Thursday,januart 28,2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Real sector crisis worsens, firms may wind up by March –MAN Abolaji Adebayo

M Okechukwu Enelamah

anufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, yesterday raised the alarm that many

companies in the manufacturing sector might be forced to close down when they run out of raw materials to continue production. Disclosing this at the 2016 MAN-Media Luncheon for the Commerce and In-

National Mirror www.national mirroronline. net

Taming touting, criminality on Broad Street

Thursday, January 28, 2016

dustry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CICAN, in Lagos, President of the Association, Dr. Frank Jacobs attributed the worsening operations of many

Gridlock on

Broa

d Street, PHOTO: Lagos. SAMUEL ADETIMEH IN

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Continued on Page 2>>

Obasanjo lambasts F federal lawmakers Vol. 5 N0. 1295

National Mirror Online @NationalMirror Thursday, January 28, 2016 N150 George Oji, Abuja ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has written the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, decrying the high cost of running the National Assembly. He accused the lawmakers of devising disingenuous methods of making all manners of illegal allowances and other al-

...decries high cost of running parliament ...seeks audit of NASS, says they’re lawbreakers

Continued on Page 2>>

Supreme Court affirms Wike as Rivers State governor

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Reps stop NERC’s planned electricity tariff hike

L-R: Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello during his inauguration as governor, in Lokoja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP problem deepens as Gulak declares self chairman ...Jonathan’s aide plots takeover Lassa fever: Another patient dies in Lagos, 2 in Bauchi

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Why NUT won’t support Buhari’s 500,000 jobs for school teachers –Olukoya

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P.5 P.4

Bomb blasts kill 14, injure 24 in Chibok

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Real sector crisis worsens, firms may wind up by March –MAN Abolaji Adebayo

M Okechukwu Enelamah

anufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, yesterday raised the alarm that many

companies in the manufacturing sector might be forced to close down when they run out of raw materials to continue production. Disclosing this at the 2016 MAN-Media Luncheon for the Commerce and In-

National Mirror www.national mirroronline. net

Taming touting, criminality on Broad Street

Thursday, January 28, 2016

dustry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CICAN, in Lagos, President of the Association, Dr. Frank Jacobs attributed the worsening operations of many

Gridlock on

Broa

d Street, PHOTO: Lagos. SAMUEL ADETIMEH IN

P.10

Continued on Page 2>>

Obasanjo lambasts F federal lawmakers Vol. 5 N0. 1295

...decries high cost of running parliament ...seeks audit of NASS, says they’re lawbreakers

Continued on Page 2>>

Supreme Court affirms Wike as Rivers State governor

P.41

Reps stop NERC’s planned electricity tariff hike

L-R: Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello during his inauguration as governor, in Lokoja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP problem deepens as Gulak declares self chairman ...Jonathan’s aide plots takeover Lassa fever: Another patient dies in Lagos, 2 in Bauchi

P.6

Why NUT won’t support Buhari’s 500,000 jobs for school teachers –Olukoya

P.20

P.5 P.4

Bomb blasts kill 14, injure 24 in Chibok

P.6

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taming touting, criminality on Broad Street

road Street, Lagos, is popular for its uniqueness, large population of bubbling men and fashionable women that traverse its soil daily. The length and breadth of the area are full of unrivalled daily commercial activities which qualifies it to be defined simply as a city where three out of five souls walking in it are traders with the motive of winning customers’ patronage sell and make gains. This important area of Lagos Island, also play host to some imposing multistorey buildings impressively planned and exquisitely painted offices, housing some corporate organisations. Vehicles of different colour and makes, fashionable ladies and well-spruced men who ‘fight’ for right of way with hundreds of street traders on their way to their work places daily jostle for space in the business district. Other places in the world that share same nature and character with Broad Street, Lagos, are Broadway, a thoroughfare in New York City, United States of America, a centre of commercial activities, which also provides entertainment to ardent music lovers, players, opera and orchestra in specially-designed buildings. In London, there exist other Broad Streets in Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Reading. Reports have it that the Broad Street in Philadelphia serves as a major arterial street and yearly enhances the tourism strength of the United States, where, despite having been in existence for many decades, it still serves as the home of several Philadelphia cultural landmarks, and it is called the Avenue of Arts and home of art gallery in the United States. According to information, Broad Streets in these countries have largely held on to their originality, and hence, they are believed to still be in the same shape they were decades ago. Sadly, however, the same cannot be said of Broad Street, Lagos, like many communities in Nigeria, Broad Street, Lagos seems to have changed dramatically from what it used to be decades ago particularly in aesthetics. According to reports, the streets once known for peace, quiet orderliness and tranquillity, have over the years, evolved into a land of hustling and bustling with little room for organisational control. Aside street trading, which has become order of the day on Broad Street, car parks full of the ubiquitous 18-passenger buses have also sprung up, a development that can be said to have also aggravated the rowdy nature of the once serene environment. However, it is not all bad stories for the area, Broad Street in Lagos, the economic nerve centre of the country, like others in major cities of the world, also boasts of important architectural landmarks that represent the Federal Government despite the movement of the seat government to Abuja. Some of such structures include; the Federal Government Press, Federal Dental Clinic, Lagos General Hospital,

Traffic gridlock on Broad Street, Lagos. Odan; Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, General Post Office, the Western House among others. Also, comfortably seated in the area are structures like the Freedom Park, Sterling Towers, AP House, 25-storey United Bank for Africa (UBA) Corporate Headquarters, 17-storey Elephant House, 14-storey Energy House, Premier Bookstore, CSS Bookshops, sundry shops and several stalls, all private business concerns and a sizeable residential buildings, now occupied by men and women and their large population of children. However, the once serene Broad Street, Lagos environment, has transformed into a shadow of its self, degenerating to an environment some degrees a bit better than most traditional markets in Nigeria and important historical cities. Indeed, except urgent steps are taken to reverse the trend, the business district may soon turn into such places as Jankara, Oshodi, Ajegunle, Idumota, Mile 12 and Alaba markets in Lagos, which all grew naturally to enviable heights, but now manifest in environment of filth and squalor. Although in an effort to bring sanity to the Lagos Business District, which was once a toast of local and foreign companies in Nigeria, the Lagos State government has established the Lagos Central Business District Task Force to oversee the day- to- day activities of traders and motorists, thereby creating an enabling business environment to

thrive. The intention of the state government in establishing the task force to maintain law and order in this densely populated business environment, however, seems not to be in good taste to some traders who daily complain about the excesses of officials of the task force. Speaking with Broad Street Dairy recently, a trader who declined to disclose her identify for fear of being victimised by the officials of the government agency, narrated an incidence she said she personally witnessed. The trader accused officials of the task force extortion and sometimes irrational behaviour. “One day, a driver illegally packed his vehicle, obstructing other motorists and this attracted the attention of this officer, but while trying to arrest the driver, the officer moved to the driver’s side of the bus and started deflating the bus tires. “I was surprised at this because I don’t know the way he was going to move the vehicle after deflating its tires. In fact, the traffic caused by his action eventually led to traffic gridlock. “To cut a long story short, after about an hour, the driver ended up parting with N3, 000 before they could let him off the hook. I was so surprised because I never expected that an official of government who was expected to maintain law and order would behave in such a way.’’ For Segun Tella, a Danfo driver who plies the CMS- Orile route, he said with-

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

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N3.5bn loan: Appeal Court hears Honeywell/Ecobank applications Feb 10 Wale Igbintade

ourt of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, yesterday fixed February 10 to hear all pending applications in the appeal filed by Honeywell Group, asking the court to vacate an order limiting its financial transaction. Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos had on December 14, 2015, issued the interim order in a suit between Ecobank Plc and Honeywell Group. The suit was sequel to an alleged N3.5bn unpaid loan facility granted by Ecobank to Honeywell. Yunusa had issued an interim order limiting Honeywell to N15m weekly withdrawals from the company’s account. Dissatisfied, Honeywell appealed and prayed the court to set aside the inter-

South West

Thursday, January 28, 2016

im order. When the case was called yesterday, counsel to Ecobank, Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN, informed the court that he had just been served with the court processes. He then prayed for time to allow him respond to same. In response, counsel to Honeywell, Mr. Dapo Olanipekun, SAN, appealed to the court to expedite action on the appeal owning to the urgency of the matter. He stressed that the order had obstructed the flow of work of his client, urging that the court expedites action. Justice Sidi Bage, in response said the court would do its best to give both parties opportunity at fair hearing, adding that the matter was not yet ripe for hearing. The court consequently, adjourned to February 10 for hearing of pending applications.

Five killed in Ondo as police, residents clash Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

ive persons, including a toddler, were on Tuesday evening killed in a clash between the police and residents of Ilara Mokin community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. Several residents also sustained injuries in the clash, which lasted for hours. Cause of the clash was

attributed to an auto crash, which claimed the lives of two persons. Protesters led by a former councilor in the town were said to have blocked the Ilesa-Akure road to protest the killing of two natives of the town. It was gathered that the development led to the police shooting sporadically to disperse the crowd. Two police patrol vehicles were reportedly burnt. Four other vehicles

were also burnt by the protesters. Commuters groaned for hours as they were forced to trek a long distance to get to their destinations. Those who could not bear the rigour of trekking returned to their various homes. Several activities in the town and its environs were disrupted for several hours. Students of Federal University of Technology,

Akure, FUTA, had a hectic time going to their classes. Soldiers and other security agents later cleared the road after containing the riot. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, saying peace had returned to the community. Joseph said no arrest had been made and that the command would do everything to ensure that peace reigns in the community.

Nigeria must learn from crash in global oil price –Aregbesola Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said the main lesson the current dislocation of the global economy preaches, especially to Nigeria, is that it cannot continue to rely on oil as a source of revenue. The governor, who disclosed this when he hosted Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniy Ambali, said the country was disconnected from where the oil is being prospected. He said the central focus of a nation in the mode of Nigeria considering her history and background remains agriculture and dropped the hint that he was considering teak plantation as another means of raising fund for the state. The vice chancellor in his remarks revealed how the introduction of the stand-alone Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) into schools by Osun State influenced the decision by his institution to make it mandatory for every undergraduate to have a tablet in the school.

He said the university authorities realised that by the time pupils coming to universities from schools such as those in Osun would be gaining admissions, they would have been so advanced in the use of modern technology devices for learning that to bring them to any standards lesser than that would be a disservice to their orientations. He revealed how the university’s adoption of technology had helped it advance the course of leaning, commending the governor for having the vision to introduce Osun pupils to technology.

President, National Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Muhammad Askira (right), addressing traders at Bodija Market during Lassa Fever Awareness Outreach by National Executive Council of Association of Resident Doctors in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing to direct Power Company and Appliances Limited to return to site and complete the Okeagbe, Ondo State, 2x60 MVA, 132/33KV

Ajimobi, Buhari mourn ex-IGP Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday described the death of former Inspector-General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, as a great loss to the government and people of the state. He lamented the death of the former police officer, who made history as the youngest IGP in the country to take

charge at Kam Salem House, where he instilled discipline in the rank and file of the force. Adewusi died on Tuesday night at the National Hospital, Abuja, at the age of 79 years. The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, recalled that the era of the late Adewusi as the nation’s number one cop was a defining moment that brought the

Complete abandoned power project in Ondo, Kogi axis, Reps urge FG substation with 2x132Kv line bays extension at Obajana, Kogi State, in accordance with the terms of the contract. The House equally mandated its Committees on

best out of the officers and men of the police. While describing the late Asiwaju of Ogbomoso as urbane and affectionate, Ajimobi said his simple lifestyle was a lesson in humility despite his accomplishments as a distinguished police officer. Also, Chairman Senate Committee on ICT, Fatai Buhari, condoled with Oba Oladuni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade 111, family and the entire people of Ogbomoso over the demise of the late

Power and Appropriation to appropriate money for the completion of the project in the 2016 budget proposal now before the National Assembly The resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Stephen Olemija entitled “Urgent need for the completion of Okeagbe 2x60 MVA, 132/33KV substation with 2x132Kv line bays extension at Obajana.” While moving the motion, he said that non completion of the project had led to immense hardships being experienced by the people of Okeagbe-Akoko and other communities across Akoko in Ondo, Kogi and Ekiti states, who have been living in darkness for years.

“The overloaded 33kv feeder station from Okene is the only source of electricity supply to the four local government areas of Akoko North East and South West of Ondo State with population of over 700,000 people. “The overloading of the feeder station is the major reasons for the constant outage owing to frequent breakdowns which have adversely affected the socio-economic activities of the areas as people now wholly depend on generators to run their businesses and homes at exorbitant costs,” he stated. The motion was unanimously supported by members when it was put to vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

South East

Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Serial rapist cop fired …allegedly defiled 8 children Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

police officer, Monday Obaji of Umuezeke Oha, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been dismissed from office for allegedly defiling eight children in the state. Police commissioner, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, adding that the police officer had since been dismissed and charged to court. “The police command will not tolerate any policeman, who fails to do the right thing at all times or covers any erring officer that refuses to obey the law,” she said. Abdallah stated that the command had equally arrested a gang of cultists identified as members of ‘German Arrow’, who dragged two girls from Onicha Local

council and initiated them into their cult and raped them. She noted that the command equally arrested 10 vandals, including a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, officer for vandalising a pipeline at Amaeze Ishiagu, in Ivo council area of the state. The commissioner revealed that the suspects were arrested after exchange of gunfire with the police. “Policemen raced to the scene and after exchange of gunfire with the hoodlums, arrested one Igbokwe Chukwuemeka, a Civil Defenee officer and 10 other suspects, while others escaped,” she stated. Items recovered from them included a white Peugeot bus marked Taraba AA 326 ARD and a white Mitsubishi truck marked Imo DFB 162 XA, both loaded with substance suspected to be petroleum product.

Ebonyi targets N26bn IGR annually Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State government yesterday restated readiness to increase its internally generated revenue, IGR, to the tune of over N26,7I8,525,250 annually to enable her execute its numerous projects. Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Denis Ekumankama, disclosed this when briefing journalists on the budget breakdown at the Exco chambers, Abakaliki. He lamented that the state’s allocation has so drastically reduced that the state government cannot cope or even execute numerous projects it embarked on, adding that the state can only succeed through IGR. Ekumankama noted that the state equally budgeted over N3 billion to train some citizens of Ebonyi State working in Lagos and other major cities in the country in skills acquisition. “The state is targeting over N6 billion from other Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, sources and this

takes the total IGR projection to N26 billion,’’ he revealed. The commissioner noted that the state would fund the budget with N25 billion from statutory allocation, N12 billion from capital receipts, and N17 billion from internal and external loans. “The budget estimates N101 billion for projects, N62 billion for capital expenditure and N39 billion for recurrent expenditure. “The capital expenditure has N10 billion allocated for administration; economy is N49 billion; law and justice has N430 million; N100million for regional planning/ works, and N10 billion for social sector,’’ he said. He said the recurrent expenditure allocated N9 billion for administration, economy N23billion; law and justice gets N657million; regional planning/ works gets N28billion while social sector gets N6billion. Ekumankama assured the citizens that the various tax rates outlined by the government was for the their development and not to make things more difficult for them.

L-R: Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Lady Adanma Okpara and wife of the governor, Lady Nkechi Ikpeazu, during a condolence visit to the governor over the death of his mother in Obingwa council area of the state, yesterday.

Imo worse off with FG’s bailout loan —Okorocha Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday said the N26 billion loan received last year from the Federal Government to pay workers’ salaries has caused more trouble for the state. He told newsmen at Government House, Owerri, on arrival from his working trip to Vietnam and China that the state was broke because of the amount being deducted from loans, particularly N26 billion bailout fund the state collected from the Federal Government. “The N26 billion we received from the Federal Government to pay work-

ers’ salaries have put us into more trouble because they are deducting more money from the state than before.” According to the governor, the dwindling revenue allocation, heavy wage bill of over N4 billion coupled with low internally generated revenue, IGR, has put the state in poorer financial health. “We collect the least allocation from the Federal Government. For instance, last December, Imo collected N1.9 billion monthly allocation, while Ebonyi got N2 billion, Anambra N2.3 billion and Abia N2.2 billion.” Out of the money Imo received, he said, “Our salary bill was over N4 billion.

Now because of the N26 billion we received from the Federal Government bailout fund to pay workers, it has put us into more trouble because they are deducting more money from the state than before.” He further explained that the state collected a total of N283 billion in four years and paid over N400 billion as salary bill, adding that the LG Allocation was only saving grace for the state. “I did not want to let the world know how down we are, otherwise I will scare away investors coming to the state to invest,” he explained. Okorocha, who embarked on working trips to Vietnam and China to meet

investors, who had agreed to build fertiliser plant and refinery in the state, explained that the Vietnamese were coming with agricultural programme and would sign Memorandum of Understanding with the state government, while Chinese would participate in concession of government hospitals. On suspension of workers, the governor stated that he took the step to save the state. “If we have five million people and two per cent consumes the entire allocation of the state, it is not in the best interest of the people. I lost N16.9 billion in excess payment of workers,” adding that he had nothing to gain in sacking workers.

Enugu ritual murder: Keke riders identify victims, demand justice Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

ricycle Riders’ Association popularly known as “Keke Riders”, yesterday identified three of the victims in the suspected ritual killing at Ugwuaji, Enugu State, as their members. Chairman of the union, Comrade Ikah Benjamin Ejiofor, who made the revelation while leading executive members on a condolence visit to Enugu Central Mosque at Asata-Enugu, described the gruesome murder of the keke riders as “most wicked and despicable.” He gave their names as

Babangida Sale, Ashahabu Dauda and Ismahil Abdulahi. It would be recalled that three dead bodies were on Monday exhumed from the foundation of a building project, located at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Ejiofor, who was moved to tears, described the killing as most barbaric and against the principles of life. According to him, “Our members are rendering very important service to the society and it is so bad that the same people we are serving should turn back to treat us this way. “We are grieved so much over this colossal loss and

that is why we are here to commiserate with the Hausa community in Enugu. We are indeed in this tragedy together; we are so much pained.” Giving insight into the incident, he said the riders left their different units on Saturday but never returned, adding that “a search party was later organised and that is the result of what we saw on Monday. “At this moment, our plea to security agents is that this evil should not go un-punished; no stone should be left unturned in a bid to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book. “We cannot categorically say whether they were killed

for ritual or not, because even their tricycles have not been found; so, we are leaving that aspect for security agents.” He advised keke riders to henceforth stop picking people for drop to isolated areas. In a remark, one of the leaders of the Hausa community in Enugu, A.A. Sambo, described the death of their brothers as most shocking. “We lack words with which to describe this situation; it is so sad that vibrant young men left home in the morning in search of daily bread but never returned alive; it so sad that they were hacked to death in such manner,” he lamented.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Plea bargaining will destroy Nigeria — Buhari

To make the

Senator Abdulfafai Buhari, the Chairman Senate Committee on ICT is representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. In this interview with KEMI OLAITAN, he speaks on the war against corruption, the economy and cybercrime among others. Excerpts.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN recently expressed concern over inconsistencies in judgements delivered by judges, do you share the view that this may also have implications on the war against corruption of President Muhammadu Buhari ? To me no matter the obstacle, Mr. President will succeed in the war against corruption if all Nigerians support him. Like what is happening now, we have not get to the oil sector, aviation and even sport. I am even talking of the one that you and I know, this is just an issue of arms deal, we have not reached budget implementation, how much did we get in those years from the oil, how much did we spent and how did we spent it , we have not reach there. So, it depends on the reaction and support of Nigerians, the moment Nigerians stand firm and genuinely support what the president is doing, forget about judiciary, they will sit up. What is your take on plea bargaining approach to recover the nation’s stolen wealth? Plea bargaining, I am never a person that believe in such. I believe in the law of deterrent, let people face the consequence of their act, China law said, don’t steal money and if you steal it is execution. The Chairman of the electricity company was involved in $20,000 US dollars deal which is less than N5million, he was executed. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, most of these country said don’t bring drugs into our country, if you bring drugs it is execution and you that is going into their country already know the consequence of what you are going for, so if you succeed fine and if you fail, you already know that death is near and that will stop many people. I don’t believe in plea bargaining, when you steal

trial of the accused quicker, the

President

can easily and quickly bring an executive bill to the parliament and lobby the parliament further exposed other but once there is no deterrent they will continue the same system.

zzzzz

Buhari N20million and they said you should take N10million and bring N10 million, it is silly as people will continue to steal our money. But when you take our money and you are send to jail that will serve as a deterrent, what is plea bargaining. To make the trial of the accused quicker, the President can easily and quickly bring an executive bill to the parliament and lobby the parliament, that look this is the rot we have, we can now see, the cases at the courts are so overwhelming that they can’t do all quickly, let’s create a special court or give EFCC power to be able to prosecute in that special court. All what you only do is corruption cases, you can even call it corruption courts ,it would expedite action on corruption. By the time we do that, people will sit up, but if

they know that if I collected N40billion, I then go to pray in Mecca, I now hired a lawyer and pay him N200million to defend me at the court, people will continue to do that and the country will be nose-diving . How do you think this issue of inconsistencies and the corruption in the judiciary can be addressed? Well the President said during his recent media chat that he will have to liaise with the CJN on how to go about it, it becomes very difficult when people who are suppose to their job are not ready to do it the way it should be done. Let us get one person, the moment we get that person, Nigerians are very good at condemning and criticizing, the moment you see a scape goat and they will

But Nigerians are hoping that many people will be jailed in the ongoing $2.1 billion saga? Whether in a nascent democracy or advanced democracy, what is happening now is sad; one of my colleagues from the PDP came to me and told me that the corruption fight is one sided and I told him that it is true but I asked him if is true that they stole that money but he could not reply me. I again asked him if it is true that somebody collected N10b to go and pray in Mecca, I don’t know if he want to go and uproot Ka aba to bring for us in Nigeria , he abused me and left because he knew the direction I was going to. I deliberately use that example for Nigerians to leave sentiment away from this issue, if we find somebody stealing our money and they were asked to refund it, there should be no problem about that. I was so happy when I read in the paper that some houses were confiscated from former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh, to me doing so will serve as a deterrent. If it’s true that the guy has stolen our money seize it and give it to the federal government another person who has the same intention will sit up because it becomes embarrassing. But in a situation that the court tried them and they are released, they will come out to enjoy their loot, we will not be able to sanitize this country. The same budget you are asking about, the benchmark for oil was $38 per barrel, it’s now $30 we have not even CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Politics

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Benue Speaker denies N50million bribery claims Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

enue State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange has dismissed with the wave of hands, the allegation that he bribed officials of INEC at its headquarters with N50m . The claims emanated from the State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Speaker Ikyange while reacting to the claim yesterday during a telephone con-

versation with National Mirror in Makurdi disclosed that the claim that he gave bribe to INEC officials is unsubstantiated and lacking truth saying that it is the handiwork of his detractors who are bent on tarnishing his reputation. “ For the sake of clarity, for anybody to have made such a sweeping statement by alleging that I used such huge sum of money to bribe INEC officials is unimaginable . In the first instance where will I get such whopping amount of N50 mil-

lion? “, he said. He explained further that it is even amazing that some people could just begin to brandish unfounded allegations for the mere sake of distracting others’ attention on barefaced lies which in reality is not tenable anywhere . The Speaker further stated that if PDP stalwarts and their collaborators on social network are looking for relevance they should do it elsewhere arguing that there is no skeleton in his cupboard .

“ Frankly those making unguarded utterances against me are doing so out of envy and sheer jealousy with a view to score a cheap popularity and be noticed in the eyes of the public “, he further said . It would be recalled that recently the appeal court sitting in Markurdi ordered for a fresh election into the two constituencies in Ushongo where the Speaker comes from and this has been a subject of controversy amongst the stakeholders in the area .

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abdullahi rolls out work-plan for Senate media committee Olubunmi Omoogun

he Chairman, Senate committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi has said that the committee will serve as an avenue to project the image and integrity of the Senate. He said “the committees are essential part of the Senate, we will create information sheet for people to locate what information that they need and see Senate as a resource reservoir”. “ “We want to improve

Ogun APC chieftain to mark 80th birthday Ebere Ndukwu

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Sen Oluremi Tinubu;Senator Fatimat Raji Rasaki; Senator Binta Garba and Senator John Enoh, during the Inaugural meeting of Senate Committee on Women Affairs, at the National Assembly Abuja, yesterday.

enator Magnus Ngei Abe, the All Progressives Congress,APC candidate in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District forthcoming re-run election in the state, has predicted that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP would decamp en mass to the All Progressives Congress, APC before the State and National Assembly re-run elections. Speaking at the reception of over 700 decampees of PDP members to APC in Khana Local Government Area, Senator Abe said that the Ogoni people have realized that PDP had nothing to offer to them. He urged those still in PDP and wishing to decamp to do so immediately as the APC was willing to accept them and work with them in the campaign, pointing

Senator Abe predicts mass defection of PDP members to APC out that those who worked for the party during the elections would also be considered by the party in victory. “We expect that we will work together to move Ogoni to greater height where everybody will have a chance of prosperity,” he said. Earlier, one of the decampees, Mr. Marvin Yobana, the Africa’s Representatives in the World Assembly of Youths and former aide to Mrs. Patience Jonathan, said that he was an ardent supporter of former President Jonathan and was led into believing that President Buhari did not like Niger Delta people, but, sixty (60) days after his assumption of office, he approved the implementation of the UNEP report.

He explained that the action indicated that the Ogonis stood to benefit more in Buhari’s administration than being in opposition in PDP and urged Ogoni people to vote massively for Senator Abe and other candidates of APC at the re-run elections. Also in his speech at the event, Hon. Emma Deeyah, a former member of the House of Representatives, said that the Ijaw people under Jonathan’s administration let the Ogoni down and urged the Ogoni still in PDP to decamp en mass to give support to President Buhari, pointing out that with Senator Abe as their representative in the Senate, he would attract development projects for the Ogoni

be enabled to speak their minds in the upper legislative chamber. Hon. Maurice Pronen, the APC candidate in the House of Representatives for Gokana/Khana Federal constituency re-run election, said that APC paraded candidates with better credentials in the likes of Senator Magnus Abe and others than the PDP. In his speech while receiving the decampees, the State APC Secretary, Chief Emeka Bekee, said, “This is a great party that will handle the problem of Ogoni people. You have joined this party, go and preach our gospel, the gospel of peace, love, and development of Rivers State.”

the reputation of the Senate and ensure that the nation is properly governed” stating the essence of the strategy document and situate and assign roles. We want to have a budget anchored on clear purpose”, he said. The Senator noted that the Senate should engage in community enlightenment programmes. He said they are planning to add some innovations like senate town hall meetings to connect with the people more and open to discussions around the workings of the Senate.

minent politicians across the nation are expected to grace the 80th birthday ceremony of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain, Hon. Sylvester Agboola Bakare scheduled to hold on February 6, 2016 at the open field of Oki-Igbode, Imobi, Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State. In a statement signed by the celebrant’s son Omooba Sylvester Olamilekan Bakare and made available to newsmen, the event will commence with a Catholic Holy Mass at St. Luke

Catholic Church, Oki-Igbode, Imobi by 10am, after which launching of the celebrant’s biography will take place and the birthday party follows immediately at the open field. Otunba Bakare, is a former chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, member Ogun State House of Assembly and former member Federal House of Representatives. Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun will be the special guest at the event while former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, APC leaders in the state and across the nation will also be in attendance.

