that the disciplinary measure being taken was in line with the public service rule and the NYSC condition of service. He said that the biometric technology made provision for corps members who may genuinely fall sick or have reasons to be away from their areas of assignments during the course of the service year. Olawumi said that the biometrics would first be deployed for use in Lagos and Abuja adding that it will be fully adopted by other states of the federation next year. ``This exercise will start this September with corps members of batch C 2014 who will be passing out soon and batch A 2015 and it is going to start this September in Lagos state and the entire FCT. ``Batch B 2015, those who will be in Lagos and FCT this biometrics will be applied for them throughout their service year. By next year we will try to extend it to all the other states in the federation. ``The demonstration, which we are witnessing today, is part of the second phase of the computerisation process of the operations of the NYSC scheme for the purpose of enhancing our overall performance.

Science for Kids

Why do dogs bark at night?

here’s nothing more annoying than your neighbour’s dog barking at night just when you are about to hit the bed. Worse yet, there is nothing you or your neighbour can do anything about it. Apart from the general perception that dogs bark at night to bay at the moon or ward off strangers and supposedly evil spirits, there are several other reasons for a dog to bark incessantly at night. And here are some of the more common ones. Increased sensitivity to sounds A dog’s sense of hearing is very strong and can help him hear even the smallest of sounds easily. And while there may be additional sounds and noises to disturb him during the day, the pin drop silence of the night would only make these sounds amplified. Even a small movement made by a nocturnal rodent like rats or raccoons would be enough to make him start barking. Increased sensitivity to light Dogs experience monochrome vision and can only see everything in shades of black and white. Surprisingly, this very hindrance boosts their vision at night. The black and white vision amplifies the light and contrast to a great

extent. This would be enough to make a dog see the minutest of details clearly at night. And that would be more than enough to send him into a barking frenzy if he happens to see even small movements in the dark. Territorial markings A dog would most probably take after its ancestor, the coyote or the world, and bark at night to mark its territory and ward off other dogs. Barking loudly would enable the dog to announce to other dogs (and even rodents) in the vicinity that it is his place and he would not give it up without a fight. This way, the dog would protect his family members (his owners) during the day and keep watch over potential trespassers. Source: Why Do

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Media

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Stakeholders bemoan widespread ignorance over FoI Act Leonard Okachie

ore than four years after the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill into Law, most government officials, especially at the state and local government levels, remain very ignorant about the Act as well as their duties and obligations under the Law, which is inhibiting its effective implementation as these duties and obligations are not being complied with. This was part of observation by the representatives of civil society organizations, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and other grassroots organizations as well as media practitioners in a twoday training workshop on the Freedom of Information Act. The workshop, held in Akure, the State capital, was organised by the Freedom of Information Network in Ondo State, in partnership with Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and had 47 participants in attendance. It was funded with contributions from member organisations of the FOI Network while resource materials, including copies of the FOI Act, training manuals, FOI monitoring reports, among others, were provided by Media Rights Agenda. According to the communiqué signed by the Executive Director, MRA Mr. Ede-

taen Ojo and State Coordinator, Freedom of Information (FOI) Network, Ondo State, Mr. Franklin O. Oloniju. participants also observed that there is a need to undertake more training and sensitization of different stakeholders and members of the general public in Ondo State on the provisions of the Act, its objectives and how to use it. Objectives of the workshop were: to create awareness among diverse stakeholders in Ondo State, including civil society organizations, such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other grassroots organizations as well as media practitioners, among others, about the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. It was also meant among others, to sensitize and train civil society activists and media practitioners in Ondo State to utilize the Freedom of Information Act in requesting and obtaining information from governments at Federal, State and Local Government levels. Participants therefore resolved to regularly use the FOI Act to make requests for information from public institutions at the Federal, State and Local Government levels in an effort to bring about transparency and accountability at all levels of government in Nigeria. They also resolved to deploy various strategies to ensure that the text of the FOI Act is made more widely available to stakeholders and members of the public

FOI Act Implementers Strategy Meeting hosted by MRA in Abuja.

in Ondo State in hard copies and electronic format. The workshop equally resolved to conduct more training and sensitization about the FOI Act. In addition to sensitising the general public in Ondo State, targeted training will also be carried out for specific stakeholder groups, including officials of public institutions, students in institutions of higher learning, trade unions and professional associations in the State. The participants further resolved to periodically monitor the level of com-

pliance by public institutions in Ondo State with the provisions of the FOI Act, including the requirements for the proactive publication of certain categories of information and their responsiveness to requests for information by members of the public. They also harped on the need to carry out advocacy activities aimed at public officials and civil servants at state and local government levels to encourage them to comply with the provisions of the FOI Act.

Radio broadcasters urged to uphold standards Leonard Okachie

Funke Treasure Durodola

adio broadcasters in Nigeria have been urged to raise the bar of the profession through engaging in routine trainings, to hone their phonetics and grammar and strictly adhere to best practices in the industry. Veterans in the industry, who made the call in Lagos, also harped on the need to key into the development trends in digital broadcasting service in order to meet with global best practices. Delivering an inaugural lecture to mark the first anniversary of Radio One, 103.5FM, Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh (OON), recounted that from the dots-and-dashes of wireless telegraphy in the late 19th century to the algorithm-driven personalised music stations, the nation has witnessed a revolution in radio broadcast.

Addressing the gathering on the topic: ‘The Relevance of All-news in a Digital Age,’ Momoh noted that our radio industry had come of age, though much still needed to be done. “That old battery-powered work-ofart that sits on your bathroom window sill may be what immediately comes to mind in terms of radio, but it’s now so much more than that. The lines where radio and music-listening meet have blurred, making it difficult to distinguish what’s what. “In the analogue days, it was easier to differentiate radio from someone listening to music, say, on their record player. But now, with Spotify, Pandora, podcasting and all the rest, the waters have muddied,” he said He, however, predicted that the future is bright for news reporting in Nigeria considering the emerging technologies where journalism is be-

ing transformed- in production, distribution and usage. He noted that new tools and practices had changed the content of production in the industry, and redefined the place of professional journalism in the new world of information system. Radio One General Manager, Mrs. Funke Treasure-Durodola, while noting the challenges faced in the broadcasting industry, however maintained that the station has upheld its selling points and was forging ahead despite the pitfalls faced. She said: “As we celebrate our first anniversary, we recognise we have just begun. We are equally not oblivious of the fierce competition from other private stations. What we are celebrating is the fact that despite the limited resources and constant regulation by our mother station, Radio One has risen from obscurity within the shortest time.”

Media

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Viacom launches branded mobile TV apps in Nigeria Leonard Okachie

iacom has announced the launch of Viacom Play Plex in Nigeria, a suite of mobile TV apps allowing its distribution partners to offer smartphone and tablet users around the world access to the best content from all its international TV brands, anytime and anywhere. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Viacom Play Plex apps will be available to launch in every one of the 180 international territories in which Viacom owns and operates TV channels, including 50+ territories in Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa. There will be a separate mobile Play app for each of Viacom’s major international TV channel brands – Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Channel, Spike and BET – offering videoon-demand (VOD) access to a range of current and library content, as well as a live, local linear stream of the relevant

channel, and other content including games for Nick Play. Viacom is exploring a number of different distribution options for Viacom Play Plex including mobile network operators, with the suite of apps being offered on both a collective and standalone basis to existing pay TV partners in every territory to integrate into their “TV Everywhere” services where available. The Nick app, which has been rolled out in five international markets since 2013, is being updated and rebranded as Nick Play internationally to become part of Viacom Play Plex. President and CEO, Viacom International Media Networks, Bob Bakish said: “Viacom Play Plex offers us maximum flexibility in distributing our content as the way viewers consume their favourite TV shows continues to evolve. “These apps are designed to complement our linear pay TV channels and to allow our existing distribution partners to deepen and improve the entertainment experience they offer their subscribers. But, Viacom Play Plex also opens up new

distribution opportunities for us, particularly in the fast-growing mobile TV sector, and, ultimately, positions us to succeed in a world of more personalized entertainment services and greater consumer choice.” Each branded Play app will be localized for each country in which it is made available, both in terms of language and available content, giving users more ways to access Viacom’s global hits such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Catfish and Lip Sync Battle, as well as locally-produced content. Mobile TV viewers everywhere will enjoy an intuitive, video-focused user interface and enhanced video player, which reduces loading and buffering times, as well as an algorithmic menu that adapts to their tastes. Apps will include social and sharing components, and will be available in both iOS and Android to download from the Apple App store and Google Play store respectively. Bakish added: “Viacom Play Plex allows viewers across the globe to watch

Media Abroad

Europe’s best-selling newspaper shuns photos

urope’s largest newspaper, the Bild of Germany, has published an unusual print edition that left out all photographs from its pages. The bold move is apparently a response to reader backlash after the paper published photos of Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian refugee who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea.

The paper is saying that “the world must see the truth,” and hoping that by leaving out photos, people will realize the importance of photography in bringing about change. Last week, the newspaper dedicated its entire back page to the photo of Kurdi and a message calling for Europe to take action. The photo sparked controversy, as many other newspapers chose a different photo of a policeman holding the boy’s body rather than the photo of Kurdi lying face-down on a sandy beach. Bild defended its decision, arguing that the photo “caused dismay and compassion” and “rattled a million people awake.” The paper also compared the image to photojournalist Nick Ut’s iconic photo of “Napalm Girl” during the Vietnam War. To demonstrate the importance of photography in journalism, Bild decided today to publish a picture-less issue — a shocking move, considering the fact that “Bild” is German for “Picture.” The name of the paper literally means “picture newspaper,” and the paper mostly consisted of pictures after its launch back in 1952. Would any other newspaper in the world have the balls for this? Today: @BILD has no photos. Anywhere Photos were also left off the paper’s website and Twitter account for a day. Source: petapixel.com

Bob Bakish

the TV shows they love from their favorite Viacom brands anytime and anywhere. We believe no other international entertainment company is offering this type of innovation at this scale, serving every major demographic in every major TV market.”

Plateau governor appoints NAN correspondent as SSA Media

ov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has appointed Mr Mark Longyen of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), a statement said. The statement was issued by Mr. Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office, and made available to NAN in Abuja. It said the governor also appointed Mr. Jeptha Jackden as the General Manager of Plateau Radio and Television Corporation, Jos. The statement said the two appointments would take effect immediately. “The governor is optimistic that with the injection of this crop of media practitioners, the

Lalong

best of the interest of Plateau will be served through their professionalism and valid contribution to information management in the state,’’ it said. Longyen holds a B.Sc in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja. Before joining NAN in 2012, Longyen worked with some private media organisations after his National Youth Service Corps in Calabar, where he served as Press Officer, Government House, from 1992 to 1993. Jackden was until his appointment, the Director, Broadcast and New Media, Plateau Ministry of Information.

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Broad Street Diary

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Traders on Broad Street seek affordable shops T raders on Broad Street and surrounding markets on Lagos Island have called on the Lagos State government and the Lagos Island Local Government to build affordable shops for traders in the various markets on the Business District. The traders made the plea in the wake of the recent crackdown on their activities by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, otherwise known as KAI. The KAI officials had in recent weeks intensify their activities in patrolling the various Lagos Island markets and streets in an effort to rid the business district of street traders and hawkers by continuously chasing them out of the streets and confiscating their wares. According to a trader on Broad Street who pleaded anonymity because of the fear of being persecuted, said the activities of the KAI officials have brought untold hardship to petty traders who are mostly street traders on the business district. ‘’The little business we do so as to feed our family, they will come and pack it to Alausa’’ In her words, the woman who spoke in Yoruba language urged the Lagos State Government to provide affordable shops to traders, instead of building markets like that of Tejuosho Ultra Modern Market which she said is beyond the reach of the poor. ‘’If they provide affordable markets for us, we are ready to rent it and be out of the street.’’ Another trader, also from Broad Street, who simply identify himself as Frank, a phone accessory seller who hails from Imo State said: ‘’Since the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola have chased everybody out from the Oluwole market in Lagos Island, they have nowhere to go and they need to feed their family.’’ Frank said it is obvious that selling goods along the street is not good, but added that people embark on it, because they do not have sufficient fund to rent shop within the Lagos Island. He stated that most of the

shop in Lagos Island has ‘’professional torch’’ and so expensive for ‘’third class people’’ to rent or purchase. Frank told Broad Street Diary,BSD, that the best way to solve the problem is for the Lagos State Government to build low priced shop around Lagos Island. In the view of another trader, Ifeanyi, also a trader

on Broad Street, he lauded the activities of the KAI officials, saying they are doing a good job, ‘’Most of our people will block the road and passersby will begin to strive before they could move’’ He made reference to what happen at the market the previous week when a pregnant woman who also

sells on Broad Street wanted to run away from KAI officers so that her good would not be confiscated, but while running, she fell down and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Ifeanyi said it is not the wishes of the street traders to sell on the streets, but were forced to do so by circumstances.

He told BSD that the KAI officers have collected his market that worth N270, 000, but still have to sell on the street due to lack of money to rent shop. Ifeanyi concluded that it is not their wish to sell goods on the streets, but because they don’t have the money to rent shop.’’ –James Egbeyemi

Firefighters save multi-million naira properties on Broad Street

ut for the quit intervention of neighbours and men of fire fighters it would have being a major disaster penultimate Thursday, when an early morning inferno broke out at the popular Balogun market on the Lagos Island.

According to eyewitnesses the early morning inferno which occurred at 32, Gbajumo Street, Balogun Lagos, beside Union Bank branch office left two ladies injured while trying to rescue some trapped people and properties. According to one Mr. Monday, a security man at the Union Bank plc beside the house ravaged by the fire,

said the fire started between 8:30am and 9:00 am, he however, said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined. ‘’We just noticed smoke coming out from the building with two ladies jumping out of the building and started shouting fire, fire, they both sustained injuries and were rushed to an unknown hospital. Monday added that immediately people noticed the fire, traders and shoppers who came to do business in the market and were around the environment, started calling on the Nigerian fire services and other emergency services providers like

National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, and Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA. He however, added that before the arrival of fire service men sympathisers have been able put off the fire by climbing other buildings in surrounding the burning house and spray water to put off the fire and prevented it from spreading to other properties around the vicinity. Another staff of the Union Bank who plead anonymity, also said the fire started around 9:am and that the bank have to close

Fire outbreak inside No. 32 building, Gbajumo Street, Lagos Island, recently.

down for the day while customers of the bank were asked to leave due to the raging fire in the next building. ‘’We staff of the bank brought out the bank’s fire extinguisher to put off the fire and protect the banks property, but the extinguisher was unable to stop the fire, hence, we called the headquarter of our bank for help and they were here with men of the Nigeria fire service and at the end of the day they were able to put off the fire and prevented it from spreading to other properties including our bank. –Komolafe Qudus

PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

News

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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A typical car park on Lagos Island under the control of street urchins

Car parks, an untapped revenue asset in Lagos Island

n this day of dwindling revenue from the federation account, one expect both the state governments and the local government in the country to put their thinking cap on, so as to generate enough resources that would enable them run their government without complaining. There are several ways by which government particularly local governments can generate revenue through many of the underestimated assets. In some countries of the world, governments generate billions from fines on traffic offences, parking on roads setbacks and so on. However, because of the reliance on oil money, the different cadres of government in Nigeria, has jettisoned major areas of revenue generation. It was as a result of this, that the potentials of the various car parks in Lagos Island as revenue assets particularly to the local government is examined. When Broad Street visited some of the car parks along Marina axis, the potentials of revenue that could be generated from it was awesome. As early as 8.30 am, a young man who wore a red tight fitting T-Shirt and put on a blue face cap concealing much of his forehead and a Jeans trouser was seen busy with the job of collecting money from potential car owners who struggled to get a spaces to park their cars, but unfortunately, the money being collected by this young man may end up in private pockets, rather than

the coffer of government. Ademola who refuses to give his other names was seen busy sorting out car keys from a bowl in front of him. While standing anxiously waiting to get away from the afternoon sun beating down was a young lady of about 30 year, with a baby strapped around her waist. Both of them were obviously eager to get done with the business. Somewhere inside a Hyundai Jeep were two young men honking for the cars that have blocked them in front to give way. But Ademola was unperturbed, as he checked for the keys of the woman with a child. As soon as he gets done with them, he moved quickly to attend to other cars streaming in, honking and seeking space to park. At the background continued the persistent buzzing of giant generators that supply light to the skyscrapers along Marina. There, you find the rows of skyscrapers belonging to the big corporate companies such as UBA, Union Bank, First Bank, Wema Bank, among others, and below were endless human traffic that swaddled through. There you find street traders, hawkers, cars and the red buses of Lagos Transport Authority. Back to Marina car park where Ademola and other henchmen presided, it has always a busy day from Monday to Friday, one of them volunteered. The Broad Street and Marina axis parking lots attract fees as much between

N500 and N1000 per space, but in some other places, fees are charge depending on the duration the car is parked. According to one of the parking attendant, a man of about 55 years who gave his name as Ajayi and who said he has been there for the past 10 years, said operating a parking space on the Island is a money spinning venture. Giving a rough estimate, he disclosed that between four to five thousand cars pass through the park on daily basis. Giving further insight, he said, the park makes more money not through those who park and go their offices, but those who come to shop. “Just calculate the money that will be realized when hundreds park and within hours they leave, and as they are struggling to leave, others are looking for space to park”. But when asked if he must be very rich since he has been on it for years, he said “it is not that easy. We work here by commission depending on how much we make. But you must also understand that the owners of the park have a lot of interest to settle. Obviously, the parking space on the Broad Street and Marina axis is a racket controlled by touts. But a ‘Big Man’ within the area disagrees. “We are not touts, and as you can see some of these parks also belong to corporate organisations. The local government comes here to regulate. All we do is to bring orderliness into it. We pay to them’. Asked how much and how often, he said, “it

is a private agreement, but we pay heavily. Do you think government will just leave individuals to be collecting thousands of naira from people and they will not put an eye on it? It is not possible. A lot of people think we are touts, but that is not true. It is government land and they know what we are doing,” he said. This also brings to the fore why Lagos State Government has been reluctant to build a multi level parking plaza on the Marina Broad Street area on the Island. Analysts believe that availability of parking spaces could have a very positive impact on rental values as it encourages visitors to come to a particular building to transact business, for leisure and relaxation purposes, among others. At the neighbourhood Level, where parking spaces are available, it fosters the smooth flow of traffic and eases potential “bottlenecks” that could be particularly troublesome during emergencies, when, for instance a fire engine, the Nigeria Police Rapid Response Squad vehicle is trying to foil a crime or a Hospital Ambulance conveying a Patient needs to move rapidly from Point ‘A’ to Point ‘B’. Multi – Level Car Parks seem to be the solution of choice for Central Lagos, in meeting this vital requirement of any good urban transportation system. A Quantity Surveyor and chief executive officer of Dwab Costprudence Company, a firm of Quantity Surveyors, Project

Managers & Development Consultants, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi, in a newspaper report few months ago stressed the importance of a multi-floor parking infrastructure at Marina. Shonubi explains that “with the current redevelopment of Lagos Island Central Business District, CBD, which is the centre of commerce in Lagos and in fact for the entire West Coast of Africa, it is expected that there would be a corresponding increase in human as well as vehicular traffic to this part of Lagos. ‘’ Furthermore the various steps taken by the State Government to develop the Marina as a leisure/relaxation spot cannot, but generate unending traffic,” Shonubi said. He says given the increase in vehicular traffic, it is expected that there would be a corresponding increase in parking spaces as well as facilities as there are not enough approved parking lots in Lagos Island. “Thus a multi-storey or multifloor parking development is most likely to satisfy the yawning gap that currently exists. This is due to the fact that most Nigerians would rather go to their business places in the comfort of their vehicles with the attendant security and safety, than use the inadequate and sometimes unsafe public transport system, which they have hitherto been subjected to due to lack of adequate parking space.” –David Audu

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Dickson’s special adviser kidnapped in Bayelsa Osahon Julius Yenagoa

ew hours after Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson’s mega rally to declare his intention to run for second term in office, gunmen have abducted his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Fyneman Wilson. A top aide to Dickson, Wilson, who is also the governor’s kinsman, was abducted in Sagbama Local Government Area of the

state about 4am by five unknown gunmen. The abductors were said to have gone to Wilson’s residence at Sagbama and abducted him with his Personal Assistant, identified simply as Fred after shooting sporadically into the air to scare residents of the area, before whisking them away to unknown destination. Though, reason for the abduction of Wilson and his PA are yet to be known, government sources believe the action was politically moti-

Dickson spent N1.5bn on declaration —Group Osahon Julius Yenagoa

body under the auspices of Bayelsa Surveillance Group, BSG, yesterday accused Governor, Seriake Dickson of using public fund to organise his Tuesday’s declaration for second tenure in the December 5 governorship election. The BSG also disapproved of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s public endorsement of Dickson’s second-term bid rather than playing the role of elder statesman in the election process. These were contained in a statement signed by Chairman, Kemekiye Oliver and Secretary, Peter Izontari James, and made available to

newsmen in Yenagoa. It alleged in the statement that “Dickson spent N1.5 billion of Bayelsa State fund for his declaration for second term as governor.” The group noted that Dickson’s administration could have used the colossal sum to complete some abandoned projects undertaken in the past three and a half years. “We have it on good authority that the said amount was used to enable Dickson’s foot soldiers rent crowd from all nooks and crannies of the state to attend the declaration. “The aim was to create a facade of popular support by the grassroots for Dickson; some of the abandoned projects constitute an eyesore and dent on Bayelsa skyline. “Furthermore, this