Nigeria needs prayers to overcome challenges —Ambode’s wife

ife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, has identified prayer as the key to solving the sundry challenges confronting the country. She made the submission at the prayer for the Nation 2016, organized by Fatimah Charity Foundation, a nongovernmental organization, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Mrs. Ambode said that although the country was facing a number of challenges like many countries of the world, fervent prayers to God would speedily resolve them. According to her, “Prayer is the key for solution to all challenges in the lives of in-

dividuals or of nations. That is why this prayer session, meant to commit our country into the hands of God for 2016, is a step in the right direction”. Speaking further, she said that the anti-corruption war in Nigeria, would restore the dignity of the country, fix infrastructure, create employment in abundance and life would begin to look up again. While commending the Fatimah Charity Foundation for its commitment to championing national rebirth, she urged country men and women, to see beyond the current socio-economic challenges and embrace the hope that the future would be glorious.

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Politics

Thursday, January 28, 2016

APC Group condemns Ekiti Gov’s visit to Aregbesola Aishat Idris

L-R Chairman of The Occasion, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed; Representative of Bauchi State Governor, Mr Abdon Gin and the rector Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr Shuaibu Musa at an Orientation Lecture and Award Presentation by National Association of Students Personnel Administrators (NASPAS) In Bauchi, yesterday

Anti-corruption: Summit tasks Buhari on rule of law Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

he Save Democracy Group-Africa has charged President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to respect the rule of law in his renewed fight against corruption. Rising from a three-day national political summit, the group in a communique signed by its Director General, Ifedi Okwenna also charged the government to ensure that money recovered from looters are channelled to developmental efforts. The group demanded that, “government must end

the culture of impunity, and observe the basic tenets of the rule of law in the concerted war against corruption and ensure that monies recovered from courts of appropriate jurisdictions are used for the development and welfare of Nigerian citizens. Save Democracy GroupAfrica which has as its chairman, a former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu also expressed dismay at the continuous delay in the dispensation of justice as well as inconsistencies in court judgments. Consequently, it called on the judiciary to recognize the fact that justice delayed

is justice denied, urging the courts to be straight-forward and consistent in their pronouncements. While it frowned at the incessant use of caretaker committees by state governors to run local government administration, the group prayed for the conclusion of the ongoing constitution review committee at the national assembly. Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Summit and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’Abba lamented that democracy is under threat in the country. “That threat is coming from all of us and Nigerians

must accept that democracy ought to be our way of life and we must therefore nurture it particularly in its organic form. Most politicians do not feel organically connected with their political parties and this is wrong. “Lack of internal democracy in parties as well as political exclusion lead to this disconnect. These have led to so much damage in our polity and we must begin to make sacrifices to arrest the situation”, he said. On his part, Mantu called on politicians to play by the rules, warning that should democracy fail, posterity would never forgive them.

Edo governorship aspirant, Emuan gets award

governorship aspirant in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election slated for later this year, Ilenre Austin Emuan has been bestowed with the prestigious ALFA AWARD, in recognition of his outstanding qualities. The award which will be given to him at a ceremony in Benin Motel Plaza, Benin City, according to the organisers, Edo Legacy Foundation, Publishers of ICON Culture Magazine under the leadership of Don Pedro Omo Aghahowa (President) and Secretary, Editorial board/Alpha Awards, Barr. Francis Obazee is being given to the best clean

and untainted aspirant. According to the leadership of the foundation, Emuan was selected based on justice, fairness and good ability. Responding to the award, Emuan, thanked the members of the Edo Legacy Foundation and its leadership for deeming it fit to honour him, promising that the award will spur him to do more. Meanwhile, the associations of South South Professionals, Egoro Namede Youths Movement, Edo Real Men, Diaspora, Uyi Edo Platform, Benin city, Esan People Movement, among others have endorsed Arc. Emuan as their

candidate for the number one seat in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State. The chairpersons of these groups and associations separately said that they were supporting Emuan’s candidature not only as their son, but because they have the conviction that he is the right candidate that will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. According to Emman Ogbeifun of Esan People Movement, the people of Edo State are optimistic that with the wealth of experience that Arc Emuan has garnered, he was not going to let the people of

the state down. On his adoption as their governorship candidate for the forthcoming Edo governorship election, Emuan said he was aspiring for the number one seat in the state after he got the consent of his family and close relatives, assuring that he was coming to spread development across the state and to serve all Edo State people. He promised his supporters that, as part of his desires to ensure that quality jobs were done in the state, employment of youths and free market environment will be ensured for market women especially.

he Action Group of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ekiti State has condemned the visit of the state Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose to Osun State, where he met with Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Tuesday. In a release by the its spokesperson, Segun Dipe, APC-AG described the visit as a ‘’ macabre dance saying:, “We are not convinced that Fayose meant well with his visit to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is a thoroughbred progressive and a Yoruba leader of worth. Dipe said making such a trip to Gov. Aregbesola within a short notice and with such a retinue of followers few days after he had gone on air to insult the president in his usual manner is questionable and condemnable.

“He claimed it was in the spirit of Yoruba unity, what unity can someone in disunity with himself preach?, What Yoruba virtue does he exemplify?”. “If the whole world must know, Fayose has set Ekiti State backwards several years and removed the values from us. He has affected the psyche of an average Ekiti man and woman”, Dipe said. APC-AG said it was advising Fayose to keep his antics within the ambit of his party in his own interest as “we don’t want him to come and contaminate APC and all that we represent in Nigeria today.” “Fayose has a lot of baggage that no any other party can accommodate right now. We therefore advise all progressive governors to keep him at arm’s length and allow him to keep dancing his macabre alone,” APC-AG said.

Osun financial problem: Group calls for NASS intervention Ebere Ndukwu

embers of the Civil Society Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, CSCEO, yesterday in Abuja, called on the National Assembly, NASS, to intervene in the alleged financial mess Osun State has found itself under Governor Rauf Aregbesola. The group made the call during a peaceful demonstration held at the premises of the NASS by its members consisting of different civil and faith based organizations who converged at the complex as early as 7.30am. In its petition submitted to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the group asked NASS to save the state from imminent state of anarchy. In the letters which were received on behalf of Saraki and Dogara by the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arm, A.M Nnaji, the group listed 16 issues bordering on alleged financial recklessness of the governor which caused the state to be receiving negative allocations from the Federation Account. According to CSCEO in the letter signed by its chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Sulaiman and the Assistant Secretary,

Comrade Gbenga Oyeleke, the group urged NASS to support the demand of Osun citizens for a thorough and credible investigation of the deliberate and criminal mismanagement of “our meagre resources by the duo of Aregbesola and Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, the deputy governor whose actions are threatening the peace and security of our state”. “We are here to show our grievances with the governance of our state under the dictatorship, grossly corrupt and oppressive rule of Aregbesola who has turned Osun State into a totalitarian state where citizens have no fundamental rights but only fundamental duties. “The governance of Osun State in the last five years has been characterized by cluelessness, highhandedness, impunity, greed and wanton disregard for time-tested principles of public management and international best practices. “We were promised banishment of poverty and hunger, peaceful co-existence and all-round development and prosperity but what do we have five years after; poverty, hunger and starvation, backwardness, social insecurity, mutual suspicion and religious disharmony, sickness and deaths.

Politics

D oosuur Iwambe ABUJA

upreme Court yesterday affirmed the election of Chief David Umahi as ‎the validly elected governor of Ebonyi State. In a unanimous decision of the seven- man

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Supreme Court affirms Umahi’s election as Ebonyi gov panel presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Muhammed, the Apex

court dismissed the appeal on ground that it was lacking in merit. The CJN while dis-

missing the appeal filed the Labour Party’s Ggubernatorial Candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu

Ebira women celebrating one of their own, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at his inauguration as Governor of Kogi State, in Lokoja, yesterday.

however said that it will give reasons for its judgement on February 5. It would be recalled that the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu, Enugu State had dismissed the suit filed by the 2O15 governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State, Edward Nkweagu, for lack of merit. The court upheld the tribunal’s declaration of David Umahi as winner of the governorship election in Ebonyi State. Justice J.O. Oyewole, had in his judgement held that the five relief ’s sought by the applicant lacked merit. The governorship election petition tribunal had in October in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, dismissed the petition filed by Chief Nkweagu chal-

lenging the declaration of Chief Umahi as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Dissatisfied with the judgment of the tribunal, the petitioner proceeded to the court of appeal sitting in Enugu to challenge the verdict. In the appeal filed by his counsel, Chief U.N Udechukwu (SAN), Nkweagu prayed the appeal court to set aside the judgment of the tribunal, describing the verdict as a grave error of law. But counsel to Chief Umahi, Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit. He said Chief Umahi was validly elected with the election in substantial compliance with the electoral act.

Plea bargaining will destroy Nigeria —Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

discussed the budget and it is yet to be approved, the same oil that was being sold for $120 few years ago, what did we do with the excess money, some people just sat in their parlour and shared it and when the person is arrested you are now saying its KKK or PDP, my foot, is it not money that is meant for this country . When some people can only afford a meal in a day even that meal, water will be more than the food. The developed world cannot but continue to see us as a joker, I was at the United Nation to represent Nigeria on ICT, the Minister of Communication of Eritrea while presenting her paper said in their country ICT contributes 60 percent of their income, that they don’t depend on oil like other countries that believe oil is all. The ICT in the 21st century has taken over everything. As a Nigerian I knew the woman was directing her statement at us, I felt very horrible but that is the statement of fact. And from what I read on the social media and preliminary investigation, I discovered that our source of income now depend less on oil, in fact the looted money to be collected has run into some trillion even that alone signifies some omen, sources of income to finance the budget is from looted money. So if some people have been able to steal or stole to that amount something fundamental is wrong with us as a nation. There is no doubt that the in-thing now is diversification, how do you think we can start and where do we go? It is part of what we are discussing in the budget, Nigerians should be ready for rough

and bumpy journey. It is like an aircraft taking up so we have to fasten our seat belt so that when we reach the top and stable everybody will feel comfortable. As of today, it is only India that is buying our oil, Being the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, what are the plans towards ensuring that Nigeria get to the stage of Eritrea? We are doing a lot to take Nigeria to that level, but it will take time and commitment on our part. Come to think of it, the United Kingdom budgeted 1.7b pounds for ICT and cybercrime and America budgeted 2billion dollars for the same purpose for them to be able to fight and encourage ICT so that the amount that will come in will be higher than what they are spending , that is a serious country and everybody is lettered. What it means is that ICT is the future, because on your palm everything is there. Unlike before when you wait until you buy a newspaper or wait for CNN or BBC news, you can easily get the information. The world is in your palm and the same goes to business, all we need do is to encourage people on ICT. Look at our NIGCOMSAT, for the first time, an African country which is Nigeria is managing another country on our satellite, that is Nigeria managing Belarus. I am supposed to be in China for the launch, it was a competitive bid and Nigeria won, that is one of the way forward , we can pass a law that MTN, GLO, Etisalat or all of them must use our satellite and there will be certain amount of money that they will pay. It becomes an income generated revenue to the country, we won’t

The country is

greater than any

individual, the same example that you gave now is the one that gave

Buhari his

second coming that is if you stand by the truth no matter what happened you will still gain it.

allow them to bring their own thing particularly the foreign one. The moment the law is there it will help the country but unfortunately the people with ideas and those who can do it are not encouraged and that is the reason why today we are suffering. But many Nigerians rather than using the advantage of the ICT for the economic benefits are using it to commit what is termed as cybercrime. How do you think this issue of cybercrime can be tackle or reduce to a barest minimum so that real people in the ICT world can enjoy the sector?. With me is the cybercrime law (a manual), there is an existing one. But this one I will be presenting to the Senate. You see when there was this hullaballoo about the social media I was just laughing and what happened was

that the law has been there and was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Majority of Nigerians did not even know that there is a cybercrime law, unfortunately there are some certain aspects on the bill which I called a bill for an act to amend the cybercrime law provision. It is a prevention act which will provide the identity, whether malicious, mischief and other related activities the way it is done in the developed world. So if I am lucky my colleagues will buy into it and it goes into second reading, but may be because of the budget issue, and if it goes for the second reading it becomes the law, the law has been there. One aspect of the existing law on cybercrime, for instance when you publish something that you know to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger obstruction, insult ,injury, criminal, intimidation, enmity, hatred is to commit an offence under this act and is liable to conviction of a fine not more than N7million or imprisonment for a term of not more than three years or both that is at the discretion of the judge. So there is no need for any noise when the problem comes in. What is your take on the view that President Muhammadu Buhari lost power in 1985 because of his anti-elite policy and here we are again on the same terrain ? The country is greater than any individual, the same example that you gave now is the one that gave Buhari his second coming that is if you stand by the truth no matter what happened you will still gain it.

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

Making a case for the Nigerian child CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

KAYODE KETEFE

n many Nigerian homes today, children have become breadwinners! Or what else will you say when their indigent parents, who could not cater for their needs force them into street trading or indenture them to some perilous undertakings in the name of jobs. It is trite that in our society millions of children are deprived of the basic things of life. They are malnourished, maltreated and subjected to abuse of all sorts. Although it is true that Nigerian children have been statutorily protected with a regime of rights aimed at ensuring their survival and ensuring they blossom into well-adjusted and responsible adults, the fact that these laws have been poorly enforced means the expected gains from the statutes have been minimal. These rights are contained in a variety of laws. Such laws are chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution; Children and Young Persons Law;

Criminal Code laws in the South and the Penal Code in the North; Adoption of Children laws in some southern states and Abuja; Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003. The most elaborate statutory instrument on the child rights and responsibilities in Nigeria, however, came in 2003 with the enactment of the Child Rights Act, which was enacted by the National Assembly when it domesticated the United Nations Conventions on the Right of the Child. As of today, most of the states in Nigeria have reenacted Child Rights Act, 2003, as Child Rights Law of their respective states in consonance with our federalism principles. The Child Rights Act consolidated the provisions of the other laws on in relation to the child and remains the single most important document in this area apart from the constitution. Some of rights recognised under the Act (which contains 287 sections and 11 schedules) include the right to free and compulsory education up to junior secondary school level; right to freedom from any form of discrimination merely by reasons of belonging to a particular community or ethnic group or place of origin, sex, religion or holding of political opinion; right to freedom from all forms of abuse; protection from being given out in marriage; protection from being given tattoo, facial or skin marks. Children that are physically or mentally challenged are also guaranteed all these basic rights. Accordingly, Section 16 provides: “Every physically or mentally challenged child should be treated with all the benefits that are good for

CERTAINLY, THE

NIGERIAN SOCIETY HAS BEEN ONE HELL OF A PLACE FOR THE YOUTHS AND CHILDREN him or her”. The Act also prohibits using children for street trading or trafficking of goods or hard and dangerous drugs. There are penal consequences for anyone (including the child’s parents) violating the rights of the child. The provisions of this Act is comprehensive enough to safeguard the interest of the Nigerian child, but half-hearted execution of the law coupled with entrenched biases and unwholesome cultural practices, like child marriage and tolerance to diverse forms of child abuse, have been our bane. Particularly, our society thrives on a lot of harmful cultural practices inimical to the girl-child and women like genital female genital mutilation, affirmative male child preference and denial of education to female children. Children are still being used for street trading and what is more, beggary, by parents who brought them to the world without the means to sustain them. In a rather embarrassing report released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), it was stated that one out of every five Nigerian children is out of school. In the docu-

DESOPADEC and incessant media attacks KPAROBO M. EHVWUBARE

his reflection was inspired by the incessant media attacks on the present board members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), particularly the managing director, Chief Williams Makinde. The media attacks on this gentleman have generated mixed reactions among media professionals, this writer inclusive. Thus, I have taken it upon myself to pen down some salient facts and suggestions that may rescue the organization from its current abyss of decline, if diligently applied. The questions begging for answers is whether the managing director is a snail or sniper, seeing the influx of attacks on his hard built personality from previous appointments he held. DESOPADEC was created towards the twilight of former Governor James Ibori administration to ameliorate the sufferings of the oil producing communities in the state. The agency was meant to provide succor to these communities. When Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan succeeded Ibori, he fashioned out a new order for the fledging agency, and when ahead to nominate the first board headed by Chief Okirika. Under him, money was flowing like ocean into the coffer of the Commission. Chief Okirika was succeeded by Arch. Orishua Kogho. Given the importance of the commission, the incumbent governor, Senator

NO DOUBT, THE IMAGE MAKER OF ANY ESTABLISHMENT HOLDS THE KEY TO ITS SUCCESS OR FAILURE Ifeanyi Okowa, upon his assumption in office last May 29, moved to restructure the Commission into a more viable and productive one. He submitted a bill to that effect to the state House of Assembly. Following this development, pressure groups and NGOs descended on the governor like vermin. There was no name under the sun they did not call him. The objective of the critics was to halt the drive to amend the DESOPADEC Act signed in 2007. When Governor Okowa nominated the new board and gave the members the task to restructure the Commission, encomiums were flowing like river to the governor for his diligence in the nomination of the members, especially on the position of the managing director, a man largely seen as having all it takes to run the Commission. His accountability and prudence in his previous appointments were singled out for praises. Impeccable reports on Chief Makinde simple mien saturated the air waves and print media; the cyber space was also left out. For the oil producing communities, hopes were rekindled on DESOPADEC’s capacity under him to turn around things.

The honey moon appears over as the Commission, particularly its managing director has become the butts of satanic jokes in the state. What might have gone wrong? How did the hitherto media encomiums suddenly turned into hatred? Why did the friendly cyber space activists turn against the Commission? Did Makinde really embezzle the Commission’s funds as being peddled in the cyber space? Well, some of the answers to the questions raised above could be found in the role played by the managing director on one side, and activities of some of his aides on the other side. I want to believe the managing director knows the pivotal role of the media in the success or failure of any position, having being a director of a giant media outfit in Nigeria - DAAR Communications. He did not need a soothsayer to tell him on the kind of personality to use as his image maker, considering the fact that the office of the managing director is a controversial one. He should have appointed someone who has charms and exudes charisma necessary to muscle the media to be favourably disposed towards him and his office. Such an aide should not be a bigot or someone who has created odium around himself before the public. No doubt, the image maker of any establishment holds the key to its success or failure. Hence one needs to be diligent in appointing

ment tagged the UNESCO Education for All Global Monitoring Report (EAGMR), Nigeria was said to have the highest rate of school dropouts in the world with estimated 10.5 million children out of school! This, of course, constitutes a great national embarrassment for a country that has the largest economy in Africa. As I am writing this piece, the nation is still awaiting, with increasing diminishing hope, the return of more than 230 girls abducted from the Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, since April 14, 2014, by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group. The immediate past government, which claimed ad nauseam it knew its constitutional role of ensuring safety and welfare of all Nigerians, only kept reiterating the promise to liberate the innocent girls till it was voted out of office. Till now the nation is still waiting for their return. Certainly, the Nigerian society has been one hell of a place for the youths and children, but it does not need to continue being so. Our governments at all levels need to reformulate their policies on the Nigeria children with a view to elevating their status from the oppressed, harassed and exploited segment of humanity to the protected and well-nurtured class. Our laws, especially, the Child Act and the Constitution need to be enforced in earnest. The Nigerian child must go back to school; he/she needs all the support and care our society could muster. Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

someone to that position, one which calls for hard work. There is urgent need for Chief Makinde to look inward with the view of putting members of his media team on their toes in order to rescue the situation and thus swing the tide to a favourable one. The clamour for the dissolution of the present board of DESOPADEC, which is being peddled by some media organizations, especially those operating in the cyber space, calls for urgent rescue plan. This reminds me of the book written by popular American journalist, Karl Maier titled “This House has fallen: Midnight in Nigeria” (2000). The core impression in the book was that Nigeria was about to implode. More than 15 years after the book was published, the country is still standing, though its problems largely unresolved. In fact, the country’s’ problems rarely get resolved. The clamoring for the dissolution of the present board of DESOPADEC is a wakeup call to both its information department and the media team of the managing director to live up to their responsibility. Ehvwubare, a media consultant, wrote from Oghara, Delta State via marksbare@gmail.com Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Okorocha’s sack of 3,000 workers

he Owelle Rochas Okorocha-led administration in Imo State relieved over 3,000 workers in its employment of their jobs quite recently, effective from January 4. The Secretary to the State Government, Jude Ejiogu, in a widely publicised statement, said the state government was satisfied that it was no longer in the public interest to keep running the affected agencies, parastatals and departments under prevailing economic realities. The booted workers were ordered to handover all government property in their possession to their chief executives within 48 hours, while civil servants on secondment to any of the affected agencies were moved to their parent ministries. The Governor Okorocha’s sack bravado put paid to the threat by some governors last December to either reduce the N18, 000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in 2011 or downsize their staff strength. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, had insisted that irrespective of public condemnation of the plan, it would not be economically feasible to retain the same workforce and minimum wage under the prevailing economic reality. The funds now being allocated to states from the Federation Ac-

count, according to Yari, could no longer sustain the expenses of most states as their internally generated revenues were still too low. The NGF firmed up its position with the argument that when the National Assembly enacted the N18, 000 minimum wage law in 2011, oil price was about $118 per barrel, but had dipped to $41 per barrel as at the last quarter of 2015. We have argued consistently that whenever government, whether at federal or state level, is shocked by financial crisis, the first casualty are ordinary citizens who are cajoled to make sacrifices as reward for public sector ineptitude, visionlessness, profligacy, brazen theft and corrupt management of the nation’s coffers. But sacrifices by the ruling elite, bureaucracy hierarchs and their private sector collaborators are scant. Not taken into consideration also is the deafening scale of unemployment in the country, which many have likened to a time bomb. It has already bred frustration, desperation, militancy, insurgency and all manner of violent crimes in the land. President Muhammadu Buhari, for instance, has made it a singsong of late that 60 percent of the country’s youths are unemployed and needed urgent attention. The figure does not include millions of other Nigerians in the middle

STATES SHOULD RELY LESS ON HALF MEASURES AS SOLUTION TO THEIR FINANCIAL INCAPACITATION age bracket or slightly above that are out-rightly without jobs or are under-employed. Not taken cognizance of, too, is the yet unmitigated prodigal lifestyle of leaders and other top public servants, the padding of pay-rolls that yield millions if not billions of naira to the corrupt from public till, and increasing breach of public trust by public office occupants particularly on the eve of President Buhari’s ascension to power last May 29. Quite saddening, it is, that at a time when the N18, 000 minimum wage cannot sustain a decent family, no matter how frugal, and is indeed long overdue for an upward review, governors that appear all too willing to renege on their bounden responsibilities to the governed, who cherish their posh offices to the last dust, and whose strength in generating innovative ideas on wealth creation and good governance are still largely questionable, are resorting to the easy and escapist option of mass sack of workers. It is not unlikely that with Governor Okorocha braving the

ON THIS DAY

January 28, 1988

January 28, 2006

The Supreme Court of Canada struck down all abortion laws, meaning that abortions were allowed in Canada in all nine months of pregnancy. Abortion laws are legislations and common laws pertaining to the provision of abortion. Abortion has been a controversial subject in many countries’ history because of the moral, ethical, practical and political power contradictions that surround it.

The roof of one of the buildings at the Katowice International Fair complex in Chorzow/Katowice, Poland, collapsed due to the weight of snow, killing 65 people and injuring more than 170 others. The facility is one of the largest in Poland (the largest being the Poznan International Fair complex). Few dozen events are organized there each year, with the participation of some 4,500 companies.

storm, there could be a bandwagon effect in other states that had been on the sidelines waiting for which state takes the first shot. We think it is at this critical juncture the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as one united entity, and the civil society groups, should form a bulwark against the looming mass impoverisation of Nigerian workers. Where proper investigation and negotiations justify the sack of workers, the entitlements of the casualties should be settled as they are leaving; and when not justified, organised labour should insist on acceptable balancing of the sacrifices to be made by such state governors and their workforce. It is patently unjust and unacceptable continuing the odious tradition that encourages untold human suffering among non-privileged Nigerians, while leaders and their co-travellers in the bureaucracy gloat in outlandish lifestyles, corrupt self-enrichment and waste of public funds. States should rely less on half measures as solution to their financial incapacitation. Their best bet is creative and good governance, supported by the diversification of their economies. Ultimately, however, they may realise that fiscal federalism is it if they sincerely wish to unlock their potentialities and competitive spirit.

January 28, 2010 Five murderers of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh - Lieutenant Colonels Syed Faruq Rahman, Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan and Mohiuddin Ahmed; as well as Majors AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed and Bazlul Huda, were hanged. On August 15, 1975, some army officers invaded the presidential residence and killed Mujibur, members of his family and personal staff, except his two daughters that visited West Germany.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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Education Today

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

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA

ith the sack of over 200 staffers of the four tertiary institutions owned by the Osun State government, their employer, there is now palpable fear in the state that the affected schools could be under lock for many months to come. The days preceding their sack were intriguing as government and the leadership of various unions engaged in brickbat over many issues related to salaries and unremitted pension deductions. The disagreement between staffers of the four institutions, namely: Osun Polytechnic, Iree; Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke; Osun State Colleges of Education in Ila and Ilesa dates back to 2013 when all the schools were closed down following the workers protest non remittance of their pension, among other complaints. For many weeks, campuses of these institutions were shut while students repeatedly staged protests in Osogbo, shutting down business activities on each occasion until both parties agreed to end the impasse. However, despite the drawback, academic activities still progressed in the institutions, though, amid fear that the government planned to merge the four schools into two. Those behind the story at the time referred to the report of Prof. Oye Ibidapo Obe-led panel set up by Governor Rauf Aregbesola on assumption in office as State governor in 2011, to visit the tertiary institutions and advise government on how to reposition them. While laying the report of the panel, former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Akoka disclosed that the panel had proposed that the four institutions be merged into two to enhance their capacities. Governor Aregbesola at the event simply responded that he was going to read the report and act at the appropriate time. The Governor however heightened the suspense generated by the panel’s recommendation among the host communities of the institutions when he announced that at an event organised by the management of Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo that his administration intended to restructure the tertiary institutions. In December 2015, over 100 part-time staffers in the four institutions were retrenched but the government denied any involvement, saying those retrenched were

Osun vs tertiary school workers:

War rages on

Aregbesola not employed by government because issue of part-time staffing is basically handled by Governing Council of the institutions. But on Friday, January 8, no fewer than 141 members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, and their non academic counterparts were sacked in two colleges of education in Ila and Ilesa purport-

edly through from the state Ministry of Education. National Mirror however learnt that the affected members of staff were directed by the leaders of the ASUP, NASU not to receive the letters. Also, in Osun State College of Education, Ila, 37 academic staff were sacked, while 34 non academic staff were also affected by

the retrenchment exercise while another 70, both academic and non-academic, were sacked in Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, Reacting to the development, the state chairman and secretary of Council of Academic Staff Unions Osun State Owned Tertiary Institutions, CASUOSTI, Messrs Lasisi Jimoh and Olusegun Lana respectively in a press statement said “letters of termination of appointment were issued to several members of staff in Osun State-owned tertiary institutions. “This is coming just few hours after the Academic Staff Unions notified the government of readiness to take any necessary action of last resort, after the failure of government to address festering issues despite the unions’ several pleas and ultimatum. The union has directed members not to collect any letter while congress holds soon to decide next line of action.” After deliberating on the matter at their congresses on Monday, January 11, Academic and non academic staff in the four institutions subsequently declared total industrial action in protest of the sack of some of their colleagues. The unions said it resolved to embark on an indefinite total strike with immediate effect to press home other demands that include reversal of stoppage of students’ admission and ongoing termination of appointments. Appearing before the state House of Assembly, whose intervention led to the suspension of the retrenchment exercise, rectors and provosts of the four affected institutions told the lawmakers that 204 academic and non academic staff would be sacked for reasons bordering on redundancy, disciplinary records and inappropriate academic qualifications, among others. While waiting for positive impact the intervention of Osun assembly will have in the resolving the imbroglio, the parties in the crises seem not in hurry to end the battle, as no meaningful negotiations has taken place since the institutions’ staffers declared total industrial action.