Rivers, Enugu seek regional cooperation Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

ivers State deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, has called for collaboration from her Enugu State counterpart, Mrs Cecilia Obioma Ezeilo, in actualising programmes that would promote the welfare of women and youths, as well as geo-political cooperation between the two states. Banigo stated this when Ezeilo paid her a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt. Banigo said the two states were strategically and historically related as they are members of the same political party (PDP), stressing that they stand to gain more if they maintained a com-

mon front against any form of marginalisation by the ruling Federal Government. She reminded her Enugu counterpart that much was being expected from them as first female deputy governors of their respective states and assured that the visit would afford them opportunity to interact closely and exchange ideas on how to help their women, youths and party. She thanked Enugu people for the choice of Ezeilo, noting that both states share a lot in common, particularly for producing their first female deputy governors. According to her, “the visit will enable us put thoughts together to see how to bring about better development of our states.”

vated. A ranking official of the government, who did not want his name mentioned, said the kidnap of the governor’s aide had political undertones, claiming that some people were getting jittery as the December 5 governorship election in the state draws nearer. He said, “There is definitely more to this abduction. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that the kidnap of Wilson is politically motivated. With the governorship poll just a few months away, some people are getting really scared of the overwhelming support the governor is receiving on a daily basis from Bayelsans

and outside. They are facing the prospect of resounding defeat and will do anything, including kidnapping of key officials of this administration, to stave off certain defeat.” He, however, called on security agencies in the state to swing into action to ensure Wilson was rescued without any harm. Also, an arm of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa, the PDP Youth Vanguard, has called on security agencies in the state to redouble efforts at combating crime and violent activities, particularly those contrived for political ends. The group raised the alarm that such action was

a threat to the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming election in the state even as it accused the opposition of being behind the abduction. In a statement by Publicity Secretary, James Ere, the group said Wilson’s kidnap was politically motivated and asked security organs to step in and arrest the situation immediately. Warning that the consequence of inaction was dangerous, Ere said the state could become a theatre of war, insisting that leaders of the opposition in the state were known for violence and should be properly monitored to avert breakdown of law and order. Ere said the recourse

to violence was the only means the opposition could be relevant in the state and as such were bent on doing harm to peace and stability as a way of intimidation. When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, confirmed the abduction. Butswat, an assistant superintendent of police, said, “On September 9, 2015, at about 0400hrs, five unknown gunmen went to the residence of Mr. Fyneman Wilson at Sagbama Town, in Sagbama LGA, and abducted him with his Personal Assistant, Mr Fred, to an unknown destination.

L-R: Wife of Bayelsa Governor, Mrs Rachel Dickson; Governor Seriake Dickson, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the formal declaration of Governor Dickson as PDP governorship contestant at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, on Tuesday. PHOTO:NAN

Edo 2016: Oshiomhole sacks 4 commissioners …more may go

Sebastine Ebhuomhan Benin

overnor Adams Oshiomhole wielded the big stick yesterday, terminating the appointment of four commissioners in Edo State Executive Council. A 135-word press statement from Government House, signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on behalf of Oshiomhole, who announced the sack from outside the state, said the change was “in line with government’s commitment to strengthen the system towards optimal performance.” Those affected include Commissioner for Local

Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky James, an inaugural member of the cabinet, who began as Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Chris Ebare; Commissioner for Basic Education, Patrick Aguinede; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Blessing Maigida. The statement, which did not give any reason for the sack added, “The termination is with immediate effect. They are directed to hand over all government property in their possession to Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries.” However, reliable sourc-

es close to the governor exclusively revealed to National Mirror that the sack letter to the commissioners marked the beginning of the politics that would culminate in picking of a worthy successor to the governor by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to contest against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other opposition parties in 2016 governorship election. Our sources said some members of the cabinet were engaged in open campaigns for an aspirant of the APC and incumbent deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu, despite Oshiomhole’s warning that cabinet members should shun partisan politics for now in order not to derail his administration’s

last days focus until green light is given for open campaign. Our correspondent gathered that James, for example, campaigned openly for Odubu, in expectation of running mate slot for the primary election. On the other hand, excommissioners Maigida and Ebare were let go for allegedly being too weak and unable to give the administration the benefits of their experience. Our sources added that Oshiomhole may sack more commissioners before the government’s 7th anniversary on November 12 and before Edo APC governorship primary election holds between December and January 2016.

North

Thursday, September 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NACA launches demonstration on HIV/AID prevention …says 35 million people have the virus JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

N L-R: Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe; Governor Atiku Bagudu and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, at the departure of Muslim pilgrims from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, to Saudi Arabia, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

B’Haram: Military releases 128 detainees in Borno

rmy Headquarters yesterday handed over four foreigners and 124 Nigerians detained in connection with membership of the Boko Haram terrorist group to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State. The handover ceremony at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, was performed by Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai. Buratai said the 128 persons comprising 109 men, seven women, 11 under-aged and one child were found innocent after thorough investigations jointly carried out by intelligence officers of the Army, police, Department of State Security and representatives of Borno government. Three Chadians and one Cameroonian were among those freed. All detainees were arrested at different points dur-

ing military activities on suspicion of having dealings with Boko Haram insurgents. Receiving the freed suspects, Kashim commended the Nigerian Army and other security agents operating in the state for respecting human rights and doing a thorough job of screening the detainees found innocent. He particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff for his determination not only to arrest insurgents in the North East but to reposition the Nigerian Army. The governor charged the freed detainees not to fail the Nigerian Army and the state government by getting involved in any illegal act, as some of them might have come in contact with insurgents at some points in detention. He emphasized that they should rather pray for peace to return to the

state and the country as a whole. He informed them that a special team was expected to arrive Maiduguri from the office of National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Muhammadu Buhari, which will interact and train them on vocational skills in different fields desired by them after which, he said, the freed suspects would be empowered with start-up tools to be self-employed to enable them fully reintegrate into their respective communities. Buratai, before handing over the freed detainees, said the army in fulfillment of responsibility through its operation alongside other security agents and human rights commission, had found the suspects innocent, hence deemed it necessary to hand them over to Borno government.

Buratai told the gathering that the task before the army was to, among other things, defeat insurgents, restore peace in the state from local government to state level and create an enabling environment for administrative stability. He further said the NA would do everything possible to maintain professionalism and respect the right of individuals, hoping the continued support and cooperation from people of the state, which is highly appreciated, would be sustained. High point of the occasion was presentation of clothing materials and undisclosed amount of money to the freed detainees by Shettima, who was assisted by the Army chief. Shettima said the gift was a token pending training and empowerment of the freed suspects.

ational Agency for Control of AIDS, NACA, yesterday commenced study on PreExposure Prophylaxis that would help prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. However, the agency disclosed that over 35 million people around the world have the virus, while 30 million people had died in the last two decades. Director-General of NACA, Prof. John Idaho, who stated this in Abuja at the media Roundtable on HIV/AIDS Pre-Exposure Prophilaxis (PrEP) demonstration study, noted that the study have 90% chances of reducing the virus in Nigeria. He said the study would have three primary goals, namely: to construct a model that effectively delivers PrEP to Serodiscordant couples, measure the cost effectiveness of model, and the need to scale up delivery model to the national level. According to him, Nigeria is going into the study through NACA because of its immense positive effects on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. He said: “Multiple studies have established that anti-retroviral drugs could be used to reduce the rate of infection in a population in two different ways, known by the acronyms PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and TasP (treatment as prevention) “Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a procedure for

people who do not have HIV, but are at substantial risk of contracting the virus to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill, which contains two medicines - tenofovir and emtricitabine - are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. “NACA and other key players that will participate in this study will collect relevant data that will tell us how these strategies will work in real life situations. Thus, the study is expected to provide needed information on how to implement the strategies in a large population as part of a comprehensive public health program aimed at preventing HIV infection. The treatment strategy to be used in this project will adopt both TasP and PrEP. Idoko Added: “When someone exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.The study is being carried out in Nigeria to see whether it will work in the real life situations among Nigerian population under normal conditions. The initial study that showed PrEP works were done under well-controlled situations. “Over 600 couples undergo the study in the three sites that had been selected for the study which are Nnewi in Anambra state, Calabar in Cross River State and Jos, Plateau state while teams for the study will work at various sites are being put in place.”