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Why NUT won’t support Buhari’s 500,000 jobs for school teachers —Olukoya 20

Ondo students protest non-payment of bursary 24

Confusion in FCE Pankshin over provost successor 21

News CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

locations to themselves, different from the statutory provisions by the Constitution and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, which is charged with the responsibility of fixing emoluments of the three arms of government. In particular, Obasanjo criticised the purchase of official cars for the legislators, when such items had already been factored into the official allowances for the lawmakers by RMAFC. Regarding also the purchase of official cars for committees, the former president suggested that maintaining a few cars for each Chamber would suffice for any committee chairman or members for any specific duty, maintaining that the waste that had gone into cars, furniture, housing renovation in the past was mind-boggling and were veritable sources of waste and corruption. He affirmed that the lawmakers could return to the path of honour, being distinguished, sensitivity and responsibility by having the courage to publish its recurrent budgets for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. According to Obasanjo, self-audit of the National Assembly by the lawmakers was what transparency demanded. The letter, dated January 13, 2016, but obtained by newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday reads: “It is appropriate to begin this letter, which I am sending to all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives through both of you at this auspicious and critical time, with wishes of Happy New Year to you all. “On a few occasions in the past, both in and out of office as the President of Nigeria, I have agonised on certain issues within the arms of government at the national level and among the tiers of government as well. “Not least, I have reflected and expressed, outspokenly at times, my views on the practice in the National Assembly which detracts from distinguishness and honourability because it is shrouded in opaqueness and absolute lack of transparency and could not be regarded as normal, good and decent practice in a democracy that is supposed to be exemplary. “I am, of course, referring to the issue of budgets and finances of the National Assembly. “The present economic situation that the country

Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Obasanjo lambasts federal lawmakers has found itself in is the climax of the steady erosion of good financial and economic management which grew from bad to worse in the last six years or so. “The executive and the legislative arms of government must accept and share responsibility in this regard. And if there will be a redress of the situation as early as possible, the two arms must also bear the responsibility proportionally. “The two arms ran the affairs of the country unmindful of the rainy day. The rainy day is now here. It would not work that the two arms should stand side by side with one arm pulling and without the support of the other one for good and efficient management of the economy. “The purpose of election into the Legislative Assembly particularly at the national level is to give service to the nation and not for the personal service and interest of members at the expense of the nation which seemed to have been the mentality, psychology, mindset and practice within the National Assembly since the beginning of this present democratic dispensation. Where is patriotism? Where is commitment? Where is service? “The beginning of good governance which is the responsibility of all arms and all the tiers of government is openness and transparency. It does not matter what else we try to do, as long as one arm of government shrouds its financial administration and management in opaqueness and practices rife with corruption, only very little, if anything at all, can be achieved in putting Nigeria

on the path of sustainable and enduring democratic system, development and progress. Governance without transparency will be a mockery of democracy. “Let us be more direct and specific so that action can be taken where it is urgently necessary. A situation where our national budget was predicated on $38 per barrel of oil with estimated 2 million barrels per day and before the budget was presented, the price of oil had gone down to $34 per barrel and now hovering around $30 and we have no assurance of producing 2 million barrels and if we can, we have no assurance of finding market for it, definitely calls for caution. “If production and price projected in the budget stand, we would have to borrow

almost one third of the N6trn budget. “Now beginning with the reality of the budget, there is need for sober reflection and sacrifice with innovation at the level of executive and legislative arms of government. The soberness, the sacrifice and seriousness must be patient and apparent. “It must not be seen and said that those who, as leaders, call for sacrifice from the citizenry are living in obscene opulence. It will not only be insensitive but callously so. “It would seem that it is becoming a culture that election into the legislative arm of government at the national level in particular is a licence for financial misconduct and that should not be. “The National Assem-

bly now has a unique opportunity of presenting a new image of itself. It will help to strengthen, deepen, widen and sustain our democracy. “By our Constitution, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is charged with the responsibility of fixing emoluments of the three arms of government: executive, legislature and judiciary. “The Commission did its job but by different disingenuous ways and devices, the legislature had overturned the recommendation of the Commission and hiked up for themselves that which they are unwilling to spell out in detail, though they would want to defend it by force of arm if necessary. What is that?

“Mr. President of the Senate and Hon. Speaker of the House, you know that your emolument which the Commission had recommended for you takes care of all your legitimate requirements: basic salary, car, housing, staff, constituency allowance. “Although the constituency allowance is paid to all members of the National Assembly, many of them have no constituency offices which the allowance is partly meant to cater for. And yet other allowances and payments have been added by the National Assembly for the National Assembly members’ emoluments. “Surely, strictly speaking, it is unconstitutional. There is no valid argument Continued on Page 5>>

L-R: Project Coordinator, Mr Lanre Idwu; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Political Counselor, British High Commission, Mr Ben Liewellyn-Jones; representative of National Security Adviser, Col. Folorusho Onyilola and Programme Manager, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, at a workshop on Conflict Sensitive Communication and Reporting for the Media and Security Chiefs, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Real sector crisis worsens, firms may wind up by March –MAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

companies to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy restricting some 41 items from accessing foreign exchange through official forex windows. According to him, the restriction of the items could be seen as the right direction to some extent, but that the policy measure had to be reviewed as some of the items on the restriction list include materials used by those manufacturers, which could not be sourced locally. Jacobs said the call for revision of the forex policy on the affected items that could not be produced or sourced locally formed one of the association’s advocacy campaigns since last

year in furtherance of its commitment towards stabilising the nation’s economy. He said: “In the last one year, the association engaged government at all levels including Ministries, Departments and Agencies on a number of issues affecting the manufacturing sector and the Nigerian economy. Some of the issues advocated on were resolved while others are currently being addressed. In broad terms, the Association recorded remarkable advocacy successes.” The industrialist explained that the advocacy had improved MAN’s consultation and contributions to strategic policies of government as members of several committees of

government such as the Presidential Jobs Board, Steering Committee of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, as well as the Steering Committee of National Quality Infrastructure Project. He listed some of the results of such constructive engagement with the authorities to include successful resistance of the implementation of MYTO 2.1 introduced by Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and Distribution Companies, DISCOs. He also recalled that the association was in court with NERC and the DISCOs on their contentious bills and had obtained an injunction restraining them from applying such charges or dis-

connecting members who refused to pay at the MYTO 2.1 rate. The association also advocated for the removal of the monthly exorbitant fixed charges collected from electricity users by DISCOs; the non-reflection in MYTO 2.1 and the downward review of electricity bills for SMIs in particular and prorating of electricity charges to consumption. Jacobs said the association had strengthened its cooperation and collaboration with government agencies, such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC,

among others. He pointed out that the association’s collaborations with SON led to the sustenance of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations on the 25 per cent reduction on all SON administrative charges as well as SONCAP exemption for the importation of spare parts, machinery, raw materials and packaging materials and the issuance of the annual import permits to manufacturers. He also disclosed that MAN had improved the implementation processes of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, implementation processes in conjunction with the Customs Service.

Education Today

TETFUND has become backbone for tertiary schools —Bogoro Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

he Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trustfund, TETFund, Professor Sulaiman Bogoro said Tetfund remains the only backbone for improved quality education in tertiary institutions in the country. He made the observation in Bauchi while addressing journalists shortly after the convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa University, Bauchi Bogoro said Tetfund’s interventions in various tertiary schools include infrastructural development,

laboratory equipment and staff capacity building programmmes. He however noted that ATBU was not doing badly at all in its renewed commitment to make best use of Tetfund projects, which he said the school had been enjoying before his appointment as the executive secretary of the agency last year. He added that no fewer than 40 lecturers in the university were also sponsored by the agency for PhD programmes abroad. The TETFund boss assured ATBU and other schools under the agency mandate of continuous support to make globally competitive.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Why NUT won’t support Buhari’s 500,000 jobs for school teachers —Olukoya National President, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Michael Olukoya in this exclusive interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE insists that his led teachers’ union will never support President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to recruit 500,000 nonnonprofessionals as school teachers. He also condemns the continuous use of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for admission seekers into tertiary schools in the country, among other issues. Excerpts: as a way of reducing unemployment rate in the country, I repeat will create more problem, especially at the long run rather than solving problem. So, for me, all the money government wants to spend training engineers, architects, doctors and so on to become teachers should have been better diverted to do something more meaningful. It could also in the education sector or any other sector as long as it will benefit the society.

Lagos, Soyinka back Diamond Bank on literary competition Tunbosun Ogundare

he Lagos State government and the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka have commended Diamond Bank Plc for its contribution to the development of intellectual capability of children and the growth of art in primary and secondary schools. They gave the commendation during the unveiling and announcement of the 2016 edition of the Vision of the Child (VOTC) Painting and Literary Arts Competition held in Lagos recently. The competition is open to Lagos school children aged between eight and 12 with applicants submitting a poem, essay or short story of between 300 and 500 words on a given theme. The theme for this year’s edition is “Sisi Eko at 50: Aging gracefully or Na SoSo Pancake?” Representing the Lagos State government at the event, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Idiat Adeb-

Soyinka

ule said Diamond Bank’s initiative and sponsorship of the competition since its inception in 2012 was a testament of the bank’s strong commitment to the future of children, pointing out that such commitment serves as a wake-up call to other corporate organisations to support and participate in various programmes that would boost quality of education in the state. According to her, “The initiative is in tune with Lagos State policy on education to promote creative thinking, literary arts and painting skills and just has it has been doing, the government will continue to support the project. She noted that over 3,000 schools in the state had benefitted from the project with students showing the evidences of their participation. On his part, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who is also the initiator of VOTC, while unveiling this year’s theme said the theme was designed to herald the 50th Anniversary of Lagos as a state, which is billed to hold next year. Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie disclosed that the initiative was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility on education, reaffirming that the bank would to continue to support children education and the growth of art in the country.

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Olukoya Sir, what is you view on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s plans to recruit 500,000 school teachers? For me, such recruitment will not add value to the education sector on the premise that we have a dearth of qualified teachers in most of the public schools across the states of the federation. And we have several thousands of teachers currently on part-time basis across public school at both the state and federal and government-owned school. Many are being paid pittance by the Parent-Teacher Associations to complement the ones employed by the government. Many of them are trained for the job. I mean they are professionals but couldn’t get job after graduation from schools. These are the ones that can add value in real term to the system if they are the ones that government is targeting. They know rudiment of teaching. They can prepare lesson notes and also do the evaluation. They know what it is to be a teacher because that is their line. That should be a major reason they are able to cope even with small allowances they are receiving at the end of each month. But all those engineers, architects, doctors, lawyers and what have you that the president is aiming of recruiting to become teachers overnight cannot work. The reason is simply and that is the fact that they were not only trained to be teachers, they won’t teach with passion if giving the job. So, it is like you don’t have doctors and you just employ somebody who didn’t train as doctor and say you will put him through within two or more weeks to become a doctor. Would such a kind of doctor is not going to cause more damage to the system? You see, Nigeria Union of Teachers has come up with a categorical statement as a form of advice to the government to look before leaping on this issue so as not to jump into the ditch. If government wants to employ more hands into the system, it should consider those who have been trained as teachers, especially those who have been teaching for years on part-time basis. They are Nigerians. But recruiting just anybody to be teachers

But many public schools at all levels lack basic infrastructures and teaching aids, what do you think government should do in this regards? Government can do a lot. But I will start explaining the way out using the 2016 Federal Government fiscal budget. This year’s education share in the total budget is a welcome development. It will enable government fixing some of the problems in schools especially those you have already identified. But then, budget in the paper is not enough. Implementation of the budget is the key? The experiences have shown that we lack effective budget implementation in Nigeria. We don’t know how to track. I recently went to Canada and leant that budget tracking is working there. This is unlike in Nigeria where once a budget is announced and people talk about it when it is announced newly, everybody will go to bed. You will just discover that nobody is asking whether the budget is directed to what it is meant for until another budget is out again. But I am assuring Nigerians that NUT will not go to sleep on 2016 budget for education. By June, July, we will ask government how far about the implementation on education sector. This year is going to be different and something must happen for good. There is a school of thought believing that the yearly Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is totally unnecessary on the premise that such examination should have been better splitted into three according to the level of education., what is your view on this? You see, as far as I am concerned, I have contrary opinion to the continuous existence of JAMB conducting entrance exams to the nation’s tertiary institutions. Why? There is no need to have an institution whereby admission to tertiary intuitions is centrally controlled. It gives room for fraud, especially examination malpractice and what have you. Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should have been left alone to conduct their entrance exams for their prospective students, especially if truly they are autonomous. But asking JAMB to handle the exercise on behalf of these schools using the same exam even when they (schools) will still have to conduct the post-UTME is uncalled for. Or what exactly are we driving at with this policy as a country? So, if JAMB’s UTME is okay for our education system, what is the need for post-UTME again?

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Agric tools: FUTA don wants technology acquisition centres Tunbosun Ogundare

or Nigeria to achieve food security and take full advantage of its huge potentials in agriculture ,government at all levels must formulate and drive policies that will enhance indigenous development of agricultural machinery and equipment for mechanised agriculture. That was the submission of Professor Leo Agbetoye while delivering the 74th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Akure, FUTA. Agbetoye who spoke on ‘Mechanized Agriculture: A Route to Enhanced Food Security’ believes that such policies will discourage indiscriminate importation of machine and equipment and also create enabling environment and logistics for local fabrication of machinery. The professor of agricultural engineering said that most of the limitations of agricultural mechanization in Nigeria are caused by the near total dependence on imported machinery and equipment which are generally unsuitable to the local soil climate and farming systems due to their high cost, complexity and sophistication which results in frequent damage, high cost of maintenance and general underutilization. To fast track the process of reversing the trend Professor Agbetoye called on the government to set up technology acquisition Centres or agricultural machinery production centres, increase funding of the research institutes and development centres to enhance dissemination and adoption of research findings and their subsequent commercialization. He also called for the restructuring of the curricula of the various institutions of higher learning where engineers are produced for result-oriented programmes. Professor Agbetoye while highlighting the advantages of the introduction of efficient, sustainable and cost effective mechanization technology said it would lead to improvement of timeliness and efficiency of various operations and in-

Education Today

Thursday, January 28, 2016

crease in the supply of raw materials for agro-based industries, thus providing better rural living conditions for Nigeria’s teaming population of over 160 million people. He also advocated the revival of the iron and steel industry to produce at full capacity, such that relevant grades of steel required by the fabricators can be made readily available at the local markets. Concluding, Agbetoye said that the development of indigenous machines and equipment as well as their commercial manufacture are desirable to attain technological development and enhancement of food security. In his remarks at the occasion the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola described the lecturer as an erudite scholar and an astute administrator who has served the university in various capacities and has contributed immensely to research and academic development in his field of specialization. He also said Professor Agbetoye is the first alumnus in the service of FUTA to attain the grade of professor.

Confusion in FCE Pankshin over provost successor James Abraham JOS

s the tenure of the Provost, Federal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, Professor David Wonang ended yesterday, the absence of a Governing Council to appoint his successor is causing confusion in the institution, National Mirror has learnt. A source from the institution who expressed worry over the development disclosed that the last Governing Council advertised the position in the media but was dissolved by the present govern-

ment before it could compile the list of applicants. He said the situation has created confusion in the institution which may have prompted the school management to convene an expanded meeting to decide who the outgoing provost would hand over to on Wednesday, when his tenure expires finally. As at the time of filling this report, it was learnt that the meeting where the name of the successor would be announced was still ongoing. Speaking on the issue, Mr. Emmanuel Hemba, college COEASU Chairman, described the step taking by the

expanded management as ``very timely and in order. ’’Hemba said that such action would help avoid creation of a vacuum in the administration of the college and the consequences thereof. The chairman described as ``unfortunate’’ the inability for the education ministry to constitute a new Governing Council for the college, saddled with the responsibility of appointing new provost. ``We afraid of problems if an acting provost is appointed for the college because there are certain approvals that he/she cannot do, which will take us to some bureaucratic processes to get them done, ’’ Hemba lamented.

L-R: Registrar, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Ms Biekoroma Amakapabo (2nd left); Coordinator, Affiliation Programmes, University of Nigeria Nssukka, Dr. Joshua Umeifekwem; Rector, YABATECH, Dr. Margaret Ladipo; Deputy Rector (ACAD), Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkhan; Librarian, Mrs. Taye Adebowale and other principal officers during the matriculation ceremony for degree students, School of Technical Education in affiliation with UNN held at the college, recently.

YABATECH Rector warns new students against vices Saidat Alausa

he Rector, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Margaret Ladipo has pledged that teacher’s education would remain high priority in the college planning and development. Addressing matriculating 100 and 200 levels degree students of the School of Technical Education

(STE) run in affiliation with the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Ladipo assured the students that the college would continue to provide conducive learning environment for them. She said, “We have a commitment to equip you with the requisite skills and competencies that would empower you to contribute your quota to the development efforts of this country. “We do expect maximum

cooperation from you as students to enable us accomplish the set objectives for which the STE was established.” The rector charged the new students to consider themselves fortunate for the dual opportunity of undergoing their programmes at the first indigenous university in Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka in collaboration with the cradle of higher learning in Nigeria, YABATECH.

On cultism, Ladipo told the students that the college’s security network had been further enhanced to tackle the menace of cultism and other social vices coupled with added leverage in skills development through the college’s flexible skills development potentials. Speaking in same vein, the Vice-Chancellor, UNN, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba charged the students to guard against situations L-R: Vice- Principal, Academics (Science, Senior arm), Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Mr. Gbolahan Oladoyinbo; Principal, Rev. Chris Ugorji; Chairman of the school’s PTA, Mrs. Oby Igwillo and Vice-Principal, Students’ Affairs, Mrs. Ann Ajisafe at a sensitization forum in the college, recently.

that might allow the society to situate them as negative personalities. “One of the major results of the stimulation of your intellectual life that occurs in the college is the shrinking of your spiritual life. Sometimes, students get so confused with reconciling their classroom activities with the clashing of so many faiths that their spiritual live begins to weaken tremendously.” Ozumba, who was represented by the UNN Coordinator of Affiliation Programmes, Dr. Joshua Umeifekwem, charged the new intakes to be conversant with YABATECH Student Handbook to keep them abreast of the guidelines on academic matters and their conduct. The programme was attended by officials from the two institutions including the Yabatech Deputy Rector, Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkhan; Registrar, Ms. Biekoroma Amakapabo; Librarian, Mrs. Empress Okoro, among others.

Education Today

Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Education, greatest asset for change —FUNAAB’s pioneer librarian Saidat Alausa

he pioneer Librarian, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Taofiq Salisu, has described education as the greatest change agent that could transform any society for the better. He stated this at the just concluded 19th Annual Convention and 18th Annual Lecture of the FUNAAB Alumni Association held at the university. Speaking on “Investing in Library Services as a Means of Sustainable University Education in Nigeria,” Salisu said education was the greatest investment necessary for a nation to fully develop its economic, political, sociological and human resource potentials. The don who was also the pioneer Director of Office of Advancement of the university, said that good education makes it possible for the people to endure, mature and acquire the needed experience by having the wisdom and capability to fend for themselves and contribute to the development of the society. He revealed that the development of the university library was directly proportional to the educational attainment of its parent institution and that the excellence recorded by any university would be a function of the priority accorded its library and library services to contribute to the achievements of the tripartite mandate of learning/teaching, research and community/ extension services. Salisu added that the purpose of the library was the preservation of records, which were not originally books, but records made up of the written history, culture and knowledge of

humanity at different times, as “the library is the nervecentre of any educational institution, especially the university. While tracing the history of library science in Nigeria, the don urged governments at all levels and other stakeholders to accord libraries its rightful status, backed-up with adequate funding. He also charged the alumni associations in the Nigerian universities to develop new opportunities that would make it possible for philanthropic support for the universities to thrive and to canvass for endowment support from individuals and corporate organisations. In his remark, the ViceChancellor of FUNNAB, Prof. Olusola Oyewole disclosed that the event was the fourth since he assumed office as the vice-chancellor, assuring the alumni that the university would keep on making progress. The vice-chancellor, who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), said he appreciated the alumni for the positive roles they had been playing in the development of the university, as well as the welfare of students, saying that the scholarships given to students were highly cherished. He congratulated the 18 members of the alumni association recently promoted as professors in the university, saying their elevation was in recognition of the vital roles they had played in FUNAAB, charging them to be sources of inspiration to the younger ones. Earlier, the National President of the association, Prof. Lateef Sanni, stressed the need to restore the Founder’s Day Celebration because of its importance in preserving the tradition and culture of the university.

L-R: Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ),Ogba, Lagos, Mr. Dotun Adenijo; Head, Marketing and Brand Communications , Microsoft Nigeria, Edmond Idokoko; Provost, NIJ, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye; Head of Dept. General Studies, NIJ, Maureen Popoola and Deputy Provost, NIJ, Jide Johnson at the school’s professional forum held recently

Jubilation as Plateau college holds convocation 10 years after James Abraham JOS

ll through the week, the Federal College of Education FCE community in Pankshin Local Government area of Plateau State was in jubilation. The cause of the jubilation was the jinx broken penultimate Saturday by the 42-year- old college as it held its 25th to 33rd convocation after 10 years. The Provost of the college, Prof. David Longwap Wonang during a pre-convocation press briefing disclosed that the last convocation was held in 2006. He said the convocation was billed to be held every year but that the delay in conducting another one since 2006 was not deliberate but were constrained by lack of fund stressing that the yearly practice would continue if the financial situation of the college improves. Prof. Wonang added that one of their major challenges is inadequate funding, saying the giant stride the institution was able to record was as a result of the support of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND. It was then not surprising as the joy

400-level computer science student of the Faculty of Science, Lagos State Univer-

Vice Chancellor; Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof.’ Lanre Fagbohun (arrowed) with Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Kabir Akinyemi and students’ representatives shortly after their interactive session on campus, recently.

of the students knew no bounds when the authorities announced that the convocation would hold this year. The over 13,000 students, who graduated from the college between 2007 and 2013 wasted no time as they gathered at the school premises during the convocation to receive their certificates including Nigerian Certificate of Education NCE and B A and B. Sc in Education degrees by the institution. While congratulating the graduands, the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu charged them not to rest on their oars but to strive to acquire more knowledge to better their lots and contribute to the country’s development. He assured the college of Federal Government’s readiness to give due priority to infrastructural and staff development in all its tertiary institutions nationwide. Adamu who was represented by Prof Monday Joshua, Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, said what was required of the education sector was to key into the various change initiatives of the government to make the nation stronger.

He explained that that “Evidence shows that the strongest among the education system in the world are those that train and recruit the best teachers and I therefore urge our teacher training institutions to explore and expand the educational offerings that will cater for the all-round formation of their trainees.’’ Also speaking, Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong appealed to the Federal Government to enlist the college to be upgraded to the university of education. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Prof. Sonny Tyeoden. Earlier, in his address of welcome, the college Provost, Prof. David Wonang disclosed that the college, which began in 1974 with just 100 students now has a population of 14, 000 students with seven schools and six directorates and awarding degree certificates alongside the NCE. Prof. Clement Dakas from the University of Jos delivered the convocation lecture, titled: “Worthy in character and learning: The imperative of integrity and quality assurance in the Nigerian Tertiary Education system.”

LASU student wins Etiebet’s Prize sity (LASU), Ojo, Mr. Sola Olabanjo has won the Best Bachelor of Science Computer Science Students’ Projects Award for tertiary institutions in Lagos State. The award was sponsored by a former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Don Etiebet while two students of University of Lagos, Akoka took second and third position in the competition. Olabanjo’s project that won him the award, titled: “Design and implementation of administrative e-memo for tertiary institutions: A case study of Lagos State

University” was supervised by the Head of Computer Science Department, Prof. Benjamin Aribisala. For the effort, he went home from the annual conference of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and prize giving ceremony held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja with a plaque, certificate and some amount of money. The university’s management in a press release issued by the Press and Public Relations Unit of the university quoted Olabinjo’s supervisor as saying that the software e-memo is useful for any organisation to com-

municate electronically and that it is the first kind of software to be developed at the department. In another development, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun asked again the university community to cooperate and support his administration. The vice-chancellor who for the first time since he assumed the new office joined other Muslim faithful at the university mosque to observe Jummat service also restated his administration’s quest to restore the glory of the 33-year-old university.

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Education Today

Thursday, January 28, 2016

orty-two years after the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) came into existence, the quality of graduates of Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions participating in the scheme have remained poor. The hope that exposure of students to the industry during SIWES will improve the quality of graduates seems to have evaporated. Employers still complain about unemployable graduates. Many university graduates in the teaching profession cannot read the statements of their declaration of age and many teachers in the primary schools cannot not pass a primary four level examination. The National Youth Service Corps also speak about graduates who cannot complete simple forms in their places of primary assignment. The industries are groaning under the yoke of incompetent products of the tertiary education system. Even the university system is having a taste of its own medicine as many of their products in the academics are currently reproducing more of their own kinds; half baked graduates! By universal acclamation, the quality of Nigerian University graduates is adjudged abysmally low Each year, the tertiary institutions send their products on the SIWES programme for six months of the year penultimate to their graduation. But the entire exercise has been bedevilled by numerous problems including dearth of suitable places of attachment, abscondment of students from their legitimate places of attachment, a collapsed system of supervision at places of attachment, and non-payment of both students and supervisory staff of the specified allowances. Many institution based supervisors that were supposed to ensure that the students benefit from the attachment either are not conversant with the discipline they were assigned to or just play truancy with the exercise. The result is that many students, including erstwhile diligent ones are left to their own devices for six whole months; real trying times indeed! At the end of six months attachment, when students return to the institutions, many have not been in any relevant place of attachment at all. A question or two from concerned

Has SIWES lost its relevance? institution based instructors immediately reveal the harm that has been done. Not only have they learnt next to nothing in their chosen industries of attachment, many have actually imbibed the wrong practices that have become common in many available places of attachment! I have agonized over the plight of many intelligent and conscientious students on attachment to private hospital laboratories when it was discovered that the little they assimilated during the period were literarily all wrong. The magnitude of the problem may never be known but if I may hazard a guess, it would be quite substantial. These candidates would require extensive debriefing in order to put their experience in the correct perspective. For many students, SIWES is simply a lecture free interlude, a time to generate additional funds to ease their final session in school. They secure any job at all, including taxi driving, bricklaying, restaurant service hands, and occasionally, some unspeakable vocations, just to make some quick bucks. When they return to school six months later, they simply download materials from the internet for their oral defense. To make matters worse, students are allowed barely ten minutes to present a report on their six month, nine credit unit, largely unsupervised programme! They fly off the stage after blabbing, mumbling, giggling or smiling more

than they speak only to be awarded an underserved pass grade by the supervising lecturers for an attachment that was not. On the whole, the emergence of unemployable graduates is the product of a motley group within and outside the educational system. The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme has not achieved the desired results, to bridge the gap between the skills required by the nation’s industrial establishments and that acquired by the graduates of the tertiary institutions in over 42 years of existence. It is becoming apparently clear that providing the required facilities in the tertiary institutions would provide a better option for training of students in tertiary institutions. This has become inevitable in the face of the Industrial Training Fund’s inability to appropriately cope with the new realities in the tertiary education system. It is my humble opinion that the tertiary institutions may still produce the caliber of graduates that we need if the right things are done. The available funds must be judiciously managed while additional funds are made available to equip laboratories with basic equipment. If the right quality of candidates are admitted and instructed by qualified persons, then an improvement in the quality of graduates could be achieved in the shortest possible time! The six months currently allocated to the SIWES programme could be devoted to classroom training with more significant impact on the quality of graduates. But then, the carrying capacity of existing universities would require drastic downward adjustment to about a quarter of the current values for more effective instruction, especially in the laboratories. We must consolidate before we expand. We have the potential, we have the means, what we lack so far is the will!