ICPC partner NYSC to fight corruption in MDAs JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

ndependent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, has advised staff of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to live above board by ensuring strict adherence to procedures and guidelines of the scheme, just as the two bodies partner to block corruptionprone processes. Consequently, ICPC

Chairman, Ekpo Nta, inaugurated new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NYSC with a charge to discharge their responsibilities without fear of intimidation. The 5-man committee, which has three years tenure and can be renewed for second term, is saddled with the responsibility of enshrining the culture of transparency and accountability in NYSC. Nta at the inauguration

and induction of ACTU yesterday in Abuja, said taking appropriate measures in correcting and disciplining erring staff would not only engender fidelity to responsibility, but also builds confidence and integrity in the system. “As a manager of critical and delicate segment of the nation’s population the youth; it serves the role of nurturing and building the soul and conscience of the nation. Therefore, as

an essential architect of Nigeria’s future, it must not only be above board, but must be seen to be so at all times. “The unit serves as an in-house check mechanism within the MDAs to monitor, identify and address lapses, which may be found within their systems and could promote corrupt practices and other unethical issues. “Its core duties are to conduct preliminary inves-

tigations where petitions are received; undertake the systems study and review of corruption-prone processes and procedures; educate and enlighten staff on/and against corruption, and develop a code of ethics for compliance by members of staff,” Nta stated. Represented by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Akeem Lawal, ICPC Boss appealed to the NYSC management to inject ad-

equate funds to the unit as a mark of commitment to the fight against corruption, pledging the continuous availability and support of the commission for improved efficiency. Also, the Director General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olawumi Johnson urged the unit to extend their searchlight beyond financial transaction to other areas capable of tarnishing the image of the scheme.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, September 10, 2015

We’ve not commenced Shema probe –Masari …awaiting elders’ consent JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Borno State Governor Kashim shettima (right), commiserating with one of the 128 military detainees handed over to the state government after they were cleared of allegation of being members of the Boko Haram sect, in Maiduguri yesterday, with them is the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Kano recovers stolen fertiliser, money from LG officials …30 people to face prosecution ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

ano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has recovered 7,000 bags of fertiliser allegedly diverted by local government officers, the commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Ri-

min Gado, stated. He said some officials attached to the affected local councils switched the fertilisers originally allocated for distribution to farmers. Muhuyi said a whistleblower lodged a complaint with the commission over alleged diversion by suspected local government

staff in the state. He disclosed that aside the 7,000 bags of fertiliser recovered by the anti-graft agency, huge sums of money were also confiscated from the council officers. According to him, the commission from May 29 till date had received over 200 complaints bordering on sharp practices. He further disclosed that the commission has

investigated 170 such cases, while over 30 were referred to appropriate quarters for suitable action. The anti-graft helmsman disclosed that officials of Kano State shariah court were working with the commission to exhume alleged cases of abuse of government funds in some of the courts.

Kogi PDP shifts guber primary to Monday OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, has postponed its Kogi State governorship primary earlier scheduled for to-

day, Thursday, to Monday. The PDP in a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the postponement was with regard to some logistic issues pertaining to the exercise.

According to the statement, “the NWC reassured members of the party and other critical stakeholders, particularly the gubernatorial aspirants, of a transparent, credible, free and fair primary elec-

tion.” The party said it has approved a new date of Monday, September 14, for the primary election and directed all members to be guided by the development.

Ishaku, Ortom lauded over cross-border security JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

araba State Governor Darius Ishaku and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom, have been commended for their efforts in ending insecurity along the borders of the two states. A retired Permanent Secretary, Taraba Government House, Dennis Orkuma Nev, made the commendation at a press briefing yesterday in Jalingo. Ortom and Ishaku had on Monday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, announced the setting up of a joint military/police

patrol team from the two states to intensify security surveillance and stem the unending crisis at their borders. The governors also agreed to establish a joint Benue-Taraba Peace Committee to monitor potential threats to peace in the affected areas, following security breach at the border of the two states, which has lingered for sometime now. Nev, who described efforts of the two governors in bringing their people to talk peace without toeing the path of past governments that only set up committees with un-implemented resolutions, de-

scribed it as a “right step in the right direction.” “The two governors are prepared to write their names in gold by taking this bold step. The people of Benue and Taraba should also follow the footsteps of the two governors by embracing peace for development to thrive. “Governor Ishaku has put the past behind him and is ready to rewrite our story as a people. We must stop opening the scar of healing wounds as doing so would not take us to where we want to be. We must support his rescue mission,” he said. Nev, who also applauded Ishaku for setting up

a committee to resettle internally displaced persons, IDPs, in the state, enjoined people of the state to cooperate with the governor to return peace to the state. He noted that the Tiv people of Taraba State were solidly behind the peace initiative and urged the two governors to sustain the project.

Gov. Ishaku

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State yesterday denied media report that his administration had started probing ex-Governor Ibrahim Shema. Masari spoke at a meeting with the state’s elders under the auspices of Senior Citizens of Katsina, which consists of former governors, technocrats, retired civil servants and businessmen. The governor said his government had not filed formal case of financial misappropriation against Shema to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC. He, however, said his administration had “traced some funds and their misapplication” during the tenure of the former administration. He also said the only case file before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the former

administration was the alleged diversion of N7.2 billion belonging to the Local Government Councils. According to him, the decision to probe Shema’s administration would not be decided until the elders had been contacted on the matter, and that a fouryear plan would be unfolded by his administration for key sectors to move the state forward. Masari, who lamented economic problems bedeviling the state, said record showed that in the last eight years, a conservative N996 billion accrued to the state from the federation account, but the money was not properly utilised to develop the state. Chairman of the Senior Citizens of Katsina, retired Justice Mamman Nasir, called on elected office holders not to betray the electorate, but work to improve the living standard of the people. Nasir further called on the state and federal governments to give priority to agriculture and security.

Shun corruption, Gombe CP warns officers WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

ommissioner of Police in Gombe State, Mr. Austin Iwar, yesterday warned senior officers of the command with corrupt tendencies to desist or face dire consequences. In his maiden address to the command, the commissioner unfolded his strategies towards fighting crime in the state, saying he would involve communities more in a determined effort aimed at achieving policing priorities. The police commissioner, who stated that he has zero tolerance for corruption, further warned officers with corrupt tendencies to desist or be consumed by the administration. He stated that every policeman and woman has a role to play in the new dispensation, promising to operate open-door policy where sectional heads would be carried along in decision-making and strategies to be adopted.

He said all units, especially the command’s counter terrorism unit would be repositioned to adequately prevent and contain such eventualities. According to him, this action is predicated on the vulnerable position of Gombe in view of the activities of Boko Haram in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states. On activities of the dreaded Kalare political thugs, he said the police command would take steps to frustrate and reduce their disturbing activities, stressing that it will no longer tolerate any act capable of breaching the peace of the state. The commissioner promised to ensure that cases of human rights abuses are diligently investigated and culprits brought to book. “As a coherent policy or strategy, the Command would adopt intelligence-led policing approach as cardinal crime prevention plan,” he said. He also warned criminals that there would no more be a place to hide in the state.