Fear of terrorist attack grips academics in Pakistan

cademics are demanding better security for education institutions after a brutal terrorist attack Wednesday last week on Bacha Khan University in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that left at least 20 dead – including students and two staff members – and many injured. Security analysts and academics say the country’s education institutions are relatively soft targets for terrorists. “Terrorists attack schools and universities as the killing of students evokes terror feelings among the whole society, and they [the terrorists] have succeeded in doing so because educational institutions cannot be guarded like military and other sensitive installations,” the Vice-Chancellor of Bacha Khan University, Professor Fazal Rahim Marwat, told University World News. Marwat said: “Our university hosts 3,000 students, including female students coming from far-off areas, and this brutal attack was against education, by intimidating students and parents to stay away from learning.”

Malala Yousafzai, a female education activist and the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate, who was herself shot in the head in October 2012 by the Taliban but survived, has demanded the government provide security to education institutions in the country, Pakistan’s Geo News TV reported. Four terrorists, loaded with suicide jackets which they could not explode, attacked Bacha Khan University in Charsadda city, 29 kilometres north-east of the provincial capital Peshawar. Culled: World University News

Lagos Deputy Gov meets school owners today

he Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule who doubles as the state’s Commissioner of Education would today meet with all the proprietors of private primary and secondary schools in the state. The meeting will hold inside Alausa secretariat in Ikeja with over 4,000 proprietors of registered schools expected to be in attendance.

L-R. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh; Vocational trainee, Victoria Adelakun and Director, Agency for Mass Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Fola Amore during the graduation ceremony for vocational trainees in Lagos State, recently.

FG wants more dividends from varsity partnership

resident Muhammadu Buhari has charged the universities to ensure their partnership with the government yielded the expected dividends in the areas of poverty alleviation, health, education, science, technology, industrial development and food security, among others. He disclosed this at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)’s convocation last Saturday. The visitor, who was represented by Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, observed that

universities were the birthplaces of ideas and thus, the threat to the nation’s revenues, occasioned by the plummeting price of crude oil, should serve as wake-up call to institutions. He said they need to be more responsive to the country’s need for a diversified economy. He, particularly, called on the ATBU Faculty of Agriculture to be one of the starting points for these diversification efforts. President Buhari noted that, because Bauchi State was endowed with Nigeria’s largest National Park and one of the largest wildlife

parks in Africa, the Yankari Game Reserve, ATBU could reposition this natural endowment for increased ecotourism activities and economic viability so that the nation could compete favourably with countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia, which have all gained enormous wealth from tourism. The President recalled that the Federal Government had increased funding for the tertiary education sub-sector, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the deployment of High Impact Grants

for development in the universities. Buhari also stated that government had, in its 2016 budget, earmarked the highest allocation to the sector. He therefore, reiterated that Government’s expectation from institutions was high and called on tertiary institutions to be at the forefront of the rejuvenation of the nation’s economy. President Buhari however cautioned against corruption in the Nigerian University System (NUS), warning that corrupt practices such as extortion, harassment and violation.

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

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

UNIBEN VC warns freshers against unruly behaviour Eddy Uwoghiren

400L MED. AND SURG,UNIBEN

ice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Edo State, Prof Faraday Orumwense has urged newly admitted students of the university to shun every form of indiscipline that can mar their stay in the university. He gave the warning during the matriculation ceremony for the 2015/2016 academic session, held last week. He restated that the university had zero tolerance for examination malpractice therefore they must avoid it and other vices that could disrupt their education at the university. Congratulating them on successful scaling the admission hurdles of the university, he charged them to make their parents proud by graduating in record time with a good class of degree. He called on them to make use of the facilities available in the institution for their optimum learning. One of the new intakes, Sandra Obaruyi studying Accounting was grateful to God for gaining the admission and also witnessing the matriculation ceremony which he said was one of his best outings ever.

Bida Poly students set to fight malaria

Kemi Busari

tudents of Ondo State indigenes have taken to the street to demand the payment of their bursary allowances for the 2012,2014 and 2015 session from the state government. The students under the agies of National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) marched to the government house of Ondo State to show their grievances last week. They carried placards with inscriptions such as; ‘pay our money’, ‘give us our right’, ‘we are Nigerian students, not thugs, answer us now and we will stop’ among others. Speaking on the reason for the protest, NAOSS president, Iwakun Adeolu said the leadership of the union has made several futile attempts

Ondo students protest non-payment of bursary

Students protesting to make amicable resolve with the government to no avail. “When this administration was enthroned about six months ago, we inherited lots of challenges; unpaid

bursary and scholarship for 2012,2014 and 2015 absence of NAOSS national secretariat, absence NAOSS bus and a union with zero naira in the treasury” “The leadership of the

Alumni, Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, (LR:) Osuntokun Temitope, Bakare Bidemi, Ademola Adebowale and Amujo Temitope during a programme, recently.

Gimba Mohammed

400L, MASS COMM.FEDPOLY BIDA

he students Union of the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State has started going round the campus to educate students and members of the polytechnic community on the best way to reduce record of malaria cases at the school clinic. The union will also distribute no fewer than 1,000 treated mosquito nets free of charge on campus to enhance awareness during the campaign. The President of the union, Afolabi Adepoju said the campaign which is in collaboration with the Rotary Club on the campus was geared towards ensuring that students and other members of the polytechnic community take issues of their health with utmost concern. “We want students in particular to take good care of their health especially against malaria so that they will be able to concentrate on their studies more so that malaria cases are on the rise on campus,” he stressed. He noted that the campaign would start with students living within the school and thereafter to those off campus. Adepoju added that the union hopes to sustain the project throughout the session so that the impact of the campaign could be felt in the school.

... Express joy over excellent performance

Paul Isuwa

HND 2, MASS COMM, FEDPOLY, BIDA

tudents of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State have expressed happiness over their performance in the last semester examination. An ND 2 student of Public Administration, Hussaina Sokoyebon, expressed gratitude to Allah for crowning her effort with Success. “I also want to thank all my lecturers for their efforts, because without them, achieving this wouldn’t have been possible.” she added. At the Department of mechanical Engineering the story remains the same, majority of students who spoke to Campus News expressed satisfaction over their result. A senior lecturer in the department, Mr. Anthony Ozimedu noted that the institution has a standard which must be maintained.

union then resolved to channel our grievance to the government by writing, consultations and lobby, all without response. Having exhausted our strength and formal strategies for over six months, we therefore resolved in an executives/ stakeholders meeting to embark on a peaceful demonstration which we believe is the only language the government understand.” Iwakun informed that the union had a meeting with government representatives who promised to pay the bursary and scholarship. He further stated that such protest will continue if the promises are not fulfilled.

Hameed Opeyemi UNILORIN

our alumni of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) have charged African youths to develop and venture into innovative entrepreneurship initiatives, stressing that youths must stop depending on government for jobs. TEEP is an initiative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). In 2015, it empowered 1,000 young African entrepreneurs selected from over 20, 000 applicants with active mentoring, business training, an entrepreneurship boot camp, regional networking and $5,000 seed capital to invest in their businesses. The four young entre-

Foundation alumni share entrepreneurship experience preneurs, who also participated in the President Obama’s Young Africans Leadership Initiative (YALI) leadership training programme in Accra held last November, noted that entrepreneurship was crucial to the development of Africa’s economy. Temitope Osuntokun, who is the founder of S & Y Bowel services, a social enterprise that promotes sanitation and hygiene consciousness through education and service delivery in South West Nigeria, stated that small scale businesses would go a long in addressing the challenge of unemployment in Africa by creating more jobs that would

boost economic growth and expansion. While commending Tony Elumelu for launching TEEP, which seeks to empower 10, 000 young African entrepreneurs within ten years, Temitope encouraged every young aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa to key into this opportunity to achieve their entrepreneurial goals, adding that the seven solid pillars of TEEP provides a strong platform for entrepreneurs to thrive. For Ademola Adebowale, a social entrepreneur and founder of KowaFresh, a market intervention initiative that seek to reduce postharvest losses in perishable

goods trade sector of Nigeria, youth must develop business ideas that would make them employers and not job seekers, adding that government cannot provide jobs for everybody. He also urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of TEEP to build their knowledge capacity and entrepreneurial spirit. Ademola confessed that, with the training and financial grants he received as a beneficiary of TEEP, his market support centre at Mile 12 Market in Lagos now provides good handling training and ICT support services to over 93 perishable goods traders in the market.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

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

UI-ASUU elects officers Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, has elected Dr. Ayodeji Omole as its new Chairperson. Omole who was the Secretary under the Prof. Segun Ajiboye-led executive polled a total number of 485 votes to defeat former president of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Dr. Steven Ayodele Oluwole, who polled 288 votes. The Chairman ASUU (UI) Electoral Committee, Prof. Afeez Oladosu, while announcing the results of the election held at the Arts Theatre of the institution, said Dr. Peter Olapegba, of the Department of Psychology polled 519 votes to become

Secretary, defeating Dr. Olisa Muojama, of the department of History who scored 235 votes. In other contested posts, Dr. Adedapo Adewole became the new Vice-Chairperson, defeating Dr. Adenike Ogunshe, who polled 293 votes as against his 469 votes. Also, Dr. Monika Odinko defeated Dr. Princess Nwakwo to emerge Welfare secretary with a total votes of 517 as against 239 votes, while Dr. Olusola Olawoye who got 493 votes defeated Dr. Ishola Salami (261votes) to emerge as the Financial Secretary. For the post of Investment Secretary, Dr. Isaac Olufemi Olatoye with 508 votes defeated Prof. Nelson Fashina who got 269 votes. The new image maker of the union is Dr. Adebayo Komolafe with 495 votes, defeating Dr. A.A Aina, who polled 283 votes.

University discovers oil deposit in Bida Modupe Ayodele

HND 2, MASS COMM FEDPOLY, BIDA

tudents of Geological and Mining, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Ibrahim Badamosi Babagida University, Lapai, Niger State through its research has disclosed that Bida the ancient Nupe kingdom would soon join the league of oil producing communities in the country in view of abundant commercial quantity of crude oil in the area. The Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology of the university, Professor Nuhu Obaje made this known in an exclusive interview with Campus News recently. He stated that the area alone was ca-

pable of producing about 100 million barrels of crude oil in reserve. According to him, the basin has quantity of crude oil capable of transforming the country’s petroleum sector if exploited. He said there was urgent need to look beyond producing petroleum in the onshore Niger-Delta and deep water basins and focus more on exploration efforts in the frontier inland basin. The professor maintains that about 90 per cent oil products in the country are from Niger-Delta, urging the Federal Government to bring in investors that will take over the permit from the Niger State government. Professor Obaje who is also the Head of Geological Department however ex-

pressed concern over the inability of the Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR)to live up to expectation in giving the blocks to interested applicants willing to invest in the exploration of the basin. He explained that the university had embarked on a research in 2011 which ensured the discovery of the product in the basin.” The research was designed to search for oil and gas in Bida Basin geological area, which consists of parts of Kwara, Kogi and Kebbi states, but concentration is on 80 per cent places in Niger State, “he said. The don disclosed that the university had provided data that would provide guide when government is ready.

UNIBEN set to host Medical Students Games

Eddy Uwoghiren

400L MED & SURG, UNIBEN

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, UNIBEN, Edo State, Prof. Faraday Orumwense has thrown his weight behind the upcoming Biennial Medical Students Games to be hosted by the University of Benin Medical Students Association (UBEMSA) in March this year. He made this known last Friday while inaugurating the staff committee of the games at the College of Medical Sciences of the university. Prof. Orumwense who was represented by his deputy in charge of administration, Prof. Lawrence Ezemwonye said he was delighted the game which was last hosted by the university in 2003 would be held during his tenure. While congratulating the UNIBEN team for winning the bid to host the games among several other competitors, Orumwense stated that management would do all within its powers to ensure hitch free games. Prof. Orumwense called on them to be up and doing

and put everything in place to ensure that the games would be a reference in the history of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA). “Here in Benin, we are known for our hospitality and we pride ourselves as UNIBEST. This is the time to prove it to the world. With the facilities at the Sports Complex, ultra-modern hostel for participants as well as interesting site of historical visit in Benin, I believe the games will be successful by God’s grace.” The forum provided an opportunity for the VC to be briefed on the achievements of UNIBEN Medical students at the level of NiMSA National. Dean of Medicine, Prof Moses Mommoh told the VC that the students had been doing well on the NiMSA national level. “The office of the Standing Committee on NiMSA Games (SCONGA) is been held by a UNIBEN Student Joel Akujieze and the immediate past National Vice President, External Affairs was held by Louis Aikorogie of the 600 level class. At the last NiMSA games in Imo State, our team won gold medal in Football category amid several other medals.”

Cross section of newly admitted students, McPherson University, Abeokuta, during their matriculation ceremony, recently.

Emeka Chukwuemeka, FCET, UMUNZE

ollowing the incessant robbery attacks on the staff, students and the entire college community of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, the management, staff and students of the college have cried out to the Governor of the state, Willie Obiano to come to their rescue and put an end to the endless brutal and hardship inflicted on them by hoodlums. The community also urged the state government to find a lasting solution to the insecurity threatening their lives. Making the appeal, the Provost of the college, Prof. Josephat Okechukwu Ogbuagu asked

Armed robbery: FCE Umunze sends SOS to Obiano government to reinforce its security network in checkmating crime in Umunze town, particularly the college community as workers are under hostage by hoodlums. He described the community as crime prone, saying recently the Chief Security Officer of the college, Mr. Okoli Onyekachukwu was shot at the entrance of the college while coming back from bank. Also few months back, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the college, Sunday Ike was robbed of his car and shot by gun men in his family house at Umunze and died later

of gunshot injuries. Campus News gathered that this turn of events is unprecedented, but the incessant armed robbery attacks witnessed of late, has triggered off palpable fear among residents of the area. Many, including visitors, tell unpalatable tales of attacks. Passersby, and other commuters, often attacked and dispossessed of their belongings, are not left out of the lamentation. According to Nwafor Chinedu, a lawyer and employee of the college, life has become unbearable for the average resi-

dent. The residents now either sleep with one eye closed or lie awake all night, out of fear that men of the underworld who have laid siege to the peaceful coexistence of the college may storm the school.

Obiano

Thursday, January 28, 2016

LEASE note that there is no word as ‘outrightly’,

but ‘outright’—which is both an adjective and an adverb. THISDAY front and inside pages of January 23 circulated a few solecisms: “$3.9bn fine: MTN, NCC exploring out of court (out-of-court) settlement” “Even almighty (sic) God, they also gossip about him talk less of (let alone) me, an ordinary musician.” “I just ignored all the rubbish they say (said) about me and move (moved) on.” “When they said my popularity is (was) from the Devil (sic), I just smiled.” “All this gossips don’t bother me at all.” ‘Gossip’ is inflected only when referring to persons who gossip—not the act. Wrong: last respect; right: last respects (for the dead) “Crisis may erupt in A’Ibom oil producing (oil-producing) area over neglect, marginalisation” “We need to go back and all stakeholders must be represented in (on) the board.” Yet on THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER: “As guaranteed in the constituion of Nigeria, Dr. Ikpeazu was sworn-in (sworn in) on….” CITY NEWS of January 22 takes its turn: “Customs Comptroller reads riot act (the riot act) to smugglers” DAILY SUN of January 21 comes next with a series of headline goofs: “Another Boko Haram kingpin arrested enroute (en route to) Lagos” “Budget: Rowdy session in Senate as Reps hail job-creating potentials (potential or potentialities)” “7 days to go, Wada commissions (inaugurates/auspicates) N1.6bn motor park in Kogi” From Business Week of January 18 comes the next infraction: “Exxonmobil commissions (sic) N100m community assistance (community-assistance) projects” “Four arrested over (for) alleged killing of father of two” “Vocal worship with one of the largest choir (choirs) in the world” Let us visit THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER of January 9, for 2016 prophecies: “No problem in dialoguing with Biafra (Biafran) agitators” “Primate…has gazed into the crystal ball and predicted some possible happenings in the nation’s body polity (politic)

enegal’s main higher education union SAES – Syndicat Autonome de l’Enseignement Supérieur – has given notice of strike, demanding that the government respect agreements signed last year. School teacher unions are also threatening industrial action. SAES gave the government a

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‘Outrightly’ does not exist and the economy in the New Year.” “One of the areas in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) had an age (edge) over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections (election) was effective use of propaganda.” Now the last entry from the Polity pages of the Saturday Newspaper under review: “Can Semenitari clean the NDDC augean stable (stables)?” The PUNCH of January 2 offered readers a few solecisms: “But in September, the NNPC lifted the embargo placed on the 113 vessels and set-up (set up) the inter-agency committee.” “…he added that the Federal government would address the security (insecurity) challenge in consultation with….” “…who represents Cross River South Senatorial District under (on) the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party….” ‘…while giving assurance (an assurance) that the party would conduct a transparent primary.” LEADERSHIP of January 7 contained a surfeit of improprieties incomparable to any edition of any publication featured here right from its editorial (our stand): “…it is inhuman and out rightly (sic) condemnable for a police officer to be suspended from duty for a whole 21 years and denied his dues by mere word of mouth.” “…the poor suffer in a situation that justice has become a cash and carry (cash-and-carry) commodity….” “Sickle Cell Club advocates for more research in 2016” Delete ‘for’. “In 2006, there was an attempt by the National Assembly to look into the vegetable oil industry with a view to lift (lifting) the nation forward in the area of economic reforms in agriculture.” “The fallacy of PDP decampees (defectors) in Jigawa” “Though, (needless comma) I am not from Jigawa, I was curiously attracted by the high caliber (American spelling) of dignitaries at (on) the occasion and the number of defectors. “Vandalism: NSCDC arrests 20 vandals, destroy (why?) 10 illegal refineries” “LEADERSHIP had also in April 2015 reported moves by

MTN Nigeria to takeover (take over) Visafone….” “…as the CDMA operator moves to wind down majority (a majority) of its operations in the country.” “Reliable sources said MTN is (was) not taking along the liabilities of the CDMA company.” “A source at MTN Nigeria said it’s (its) headquarters in South Africa will formally issue a statement before the week runs out.” “A fast paced (fast-paced) media organisation urgently requires the services of two….” Vacancy: get the persons first before their services! “Unijos rated 2nd best amongst second generation universities” A rewrite: UNIJOS 2nd best among second-generation varsities Still on faulty contributions from LEADERSHIP: “…the institution, since its establishment, has been bedevilled by internal crisis (crises).” “Of these two judicial pronouncement….” Is this carelessness or loose thinking? “It seems to have dashed the faith (fate) of thousands of Tarabans….” “For Ishaku, it was smiling all the way to the New Year together with his teaming (teeming) supporters.” “…ordered the swearing in of Alhassan of the APC on the ground (grounds) that the governor was not….” “The governor added that he has confident (confidence) in the judiciary….” “As a result of the forthcoming governorship election in the state, the year 2016 would mark a very important milestone in the political history of Ondo State.” ‘Milestone’ does not require any amplification, embellishment or intensification (a very important)! Finally from the back page of LEADERSHIP under focus: “…and majority (a majority) of us were of the opinion that the latter would be remembered….” I must advise LEADERSHIP journalists to work on their use of the English language—the blunders are too juvenile and almost innumerable!

Senegalese teachers threaten strike month’s notice to meet its demands or its members would go on an unlimited strike, reported SenewebNews. The grievances centred mainly on the alleged failure of the government to fulfill undertakings it made

in March 2015. According to WalFadjri of Dakar, SAES spokesman Moustapha Sall said there were four contentious points leading to the strike call. They concerned reforms to the

Students during Nigerian Conservation Foundation, S.L Edu 14th Memorial Lecture, Theme, Economic Valuation of Nigerian Forest in Lagos, recently.

status of academics, which should have come into force on 1 January; improved provision of retirement pensions, and rights to accommodation and to health care. In addition Dally Diouf, a SAES representative in Dakar, criticised the “disastrous” management at UCAD – Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar – the country’s leading university. Some faculties had been unable to hold courses because lecture halls were closed and students had to use temporary facilities: “That’s to say, 7,000 seats… for more than 30,000 students,” he told WalFadjri. Not only is higher education threatened by stoppages. Secondary teachers’ union groupings the Cadre Unitaire Syndical des Enseignants du Moyen et du Secondaire or CUSEMS, and Grand Cadre des Syndicats d’Enseignants or GCSE, have also given notice of strike action because of government inaction over agreements.

2016 Canadian Education Fair holds Tunbosun Ogundare

ll is set for this year’s Canadian Education Fair scheduled for Lagos and Abuja between Tuesday, February 2 and Saturday, February 6t, 2016. It is going to be 12th edition in the series with Abuja’s version holding for two days beginning from Tuesday while that of Lagos, also for two days, will begin on Friday. Announcing the fair in a press release, the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos, Lajos Arendas said no fewer than 41 Canadian institutions, including universities, colleges as well as secondary schools were expected to participate at the four-day fair. He noted that the participating schools would showcase their expertise, capabilities and programmes to Nigerians who are willing to study in Canada and also help parents make decisions on schools and courses for their children to study there.

Business Thursday, January 28, 2016

SON enlists UNIDO’s aid on packaging of 28 agric produce

Fiscal crisis may worsen govts’, other organisations’ exposure to cyber threats 31

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Subscribers rate MTN’s SIM card registration high 32

Developing economies lose $170bn yearly tax revenues –Oxfam Tola Akinmutimi

xfam, the world’s leading development and charity organization, has estimated that developing countries lose at least $170 billion in tax revenues each year, because rich individuals and multinational companies hide vast amounts of money using tax havens. The organization, in its latest findings, accused many governments of complicity in sustaining this network. According to Oxfam, it is the poorer countries in particular that suffer the consequences of the fiscal abuses as they are deprived of funds to provide services like health and educa-

Dana Air entices LagosAccra route passengers with rewards Olusegun Koiki

n a bid to attract more passengers on its Lagos-Accra route, which it commenced last December, the management of Dana Air has announced a series of benefits to air travellers on the route. The airline hinted that the offer is also tied to its frequent flyer program, Dana Miles, which would enable air travellers flying on the Accra route earn 4,500 miles extra to fly for free on their next trip. Statement issued in Lagos by the spokesman of the Communications Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa said that the rewards, which entailed passengers to fly with their partner on a round trip on the Lagos-Accra route to get 450 mile would continue throughout the month of February, 2016. Ezenwa maintained that the offer was equivalent to a free ticket while those travelling on the business class would stand a chance of being upgraded to silver membership, which is the second highest membership level for guests who are able to acquire 9,000 miles within one year on their flight with Dana Air.

tion, and to tackle poverty and extreme inequality. In view of the deleterious effects of such huge losses on the affected economies, the organization urged governments to act together to force this system to end, and create a global tax system that works for the many, not the few. Oxfam stated that it would present this petition to world

leaders as they meet at the UN General Assembly in September this year, exactly a year after they committed to global goals to end extreme poverty and reduce inequality. “It’s time to end the era of tax havens and bring an end to inequality. It’s time to even it up! To end extreme poverty we have to tackle the growing gap between the richest and the rest – a

gap which traps hundreds of millions of people in a life of hunger, sickness and hardship”, it advised. The organisation lamented that “the problem isn’t people making money. It’s the fact that while the rich grow richer, millions of people struggle for even the basics like food, water, shelter and education”.

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 Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Caroline Anyanwu; Nollywood Actor, Victor Olaotan; 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc Uzoma Dozie; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, at the Unveiling of Vision of the Child (VOTC) 2016 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daiCeremony in Lagos recently. ly 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 mechanical ventilation apparatus that include air 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am David Audu expellers and vents, Colaco said. Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: Declaring the warehouse open, the Governor 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am he Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rahul Colaco, has disclosed of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, represented Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS that the company invested over four billion naira by the Attorney General of the state, Mr. Adeniji -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am in building capacity for the company in Nigeria over the Kazeem, commended the company for its faith in Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm Lagos through the expansion. last few years.

WAMCO invests N4bn in capacity building, commissions warehouse

Colaco, who made the disclosure during the commissioning of its modern finished goods ware house at its premises at Ogba in Lagos on Tuesday, said the warehouse with the capacity to house about 14,000 pallets, is a demonstration of the company commitment to deepen its operation in the Nigerian economy. He explained that the new warehouse built at a cost of two billion naira would enable the company meet the need of its consumers better in the country. “We are really pleased with the new warehouse, which allows us to continue to meet the growing need of our operations. This means we can offer our customers better stock guarantees”, the industrialist said. He said the new finished good warehouse underlies the company’s strategy in reinforcing world class operations, noting that the working environment in the facility is significantly conducive for workers. “This is due to the

He said FrieslandCampina WAMCO has proven to be a proactive company of integrity and best practices, noting that this explains “why the Peak brand has endured for so long”. The governor expressed confidence that the new warehouse will not only boost the operational capacity of the company but will also increase the number of employees, wholesalers and retailers. “Of cause, the direct consequence is that our state in particular and, Nigeria in general will enjoy more access to quality nutrition”. The governor also used the occasion to loud the state’s efforts in providing conducive environment for businesses to thrive, adding that Lagos State is proud to have provided the enabling environment for this company and its brands to thrive for over 60 years.

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

Business News

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SON enlists UNIDO’s aid on packaging of agric produce …urges govt on export policy Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

he Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria,(SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu has sought the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation,UNIDO, in developing packaging expertise for the nation’s agricultural produce. This is even as he called on the Federal Government to come up with clear policy on export to minimize the risk of rejection of Nigeria’s products abroad. Odumodu, who made the call at a meeting with the Managing Director, Programme Development and Technical Cooperation Division, UNIDO, Mr. Philippe Scholtesin Abuja, noted that developing expertise for packaging of the nation’s food products would not only enhance their economic value, but also guarantee availability all-year-round. He said: “There is a lot UNIDO can do for the country in the area of agro business and job creation. There is a lot you could do that is not currently being done, especially in the areas of food system and nutrition. One challenge we have in Nigeria is not in growing agricultural products, but we need a lot of knowledge on how to package them so that they can last longer. “Nigeria has a lot of tomatoes,

mangos, but they are seasonal. Once the seasons are over, the prices go up. We need to learn the technology around how to keep them. We like to request UNIDO to bring this kind of expertise”, the SON boss added. On the incessant reject of Nigeria’s products abroad, Odumodu urged government to give specific direction on export, especially for agricultural commodities. According to him, the export policy must stipulate that no product must leave the shore of the land without certification from the relevant agencies. The SON boss, however, explained that the focus of government in the next two years was to improve the nation’s investment climate, declaring that the current position of Nigeria in the ease of doing business unacceptable. He said for the Nigeria’s economy to come back to live and begin to flourish again, strategies must be geared towards reviving the manufacturing sector as well as checking the influx of inferior goods into the country. “Nigeria has gone through a cynical system. There used to be flourishing industry.There were manufacturing activities in all aspects of our economy. But in the last 20 years, we saw a gradual decline in activities in the industry. Two major reasons are responsible for this:, the business environment and the influx of inferior

Credit Suisse explores ILS for operational risk insurance

nvestment banking group, Credit Suisse, has turned to the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market as it looks to secure a source of capital market investor backed, fully-collateralised insurance and reinsurance protection to cover its operational risks. We understand that Credit Suisse is in the early stages of marketing and assessing investor interest for what it terms an ILS bond linked to operational risk. Essentially it seems to be a catastrophe bond type structure, which would transfer a certain amount of Credit Suisse’s operational risk exposure to the bond’s investors. The deal would have a fiveyear term and be structured on an annual aggregate and indemnity trigger basis, people familiar with the mooted transaction said. Credit Suisse is said to have turned to the ILS market as traditional reinsurance capacity was not available (or perhaps keenly priced enough) to back the transfer of its operational risks.