News

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Scores injured, trapped in collapsed Warri hotel Theophilus Onojeghen, WARRI

here was pandemonium in Effurun, Delta State, following Wednesday morning collapse of the three-storey Mekaval Hotel and Suite near Refinery Road, which left scores of persons, including staff of the hotel severely injured. Aside those injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, several other unnamed customers were said to be trapped in the collapsed building. National Mirror authoritatively gathered that the building was built on a swamp and fell following consistent heavy downpour in the last few days.

The incident occurred at about 3am. Voluntary local rescuers, mainly neighbours and members of the nearby Mercy Land Church, who rushed early to the destroyed building, were able to pull out several persons from the debris before experts came. However, the state government has placed a ban on the hotel until investigations leading to the collapse are concluded. This was disclosed by Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro when he visited the scene and victims of the incident at hospital where they were receiving treatment. State government rescue team and excavators provided by Mercy Land Church have commenced

rescue operations towards saving the remaining victims, who are still trapped in the collapsed building at the time of filing this report. Another eyewitness, Benjamin Hosu, 51, from Lagos, said, “I and a colleague came to town to execute a project yesterday. We were lodged in the first floor. Around 3:10am we heard noise and thought they were armed robbers. On hearing the sad news, owner of the hotel was alleged to have immediately collapsed and was rushed to hospital for medical attention. The hotel owner is said to be an old man of about 70. Medical officials at Divine Grace Hospital

where the wounded victims were rushed for medical attention said it was too early to allow visit and talks with the patients as a result of injuries and shock of the mishap. No one from the hotel was immediately available to speak on the situation but residents blamed the incident on structural defects in the affected building located in a swampy area. Speaking to reporters after his visit, Otuaro said the order was necessary in view of the structural defect of the remaining two buildings. The deputy governor assured that the state government would foot the medical bill of the victims.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSCDC tasks private security guards on vandals, cult members Fem Oyeweso, ABEOKUTA

igerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, yesterday charged proprietors of licenced private security outfits in Nigeria to step up their role in overall security architecture of the country. This, NSCDC emphasised, could be achieved by supplying intelligence reports to national security agencies particularly in the fight against activities of vandals, cult members as well as other criminal elements in the society. Provost of NSCDC College of Security Management, Mr. Iskil Makinde, gave the charge in his address delivered at a oneday security workshop organised for proprietors of licenced private security companies in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. Makinde spoke at the security workshop jointly organised by NSCDC and the Nigeria Institute of Security (NIS), an arm of the University of Lagos, which has the theme: “Strategic Security Management for Change in Private Guard Security Practice”. Speaking against the renewed activities of Boko Haram insurgents in some parts of the northern Nigeria, Makinde emphasised

that proprietors of licenced Private Guards companies remained active and major stakeholders, which NSCDC and other security agencies are looking up to for intelligence information about activities of terrorists, vandals, cults and other potential criminals causing mayhem across the country. He further stated that the workshop was organised “to inculcate into Private Guard practitioners the new trend in security practice as applicable across the globe.” He then called on Nigerians as well to join hands in combating “crime mostly vandalisation of public infrastructures” for the country to be a better place to live in. In his goodwill message, the Second Vice President of NIS, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe charged the over 50 proprietors of private guard companies who attended the workshop to develop a culture of communication, cooperation and security consciousness with their personnel in order to enable them be on top every security challenges. Prof Ogundipe said the licenced private security guard companies would be assisting their society of they could inculcate those culture in their security policies.

UNILAG students protest death of colleague Tunbosun Ogundare

D Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Sa’ad Bello, welcoming some of the 650 Nigerian returnees from Cameroun Republic to the internally displaced persons’ camp at Fufore in Adamawa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

UI appoints Olayinka as 12th VC Kemi Olaitan, IBADAN

niversity of Ibadan, UI, yesterday announced the appointment of a 57-year-old professor of Geology from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Abel Idowu Olayinka, as its 12th Vice Chancellor. The institution’s ProChancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Umar Musa Mustapha, made the announcement while addressing a press conference shortly after the council ratified the

appointment. Mustapha during unveiling of the new Vice Chancellor, which took place at the institution’s Senate building, urged the Federal Government to grant more funds to aid teaching, research and learning in the institution. He disclosed that of the 13 candidates that jostled for the position, six were shortlisted, adding that the screening committee then recommended three candidates to the council. He said the new VC whose appointment takes

effect from December 1, emerged first in all the criteria put in place by the screening committee. He said Olayinka would use the next two and half months as learning process from his predecessor and the outgoing VC, Prof. Isaac Adewole. Olayinka in his remark, pledged to reposition the institution to be a globally relevant institution of learning. The new VC, who has served as Head of Department, Dean and Deputy Vice Chancellor, joined

the university over 20 years ago. The outgoing VC, in his own address, urged other institutions to emulate UI in what he called “transparency” in appointing in their VC, noting that transition like that nature should be done in a decent manner. He pledged to extend his hand of fellowship to the new VC while urging staff and students of the institution to extend the support he received during his tenure to the new VC.

eath of a 300-level student of the Department of Accounting, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, sparked off violence yesterday among students of the institution against the authority. The deceased whose name was given as Oluchi Anokwe was said to have been electrocuted by a fallen live wire close to the school’s New Hall hostel around 7pm on Tuesday while returning from church fellowship. The protesting students, however, blocked the institution’s main gate for about two hours, preventing vehicular movement in and out of the university as a way of registering their displeasure to what they called avoidable death that took away one of them. Led by their President, Abiodun Martins, the students

earlier stormed the institution’s power house before blocking the gate, calling on authorities to swing into action to prevent a recurrence. The students also declared the day free of academic and social activities as a mark of honour to the departed mate. The late Anokwe was said to be a First Class student and very gentle and humble. President of one of the hostels in the New Hall, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was the shout of Anokwe’s friends that attracted attention of other students. He explained further, “The lady was immediately rushed to the school’s medical centre before she was referred to the university’s teaching hospital in IdiAraba. But unfortunately, she died on the way.” Her body has been deposited at the mortuary while authorities are making to contact her relatives.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

Super Eagles need more friendlies –Ogu

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Sport

Critics will get off my back as soon as I start doing what I do best for PSG. It’s just a matter of time

–PSG winger, Angel Di Maria

Super Falcon, Esther during the match against Tanzania, yesterday

Africa Games: Dream Team sees off Ghana, dares Senegal

igeria got off their campaign on a winning note courtesy a 2-0 win over rivals Ghana yesterday at the Unity Stadium, Kintele. Junior Ajayi and Kingsley Sokari each scored in the second half to ensure the maximum points for the Dream Team, and go top of Group B with three points. The defeat leaves Ghana, the defending champions’ hope of progressing hanging by a thread after bagging just a point from two games. Nigeria will face Senegal on Saturday in the ultimate match. Senegal and Ghana have a point each. The Samson Siasia –tutored side reportedly had control of the midfield which led to pressure on the Black Meteors backline forcing goalkeeper Samuel Ofori to make a couple of saves. Despite the dominance, there was no clear cut chance for the Nigerians in the opening half with erratic shooting upfront. The Nigerians resumed on the same tempo and their efforts finally yielded dividends on the 55th minute for the opener.