In order to effect the deal, sources said that Credit Suisse plans to enter into an insurance arrangement with Zurich Insurance Group. This would involve a five-year insurance policy covering CHF 700m (approximately $690m) of the investment banks operational risks. If the ILS deal goes ahead, Zurich will retain 10% of the operational risks while the rest would be transferred in a quota share reinsurance deal to a Bermuda domiciled SPI, which would in turn be the issuing vehicle for the operational risk linked ILS notes. So that would make the ILS deal, or operational risk catastrophe bond, a CHF 630m transaction (around $620m), which is a large issuance and would likely need broad investor support. However, such a bond may have appeal outside the ILS investor base, providing Credit Suisse with a much greater potential list of subscribers, enabling it to get what seems a large and innovative transaction to market.

goods into the country. “For instance, Nigeria is currently in 169 position out of 289 countries the ease of doing business ranking. That is not good enough. Our target within the next two years is to achieve less than 70 position. Some countries

in Africa are already in that level. We need to learn from those countries that have done it so that we can know what we need to do to find ourself in that position. “Once that is archived, the level of investment will go up. Secondly, the influx of products which are of questionable integrity, espe-

cially from Asian countries, are also sources of concerns. As the President of the Africa Regional Standard Group, we also see that almost all other countries in Africa have the same problem and that is seriously affecting industrialization in Africa,”he added.

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Automedics, Mr. Gbola Oba; Head Lubes, Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs. Lillian Ikokwu; Overall Graduating Student, Mr. Abdulkareem Ahmed; Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs. Olaposi Williams; Chairman, Lagos State Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN), Alhaji Moruf Arowolo and Chairman Lagos State Branch, Nigeria Automobile Technician Association (NATA), Asiwaju Jacob Fayeun, during the graduation ceremony of Oleum Academy Automechatronics 2015 class in Lagos recently.

We won best laurels in 2015, says Globacom Isaiah Erhiawarien

lobacom has said that it won more awards than any telecoms company in the industry during the year 2015 noting that it demonstrates the significant progress it made in the year just ended. The telecoms company attributed its feats to the massive network modernisation project as well as the aggressive subscriber growth drives during the year in review. It stated that in recognition of the initiatives, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, in its report last year May disclosed that Globacom led other operators in acquisition of new subscribers in the first five months of the year.

This is even as the company cited the NCC subscriber data information released by NCC for the month which also indicated that it activated a total of 2,263,346 new lines on its network ahead of Airtel which came second with 1,983,195 new subscribers. That was followed in June by the National Bureau of Statistics’, NBS, report crediting Globacom for driving the growth witnessed in the Nigerian telecommunications industry in the previous 12 months. “The growth in subscribers was mainly driven by Globacom, which recorded an average rate of 1.45 per cent over the period, closely followed by Etisalat with 1.37 per cent and Airtel with 1.29 per cent, while

MTN recorded the lowest average monthly growth in subscriber base at 0.44 per cent,” the NBS said in its report released in June 2015. The mobile operator making reference to the same NCC June report said it gained the highest number of internet users in April with over a million new internet users on its network saying that statistics indicated that it had 19,690,526 subscribers surfing the net with its network in April, up from 18,617,607 users in March. The statement further said the successes were responsible for the awards it got both from local and international organisation adding that it got three awards from the 2015 edition of the Beacon of ICT Awards.

FG tasks freight forwarders on practice standards

FRANCIS EZEM

he Federal Government has charged freight forwarders in the country to commit themselves to professional and standardised freight forwading practice that conforms to global best practice in order to achieve the broad policy objectives of the sub-sector’s reforms. The government had, following the completion of the port reform programme in 2006, commenced the reform of the freight forwarding operations of the port industry with a view to making it efficient and professional. The reform, among several

other innovations led to the enactment of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria CRFFN Act 16 of 2007, which also created the CRFFN to set standards, register and regulate the practitioners. Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, who gave the charge at the one-day training workshop organised for the freight forwarders by the council in conjunction with the CRFFN and VESTRACKER in Lagos, expressed regrets that nine years after the reform, the practitioners were yet to embrace basic standards of practice.

The theme of the workshop, which held in Lagos is: “Filling the Professional Gap in Information Communications Technology ICT- Driven Freight Forwarding Profession in Nigeria”. According to him, the practice of the profession in Nigeria, which he said is a global business is still devoid of standards and best practice and professionalism, as it has become an all comers affairs. He observed that though freight forwarding business has contributed in no small measure to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, the profession has yet to be reckoned with because it is still devoid of basic standards and professionalism.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Apple set for slowest ever iPhone sales growth T

EU needs us more than we need it, says Vote Leave

pple Inc (AAPL.O) is expected to report a 1.3 per cent increase in iPhone sales in the holiday quarter, its slowest ever and a far cry from the double-digit growth investors have come to expect. Apple sold 75.5 million iPhones in the October-December quarter, according to research firm FactSet StreetAccount, 1 million more than what was sold in the year-ago quarter. Shares of Apple, which will announce earnings after markets close on Tuesday, were trading up 0.3 per cent at $99.76, after dipping to $98.07 in morning trading. Analysts say the bad news is already priced into the stock. Irrespective of the anticipated lackluster iPhone sales, Wall Street expects Apple to report its biggestever profit and revenue in the first quarter. Analysts on average expect Apple to report a profit of $18.14 billion in the first quarter and revenue of $76.59 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Demand has weakened for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, which boasted record weekend sales when they

iPhones

launched in September. These devices have fewer distinguishing features than their popular predecessors, especially the biggerscreen 6 and 6 Plus phones that were launched in 2014 and grabbed the attention of Asian customers who until then favored the bigger screen phones offered by the likes of Samsung Electronics (005930.KS). “Apple has become a victim of their own success,” FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel Ives said. “... many customers are either buying an older, cheaper iPhone 6 or waiting for the

iPhone 7.” China, the company’s fastest-growing market, may also have weighed on results, as a slowdown in the economy forced consumers to tighten their purse strings. To make matters worse, for the March quarter, Apple is expected to forecast a drop in iPhone sales - its first ever. This was foreshadowed by disappointing forecasts from the company’s Asian suppliers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (2330.TW).

Hedge funds betting against China eye

handful of mainly U.S.based macro hedge funds have led bets against China’s yuan since late last year and the coming weeks should tell how right they are in predicting a devaluation of between 20 and 50 per cent. Since at least last September, Texas-based Corriente Partners, which made hundreds of millions of dollars foreseeing Europe’s debt crisis, has been accumulating tailored “low delta” options - essentially bets with long odds - that provide for an up to 50 per cent fall in the yuan. The firm reckons rush by domestic savers and businesses to withdraw money from China will prove too strong for authorities to resist and control, even with $3.3 trillion in FX reserves, the biggest ever accumulated. London-based Omni Macro Fund

China President, Xi Jinping

has been betting against the yuan since the start of 2014. Several London-based traders said U.S. funds, including the $4.6 billion Moore Capital Macro Fund, have also swung behind the move. Data from Citi, meanwhile, shows leveraged funds have taken money off the table since offshore rates hit 6.76 yuan per dollar three weeks ago. Many players say that whether outflows resume in earnest after the Chinese New Year break in the second week of February should show whether funds are right to expect more dramatic declines. That has prompted comparisons with the victories of George Sorosled funds over European governments in the early 1990s. Chinese state media on Tuesday warned Soros and other “vicious” speculators against betting on yuan falls. “China has an opportunity now to allow a very sharp devaluation. The wise move would be to do it quickly,” Corriente chief Mark Hart said on Real Vision TV this month. “If they wait to see if things change, they will be doing it increasingly from a position of weakness. That’s how you invite the speculators. Every month that they hemorrhage cash, people look at it and say, ‘well now if they weren’t able to defend the currency last month, now they’re even weaker’.” Several hedge fund industry

sources say expectations of substantial further yuan weakness are no longer a minority view. “It’s a popular trade. I can’t imagine a single western hedge fund has got short dollar-(yuan),” Omni’s Chris Morrison said. Derivatives traders say large bets have been placed in the options market on the yuan reaching 8.0 per dollar and data shows a raft of strikes between 7.20 and 7.60. The big division is over pace and scale. Corriente and Omni both say if China continues to resist, it may be forced this year into a large one-off devaluation as reserves dwindle. That points to buying low delta, out of the money options, which pay out on moves towards the target price. Funds expecting China to engineer a steady fall are effectively on the other side of that trade, buying options on a measured depreciation while hedging by selling the “low delta” contracts. “I’m a relatively large player right now simply because this is not a common trade at all,” Hart said. “A lot of macro guys are making the bet that China’s going to manage a gradual devaluation.” China’s response to yuan pressure has underlined a difference with earlier currency crises: Beijing has an offshore market separate from “onshore” China into which it can pump up interest rates at minimal harm to the mainland economy.

he European Union needs the UK more than the UK needs it, according to the Vote Leave Campaign. “We are the fifth largest economy in the world. We will be able to have a decent deal with the EU”, said John Moynihan, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “The EU needs a trade deal with us more than we need a trade deal with them”. His comments follow yesterday’s remarks by a leading pro-EU voice that leaving the market would be a “huge risk”. Speaking on the same programme, the chair of Britain Stronger in Europe, Lord Rose, said full access to Europe’s single market was vital for UK businesses and jobs. But today Mr Moynihan said: “The other side are trying to create FUD - fear, uncertainty and doubt they’re trying to say, oh, it’s terribly dangerous, a leap into the unknown to leave. Nothing will happen. As Stuart Rose himself has said, the day we vote to leave the EU nothing at all will happen. “At the end of it we will have a relationship with the EU, it’s highly unlikely that it will be the sort of disastrous relationship that they claim”. Asked how a trading relationship of the UK outside the EU would

EU President, Jean Claude

look he said: “Everybody agrees there would be a free trade deal with the European Union, they cannot afford not to have a free trade deal with us. They export far more to us than we export to them. “The French export huge amounts of food to us. The French farmers would riot if they thought we were going to enter into a trade war”. But Lord Rose told the BBC that campaigns to leave the EU had not explained how the benefits of the EU single market would be replaced. “Those who want Britain to leave Europe cannot guarantee that Britain will retain full access to Europe’s single market. They are putting the benefits at risk. Their proposed deal, whereby Britain would somehow retain access to the single market without obeying any of the rules, is a fantasy.”

Shell shareholders approve $50bn BG takeover

oyal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) shareholders approved its $50 billion takeover of BG Group (BG.L) on Wednesday, clearing the last main hurdle to creating the biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) trader in the world. BG shareholders are also expected to approve one of the biggest deals in the energy sector in the past decade at a meeting on Thursday, a vote that would allow the two oil and gas companies to merge on Feb. 15. Few investors have openly challenged the deal’s strategic benefits for Shell. But with oil languishing near $30 a barrel and only a slow recovery forecast, some had questioned the viability of a deal that would increase Shell’s debt burden. Shares in BG were up 1.3 per cent

Henry

at 1325 GMT (8:25 a.m. ET), while Shell’s B shares traded 0.5 per cent lower, both outperforming a 0.9 percent fall in the European oil and gas index .SXEP and valuing Shell’s cash and share offer at about $50 billion. “Our immediate focus is on the successful completion of the transaction and we now await the results of tomorrow’s BG shareholder vote,” Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said. In the vote at the meeting in The Hague, 83 per cent of Shell shareholders voted in favor of the deal with 17 per cent against. More than 40 per cent of Shell’s shareholders also own about half of BG’s stock, according to Reuters data. If the deal is approved by all shareholders Shell will become the world’s most powerful LNG trader and gain access to valuable oil resources off Brazil and in Australia. Some shareholders at Wednesday’s meeting had expressed concern about Shell overpaying for BG, based on the near halving of oil prices since the deal was announced on April 8 last year. Shell Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry said on Wednesday that every $10 decline in the price of a barrel of oil shaves $4 billion off the combined Shell-BG cashflow.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Daily Summary (Equities)

Stock exchange daily equities summary Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016

FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal Bond Name 15.10% FGN APR 2017 Federal Totals

Symbol FG9B2017S2

Equities as at January 27, 2016 No. of Deals 1 1

DEBT Board Totals Bond Activity Totals

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 110,378.14 110,378.14

100

110,378.14

100

110,378.14

No Of Deals Quotation(N) Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 106.50

Quantity Traded

Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016

Livestock/Animal Specialties Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

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

1st Tier Securities

Value of Shares(N)

No. of Deals 13 9 22

Current Price 30.60 33.00

Quantity Traded 51,100 46,045 97,145

Value Traded 1,602,110.00 1,520,260.00 3,122,370.00

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 1.25

Quantity Traded 612,543 612,543

Value Traded 770,765.90 770,765.90

709,688

3,893,135.90

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.66

Quantity Traded 533,000

Value Traded 351,780.00

Symbol TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 152 21 175

Current Price 1.19 20.29

Quantity Traded Page 17,347,604 156,766 18,037,370

Value Traded 1 of 13 20,661,779.04 3,180,835.14 24,194,394.18

175

18,037,370

24,194,394.18

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,000 4,000

Value Traded 2,000.00 2,000.00

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 43.10

Quantity Traded 44,882 44,882

Value Traded 1,938,824.75 1,938,824.75

Real Estate Development Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 5.20

Quantity Traded 113,882 113,882

Value Traded 591,181.12 591,181.12

No. of Deals Current Price (Equities)

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 4,296.00 4,296.00

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Symbol Daily Summary UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

1 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. EQTY Food Products--Diversified Totals CONSUMER GOODS Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VONO PRODUCTS PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

162,864 Current Price 3.07 109.00 15.78 1.51 96.65

Quantity Traded 55,328 632,618 Page 245,020 100 720,269 1,653,335

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 196.00

Quantity Traded 7,940 7,940

Value Traded 1,478,668.00 1,478,668.00

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM TIGERBRANDS

No. of Deals 20 77 17 22 2 30 168

Current Price 5.50 18.00 1.41 6.69 7.73 1.18

Quantity Traded 196,977 557,891 312,290 384,500 12,152 656,043 2,119,853

Value Traded 1,096,719.77 9,635,052.55 450,842.30 2,637,060.00 89,317.20 776,871.62 14,685,863.44

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 19 2 21

Current Price 4.70 0.92

Quantity Traded 152,732 Page 50,000 202,732

Value Traded 13 3 686,092.00 of 44,000.00 730,092.00

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 26 7 33

Current Price 21.00 39.04

Quantity Traded 265,490 4,210 269,700

Value Traded 5,457,747.74 148,822.90 5,606,570.64

4,581,382

234,196,628.85

Quantity Traded 12,832,832 9,553,506 966,526 8,689,363 27,537,898 13,498,659 3,194,878 59,641,219 530,843 1,481,829 30,781

Value Traded 50,231,277.76 16,339,880.16 13,848,239.39 11,256,644.92 411,058,654.78 15,466,478.89 5,118,452.46 163,156,929.51 2,914,442.33 1,126,250.04 30,165.38

Quantity Traded 137,958,334 Page

Value Traded 690,547,415.62 13 4 of

552

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

No. of Deals 139 36 33 55 403 50 32 (Equities) 239 12 12 4

Current Price 3.80 1.71 14.28 1.35 15.35 1.16 1.60 2.75 5.49 0.76 1.03

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) 1,015

Symbol AIICO

No. of Deals 11

Current Price 0.85

Quantity Traded 772,416

Symbol LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM

No. of Deals 1 1 11 2 18 44

Current Price 0.67 0.50 2.30 0.50 0.64

Quantity Traded 143 686 1,265,450 110,793 1,535,754 3,685,242

Value Traded 91.52 343.00 2,782,105.00 55,396.50 1,006,804.29 4,480,274.27

No. of Deals 5 4 9

Current Price 5.15 1.00

Quantity Traded 174,880 32,200 207,080

Value Traded 869,412.00 30,590.00 900,002.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Other Financial Institutions

Symbol ASOSAVINGS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

No. of Deals 20 22 145 (Equities) 1 11 40 239

Current Price 2.40 4.20 0.97 0.50 13.00 1.26

Quantity Traded 145,919 1,828,877 14,919,405 100 Page 37,668 986,273 17,918,242

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB Daily Summary ROYALEX STANBIC UCAP

1,308

Page Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

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

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No. of Deals 11 8 9 28

Current Price 2.73 26.60 1.00

Quantity Traded 131,389 11,565 373,470 516,424

Value Traded 345,265.29 302,920.00 372,477.20 1,020,662.49

516,424

1,020,662.49

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 154 154

Value Traded 77.00 77.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.18

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 1,590.00 1,590.00

654

1,667.00

Quantity Traded 127,977 13,500 49,585

Value Traded 3,069,188.88 120,737.30 1,827,112.40

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP

No. of Deals 16 8 15

Current Price 24.00 9.01 37.00

Page

Value Traded 77.00 77.00

No Of Deals No. Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Symbol of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded ETRANZACT 1 3.18 500 1 500 2

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value of Traded Shares(N) Value 1,590.00 1,590.00

654

1,667.00

Quantity Traded Page 30,093 373,472 594,627

Value Traded 13 7 of 274,448.16 29,440,830.77 34,732,317.51

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.37

Quantity Traded 34,000 34,000

Value Traded 44,540.00 44,540.00

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

Symbol BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 3 2 5

Current Price 53.45 9.83

Quantity Traded 1,490 730 2,220

Value Traded 75,662.20 6,818.20 82,480.40

630,847

34,859,337.91

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 935.00 935.00

100

935.00

Symbol ALEX

No. of Deals 1 1

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 9.84

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 180

Current Price 4.00

Quantity Traded 4,126,880

Value Traded 16,658,828.88

Symbol

No. of Deals 180

Current Price

Quantity Traded 4,126,880 Page

Value Traded 816,658,828.88 of 13

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 1 25 18 9 54

Current Price 24.74 1.80 313.50 140.50 150.00

Quantity Traded 2,100 1,500 64,210 119,353 11,278 198,441

Value Traded 49,371.00 2,715.00 19,123,664.30 16,684,350.51 1,613,713.50 37,473,814.31

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 185.00

Quantity Traded 43,525 43,525

Value Traded 8,005,301.14 8,005,301.14

4,368,846

62,137,944.33

Quantity Traded 100,000 100,000

Value Traded 50,000.00 50,000.00

Quantity Traded 525,100 200,000 725,100

Value Traded 1,998,221.00 230,000.00 2,228,221.00

Quantity Traded Page 400,000

Value Traded 9 of 13 200,000.00 200,000.00

Hotels/Lodging TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals SERVICES Media/Entertainment Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016Totals Media/Entertainment Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Media/Entertainment Support and Logistics DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Media/Entertainment Support and LogisticsTotals Totals Printing/Publishing SERVICES Daily Summary as Totals of 27/01/2016 LEARN AFRICA PLC Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Printing/Publishing Totals

265

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 1 1

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Transport-Related Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Support and Logistics CONSUMER GOODS CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Food Support and Logistics Totals © Published by The Products Nigerian Stock Exchange MCNICHOLS PLC SERVICES Totals Totals FoodSummary Products Activity on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Totals Food Products PLC ASeMMCNICHOLS Board Totals Food Products Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Current Price 0.50

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

8 1 9

3.80 1.15

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Symbol TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.51

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 578.00 578.00

Symbol Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 14,350 14,350

Value Traded Value Traded 7,175.00 7,175.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.79

Quantity Traded 88,334 88,334

Value Traded 67,867.16 67,867.16

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 3 27 30

Current Price 2.09 3.65

Quantity Traded 10,038 602,199 612,237

Value Traded 20,983.22 2,227,449.60 2,248,432.82

Symbol Symbol DAARCOMM CAVERTON

No. No. of of Deals Deals 1 4 1 4

Current Current Price Price 0.50 2.05

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 14,350 15,307 14,350 15,307

Value Value Traded Traded 7,175.00 30,558.91 7,175.00 30,558.91

Symbol LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 53 4 4

Current Price 0.79

Quantity Traded 1,955,428 88,334 88,334

Value Traded 4,832,832.89 67,867.16 67,867.16

Symbol AIRSERVICE Daily Summary NAHCO

No. of Deals 3 (Equities) 27 30

Current Price 2.09 3.65

Page Quantity Traded 10,038 602,199 612,237

No. of Deals 4

Current Price 2.05

4 534

1.16

Quantity Traded 15,307 Quantity Traded Page 15,307 382,750 1,955,428 382,750

Symbol CILEASING

Daily Summary (Equities)

EQTY Board Totals

Published byTransport-Related The Nigerian StockServices Exchange ©

2,532

Symbol CAVERTON

400,000

190,732,601

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals 4 Current Price MCNICHOLS

382,750

2,532

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals Current Price 44 1.16 4

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

10Value of Traded 13 20,983.22 2,227,449.60 2,248,432.82 Value Traded 30,558.91 Traded 11Value of 13 30,558.91 427,502.50 4,832,832.89 427,502.50 427,502.50

190,732,601

1,087,852,825.54

382,750

427,502.50

Quantity Traded 382,750 382,750 382,750

1,087,852,825.54

Value Traded 427,502.50 427,502.50 427,502.50

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary as ofSERVICES 27/01/2016 FINANCIAL Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Banking

720,178,985.12 6

Quantity Traded 154 154

Current Price 9.60 78.84

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 350,396.22 7,672,292.40 14,532,794.34 5 of 50.0013 481,597.20 1,214,113.07 24,251,243.23

Symbol COURTVILLE

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

159,768,998

Current Price 0.50

No. of Deals 8 37 84

Employment Solutions Totals

Value Traded 635,533.96

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol CCNN WAPCO

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Daily Activity Summary as of 27/01/2016 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS Summary on Board EQTY PLC. Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals SERVICES Employment Solutions Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © C & I LEASING PLC.

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

1,020,662.49

Value Traded 3,069,188.88 120,737.30 1,827,112.40

R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Value Traded 3,931,134.00 65,684,130.56 69,615,264.56

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Activity Summary on Board UNITED CAPITAL PLC EQTY Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Symbol COURTVILLE

OIL AND GAS Totals

Quantity Traded 236,200 91,622 327,822

516,424

Quantity Traded 127,977 13,500 49,585

Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 SERVICES Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers

Current Price 16.71 708.85

Value Traded 345,265.29 302,920.00 372,477.20 1,020,662.49

Current Price 24.00 9.01 37.00

OIL AND GAS Activity Summary onGas Board EQTY Integrated Oil and Services OANDO PLC OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services Integrated Oil and Gas Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals

No. of Deals 28 82 110

Quantity Traded 131,389 11,565 373,470 516,424

No. of Deals 16 8 15

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

720,178,985.12

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 170,462.88 13 267,430,807.40 of 3,758,505.10 144.00 70,720,250.83 142,080,170.21

Current Price 2.73 26.60 1.00

159,768,998

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP

NATURAL Daily Summary asRESOURCES of 27/01/2016 Printed 27/01/2016 Metals 14:32:08.008 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. Metals Totals

2,536,301.87

No. of Deals 2 68 12 1 129 212

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of BANK 27/01/2016 UNITED FOR AFRICA PLC Printed 27/01/2016 UNION14:32:08.008 BANK NIG.PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Banking Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

45.22

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Company Processing Systems name Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Printed 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Processing Systems Totals

Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 2

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS PLC Published by The NigerianNIG Stock Exchange © INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Sector

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLCGOODS INDUSTRIAL

Symbol AGLEVENT

Symbol COSTAIN

Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016

No. of Deals 11 8 9 28

ICT Totals Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

HEALTHCARE Totals

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

1,308

ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM Activity Summary Daily Summary as of 27/01/2016 Printed FINANCIAL 27/01/2016 14:32:08.008 Other Financial Institutions SERVICES FBN HOLDINGS PLC Banking Other Financial Institutions TotalsPLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Other Financial Institutions Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS FBN HOLDINGS PLC Building Materials Activity Summary onTotals Board PREMIUM Building Materials Other Financial Institutions Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIALGOODS GOODSTotals

FINANCIAL BuildingSERVICES Materials Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials Totals PREMIUM Board Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Equity Activity Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

PREMIUM Board Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Equity Activity Totals

ZENITHBANK

462 462

ETP Activity Totals

ETF Board Totals

11.20

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

Daily Summary

396 Current Price 3.90 No. of Deals 396 462 11.20 462 858 (Equities)

Symbol FBNH Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals Current Price 396 3.90 71 No. of Deals Current Price 396 71 127.50 71

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Quantity Traded 29,243,412 Quantity Traded 29,243,412 39,671,988 39,671,988 68,915,400

Value Traded 114,450,247.57 58,481,274.42 Value Traded 114,450,247.57 58,481,274.42 58,481,274.42

68,915,400 Quantity Traded Page 450,149 69,365,549

Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 71 3,465 71

Current Price 127.50

Quantity 450,149 Traded 260,480,900 450,149

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

Value Traded

Quantity Traded 29,243,412 450,149 Quantity Traded 29,243,412 450,149 450,149

Current Price

Daily Summary (ETP)

427,502.50

13 11 of Value Traded 443,550,347.26 443,550,347.26

114,450,247.57 Value Traded 114,450,247.57 443,550,347.26 443,550,347.26 558,000,594.83

858 No. of Deals 71 929

558,000,594.83 Value Traded

13 12 of 58,481,274.42 616,481,869.25 Value Traded

58,481,274.42 1,704,762,197.29 58,481,274.42

929

69,365,549

616,481,869.25

3,465

260,480,900

1,704,762,197.29

Page

No. of Deals Current Price 1 8.03 1 2,116.00 1 2.22 No. of Deals 1 Current Price 6.01 8.03 21 10.64 1 2,116.00 1 17.17 2.22 71 1 6.01 72 10.64 1 17.17 77

Quantity Traded 5 46 10 Quantity Traded 40 6,5105 46 45 10 6,656 40 6,656 6,510 45 6,656 6,656

6,656

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

ETP Activity Totals

Page Quantity Traded 39,671,988 39,671,988

Symbol

Exchange Traded Fund

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Exchange TradedETF Fund VETIVA BANKING Name CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA LOTUS HALAL EQUITY VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETFETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETFTRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA Traded BANKING ETF Exchange Fund Totals VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF ETF VETIVA Board Totals GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

382,750

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

Page

Value Traded 40.15 97,336.00 22.20 Value Traded 240.40 40.15 69,786.40 97,336.00 772.65 22.20 168,197.80 240.40 168,197.80 69,786.40 772.65 168,197.80 168,197.80 13

168,197.80 of

168,197.80 13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Info Tech

Fiscal crisis may worsen govts’, other organisations’ exposure to cyber threats Recent research reports predicted higher incidents of cyber attacks globally this year. This requires that public and private sector organizations raise their investment on ICT tools and solutions to protect valued information and other critical e-assets. But then, stakeholders are worried that the global financial crisis may hamper efforts geared towards improved security for technology-driven data and other assets on the global highways. Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

he dwindling access to funds to fight the menace of cyber threats in Nigeria and other countries globally is already causing serious concerns among stakeholders in view of the unquantifiable damages such attacks may wreak on national and global economies. Latest report from International Data Corporation revealed that cyber security is the highest IT solution area of investment for utilities in 2016. The report said that more than in the past, utilities are lamenting the rigidity and costs of running and maintaining their legacy IT solutions, because chief information officers, CIOs, are facing significant challenges in determining where to make the most effective budget allocations. At the same time, the report said that CIOs are expected to undertake new initiatives to ensure the most productive, effective, and efficient alignment between business process and IT. President and Founder of Programos Software, Mr Emmanuel Amos said that Nigeria will be worst hit it there is an avalanche of cyber-attacks this year due to the poor state of the economy. He said that the poor state of the economy, which was a result the stagnation that was witnessed after the elections last year, has begun to manifest very early this year, saying that the economy started this year with news retrenchment in the media. According to him, that is a sign of bad omen, particularly when it is considered in a situation whereby banks began the year sacking over 700 staff noting that shows that they are cutting down on their budget for the year, which implies fund for IT security will be affected. He said that in Nigeria, most big organisations do not consider investment on cyber security threat of much importance because the trend in the country is to wait for an attack to occur before acting stress-

Shittu

ing that investment on cyber-attack threat is still very low. He revealed that most companies will obviously cut down their spending in the fight against possible cyber-threat because of the poor state of the economy noting that many software developers in the country are also suffering this silently and helplessly. Amos said that strategic thinking is the solution for organisation to tackle the problem of lack of fund for tackling cybersecurity threat saying that for government spending on cyber-threat in the past has been were definitely corruption cushioned. However, he noted that it is too early on IT spend forecast given the current engagements of government stressing that “nothing is clear for now until the proper frameworks and total corrections are addressed in the economy.” He said that the corrections include ascertaining true needs analysis of government before any kobo expenditure, ensuring strategic planning education and enforcements rule decision making activities of the MDAs. Head of Cyber Risk Services at Deloitte, Tope Aladenusi, said that another strategy is outsourcing cyber-security job nothing that presently, there are shortage of security specialist skills in many companies,

Amos as well as the ever-changing threat landscape. He added that there is the need for 24/7 monitoring and response on certain technological platforms, especially in financial institutions and telecom companies all of which require organisations to continually invest in implementing additional security infrastructure, security training for their personnel and active recruitment for currently skilled professionals. Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, the E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, E-PPAN, Mrs. Regha Onajite, said tackling cyber-security requires relevant critical infrastructure, which does not come cheap saying that present economic reality in Nigeria and other part of the world is a challenge. She said that mush money is need to get the right infrastructure in place noting that most of the infrastructure requires the Dollar for an that will stand any attack. Onajite said that further that electronic fraud, which is the direct result of cyberattack, is no longer a new crime but the ways in which electronic payment fraudsters operate have evolved significantly in recent years. She said that Nigeria has lost N4 billion to fraudsters through e-payment channels since 2012, noting that that was why the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN established the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum,

There is the need for 24/7 monitoring and response on certain technological platforms, especially in financial institutions and telecom companies all of which require organisations to continually invest

in implementing additional security infrastructure, security training for their personnel and active recruitment for currently skilled professionals

NeFF. Beyond fund to tackle cyber-crime, she said that there’s the lack of digital evidence, which is due mostly to deficiency of expertise in digital forensics and as such not having adequate evidence to prosecute fraudsters that are apprehended and charged to court She also observed slow process of prosecution by law enforcement authorities adding that the law enforcement authorities saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting e-fraud cases lack the technical know how to handle such cases. In addition to that, she said inadequate collaboration and information sharing by parties in the e-payment ecosystem to encourage knowledge sharing amongst all members on current fraud trends to enable a proactive approach would also be required. She added that another challenge is that poor fraud reporting culture, perceived reputational damage or loss of customers’ fear of regulators and lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies also threatens the war against cyber-attack. In its 2015 Emerging Cyber Threats Report, Georgia Tech warns about loss of privacy, abuse of trust between users and machines, attacks against the mobile ecosystem, rogue insiders, and the increasing involvement of cyberspace in nation-state conflicts. In the report, Georgia Tech observations revealed that attackers will continue to target the trust relationship between users and machines saying that mobile devices fall under increasing attack, thereby stressing the security of the ecosystem. According to the report, rogue insiders cause significant damage, but solutions are neither simple nor easy suggesting that continuous investment in research and develop technology, processes and policies that help society deal with these developments.

Info Tech

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Subscribers rate MTN’s SIM card registration high Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

lthough most subscribers of MTN Nigeria had before gone through some challenges while trying to register their SIM card in line the directive of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, latest National Mirror investigations showed that the telcos’ subscribers have put all the troubles behind them. A visit by our correspondent to some of the centres in Lagos showed that MTN Nigeria customers were happy with the way the current exercise is been handled. But they had actually wished that the experience they are getting now was what obtained when they first did their SIM registration about two years before they were disconnected after it was discovered that the initial registration was not properly done. Last year, the NCC slammed a fine of $5.2 million on the telecoms firm for failing to disconnect mobile telephone lines whose users SIM card was not properly done, and it resulted to some crisis in the company forcing a change of its top management. The new management, now lead by Ferde Moolman, a South African, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer as well as Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, the Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs introduced some astonishing changes into the SIM

card registration exercise at MTN Nigeria. The Falomo Centre, which is located at an open space of its corporate head office, ambience of the centre can best described as the office environment of one thus foreign blue-chip companies in the country. Ajunola Adeyemi who came from Maitama Sule Street in Ikoyi to re-register her SIM card after her line was disconnected said that she was thrilled by the reception that she was given during her arrival at the centre. According to her, she got an text message from the mobile operating asking her to visit any of the centre to register her SIM, and that her choice of the Falomo Centre was because of the closeness to her house saying that beyond the fact the staff were courteous, she was also given something to eat and cool off while waiting. She thanked the company for the treatment that she received but wished it was like that at the initial stage when the exercise began saying that it would be nice if other operators make their centres comfortable like that of MTN Nigeria. As for Musutau Gbemileye who said that he drove from Ozumba Umbadiwe road to register said that the only challenge was difficulty getting a place to park his care at the MTN parking lot. He applauded the operator for the ambience created at

the centre saying that for the first time he saw an operating making effort to make its subscriber comfortable. At the Lagoon Restaurant Centre, the story was no different but in this case the fact that MTN Nigeria opted to use a popular hangout of celebrities for the registration added colour to the exercise. Vera Okeke said that notable celebrities Tiwa Savage

had made huge waves in the marketplace following the launch of Yudala Online in August 2015, especially with its ground-breaking promise to deliver purchases via drones. Reports of its first successful drone-powered drop-off in November had subsequently kept Nigerians talking for the rest of the year. Interestingly, Yudala is the only e-commerce outfit recognised by Google as there was no place for any other brand in the sector on the list, with the likes of Smile Communications, Uber and Innjoo, among others propping up the list. Speaking on the latest recognition, Founder/Vice President, Yudala, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, reaffirmed the company’s commitment and determination to take charge and set the pace in the Nigerian e-commerce and offline retail sector. “I am certainly delighted with

said that he witnessed the visit of the celebrities said that the centre is a Mega centres saying that the visit of the MTN music ambassadors was a pleasant surprise to the subscribers. The staff who did not give his name said that the subscribers were not only allowed to interact freely with MTN Music Ambassadors while updating their SIM details but had some nice refreshments.

L-R:Partner & Chief Operation Officer, Amber Fowler, Managing Partner, Eghosa Omoigui, Head of Incubation & Product Development, Eunice Chou all of EchoVC Partners and Founder & Chief Executive Officer,Hotels. ng, Mark Essien,

Nigerian firms opt for advance cyber threat programme

orried about the growing trend of distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks in the country, two Nigerian companies have embraced a security solution from Arbor Advantage Partner Program, which is distributed by Networks Unlim-

YUDALA tops Google’s 2015 trending brands list

udala, Nigeria’s composite online and offline retail chain launched in August last year, has been named the top trending brand search engine Google, in a rating that highlighted the top ten trending Nigerian brands of 2015. The exclusive list, which has Yudala in second place behind Air Peace, captures the top brands which retained the interest of Nigerians and saw the highest spike in traffic over a sustained period last year. This impressive feat by Yudala, coming on the heels of a growing litany of landmark achievements and within barely five months of the company’s existence, will certainly go a long way in dispelling any lingering doubts about the ambition of the visionaries to see the brand assume leadership of the Nigerian and African e-commerce market. According to Google, Yudala

Dr. Sid Kcee and Sound Sultan were at the centres to add colour to the exercise although she did not get to meet any of them at the centre. However, she gave kudos to the company for the strategy that it adopted to get its subscriber to come forward to re-register their SIM card the second time. But one of the adhoc staff who recruited for the exercise

the recognition we have received from Google, which is one of the world’s most popular and globally renowned outfits. It is a testimony to the hard work we have put in as well as the sound strategies we have in place at Yudala. “Just few weeks ago, I had mentioned in one of my engagements with the media that Nigerians are yet to see the full scale of the Yudala Revolution. What is being unveiled at the moment is about 20 per cent of the total package and this latest achievement goes a long way in justifying this. “Right from the moment we announced our entry into the market late last year, we have redefined the retail space with our landmark composite retail strategy – the first in Africa – which has set us apart and shown that Nigeria indeed has a lot to offer the continent and the world at large in terms of innovation.

ited. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is one in which a multitude of compromised systems attack a single target, thereby causing denial of service for users of the targeted system. The two companies that are joining the Arbor Advantage Partner Program to provide East and West African companies with leading security solutions by Arbor Networks, the security division of NETSCOUT are Business Connexion ICT Services and SMSAM Systems. Networks Unlimited will distribute the Arbor’s Peakflow, Pravail and Cloud solutions to Business Connexion ICT Services, one of the largest ICT services providers in Africa, and SMSAM Systems, a leading provider of advanced enterprise IT security solutions to many of Africa’s largest financial services companies, who together service 16 countries within East and West Africa. According to the Territory Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Arbor Networks, Bryan Hamman, the impact of a DDOS attack is not the same for every organisation saying that “If you operate a global network, or one in which Web and application availability is a necessity for your employees, customers and supply chain partners, Arbor Cloud is your solution.”

He said that with DDOS protection from Arbor Cloud and the Pravail Availability Protection System, enterprises can deploy best practices defence in a single solution, with tightly integrated mitigation from the enterprise premises to the cloud. He explains that the Arbor Cloud’s hybrid defence protects enterprises against a wide spectrum of DDOS attacks, including volumetric, applicationlayer, state-exhaustion (such as targeting firewall/IPS), blended and multi-vector DDOS attacks stressing that the ease of use of the on-premises Pravail solution enables existing enterprise IT staff to maintain control of the mitigation, and gives them the ability to quickly alert the cloud when attacks reach a certain size that cannot be blocked locally. He added that the Peakflow solution integrates network-wide intelligence and anomaly detection with carrier-class threat management to help identify and stop network and application-layer DDOS attacks. “Arbor Networks has more experience than anyone on the planet in fighting DDOS attacks for complex and demanding networks, and now West African companies can protect themselves from looming cyber threats,” said Hamman.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Brands & Marketing

AAAN charts roadmap to promising advertising outlook in 2016 The Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, recently engaged industry writers on brain-storming session concerning the outlook of advertising for 2016. At the end of the parley, the Practitioners projected that with the current drive to reposition the economy, the sector is poised for growth. DAVID AUDU reports.

igerian advertising practice no doubt is going through turbulent phases; phases practitioners described as challenging and at the same time an opportunity to strengthen and deepen professional experience. The industry coming from an election year in 2015, where the practitioners claimed the communications industry generally was marginalised in handling some of the main election communications materials, and straight into a new government whose mantra is prudency in managing government resources, is expected to pick up government and agency synergy hit the right rhythm. As some described, it is a government bent on operating a Spartan-like economy. This is typified by the introduction of a single treasury accounting system, while half of ministries from previous government jettisoned. Analysts also believed that the corporate clients are still studying the budget, even as the price of crude oil slides further down. These and many more they say will play a definite role on the communication budget of clients. This also mean that agencies will not only put on their thinking cap but also design creative materials that will make them more than relevant to government and other stakeholders. The leadership of the advertising industry is very much aware of these and at its recent meeting with industry reporters has outlined measures that if member agencies should key into would create mutual benefits for the practitioners, government and the public. But cutting budget is not one of those measures as, according to the agency chiefs, cutting budget in a depressed economy might result in the loss of market share. “If you cut radically it may result in loss of market share”. However, one of the contentious issues facing Nigeria’s advertising was the frequent dissolution of the council of the regulatory body, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON. It was learnt that government might not really understand the crippling effect of such frequent intrusions into the regulatory affairs of a professional industry, where those who want to cheat, cut corners and undermine the integrity of the industry abounds and locks around to pounch whenever opportunity present itself. For the record, the urgly side effect of policy inconsistency was played out during the 2015 general election political campaign. Prior to the election, APCON council went for 18 months without a substantive chairman. The advertising regulatory institution was so weakened such that though there was a registrar who oversees the day to day running of the council, the absence of a chairman in council ensured that rules made did not have the backing of law. Yes, Udeme Ufot was appointed in March, it was in the heat of the election campaign and there was little he could do to arrest the chaos that followed in the use of advertising language

Ufot

Nwosu

WE ARE PLANNING HOW TO KEEP WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT FOR A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP; WE ARE OPENING DOORS TO ENABLE GOVERNMENT APPOINT MEMBERS FROM OUR FOLD FOR THEIR CAMPAIGN; WE ARE TALKING TO THOSE CONCERNED TO SEE HOW GOVERNMENT WILL SUPPORT THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY and indiscriminate display of billboards; not to mention the fisticuff between the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency, LASAA, and the federal agency, APCON. The bitterness generated as a result of failure of regulating institutin made some practioners vowed that never again would such a scenario be allowed to play out again. It is therefore the need to prevent similar situation that the leadership of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, led by Kelechi Nwosu, is crying to government not only to appoint a council chairman for APCON since the dissolution of board of government agencies in August last year that affect APCON, but to also look into how it could remove it from civil service bureaucracy and bottlenecks. The AAAN president noted that the unfortunate situation is affecting the repositioning of advertising industry in Nigeria, saying that there are certain things that the council alone is empowered to do and in the absence of the council the business of regulating the industry suffers. “We hear they are in the process but we think that process is still slow because it affects the things we do. You can imagine the legal profession going without a regulatory council. That is

what we are going through right now. There is a regulator but there is no council to empower the registrar and the people working there.” He called on the government to treat APCON as a special professional regulatory body and therefore divorced from the normal civil service operations in ministries. Another area the advertising association is marshalling energy to address is how government will begin to utilise the services of members’ agencies. Before now previous governments have not been benefitting from the professional experience of practitioners. Sometimes, rather than engage Nigeria agencies, government go out of Nigerian shores to engage consultants, even where the expertise is available in Nigeria. This, the association said must change in 2016. “We are planing how to keep working with government for a symbiotic relationship; we are opening doors to enable government appoint members from our fold for their campaign; we are talking to those concerned to see how government will support the advertising industry. “Government is the highest employers of labour and the communication industry will greatly benefit from government patronage.

Executive Secretary, AAAN, Lekan Fadolapo

We need consistent communication with government to convince them that it is always better to work with professionals and experts from our agencies. Sometimes it is because of ignorance and sometimes it is because of effectiveness. It requires persistent communications with them, Nwosu stressed. Besides, getting member agencies getting patronage from government, the association said efforts are being deployed to improve the professional competence of practicing advertising professionals. According to Nwosu, who is also the Managing Director of TBWA Concepts, this year will witness the taking off of its training academy. The academy, he explained, has the backing of all the stakeholders and is expected to commence in March this year. On market outlook in 2016, the AAAN president predicts that marketing communications might do well in 2016 even though the economy has been struggling for the past two years now. “The issues that will affect agencies are also issues that will affect the general market economy, which many say has bottomed out”. He believes that as the first quarter peters out things will begin to improve from the second quarter. He also hopes that the market economy will improve in Nigeria, pointing out that there might be need for a few new companies to come into the country, and these will require Communications Company to drive their campaign. The association also disclosed that it has committed itself to some public advocacy project as part of its corporate social responsibility, CSR, for the year. The public advocacy campaign was created around two projects: one is to address the issue of unity in Nigeria and the other to address the anti-corruption crusade of the government.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, January 28, 2016

SERAs names ExxonMobil best CSR firm in Nigeria DAVID AUDU

he Social Enterprise Report and Awards, SERAs, has voted ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria as the 2015 best company of the Year in CSR. Speaking at an event to hand over the top award to the Managing Director and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, Ken Egbas, Coordinator of the SERAs, commended the company for its ethical integrity and adherence to the highest operational standards. He explained that the company received the “Best Overall Company of The Year” award for making the most significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria in 2015, through its extensive CSR projects in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment and local capacity development. This is the first time in

the history of the SERAs that an Oil and Gas company is receiving the Best Overall Company of the year award. ExxonMobil affiliates also received the award for Best Company in Poverty Reduction for their Waste to Wealth Project, which empowers women in Yola, Adamawa State by teaching them how to convert polythene bags into sellable products like phone cases, mats and bag; as well as for its Oluponna Fish Farming Educational Resource Centre, which helped assimilate Niger Delta youths into a fish farming programme. The company also received the Best Company in Infrastructure Development award for the construction of hostel accommodation, lecture rooms and sports facilities at the Oluponna Fish Farming and Resource Centre in Osun-State and for providing infrastructure renovations to a several similar projects

across Nigeria. While accepting the award, Mr. O’Neal expressed the appreciation of the ExxonMobil affiliates to the organisers of the awards for the honour. In his words, “ExxonMobil and its affiliates are pleased to receive this award, but we are even happier to see the impact of our contributions to the nation. We are committed to the development of Nigeria and its people - Every year, we invest several million dollars on projects primarily in the areas of Health, Education, skill-set improvement and capacity development.” Through its academic support and scholarship programs, ExxonMobil have invested over N8 billion in Nigeria’s educational system at all levels (primary, secondary and tertiary) since 2008. It has also contributed over N19 billion to the fight against malaria through intensive community outreach programs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG assures PRCAN on patronage in govt’s PR drive DAVID AUDU

embers of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, have been assured of playing prominent role in the communication strategy of President Muhammadu Buhari government. Receiving the PRCAN delegation, led by its President, Mr John Ehiguese, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recently, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the government would ensure that PRCAN member-agencies became significant players in its communications drive. He said that the Buhari administration was willing to seek and secure support from all stakeholders in the quest to rescue the country from national and economic decline occasioned by past errors.

Yudala, Jiji, others top Nigerian brands trending on Google 2015 DAVID AUDU

L-R: Corporate Marketing Service Manager, UAC Foods Limited, Mr. Olaseni Fawehinmi; General Manager Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba; Artiste, Gala Brand Ambassador, Harrison Okiri (Harrysong) and Kingsley Okonkwo (KCEE), during the unveiling of Gala Brand Ambassador in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Campaign Review: Chivita 100% ‘Juiceball’ TV advert playing in the big league DAVID AUDU

ince it is widely accepted that the primary purpose of great advertising is to induce patronage, the Chivita 100% “JuiceBall” television commercial which has been running across all television channels in Nigeria can easily come to mind as a good example of great advertising due to its ability to evoke the desired attitude in juice lovers. Although the salient features of great advertising may differ from one expert to the other, two factors have remained consistent with successful ad. these are one, the persuasive power of the advertisement and two, its impact on the emotion of people. These characteristics, experts say, are shared by the majority of the most

influential ads in every part of the world. Speaking on the ‘JuiceBall’ television commercial, CHI Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya said, their aim is to build an emotional relationship with consumers in a way that the desire to consume Chivita 100% is not simply reliant on commercial value maximization. “We have been very successful with a number of initiatives behind Chivita 100% over the years, the latest of which is our partnership with Manchester United. These have been pivotal in making Chivita 100% Nigeria’s most admired juice brand.” “The English Premier League, offers loyalty beyond reason, beyond price,” says chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi, a global advertising firm, Kevin Roberts. This is why many companies associate their brand

with a football league to enhance their brands, signing up for sponsorships with star player’s endorsement. This reality was not lost on CHI Limited as it successfully leveraged on the passion Nigerians have for football in its Chivita 100% ‘JuiceBall’ television commercial. While it is true that different countries use different styles and messages in their advertisement, the best ads remain how the most involving elements relate to both the brand and the message. Essentially, for any advertising to be successful and effective it should be simple and memorable. It must be suggestive while having conviction value and should educate the people. Lastly, it should be true! These qualities are the hallmarks of the highly effective Chivita 100% “JuiceBall’ television commercial.

Adesina recalled the significant strides of PRCAN, particularly its thought leadership and capacity development programmes, as well as its determination to sanitise PR practice in Nigeria. He promised that the administration would lend support to the initiatives of the association, which he believed would promote the goals of bridging the gap between the government and the populace. Ehiguese assured the government of the support of the association and its members in achieving its set objectives, while also urging that government should lead the crusade for the promotion of PR practice in Nigeria. “It is about time the public sector ensured compliance with the laws enacted by government which are at the moment observed in the breach even by public institutions,” he further said.

espite the attention given to the general elections and new cabinet last year, some local brands were able to break through the mental ceiling and retain the interest of Nigerians. Their reward was to keep trending. Google has captured a list of the top ten trending Nigerian brands of 2015, highlighting the brands that had the highest spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2015 as compared to 2014. The list begins with a huge surprise. Flying high on the line-up is the new kid on the runways of Nigeria’s airports, Air Peace. Led by Allen Oyeama, the airline made its debut in 2013. Perhaps speculation about a possible connection between Air Peace and the wife of the former President of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan set the search engines revving and kept the airline on the minds of controversy-loving Nigerians.

Composite online and offline retail chain, Yudala, sits pretty in second place. Following its wellpublicised launch in August, Yudala made waves in the marketplace with its promise to deliver purchases via drones. Reports of its first successful drone-powered drop off in November kept Nigerians talking for the rest of the year. Free online classifieds site, Jiji. com takes the next spot, ahead of online retail site, Payporte, online classifieds site, efritin.com and online shopping site Kaymu. Remarkably, global market leader in the online classifieds space, OLX, did not make the list of top trending brands in Nigeria. Neither did Konga. Dubai-based mobile device startup, Injoo made the list at number 8, riding on the success of its ‘reasonably priced’ smartphones and tablets. Injoo leads regional and International carrier Medview Airline and local telecommunications operator, Smile Communications in the trend stakes.

JCDecaux launches global creative arm

rench outdoor advertising company, JCDecaux,has launched a global creative hub to be led by Alex Matthews, the head of creative technology at Bartle Bogle Hegarty London. JCDecaux Dynamic, based within JCDecaux’s offices, aims to “focus on the creative side of digital content and technical creativity for out-ofhome”. The company has also poached Rick Burgess, the technical lead at BBH, to work as the chief technology officer. The pair join JCDecaux on 1 February. Burgess will report into Matthews and Matthews will report into Jean-François Decaux, the chairman of the executive board and the co-chief executive.

Matthews joined BBH in 2012. Before this, he was technical director at Dare for two years. He has also worked at Marvellous, Guava and Differentis. Burgess has been at BBH for two years. He has also worked at Moore Wilson, and founded NodeFortyTwo in 2000. Decaux said: “The launch of our new hub Dynamic follows the award of the largest bus shelter advertising contract in the world by TFL IN 2015. “Our showcase of 1,000 new digital screens on London’s bus shelters on top of assets across rail, malls, supermarkets, roadside and airport, along with the introduction of JCDecaux Dynamic, will hugely amplify our digital offering.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Transparency: Govt urged to defend media independence Leonard Okachie

n a bid to promote transparency the government must defend media independence and judicial independence, and freedom of expression even when it’s uncomfortable. The Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, Frank Sellin gave this advice a media tweet conference which held at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos, recently. Speaking on the theme: ‘International Best Practices in Transparency in Government and the role of the media’ to mark the commencement of a one-year Media and Transparency Watch Project, Sellin described the media and judicial independence as well freedom of expression as bedrock principle among his four propositions that must be taken seriously. He said: “An independent, uncensored media inherently depends on the well-defended freedom of expression. There is a closely related premise for governments everywhere: a judiciary free of political control is a necessary condition to have a strong media independent of political control. “If you want meaningful, uncensored ideas, assessments, and facts in the media, or anywhere else, then courts, constitutions, and laws have to guard that freedom of expression vigorously – and I’m glad to see Nigeria has a constitutional provision for this purpose. “Defend freedom expression, even when the speech or the speaker makes you exceedingly uncomfortable. Your free speech rights are only as strong as the rights you respect for opponents or others with whom you strongly disagree. And freedom of expression is recognized internationally as a universal right.” Apart from this, the lead speaker charged governments to publish accurate, high quality, regularly updated information online, adding that such empowers citizens not just to understand what the government does and why, but especially to learn how to access its services to which they are entitled. Sellin emphasised: “Online information makes it operationally much easier to engage the media. They can find government fact sheets and statements if you make it easy for them. You reduce the number of customer calls and e-mails – when you make information available 24/7, online. “Now, you shouldn’t just throw information up online on a whim. Have strategies, have standards. Have systems and processes for every agency to meet the

L-R: The Guardian newspaper, Martins Oloja, Editor, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Frank Sellin , IPC program Officer, Stella Nwofia and Director, IPC, Lanre Arogundade

quality standards and to get their content out. Businesses already know how this works: you don’t make a sale unless you make your website easy and clear for customers to figure out and act.” He also proposed that governments be vigilant to limit secrecy, adding that they should have ethical obligations to speak responsibly, to respect conversations offered in confidence, to be mindful that what they say in the public arena will not harm the well-being of their citizens. Sellin continued thus: “But governments should resist, vigorously, the strong temptation to declare everything a secret. Bad governance survives in the dark. In the United States, we have strict laws, and a vigorous debate in the media about secrecy laws, about how much information we can classify, and for how long, before opening it up to the public, historical record. “Court decisions and freedom of information laws in the United States are very clear that the public, including the media has a fundamental, compelling right to most information generated by the government on their behalf. National security and privacy exceptions are significant, but they are also limited, they require a clear legal justification, and in court, the exceptions are always weighed against the public’s right to know.” Finally, warned governments to shine a strong light on waste, fraud, and abuse, noting that in every agency of the executive branch of the U.S. government, they have an Office of the Inspector General, charged with identifying and reporting

on waste, fraud, and abuse. “These Inspectors General do find waste, fraud, and abuse. They also typically recommend numerous constructive solutions to weaknesses that are not quite egregious waste, fraud or abuse. We can always do better than we do. And if the Inspectors General don’t do their job thoroughly, the legislature and the courts certainly do have subpoena powers they use to conduct oversight and punish wrongdoing,” he said. In his discussion Sellin noted that that issue of ethics is a key tool to the successful operation of the media in order to engender best practices in the profession. To this end, he urged the media to set ethical and professional standard to work with. He also revealed that editorial independence was also very germane as no media could survive without ensuring editorial independence. He said: “Governments should want as much transparency as possible. Governments are better off with transparency and an independent media as a matter of democratic principle, and as an operational matter. “True, government carries much of the burden to provide citizens the information they have a right to know. And government should have that burden. But I promise you, it pays off in the long term when more citizens accept the system because they can actually understand and shape it.” Sellin also urged the media to be vigilant about the workings of the govern-

ment and the need for the media to ensure that facts and accuracy remained watch-words as these would help set attention to their individual organizations in terms of increased readership and advertisement. In his response to the kind of mechanism adopted by the government of his country in curtailing corruption, Sellin urged vigilance on the part of the public. He said the public should speak up when they see evidence of corrupt practices and government and the media should make conscious effort to investigate. Earlier in his address, the Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade stated that the objective of the event was to promote media and public dialogue on the imperative of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption for good governance in Nigeria and as well enrich the content of media reports on transparency issues, among others. He said that the project was being funded by the United States ConsulateGeneral in Lagos because “the Consulate and IPC share a common vision of making the Nigerian media a lead change agent in the quest to institutionalise transparency and accountability in the country by devising mechanisms for the termination of the canker worms of corruption.” Participants were made up of select audience from the media, civil society groups and academics, physically present as well as others following on twitter and other social media channels.