..Siasia promises improvement

Down by a goal, the Ghanaians lifted up their game but barely threatened the Nigerians. And Sokari sealed victory three minutes from time with the second goal, lobbing past Ofori from an Azubuike Okechukwu assist. The winner of the group and runnerup will qualify for the semis. Meanwhile, Siasia has promised to

improve on their way to winning a second All Africa Games Gold for Nigeria. “I am very glad and happy that Nigerians are pleased with our performance. The boys will play better as the competition progress , he said. “I thank God for the victory. There were no secrets, but discipline and our good tactics.

Falcons thrash Tanzania, advance to semis

he Super Falcons have qualified for the semi-final of the 11th All Africa Games after they defeated Tanzania 3-0 yesterday. Desire Oparanozie scored two first-half

goals to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead before the break. In the second half, Esther Sunday made it 3-0 for the Falcons who would now meet the runner-up in Group B.

They will take on Cote d’Ivoire in their last Group A game on Saturday. In their opening game, they thrashed host Congo 5-1, with Oparanozie scoring four of the goals.

Siasia

Sports

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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US Open 2015:

Serena overpowers Venus to reach semis S

erena Williams overcame her sister Venus at the US Open to move within two victories of her first calendar Grand Slam. The world number one held her nerve to win 6-2 1-6 6-3 and reach the semi-finals in New York. Serena, 33, will play unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci in the last four today. The American could become the first player to win all four majors in the same year since Steffi Graf in 1988.

Venus, 35, was playing in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2010, but threatened to derail her sister’s grand ambitions. The 23rd seed battled back to force a final set, only to see younger sister Serena capitalise on an early service break and claim her 33rd straight win at the Slams. The Williams sisters had played each other 26 times on the professional circuit, but their 27th contest was as high-

Confusion over Okagbare’s Rio Olympics ban

Okagbare

Mercy Jacob

here seems to be conflicting reports over the reportedly ban of Nigeria’s fastest woman on track, Blessing Okagbare from Rio 2016 Olympic Games, following a release yesterday by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). On Tuesday, there was media report credited to the National Sports Commission (NSC) banning Okagbare from participat-

ing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, alleging that she withdrew from the African Games on account of injury but was seen participating in an inmternational athletics championship. However, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), yesterday, denied banning the fleet footed Africa queen of the track and field, Blessing Okagbare from participating in the Rio 2016 Olympics Games, describing the news as outright false-

hood According to AFN board member, Olukayode Thomas, there is no atom of truth in the media report that AFN and NSC have banned Okagbare, insisting that the athlete has not done anything that warrant her being banned. “Why would a reporter report that Okagbare has been banned from the Rio Olympics and will not attribute such an important story to a staff of NSC or AFN ? The story is not true, Thomas began.’’ “ Even if Okagbare has done something and we intend to punish her, the secretary General will first write her a letter inviting her to face a disciplinary committee where she will defend herself against the allegation. After a fair hearing, the disciplinary committee will make a recommendation to the board”, Thomas stated.

Serena

ly anticipated as any. Serena might already hold all four Slam titles, but her bid to win them all in the same year has elevated tennis in the US sporting headlines. A lengthy preceding match meant Tuesday’s night session was delayed, and expectancy rose outside Arthur Ashe Stadium as 23,000 spectators waited to take their seats for the night session. The early excitement was tempered

by Serena’s excellent start, but Venus gave a reminder of why she is a seventime major champion by taking it to a final set. “She’s the toughest player I’ve ever played in my life and the best person,” said Serena. Serena had prevailed in 10 final-set deciders at the Slams already this year though, and survived a tense opening game to then break with three blistering backhand winners.

NNL: Ekiti Utd seek points from Abia Comets Ifeanyi Eduzor

anagement of Ekiti United Football Club has appealed to the Nigeria National league (NNL) management to award the club maximum three points and three goals in their match against Abia comets which the later abandoned recently in Ado- Ekiti. Secretary of the club, Rev. Deji Daramola told National Mirror that Abia comets inexplicably refused to come for a Sunday morning replay following a heavy down

pour that disrupted the game the previous day even as he accused their opponent of breaching an earlier agreement for a replay. “The truth is that the visitors were simply looking for cheap boardroom points and not ready to play football. They not only resorted to blackmail in a section of the media but stormed the stadium on Sunday morning with over sixty armed police men when there was no reason for that. According to him, the match commissioner was visibly angry with Abia comets’ attitude and ordered that the

extra police men should vacate the stadium while players remain on the pitch. Sadly, only Ekiti players obliged while the visitors stayed put in their van as directed by their official, Victor Nwakanma who threatened everyone on sight. Chairman of the club, Princess Ade Adefemi told National Mirror that she was surprised by the behavior of Abia Comets with an appeal to the NNL to award her club the three points at stake as well as slam indefinite suspension on Nwakanma for bringing the game to disrepute.

Med-View/ NUJ Games: SportsDay overwhelm NTA

…as table tennis enters Q/final stage Ifeanyi Eduzor

portsDay Newspaper yesterday confirmed their rating as one of the best football teams at the ongoing 10th edition of the Med/View NUJ Games when they recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The match which was decided at the Legacy Pitch

of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos saw Sports Day dominating proceedings in all departments of the game which enabled them score two goals in quick succession in the first half. Sports Day continued their dominance in the second half which resulted in another two goals to deny NTA any chance of progressing to the next round of the game.

In other matches decided at day three of the competition, defending champions, Vanguard newspaper lost to Business Plus by a lone goal while Lagos Ministry of Information inflicted the first defeat on FRCN whom they beat 2-0. STV recorded a 1-0 victory over LTV while Sun Newspapers walked over Tell Magazine just as the match between Daar Communications and NAN ended 1-1.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Super Eagles, Coach Sunday Oliseh celebrating with the team during the win against Niger

Super Eagles need more friendlies –Ogu

uper Eagles and Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder, John Ogu, has applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organising a friendly international between the Eagles and Mena of Niger Republic, saying the federation should stage more friendlies to aid the rebuilding process un-

der Coach Sunday Oliseh. The Eagles took on Mena on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, three days after playing out a goalless draw against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifier in Dar es Salaam, in what was Oliseh’s second game in charge of the national team. Nigeria’s next official game

comes up in November, a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the winner of the twolegged encounter between Djibouti and Swaziland. But Ogu believes the NFF should arrange another game for the FIFA free week next month. “The new NFF have been very proactive since they got in there

and I expect one game will take place again in October,” Ogu said, adding, “We need more games for the players to understand what the coach expects.” Last Saturday’s goalless draw against the Tanzanians in Dar es Salaam left the Super Eagles in second spot in Group G on four points, two points behind lead-

ers, Egypt, who thrashed Chad 5-1 in N’Djamena on Sunday. “Our chances are very bright,” Ogu further said, stressing, “With four points up, we have a realistic possibility of breaking out as the top team in our group. With more work and a bit of grace, we can achieve that.”

Body Building Championship: USPFA Scholarship winners depart for UK based athlete leads others to Lagos

t was a promise kept for Pepsi Football Academy youngsters, Nneku Joseph and Ekeh Divine, both winners of the 2015 edition of the Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship scheme, as they departed Nigeria for Brooke House College in United Kingdom to study and play football for the next two years. Brand Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, officials of the academy, families and colleagues bade the youngsters, selected out of about 128 students of the academy in May at Abeokuta, farewell at the departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Pinnick

Head Marketing Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, who addressed the students, said their attainment had reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurture and create opportunities for young football talent in Nigeria while Director of the Pepsi Academy, Chief Kashimawo Laloko, described both students as promising talents who would make good careers in football. The scholarship which began in 2005 has produced over 16 players who are plying their trade with major teams in Europe and in leagues across Africa.

Paul Erewuba

his year’s Mr. Flex Nigeria Season 5 Bodybuilding championship will hold on 14th November,2015 in Lagos with about 50 foreign and local athletes vying for honours and the coveted star prize. Among the foreign based bodybuilders is USA-based Nigerian athlete, Gerald Banks and Europe based TY Ogedegbe (2013/2014) Musclemannia World Champion. Others include former ‘Mr California, Bada Lekan, current NPC bodybuilding Champion, current Mr. Flex Nigeria champion, Femi Adesoye, Abdul Rasak, veteran Bodybuilder who currently occupies number 6th position in Africa,Saheed Lawal the second runner up in Mr Flex Nigeria 2014 and host of home athletes. In the female category tagged Miss Flex Nigeria Figure (second edition), Nigeria’s 20th Commonwealth heroin in the 63kg Weightlifting, Oluwatoyin Adesanya who has also forayed into bodybuilding, will lead the pack with the current female Bodybuilding champion in Nigeria, Gloria Moses. According to the organisers, a seminar cum press conference

would be held on September 22, 2015 to teach athletes on how to diet for effective bodybuilding and preparation of championship of this nature. Speaking ahead of the epic championship, coordinator of the event and President, Steco Productions,, Stephen Okolie-Odene, explained that the essence of the championship, sponsored by a reputable organisation, and other interested organisations willing to join, is to help athletes excel in their field of chosen career and to raise the standard of Nigerian youths in the world of body building, including other power sports. ‘’An average Nigerian sees bodybuilders as tugs and miscreants. We have been able to change this perception as our Bodybuilders now go abroad for greener pastures and we

thank cooperate bodies like Challarams, 7up Nigeria and others for coming to our aid. The bodybuilding annual championship is designed to promote and develop youths in the area of bodybuilding as a career. It is also aimed at bringing together the best of Nigerian bodybuilders so that they can adequately compete with their foreign counterparts and establish a means of livelihood for the youth,” Okolie-Odene stated.

WORLD RECORD

Largest trick roping loop by a male

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1196 Thursday, September 10, 2015

The largest trick roping male was achieved by Charlie Keyes (USA), who spun loop around him fed to 107 ft 2 in, at Will Rogers International Wild West Expo in Claremore, Oklahoma, USA; 22 April 2006.

Ahmad Sajoh: Finally justice prevailed in Adamawa

y friends all, something just happened in Adamawa State and because it affected a colleague and someone I consider a rare gem and thorough professional, I am devoting this week to his plight and eventual triumph. It is also a tribute to the resilience and leadership of Governor Jibrilla Bindow for rising above untold pressure and opposition to do justice to the curious case of Citizen Ahmad Sajoh, one of Governor Bindow’s nominees as Commissioner. This is the background to this matter. In early August, the Adamawa State governor sent a list of prospective commissioners to the State House of Assembly for screening. But while all other nominees were given speedy screening with some even being screened in absentia, news filtered in that one of the nominees, Ahmad Sajoh, native of Mubi, erstwhile Media Adviser to former Governor Murtala

ord Coe will be called to parliament to explain why he said media reports on doping were a “declaration of war”. Lord Coe is the new president of world governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations. On Tuesday, Marathon world

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

Nyako and one major pillar of the media machine that helped Governor Bindow to overwhelm the PDP behemoth would not be screened. Others had already been given portfolios and sworn in, while Sajoh’s fate until Tuesday when he was eventually sworn in, remained unclear. For those who had seen Sajoh’s nomination as one of the best in the Governor’s prospective cabinet, and for most journalists who, judging by Sajoh’s pedigree were excited about his nomination, the long delay was a rude shock. In fact, most observers of the intrigues playing out then in Adamawa were worried by this development. From this untoward situation, a number of unanswered questions arose. It was established that the man in question, an experienced journalist who creditably discharged his duty as Governor Nyako’s spokesman and in any capacity he has served Adamawa and the country at large is eminently qualified to be a commissioner. Since this is so, the question on observers’ mind was what were the sins he committed to warrant his screening and inauguration being suspended ad infinitum? There were also insinuations that a Member of the House of Assembly from Sajoh’s constituency, for still unclear reasons, was vehemently opposed to the nomination. If so, what specifically was the clear reason for standing in the way of one’s kinsman, especially when it had been established that this was one nominee with the wherewithal to raise the profile of that constituency considering his antecedents? Secondly, there was another school of thought that suggested that the House

ADAMAWA STATE IS GOING TO BE THE EVENTUAL WINNER IN THIS WHOLE SAGA SINCE JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED Member in question was not so unfavorably disposed to Sajoh’s nomination and was actually willing to let his kinsman pass, having realized that there were no credible reason to continue to stand in the way of his constituent. Again, if this was the case, what delayed the screening and eventual swearing-in of citizen Sajoh? Another school of thought was of the opinion that a prominent national leader and popular politician from Adamawa regarded as a kingmaker was still not convinced that Sajoh as a commissioner would serve well. For this reason, he was alleged to have constituted a serious stumbling block trying to stop Governor Bindow from doing the right thing. Thank God all these insinuations and allegations have been laid to rest with the eventual swearing in of Sajoh on Tuesday. And on the part of Governor Bindow, one must commend the decision to take the forthright and just path by not succumbing to undue pressures whatever they were. Judging by initial erroneous insinuations from some quarters that the governor had allowed extraneous forces to becloud his initial forward-looking

and visionary decision to nominate Sajoh, tongues were already wagging in Adamawa that the Governor had been finding it difficult to stand on personal conviction. On Tuesday, the governor proved that he remained a just leader who would always do the right thing and would not allow anyone breathing down his neck on matters of statecraft. One of the reasons Adamawans pitched their tents with Bindow was his reputed forthrightness and definiteness of purpose. His action in swearing in Sajoh has allayed any fear of his possible dithering on the Sajoh matter. He has laid to rest the fear among media practitioners that the state stands to lose should such a quality like Sajoh be allowed to suffer any perceived injustice. With Sajoh’s swearing in, I am certain that the information sector of the government will receive serious improvement. Prior to this, popular imagination was that had the right person been firmly in charge of the Governor’s media and PR team earlier, the kind of PR faux pas that recently generated public opprobrium for the government in the alleged N200 million-forprayer saga would never have festered. The governor’s action has surely birthed a new information day in Adamawa with Sajoh on the saddle. To me, Adamawa State is going to be the eventual winner in this whole saga since justice has been served. The reason is not farfetched. In a situation where the state continues to sacrifice its best brains on the altar of undue politicking, quality leadership buoyed by quality advisory will be in short supply. I commend the governor, who apparently never lost interest in Sajoh and has now acted with admirable dispatch. His information vehicle needs a pilot in Sajoh’s mould now and the Governor has done the needful. I wish Commissioner Sajoh a brilliant tenure. Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Blood doping: Lord Coe to explain ‘war’ comments record holder Paula Radcliffe accused Jesse Norman MP of “implicating” her in the Sunday Times blood doping allegations and reiterated she has never cheated. Norman said his comments at a select committee were “taken

out of context”. The 41-year-old said she “categorically” denied any form of cheating and Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee chairman Jesse Norman suggested London Marathon winners and medallists and “potentially, Brit-

ish athletes” were under suspicion. Radcliffe was not specifically named but she is a threetime London Marathon winner and the only British athlete since 1996 to triumph at the event.

Coe

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