Media

Ex-Poly Ibadan students to launch communication festival Abolaji Adebayo

ormer Mass Communication students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Eruwa Campus, have concluded preparation to launch the first communication festival in Nigeria. The communication festival termed CommFest, which is scheduled to be inaugurated this Saturday is conceived by the 2003/04 set of Mass Communication students under the group appellate ‘Great Minds’. According to the group, the aim of the festival is to celebrate professionals in the field of communication cutting across all the branches of communication such as journalism, public relation, advertising, book publishing and the like. The coordinator of the group, Abolaji Adebayo explained that the Group, having noticed that the practitioners in the Mass Communi-

cation field especially those in academics were rarely celebrated, took it upon itself to launch the festival whereby the activities of those experts would be appreciated and celebrated. Adebayo said that the CommFest would be an annual event that would gather people in various field under Mass Communication as well as students of Mass Communication across the country. According to him, those who have excelled would be awarded during the festival each year. He said the award giving would not be included in the maiden edition of the festival, which would be launched on Eruwa Campus, due to some factors. Also speaking on the event, the Chairman, organizing Committee of the CommFest, Lawrence Oladotun, who said that the CommFest was the first of its kind in Nigeria, explained that all other similar events only gave awards to people in journalism (both print and broadcast) without recognizing the activities of those in academics.

He said the CommFest, apart from awarding the deserved ones, would also serve as an avenue where the practitioners in the field and in the academics would gather to brainstorm on some issues while the students would also be opportune to meet those whose works they have been reading or listening to. The former head of department, Mass communication, Oyo state Polytechnic, Eruwa, and the senior lecturer in the department who would give the CommFest inaugural speech, Mr. Adeyinka Agoro, lauded the students for the initiative, describing it as a new dimension towards strengthening Mass Communication in Nigeria. Meanwhile, having noticed the practical shortcomings in the graduates of Mass Communication students in the field, the Group said it has included enlightenment/ re-orientation session for the current students in the school on the importance of practical Campus journalism to their career.

Buhari, Fr. Mbaka among Y!/YNaija 100 most influential Nigerians Leonard Okachie

ditorial Board of Y!/YNaija.com, the online newspaper for young Nigerians, has announced the 100 most influential people in Nigeria. The carefully curated list is a perfect mix of individuals who have greatly impacted the Nigerian society in different fields of endeavour including religion, governance, media, technology and more. The 2016 list includes President MuhammaduBuhari; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God; AlikoDangote, Africa’s richest man; Dr. Sylvia Adebajo, seasoned public health physician; Mo Abudu, the EbonyLife TV Chief Executive; Jason Njoku, iROKO TV

Fr. Mbaka founder, and others. “This is the definitive list of those who call the shots in various sectors of the Nigerian society. Every single individual on this list has pushed boundaries - refusing to bow to limits imposed by gender, education, or a slowing economy. Theirs is a story of sheer grit, success, innovation, and inspiration - stories that

we owe our readers to tell,” said Managing Editor, YNaija.com, IsimeEsene. The Y!/YNaija.com 100 Most Influential Nigerians represent a select group of individuals who have most visibly influenced the Nigerian society by extending the frontiers of innovation and inspiring a generation. Y!/YNaija.com is a network of premium media brands – Y! TV, Y! Magazine, YNaija. com, Teen Y!, TeenYNaija.com, Y! 2015, YNaija2015.com – committed to an evolving generation of Africans. Established in 2011, with a vision to provoke thought, inspire action and stimulate growth; it has become the leading media platform for young Africans with reach across West, East and Southern Africa, influencing policy, opinion and leading on issues across sectors with a focus on governance, culture and technology.

journalists renew Media Abroad Serbian protests against ‘sexist’ minister

erbian journalists on Monday took their protest against the country’s Defence Minister to the doors of the government, and, under the slogan “Journalists do not kneel”, repeated their demand that Prime Minster Aleksandar Vucic sack Branislav Gasic for making a sexist remark to a reporter. Cartoonist Marko Somborac brought a large drawing which showed a Lego-style Vucic sacking Gasic, mocking the practice of the country’s politicians of presenting their achievements by showing scale models rather than real buildings. Protesting journalists also urged the Interior Minister, Nebojsa Stefanovic, to cease putting pressure on the media and demanded action from the public prosecutor regarding recent charges made against Stefanovic. An unnamed interior ministry employee has charged the minister and and the secretary of the Criminal Police, Dijana Hrkalovic, with abuse of office and trading in influence. The demands were presented by BIRN’s Jelena Veljkovic. Photojournalists also joined Monday’s protest, appealing to lawmakers to reject a law drafted by the ruling Progressive

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Party which defines their work as a “routine mechanical act” and thus not eligible for copyright protection. Journalists also protested in Novi Sad, Nis, Cacak and Sabac. Prime Minister Vucic announced Gasic’s sacking on December 7 after the minister told reporter Zlatija Labovic from

The protest in Belgrade

TV B92, who had knelt down to get out of the way of her camera operator during a press event: “I love female journalists who get down on their knees easily.” Gasic has remained in office since then, however. Source: Balkan Insight

Murdoch’s engagement ring for Hall costs £2.4m

Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch

t was a case of no expense spared for Jerry Hall and Mariah Carey who were both dazzled into saying ‘I do’ by their billionaire boyfriends. Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch popped the question to his 59-yearold Texan supermodel girlfriend of four months Jerry in Los Angeles with a sparkling £2.4million rock. However, this pales in comparison to Australian businessman James Packer who spent a whopping £8million on a jewel while trying to woo his global superstar singer girlfriend Mariah, 45, into marriage. Despite their equally bulging bank balances, it seems 48-year-old casino entrepreneur James - who is worth a cool £2.2 billion - is considerably more versed to lavish proposals than business magnate Rupert, 84. James, married twice before, proposed to the world’s biggest diva in New York with a colossal 35-carat emerald-cut ring. The diamond ring has a centre stone surrounded by two tapered smaller stones in a platinum setting. The Diamond Store’s Eva Spitzer told FEMAIL that the All I Want For Christmas hit maker’s jewel really is a sight to behold. ‘An average person would be really lucky to get a two carat diamond,’ she joked. ‘35-carat is huge. Most celebrity diamonds usually peak around 20 carats.’ Dreamlovers: Mariah has been gamely flashing the bling. Seen here with Packer at the couple’s engagement party at 11 Madison Park in New York on Friday Never too late: Ruper and Jerry announced their engagement in The Times newspaper earlier this month She continued: ‘I’d rank the colour of this stone a ‘D’ - which is the best and most beautiful diamond you can get. It also looks internally flawless.’ The thick platinum band and the retailer will have also have sent the price sky-rocketing, according to Eva. Source: Daily Mail

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Young & Next Generation

Youths seek control over sexual, reproductive health Leonard Okachie

oung people globally have made strong calls to have more control over their sexual and reproductive health, at the ongoing International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) in Indonesia. The ICFP is holding from January 2528, but more than 250 young people from around the world met together at the ICFP youth pre-conference (January 2425) to shed more light on challenges they are facing in dealing with sexual and reproductive health and rights issues and solutions to addressing them. Lack of sexuality and life-skills education were identified as cross-cutting problems faced by youths in all countries around the world. Participants noted that the lack of comprehensive sex education has negatively affected sexual and reproductive health among young people. This includes unsatisfactory results in reducing teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and maternal mortality among adolescents. Stigma and stereotyping were also identified as major challenges and Jamila Gacheri from Kenya noted that young people have limited access to youthfriendly health services. She gave an example where young people are “interrogated” in some hospitals in Kenya when they inquire of reproductive health services. “Many young people do not go to health centers to ask for information on sexual and reproductive health because they will be called immoral,” she said. Nyasha Sithole, founder of My Age Zimbabwe, said: “Comprehensive sexuality education is a pre-requisite for youth empowerment.” “If our countries are to realise demographic dividend, there is need to invest and address the problem of lack of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health.” There were also calls for governments and key stakeholders to review and improve curricula so as to fairly accommodate sexual and reproductive health education. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health (2015): “Education, particularly secondary education, has repeatedly been found to be associated with a whole range of better sexual and reproductive health outcomes such as contraceptive use, age of marriage, number of births and use of health services.” And this is an issue which affects more than just young people’s family planning needs. Adolescents lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services, including access to condoms, is one of the major factors which has led to AIDS being the second leading cause of adolescent deaths in the world, and the number one cause in Africa (UNAIDS). A key solution to addressing this issue is integrating sexual and reproductive health services with HIV services, which can increase the range of services provided to and taken up by communities, saving time and money in resource poor settings. It is also important to ensure

Nigerian youth

there are youth-friendly units included in such services, if governments really want to address the epidemic among adolescents, which is not declining as quickly as among other age groups. Social media has long been identified as an effective tool to increase young people’s awareness of the issues affecting them. But participants at the conference noted that they have an active role to play in facilitating discussions over their sexuality. Another key solution is the need to ensure young people have the opportunity to effectively engage in policy and strategy formulation, especially when addressing youth-specific challenges. This was discussed in reference to the Millennium Development Goals where youths claim they were poorly misrepresented in the

formulation of the goals and subsequent policies. However young people have pledged to work together with key stakeholders in

achieving the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals. The message they want policy makers to hear loud and clear is that to achieve the new global goals over the next 15 years, a tailored and targeted approach is needed that must not leave anyone behind, especially young and marginalised people, in preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing maternal mortality, and ending AIDS. The fourth International Conference on Family Planning in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, began January 25 to 28, 2016. The conference is held biannually. It is co-hosted by the Gates Institute and the National Population and Family Planning Board of Indonesia. The conference draws several researchers, programme implementers, policymakers, advocates, youth leaders, media, and representatives of local and international organisations The inaugural ICFP was held in 2009 in Kampala, Uganda. The next in 2011 was held in Dakar, Senegal, and the last one was in 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The fourth conference was slated for November 2015 in Indonesia but was postponed following volcano eruptions.

Children spending more time online than watching TV –Research

hildren in the UK are spending more time on the internet than in front of the TV for the first time, according to new research into the media habits of under-16s. Research firm Childwise found that on average five- to 15-year-olds were spending three hours a day using the internet, compared to 2.1 hours watching TV. The amount of time children spend in front of a television screen has been declining steadily from a high of three hours in 2000/2001 and was at 2.3 hours last year. However, time online has seen a huge surge according to the research, up 50% from two hours last year. That compares to time spent reading books for pleasure, which has declined from an hour a day on average in 2012 to just over half an hour on average this year. The research, which is based on an online survey of more than 2,000 children, did not distinguish between TV-like services on the internet, such as Netflix and iPlayer, and other forms of browsing such as Facebook, meaning it is unclear whether children are merely watching shows in different ways. However, the report says that YouTube

has taken “centre stage in children’s lives” with half accessing it every day and almost all using it at least occasionally. The majority of children who use YouTube visit the site to access music videos (58%), while around half watch “funny content” and a third say they watch gaming content, vlogs, TV programmes or “how to” videos. The most popular vlogger reported in the survey was Zoella, with 15% of those surveyed saying she was their favourite online video star. She was especially popular with children aged 11 to 12, said Childwise. Childwise’s findings are broadly in line with those from Ofcom, which reported last summer that the average time children were spending watching TV had fallen to under two hours a day as they switch to online services. Childwise research director Simon Leggett described the shift as a “landmark change in behaviour” brought on by “blurring of television content” between devices. “TV viewing has been redefined,” he said. “Children are now seeking out the content of their choice. They still find

traditional TV programmes engaging but are increasingly watching them online and on-demand or binge watching box sets.” The study also found that more children now live in households with a tablet than any other web-connected device such as a laptop, with four in five saying there is a tablet at home, and more than two-thirds say they have their own tablet. Three quarters of children say they have access to the internet in their room, up from under two-thirds a year ago.

A boy surfing the internet

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Perfect car’ debate favourite pastime among youngsters –OLX Stories Byleonard Okachie

ew research by the World’s leading online classified in growth markets, OLX has revealed that debating about the ‘perfect car’ is a favourite pastime amongst youngsters and car lovers. The group in its report noted that the average Nigerian is very informed about cars and has a conscious familiarity with car brands, models and specifications. Country Manager, OLX, Lola Masha, added that in reality there is no such thing as a perfect car, adding, “A perfect car best suits the needs of the user ranging from price, durability, style and family size”. Over the years, certain car brands have been recognized as being best suited for Nigerian roads but identifying the best car for Nigeria is still a personal choice. For instance, a first-time car owner who is a young professional and falls within the middle-income class is likely to choose a car that is cost effective to maintain and has good second-hand value. The family

Country Manager, OLX Nigeria, Lola Masha

man with kids will be concerned about size while the luxury buyer will be particular about the brand that fits his status. The search for the perfect car among

Nigerians led leading online classified, OLX to conduct a survey with 813 respondents. Respondents were asked to describe the perfect car. From the hilarious to the impossible,

the responses centered on cost, durability, versatility, complexity, speed, efficiency, handling, appearance, emissions, luxury and of course fun. Some respondents are of the opinion that the perfect car is cheap to acquire and maintain, while for others, it’s a car with an eternal lifespan not powered by fuel but powers itself. For another set of respondents a perfect car is a brand new car or a used car with the engine in good condition, great interior, low mileage and good service history. For others, a car with the speed of lightning which can react faster than the driver would be most ideal. Some went as far as wishing for a car that can fly to avoid traffic. Though the responses were wide-ranging, it appears that the perfect car is one that is well maintained and meets the owner’s lifestyle needs. OLX is available in more than 40 countries and over 50 languages. It connects local people to buy sell or exchange used goods and services by making it fast and easy for anyone to post an ad through the mobile app.

Yinka Davies, Sound Sultan set for ‘Love Is...The Musical’

ountdown to the greatest Musical ever in Nigeria is ongoing, as ‘Love Is…The Musical’ which holds at Eko Hotel & Suites on February 5, gets closer. A musical account of a poet, a professional dancer and a businesswoman on a journey in search of Love, the show will feature the talents of Yinka Davies as a neighbourhood busybody, Sound Sultan as the celebrity friend of lead character Juliet, and Timi Dakolo as the voice of reason that tries to counsel the hearts and minds of the characters. In addition to the A-list trio, comedians Gordons, Igos and Emma Oh My God feature as metropolitan news reporters walking the streets of Lagos, researching for the deep truths on the matter about love and sharing their findings. Rounding up the list of performers are Efe Paul The Poet, The Poet Donna and Dayo of Ijodee. On his involvement in the show, Sound Sultan commented,“I have always wanted to do something like this, not just because it is a lot of fun but also because I come from an Arts background and my family is involved in theatre arts and the movie industry. ‘Love Is…The Musical’ is like a merger between my two passions. I cannot wait to get up on that stage on February 5 and show a different side of my artistic personality.” Directed by renowned choreographer Ice Nweke, ‘Love Is…The Musical’ will feature over 40 cast and crew-members and it is produced by Limitless Mind Africa.

Performers at the previous edition of Love...Is The Musical

Youth group wants learning process strengthened in schools

he Great Nigeria Youth Organisation, on Wednesday urged Federal and State Governments to articulate policies that would strengthen the capacity of learning in primary and secondary schools in the country.

Hajiya Hauwa Maga, the Director, Women Affairs of the organisation in Sokoto State, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto. She said that it was imperative to create workable policies that would ensure qualita-

tive and sound education to the youth, to enable them make positive contribution to nation building. Maga also tasked the federal and state governments to enhance the welfare of teachers and create an enabling environment for teaching and learning in schools. She disclosed that the organisation has since embarked on house-to-house mobilisation of parents to send their children to schools, especially the girl-child. She added that the organisation had liaised with traditional and religious leaders in the

state, to ensure massive mobilisation in rural areas of the state. ``We are also partnering with other non governmental organisations on promotion of girl child education,” she said. Maga stressed that religious leaders were particularly mobilised to use the Qur’an to convince villagers on the imperative of acquiring education. She explained that the religious based approach would enable parents embrace the exercise and enrol their children in school.

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News

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Kami LG flags off free medical treatment for citizens Justin Tyopuusu, Jalingo

Street hawker preparing her wares for sales on Carter Bridge, Lagos. and it’s name must be heard in Nigeria as a pace setter local government,” he told the gathering. Earlier, Chief of Kurmi, Maiwuya Samaila expressed delight over the free medical health services of the caretaker chairman and urged the people to support the chairman. He decried the bad nature of the Marraban-Baissa- AbongCameroon road, connecting the local government headquarters (Baissa) with the rest of the world which has not receive at-

tention since the colonial days. Samaila who informed that the road was a federal government road, appealed to the federal government to open up the road to enable investors come into the local government to harnessed the abundant resources in the area such as, Cocoa, Rubber, Kola, Palm oil among other natural resources deposits in Kurmi. Dr. Danga I. Danga one of the seven doctors participating in the exercise told reporters that

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

the programme was designed to accommodate 300 to 400 patients in the first week and commended Hon. Agya for ensuring that all the medical requirements for the exercise were in place. “We are prepared for any emergency in the week long programme, but primarily, we treating cases like, hepatitis, appendicitis, peptic ulcer, malaria, typhoid, HIV/ AIDS testing and counselling among others,” he said.

Council aspirant promises life transforming programmes Dare Akogun

on. Sakirudeen Orefuwa, aka Ozogula has promised the residents of Igbogbo/ Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, LCDA, a new vision and better commitment in the realization of a positive development of the community if given the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the council. Declaring his interest recently in his constituency, Orefuwa advocated the support of the residents and political leaders in the LCDA saying he will run an allinclusive government that will bring unprecedented transformation to the lives of the people and ensure all his campaign promises are fulfilled. The Assistant Director of Education who service to the people remains his priority said if given the mandate, emphasis will be placed more on reformation of educational system and introduction of sporting activities in all schools within the locality. “My action plans include repair and opening of the link road for easy accessibility to the community, women and youth empowerment programmes, soft loans to market women and old age allowance.” “I will not also hesitate to improve on the activities of the

17 men docked over alleged possession of firearms

aretaker Chairman of Kurmi local government council in Taraba state, Honourable Stephen Ibrahim has flagged off a free surgical and medical treatment programme for people of the council Performing the flag off ceremony, Agya said the despite the lean financial resources of the local government, his administration embarked on the programme to save lives and put smiles on the faces of the people. He added that the programme was conceived five years ago when he contested for the chairmanship position of the local government. “Kurmi is the richest and yet poorest local government in Tarawa state. Kurmi is blessed with a lot of potential and only healthy people can harnessed these potential, that’s why we embark in this free medical treatment programme, knowing that ‘health is wealth’. “This medical programme is totally free and will last for one week. We shall carry on the programme until everyone with medical challenge without resources to access medical service especially those in the hinterlands benefit from the service. “We must liberate our people. Kurmi is a pace setter in Taraba

Community Development Associations, CDAs within the locality, free health care programme for children and old age as well as ensuring adequate accountability of resources both Internally Generated Revenue, IGR and monthly allocation from the government as at when due. I solicit the support of both young and old, party leaders and followers in the community to enable me serve the people

and I promise to fulfill all my campaign promises in line with transparency and accountability, he declared.” Hon. Orefuwa Sakirudeen is from Igbogbo. He started his elementary school at Bashua Somolu after which he proceeded to former Teachers’ College Igbogbo located at the present Lagos State Civil Service Model College Igbogbo, Ikorodu where he obtained TCII certificate. He

later proceeded to obtain his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and later further to obtain Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Education from the Lagos State University. Hon. Orefuwa served as a trained and qualified teacher in several towns in Ikorodu before he became Assistant Director of Education with Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority.

Lagos residents task FG on pedestrian bridge at Iyana Ipaja

ome Lagos residents plying the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway have appealed to the Federal Government to construct pedestrian bridge at Iyana Ipaja to ease traffic gridlock and check avoidable accidents in the area. A cross section of the residents made the appeal on Wednesday in Lagos in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. They contended that the high number of human and vehicular traffic in the area had increased the risk of accidents and caused loss of man hours. NAN investigation revealed that the Federal Government abandoned the project which began in 2014 due to litigations and water pipes in the right of way of the bridge.

A businesswoman, Mrs Adetutu Toro, told NAN that several communities existed on both sides of the highway and the construction of pedestrian bridge was necessary. ``Since I have been living in Iyana Ipaja, the highway has never been free of human and vehicular traffic. ``Iyana Ipaja is a major bus stop. People coming from Oshodi, Egbeda, Idimu, Ikotun, Aboru, Agege, Ojodu and several other areas meet in this place and they cross the highway at the same time. ``No matter how careful people are, there must be traffic hold up and accidents. ``The solution is for the government to construct pedestrian bridge across the highway,’’ she said.

A civil servant, Mr Remi Samuel, said that pedestrian bridge would ease the hardship caused by traffic gridlock in the area. ``Everyday as I drive to work I see Iyana Ipaja traffic as a demon to confront. ``Although traffic officials are doing a lot to control movement, the solution to the problem is pedestrian bridge because we waste a lot of time here,’’ he said. A trader, Mrs Mary Chude, said several avoidable road accidents happen at Iyana Ipaja and called for urgent construction of the pedestrian bridge. Speaking along the same vein, Mrs Ebikombere Samuel, a teacher and Miss Ejura Ukwenya, a hair dresser, appealed for urgent construction of a foot bridge in the area to save lives.

55-year-old man, Joseph Nasamu, and sixteen others, were on Wednesday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged possession of dangerous weapons. Other accused persons include: Victor Edegene (40), Ntia Okokon (39), Balogun Olatunji (30), Ikechukwu Madu (29), Shoga Samson (36), Temitope Ayoola (20), Agbor Gabriel (25) and Samson Olatunji (29). Others are: Uche Ogbonna (26), Moses Obare (27), Buchi Oputa (32), Williams Abodurin (41), Kelvin Ahaoma (27), Mufutau Ayodele (32), Goddy Lazarus (32) and Cletus Alokpa (27). They are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault, possession of dangerous weapons and breach of peace. The accused, whose addresses and occupations were not given, were admitted to bail in the sum of N50, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum. The prosecutor,Sergeant. Tubi Olajide, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offences on January 26, at about 5:15 p.m. at 1004 Estate, at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Olajide said the accused, who conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace, were mobilised by one Samuel Ukpon from the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. He said the accused invaded 1004 Estate in Victoria Island with dangerous weapons, causing a breach of peace to those living there. Olajide also said that the accused assaulted some residents, one Oke-Bran Efue, Abubakar Audu and Ehiosu Oviawe. ``The accused beat up some people living in the area and inflicted injuries on their hands, legs and bodies,’’ he said. The prosecutor said the accused also assaulted a police officer, one Coporal Akinyemi Olujide, while on duty. According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 409, 166 (d), 171 and 172 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge preferred against them. The Magistrate, Mrs Olaitan Ajayi, adjourned the case till February 24, for mention.

Photo

Thursday, January 28, 2016

NEWS

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FROM LEFT: President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, Hajiya Khatum Buratai; wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and wife of the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs Ladi Bantx, during the visit of wife of the President to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, yesterday.

L-R: Director of Fund, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Dikwa; Accountant General of the Federation, Alh Ahmed Idris and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr Nahmoud Isa-Dutse, during the Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC) Meeting for the month of January in Abuja, yesterday.PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Vice President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Jude Igwe; President, Mr Tony Ejinkeonue; Deputy President, Mr Abubakar Mustaba and Vice President, Finance, Mr Osi Momoh at the 2016 Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Excellence Awards in Abuja yesterday

L-R: Health/Education Editor, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Sam Eferaro; Chairman, Association for Advancing Family Planning, Dr. Ejike Oji; Program Manager, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC), Ms. Chioma Kanu; Editorial Page Editor, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Callistus Oke and Health Reporter, Franka Osakwe, during, members of Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFAH) in Nigeria visit to the Global Media Mirror Limited, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

National News

Another Lassa fever patient dies in Lagos, two in Bauchi …Govt places residents on alert …confirms 4 cases, 537 contacts Francis Suberu and Ezekiel Titus

agos State Government has confirmed the death of another Lassa fever patient in the state. The state’s commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday, said the state had so far recorded 20 patients out of which two people have passed on. Idris, who was joined at the press conference by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said fourteen suspected cases tested negative, while four suspected cases were confirmed positive of Lasssa Fever He added that the ministry has identified 537 contacts of the confirmed

cases and 534 which represents 99 percent of the contacts are currently being monitored. The commissioner said: “The last confirmed case was a 27 years old lady, who travelled to Edo State on December 24, 2015 and returned to Lagos on January 2, 2016. She became ill on January14, 2016 and received care in one private hospital and three churches before she was referred on January 23, 2016 to Ijede General Hospital with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and body weakness. The patient died within a few hours of admission. The case was confirmed as Lassa fever on January 26, 2016. “The remains of the patient has been kept in the morgue in leak proof body bag. She is to be buried after due consultation with her family. “Ninety (90) persons

have been line-listed as contacts of the last confirmed case as at January 26, 2016 and contact tracing is on-going.” He said members of the public are being sensitised to note that Lassa fever can be contacted through; ingestion of foods and drinks contaminated by the saliva, urine and faeces of infected rats; catching and preparing infected rats as food; inhaling tiny particles in the air contaminated with infected rat urine or dropping; direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids, through mucous membranes, like eyes, nose or mouth. According to him, people at greater risk of infection with Lassa fever are families and friends of an infected person in the course of feeding, holding and caring for them as well as the health workers

who have attended to infected persons. In Bauchi State, two people have been confirmed dead from the disease in Wandi and Bundot wards in Dass Local Government Area. The Director, Primary Health Care, PHC, Dass Local Government Area, Suleiman Abdul Kirfi, revealed this to Journalist Against Polio, JAPs, and other diseases, when they paid him a courtesy call in his office in Dass Local Government secretariat. He said, there was outbreak of the case in Wandi ward that claimed the life of one Sani Haruna, on December 2015 and the recent case of the disease on January 8,2016 in Bundot ward that lead to the dead of one Amina Maida, all in Dass Local Government Area. The director said the victims tested results at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, confirmed that they died of Lassa fever. He explained that the

department has carried out enlightenment campaign on the endemic disease and distributed pamphlets to people in the area. Kirfi added that seminars have so far been organised for health personnel in the local government on how to handle patients with Lassa fever symptoms in their various health centers. ‘’We have in collaboration with stakeholders and environmental health workers commenced sanitation inspection from time to time especially in those areas where the cases of Lassa fever were recorded. “We have caution our health workers that any fever case that defile treatment after a week, should be referred immediately to ATBUTH, Bauchi” he said. The leader of the delegation, Elizabeth Carr said they were in the area with the support of World Health Organisation, WHO, to sensitise the people of the area on Lassa

fever and the need for hygiene and sanitation. It could be recalled that Bauchi State Government has debunked as untrue the report released by the Federal Government that Bauchi State is one of the state with cases of Lassa fever outbreak. Meanwhile, Sokoto Government said it has intensified surveillance across the state in efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever. Despite initial apprehension of a possible case of the deadly disease in the state, government said three suspected cases earlier taken to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, and Laboratory Centre for blood sample, analysis have all come out negative, reaffirming the zero case submission in Sokoto. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, stated this on Wednesday when he went round hospitals in Sokoto town as part of efforts to intensify awareness on the dangers of the disease.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Stockbrokers seek exemption of Stamp Duty on market transactions Johnson Okanlawon

tockbrokers have appealed to government for the exemption of stamp duty on cost of transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Making the appeal in Lagos yesterday during a media briefing, the Acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbroker, CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, noted that stamp duty will not drive participation of investors in the market because, it is an added cost. He said: “The government is in difficult position presently as we have relied

on oil in the past and the government looking inward to generate revenue. It is just an unfortunate development that we have a backlog of series of event happening in the country at the same time. Otherwise this is not the right time for such policy.” He pointed out that the government was expected to work closely with the operators to activate capital market and to tap into its full benefits. According to the CIS boss, part of the solution proposed by the Institute to the government is the need to encourage in-

creased participation of local investors in the capital market. In his remarks, the President of Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike recalled that in 2014/2015, the professional body canvassed as part of reducing the cost of doing business in Nigeria, the elimination of stamp duty and VAT. “During the period we were able to get the government eliminate VAT on capital market transaction and as we speak today there is no VAT charge on capital market transaction. So

our position as far as this is concern is a situation where if the policy is sustained it will increase the cost of doing business in the capital market.”, Madubuike said. According to him, from the capital market point of view what we will canvass for is that capital market transaction should be exempted from this policy in line with what we have canvassed since 2014 because comparing Nigerian capital market with others market, the cost of doing business in the Nigerian capital market is on the high side.

Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors dumped their holdings. The market value closed at N8.24 trillion or 0.5 per cent as against the N8.19 trillion attained on Tuesday. The All Share Index dipped by 498.69 basis points or 0.5 per cent to close at 23,333.34 compared with the 23,832.03 posted the preceding day. Investment analysts at DLM Securities Limited not-

Nigerian Breweries was the biggest loser for the second day this week. The brewer led on the losers

table 4.91 per cent or N4.99 to close at N96.65 per share. Guinness Nigeria Plc followed with 2.68 per cent or N3.00 to close at N109.00 per share. Dangote Cement Plc lost by 1.79 per cent or N2.33 to close at N127.50 per share, while West African Portland Cement Plc (WAPCO) dipped by 2.67 per cent or N2.16 to close at N78.84 per share. Zenith Bank Plc share price declined by 7.59 per cent or 92 kobo to close at N11.20 per share. Despite the bearish outlook of the market for the day, Seplat Oil led the gainers table as it’s share price appre-

ciated by 8.26 per cent or N14.12 to close at N185.00 per share. Mobil Nigeria Plc followed with 1.81 per cent increase or N2.50 to close at N140.50 per share. Cadbury Plc added 4.96 percent or 79 kobo to close at N16.71 per share. NACON Plc was up by 4.86 per cent or 31 kobo to close at N4.86 per share, while UACN-Property Plc appreciated by 2.36 per cent or 12 kobo to close at N5.20 per share. Investors traded a total of 260.48 million shares worth N1.70 billion in 3,465 deals.

Nasdaq to provide market surveillance to NSE

asdaq (NDAQ), which provides the infrastructure, tools and strategic insights tailored for the capital-market, has indicated its readiness to support the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, acquire its smarts market surveillance platform to power their compliance programme. According to the NSE, the technology will provide the Exchange with the surveillance expertise needed to grow and expand the market and equip the exchange with the surveillance tools necessary to monitor for market manipulation, including spoofing and layering. NSE also uses Nasdaq’s XStream trading platform as its trading engine.

The General Counsel and Head of Regulation at the NSE, Tinuade Awe, explained that the development affirms the Exchange continuous commitment to protecting investors by creating a fair and orderly market. “As we introduce new asset classes to grow our market, the deployment of a robust, integrated and efficient solution to monitor the increasing complexity of trading activities is imperative. “Regulatory and compliance issues continue to be a primary focus in our quest to become Africa’s foremost securities exchange and we are pleased to be leveraging Nasdaq’s global leadership in the development of capital market surveillance sys-

tems.” Head of Smarts Market Surveillance, Nasdaq, Tony Sio, pointed out that his company was thrilled to partner with an innovative forward looking exchange such as NSE. The NSE has a tremendous growth potential and as the volumes and products expand the sophistication and impact of manipulative practices could also increase. “By detecting activities such as spoofing and layering as soon as they occur, the exchange is signaling to the market how seriously it is in promoting a fair market.” With over 20 years of experience, SMARTS is the industry benchmark for real-time and T+1 surveillance, supervision

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 23,333.34 points Market capitalisation 8.02trn

Stock Updates GAINERS

Equities shed 0.5% on high stock sell off ed that the market has exhibited interplay of speculative activities and dividend yield, a trend which may remain for the most part of the year. “One question we ask is “is it time to buy the dip? We cannot help but postulate that entering the market at the current level allows effective estimation of value at risk or expected short fall on selected tickers. It’s all about market risk management and capital preservation,” the firm said.

Source: NSE

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

SEPLAT

170.88

185.00

14.12

8.26

CADBURY

15.92

16.71

0.79

4.96

AIICO

0.81

0.85

0.04

4.94

NASCON

6.38

6.69

0.31

4.86

AGLEVENT

0.63

0.66

0.03

4.76

TRANSEXPR

1.10

1.15

0.05

4.55

LEARNAFRCA

0.76

0.79

0.03

3.95

FIDELITYBK

1.30

1.35

0.05

3.85

UAC-PROP

5.08

5.20

0.12

2.36

MOBIL

138.00

140.50

2.50

1.81

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TRANSCORP

1.31

CLOSING 1.19

-0.12

-9.16

UBA

2.98

2.75

-0.23

-7.72

FCMB

1.05

0.97

-0.08

-7.62

ZENITHBANK

12.12

11.20

-0.92

-7.59

ACCESS

4.11

3.80

-0.31

-7.54

NEM

0.68

0.64

-0.04

-5.88

FBNH

4.12

3.90

-0.22

-5.34

REDSTAREX

4.00

3.80

-0.20

-5.00

101.64

96.65

-4.99

-4.91

HONYFLOUR

1.48

1.41

-0.07

-4.73

FGN Bonds

and compliance. SMARTS market surveillance is currently used by over 52 exchanges and regulators to power market integrity on a global stage. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.25

105.72

10.07

106.72

9.24

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.42

114.59

10.78

115.59

10.45

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.04

110.63

12.13

111.63

11.83

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.00

118.70

11.94

119.70

11.73

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.13

110.78

12.07

111.78

11.89

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.49 85.82

12.10

86.82

11.93

Closing Market Prices of January 27, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

28-Apr-16

4.43

4.47

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

28-Jul-16

6.71

6.94

EURO

214

19-Jan-17

8.71

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

9.2917

POUNDS STERLING

293

9.1714

10.4810

SDR

273

NIBOR

11.9088 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

upreme Court yesterday declared Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as validly elected governor of the state. The apex court in three separate judgment held that Wike was duly elected in the April 11 governorship election in Rivers State. The court dismissed the judgment of the State Election Petitions Tribunal and the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the election of Wike and ordered a re-run. The apex court, which was presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, also upheld the election of Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State. The court in a unanimous decision in a lead judgement read by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, however, added that it will give reasons for its judgement on February 12. The first appeal was filed by Wike challenging the judgement of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The second appeal was filed by the PDP, while the third was filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, all challenging the judgement of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The apex court allowed the three appeals and dismissed the objections raised by All Progressives Con-

South South

Thursday, January 28, 2015

Supreme Court affirms Wike’s election gress, APC, and its governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside. Earlier, counsel to Wike, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), while adopting his briefs said, Dakuku did not present sufficient evidence before the court to prove that the election was marred by irregularities. According to Ukala, “they relied on over-voting in their argument, but the registers they tendered before the court had only 11 local governments out of 23, which were never demonstrated before the court. He urged the court to allow the appeal. On his part, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), asked the court not to dismiss the appeal on the ground that Dakuku was not able to present sufficient exhibits before the court to show that people were kidnapped during the election in the state. Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), represented Dakuku while Yusuf Ali (SAN), represented APC in opposing the application said the issues raised by Wike were not presented in form of a motion and urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of merit. Dakuku and his party, APC had approached the election tribunal seeking to nullify the election on

ground of violence. The tribunal had however, on October 24, 2015 cancelled the election and ordered a re-run within 90 days. Not satisfied, Wike filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division against the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which nullified his election on the 24th October 2015. In a notice of Appeal dated November 3, 2015 and filed on behalf of Wike by his counsel, Mr Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), the governor established 26 grounds of appeal wherein he raised complaint against the entire

judgment of the tribunal. Wike’s appeal has the Rivers State APC Governorship Candidate, Dakuku Peterside, All Progressives Congress, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as respondents. Wike in his Notice of Appeal sought an order of the court to allow his appeal and setting aside the judgment of the tribunal. He further urged the Court of Appeal to make an “order striking out or dismissing the election petition filed on 3rd May 2015 by Dakuku Peterside and the APC as petitioners at the tribunal”

Wike among other grounds noted that the tribunal erred in law when it relied on hearsay and inadmissible evidence to nullify his election. He added that the finding and conclusion of the tribunal was not supported by evidence before the court. The governor stated in his Notice of Appeal that: “The Governorship Election Tribunal for Rivers State erred in law when it refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Kakih vs PDP (2014) 5 NWLR, which was duly cited to the effect that a party that makes nonvoting or misconduct of

an election the pivot of its case must call at least one disenfranchised voter from each of the polling booths or units or stations in the constituency “. Wike also appealed on the ground that the tribunal nullified his election on the basis of Card Reader accreditation even though the Electoral Act recognised manual accreditation. According to him, the proof of accreditation of voters under the law is by the production of the register of voters bearing the indications of the presiding officer as to the persons accredited to vote and not by card reader report.

Mr Charles Oputa a.k.a Charly Boy (2nd l), leading a campaign against vandalisation of Telecommunication Infrastructure in Lagos, yesterday.

Reps fume over abandoned N20bn Calabar Port contract Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday expressed displeasure over the N20 billion Calabar Port Channel contract, which has been abandoned for about 20 years. It has consequently ordered a probe into the abandoned contract, which was fully paid for. The action of the House followed a motion on the need to ensure completion of the contract for the dredging of Calabar Port Channel, brought by Daniel Effiong Asuquo. Asuquo had told the House that the Federal Government had in 1996 awarded the contract for the dredging of Calabar Port Channel for the sum of three billion naira and later in 2006, re-awarded

it for the sum of 56 million dollars. He said he was aware that due to the non-completion of the dredging contract, the Federal Government awarded another contract in November 2014 for the sum of N20 billion for completion of the project. Asuquo said by this contract, the Port ought to be dredged to a depth of 9.8 metres, but despite the nonattainment of the stipulated depth, the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, paid the full contract sum of N20billion to the contractor who is no longer on site. The lawmaker worried that the contractor seemed to be incompetent in executing the contract to specifications. His motion was however, opposed by some lawmakers, who sought to kill it, claiming that the matter was al-

ready in court. While Goodluck Opiah raised a point of order relying on Rule 9 (57) that the matter was before a Federal High Court in Calabar, and opposed the motion passionately, Asuquo queried his interest in the matter as he was not a party to the suit. However, Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, said investigation would not affect the subject matter in court, adding that no responsible parliament would overlook this motion in view of the huge sum involved that had even been paid in full. Speaker Yakubu Dogara, ruled Opiah out of order, saying that if the matter is in court, he was not convinced that their discussions would affect the litigants, even as he said that the rule cited by Opiah did not support his point of order.

Both Nnana Ibokwe and Jerry Alagboso, also sought to kill the motion relying on the fact that the case was in court and that the motion was stepped down two weeks ago based on this fact, but the Speaker said he could not revisit a matter he had ruled on.

The House therefore granted the prayers of Asuquo, mandating its Committee on Ports, Harbours, Water Ways and Public Procurement, to investigate the processes that led to the award of the dredging contract to a company that does not seem to have the

competence and equipment to properly execute the contract, and also evaluate the work so far done by the contractor in the light of the amount so far paid under the contract, and report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.

Jedy-Agba: Obla petitions DSS, IGP over blackmail, threat to life

nspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, and Director of State Security Service, DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura, have been alerted on alleged blackmail and threats to the life of former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Group General Manager, Prince Goddy Jedy-Agba, and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice JedyAgba, by Cross River State Government and its agents.

In separate petitions signed by Mrs. Justina Obono-Obla of Obono, Obono & Associates, to both Arase and Daura, ObonoObla explained that since the defection of Jedy-Agba, an erstwhile frontline governorship aspirant in Cross River State, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, ‘he has continually been subjected to campaigns of calum-

ny, blackmail, intimidation and character assassination by the Cross River State government and its agents.’ Obono-Obla stressed that ‘for having the audacity to defect to the APC, the state government mobilised its resources and has been sponsoring negative publications on both the social and online media to smear and tarnish the image of Jedy-Agba.

North

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N3.1bn debt: A’Court reserves ruling in Zamfara’s frozen account WALE IGBINTADE

Motivational Speaker, Fela Durofoye (left) addressing participants at the 2016 Standards Organisation of Nigeria Management Retreat in Kaduna, yesterday.

Bello sworn in as Kogi governor

…pledges to curb corruption, revitalisation of economy WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

lhaji Yahaya Bello has been sworn in as governor of Kogi State with a pledge to maintain zero-tolerance for corruption in a bid to bale the state out of poverty and want. Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, administered oath of office on Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was sworn in as 6th governor of the state. Bello, who took oath of office at exactly 12 noon at the main bowl of Lokoja Confluence Stadium yesterday, stated that the APC government will lead with the wishes and aspiration of the party leaders and agenda. Venue of the swearing in ceremony was filled to capacity, with different groups cheering and waving to welcome the new APC administration in the state. In an emotion-laden speech, Bello, who quoted copiously from Presi-

dent Buhari’s inaugural speech, stated that “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody, and pledged that his administration would be modeled after Buahri’s government. “President Muhammadu Buhari epitomises personal discipline, rugged determination and honesty. I intend to model my administration after Buhari,” he said. Bello also paid glowing tribute to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, who he described as an icon whose foresight and doggedness paved the way for the “victory we are celebrating today. Continue to rest in peace my leader,” he added. He lauded the efforts of All Progressives Congress, APC, National leader, Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu, whom he described, “as the most singular and successful politician of this democratic dispensation”. “We exist for the sole purpose of serving the good people of Kogi State,

not to serve avarice of a few, there is no greater evil than corruption. I declared and affirmed that Alhaji Yahaya Bello administration will have zero tolerance for corruption,” he stressed. He pledged to embark on people oriented projects, noting that his administration will pay one month salary very soon and put strategy in place to implement the payment of arrears of salaries in batches. He stated that positive and decisive action would be taken to rescue Kogi State, adding that he and his team with God on their side will execute thier master plans to rebuild new Kogi State. “We must lead as leaders who will not disappoint the people. I will lead Kogi State by example and accountability. We shall allow rule of law and effective governance to prevail,” he stressed The new governor also disclosed that strategic action plans have been put in place to tackle chal-

lenges confronting the state economy. He, however, expressed concern over the security of lives and property of the people of Kogi State, pledging to meet with the state Commissioner of Police with a view to finding solution as soon as possible and commended him for providing adequate security for the ceremony. Among dignitaries that attended the occasion are; the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, The Senate President who was represented by Senator Kabiru Gaya, the Speaker of House Representatives represented by. Honourable Pategi, Chairman of Inauguration Committee, Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Almakura, Benue State Governor, Samuel Othorm, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi, Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly among other dignitaries from all walks of life.

Adewole pledges to rebuild damaged N’East health facilities MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

inister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has pledged to support the people of Borno and Yobe states, who have long been faced with challenges arising from prolonged bombardments by the Boko Haram sect, with

the rebuilding of damaged health institutions. Adewole said the Federal Government was determined to bring governance nearer to people of the states no matter where they are, and also promised to improve the secondary level of health care by partnering with them, two separate releases made available to

National Mirror yesterday by Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Boade Akinola, contained the minister’s position. The minister was quoted as saying in Borno State that help was on the way for people of the state; “as the president has directed that special attention be given to the

states affected by insurgency in the development of ‘One Health Agenda’ for the country.” He pledged that government would strengthen primary healthcare system in the state with the provision of one functional primary healthcare centre per ward and free health services for about 100 people (in each of the wards)

ourt of Appeal, Lagos division, yesterday reserved ruling in the appeal filed by Zamfara State Government against the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which ordered it to pay the bank a debt of N3.1billion from the federal allocation accruable to it. Specifically, the court will rule on an application filed by Zamfara State, praying the court to set aside a garnishee order attaching the money of the state in all the banks pending hearing and determination of the substantive appeal. Justice Abang had in his judgement ordered Zamfara State government to pay a judgment sum of N3.159, 017,940.71 to Ecobank Nigeria Limited, being the outstanding indebtedness to the bank. Justice Abang gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Ecobank Nigeria Limited against Zamfara State Government. Other defendants in the suit are Zamfara State’s Attorney-General, Zamfara State Ministry of Finance; Accountant-General of the Federation; Attorney-General of the Federation and Central Bank of Nigeria. Dissatisfied with the judgement, Zamfara State filed an appeal urging the appellate court to set the judgement aside. The matter came up in court yesterday with the panel presided over by Justice Sidi Bage heard

arguments on the appellant’s application dated October 30, 2015 asking the court to set aside the garnishee order made by the lower court pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. Addressing the court, counsel to Zamfara State Government, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko argued that while the appeal against the judgement of the lower court was still pending, Ecobank went ahead to secure garnishee order freezing the account of the state in all the banks in Nigeria. Owonikoko informed the court that as a result of the freezing order, all activities of government in the state have been paralysed, adding that the state could no longer pay its staff. Citing plethora of legal authorities, Owonikoko argued that it was wrong for the lower court to garnishee account of a government institution without obtaining a fiat from the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation. He urged the court to allow the application and set aside the garnishee order. In his reply, counsel to Ecobank, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), submitted that ‘’garnishee of a debtor’s account is an acceptable procedure in the Nigerian legal system’’. Ogunba argued that the application to set aside the garnishee order is misconceived and urged the court to refuse it. The appellate court presided over by Justice Sidi Bage, has reserved ruling on the application. He said the date will be communicated to all the parties.

Ortom calls for rehabilitation of federal roads

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, to prevail on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to rehabilitate highways in the state, which have dilapidated. He made the call when he received Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, who was in the state to inspect some Federal Government projects under his ministry.

Governor Ortom sued for greater partnership with the Federal Government for the execution of critical infrastructure in the state. He promised to forward a comprehensive list of items for which his administration needs intervention of the Federal Government. The governor, who acknowledged that the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is among some of the critical components of government, thanked the minister for his visit.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Presidential committee recovers 700 guns in Benue Ezekiel Titus Bauchi

residential Committee on Small Arms and light Weapons, PRESCOM, said it has recovered over 700 arms from individuals in Benue State. Programme Coordinator, Dickson Orji, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during a two-day sensitisation forum organised by PRESCOM for North East zonal stakeholders on small arms and light weapons, SALW, survey on Wednesday at Zaranda Hotel conference hall in

Bauchi. He added that SALW has continued to fuel crisis, wars, violence and wanton bloodletting with severe losses of lives and wasted economic opportunities. He added that the committee’s sensitisation with Benue government brought about the result. Orji appealed to other governors to emulate the Benue helmsman, Samuel Ortom, in order to be able to retrieve illegal arms from the hands of ordinary citizens. “It is our hope that this two-day meeting would strengthen our collective resolve as a country to

deal with this menace in a decisive and sustainable manner,” he said. He called on state government of the 36 states to create awareness on the socio-economic impact of illicit small arms and

Lafia

over nor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has told the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatude Fashola, that Lafia is the only state capital among the 36 states of the federation left with 33KV power line. The gover nor said the situation was most disheartening in the lives of people of the state as there is a 330KV power line passing through Lafia to Jos, Makurdi and Enugu. He wondered why Lafia is neglected, and why there has been no effort to drop the CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE ESTHER NKECHI REMINA ONWUHARAONYE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as REMINA ESTHER NKECHI AZUDIUGWU OKOLI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

330KV power line that is above the Lafia Gover nment House. The gover nor stated this in Lafia when the minister paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Lodge, Lafia. He said power, which is one of the most critical facilities for any nation to grow, was so neglected in the state that the capital was left with only 33KV line that comes from Akwanga and is also used to supply other towns in the state. He lamented that each time the state requests improvement in the supply of power to its environs, excuses were always given such as the budget was not ear marked for that CHANGE OF NAME

MUSTAPHA: I, formerly known and addressed as MUSTAPHA LAYLAT YETUNDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. LAYLAT YETUNDE MUSTAPHA-OPE . All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE SHEIKH YUSUF ABDALLAH FOUNDATION INT’L. This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has lost and/or misplaced its/or her Original Certificate of Incorporation and has hereby applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Certify True Copy of the certificate in accordance with provision of Company and Allied Matters Act No. 1, 1990.

The Trustees contained in lost/missing certificate of incorporation are: 1. Alhaji Usman Toma - Chairman. 2. Hon. Mohammad Awwal Yusuf - Member. 3. Barrister Alhaji Adamu Abubakar. - Secretary. Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Sign: Khamis Yusuf Abdallah Esq.

of Northeastern states have ended. She called on parents and the youths to embrace peace by submitting weapons in their possession to this committee when the time arises.

Rose urged mothers to prevail on their children and husbands to hand over their weapons. The participant described women as the ones at the receiving end.

Taraba supplementary poll to hold Feb 20 Justin Tyopuusu

and two state constituencies in the state.

INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Mohammed Umar, who announced the date at a stakeholder’s meeting in Jalingo, said election will hold in Kurmi/ Gashaka/Sardauna federal constituency as well as Ardo Kola and Mbamga state constituencies. According to the commission, only registered voters, who have already obtained their Permanent Voter Card, PVC, will vote in the election, explaining that only those that voted during the last election will vote in the supplementary election. Umar, who said the commission has commenced preparations for the election, said only the commission’s staff and corps members would be used for the election. The State APC chairman, Ardo Jika, urged the commission to ensure a level-play-

Jalingo

ndependent National Election Commission, INEC, has announced February 20 this year as date for supplementary election in one federal constituency

Lafia only state capital with 33KV power line –Al-Makura Igbawase Ukumba

light weapons proliferations in Nigeria. A participant, Mrs. Rose Buba, commended the organisers of the forum, adding that the meeting is coming at a time when crisis in parts

purpose. Al-Makura also appealed to the minister to construct more roads and houses in the state, considering its proximity to the FCT, as according to him, “60 percent of the workforce of the FCT resides in Karu axis of the state.” Fashola had earlier told the gover nor on his arrival that he was in Nasarawa to inspect projects, whether ongoing or abandoned, to enable gover nment perfect plans for infrastructural development of the country even as the minister requested land from the state gover nment to enable the Federal Gover nment build more houses for civil servants. CHANGE OF NAME

OBAYEMI:I, formerly known and addressed as MODUPE FUNKE OBAYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MODUPE FUNKE ADEFARATI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABDULLAHI: I, formerly known and addressed as HAMMED ABDULLAHI now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid . General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as KEMI DEHINDE CECELYA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KEMI DEHINWA CECELYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIDELOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as JAMIU SAMSON JIDELOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHAMSIDEEN MUHAMMED JAMIU ALADE . All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMODU: I, formerly known and addressed as MUHBAT AMODU, now wish to be known as MUHBAT AKOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

EBOSELE: I, formerly known and addressed as EBOSELE UBETA WILSON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UBETA WILSON OHONSI OSAZE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

ing field for all political parties, saying the commission must be impartial and seen to appear as an umpire for all, and not for a particular political party. Taraba police commissioner, Shaba Alkali, told the stakeholders that he would make adequate security arrangement for the smooth conduct of the election, and warned politicians and their supporters to play the game by the rule or risk prosecution. He warned that anyone caught in any act capable of disturbing the smooth conduct of the process before, during and after the election, will be arrested and prosecuted. National Mirror recalls that the Appeal Court sitting in CHANGE OF NAME

SAMUEL: I, formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL OLASUNKANMI TOPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEBAYO SUNKANMI TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was wrongly written as KALIO TAMUNOSIKI KAREN instead of KALIO TAMMUNOSIKI KERREN. That my correct name is KALIO TAMMUNOSIKI KERREN. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

YUSUF: I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULGANIU YUSUF, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADENIYI JAMIU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That on some of my documents, my name was wrongly written as MMUOGHALE EMMANUEL instead of MMUOGHALU EMMANUEL UCHECHUKWU. That my correct name is MMUOGHALU EMMANUEL UCHECHUKWU. General public and Authorities Concerned to please take note.

This is to confirm that I am the same person bearing Tirimisiyu Salami Igo and Salami Tirimisiyu Aremu as obtainable in some of my documents.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

KANE: I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULLAHI ISAH KANE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MODE ABDULLAHI TABSHI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

This is to certify that my name was mistakenly written in some of my document as CHIEMELA SUNDAY NWABUGHIOGU, but my correct name is CHIEMELA THANKGOD NWABUGHIOGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Yola, Adamawa State had at various dates in December last year annulled the election of the member representing Kurmi/Gashaka and Sardauna Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Dan-Asabe Hosea of PDP, and ordered supplementary election in 19 polling units. The Appellate court also annulled the election of the Speaker, House of Assembly, Abel Peter Diah of PDP and ordered rerun election in eight polling units, even as it ordered same in Ardo Kola state constituency, where Mr. Emmanuel Dame, also of the PDP, was asked to vacate his seat pending the outcome of the supplementary election in 11 polling units in the constituency.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBI: I, formerly known and addressed as OBI CHURCHILL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OGUMUAJUEBON GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as ADEKOYE MUYIDEEN OLUWASEYI now wish to be known and addressed as OBOROMBORO MUYIDEEN OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EGUAKUN: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FAVOUR EGUAKUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. FAVOUR IKPEBA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH PETER YAGA, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH BITRUS YAGA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGBOYE MODUPE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEPOJU MODUPE CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public should please take note.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Formerly known and addressed as AKINNIFESI FOLUKE JUSTINAH now wish to be known and addressed as ONAFESO FOLUKE JUSTINAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as known as Miss Amalla Chidinma Ifeyinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Enemuo Chidinma Ifeyinwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Saheed Alabi K, now wish to be known and addressed as Kareem Saheed Alabi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ogbale Ehi Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Ating Ehi Happiness. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Owoicho Abichele, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyigbeche Abiche Valentine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Akinduro Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Jehovason Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

BLESSING: Formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING IDARASIT JAMES UBOH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING JEROME UKEME UDOH .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Anyanwu Blessing Veronica, now wish to be known and addressed as Anyanwu Nuellah Ibukunoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OBIDELE COMFORT OLUFUNMIKE NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ITIOLA COMFORT OLUFUNMIKE HENCEFORTH ALL DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

UCHE: This is to confirm that UCHE OKOLI and UCHE OKORIE refer to one and same person.Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as UCHE OKORIE.my date of birth is 18th october 1985 not 15th february 1986 All former documents remain valid. general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abdul Muhammed lolo, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdulmumini Abdulrahman. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adamu Saidu, now wish to be known and addressed as Adamu Saidu Maikwano. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ISMAIL: Formerly known and addressed as ISMAIL AKANBI MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA ISMAIL.All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ABUBAKAR: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ABUBAKAR RAHMOTULLAH MODUPEOLUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUBIYI RAHMOTULLAH MODUPEOLUWA .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly known and addressed as ,FAFIOYE LEKAN OLASUNKANMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ,FAFIOYE OLALEKAN OLASUNKANMI. All former document remain valid, General public to take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KAREEM LATI ISHOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as KAREEM DUROJAIYE LATEEF ISHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ORANELI PROMISE EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJAEGBU PROMISE EBERE . All former documents remain same and valid. General Public to please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mary Matthias Osaigbr, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Justina Peter. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ikwo Benson Ekpo. now wish to be known and addressed as Ikwo Effiong Okon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunpitan, Adepeju Adeola, now wishes to be known as Mrs. Adepoju, Adepeju Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Afonughe Uririkoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Ahwotu Bethel Urikoghene. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluronbi Rebecca Oluwaseyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Rebecca Oluwaseyi. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ogoro Anne, now wish to be known and addressed as Ene Anne. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AKORO PAUL, now wishes to be known and addressed as ERU MICHAEL AKORO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AJAYI MARY O. now wishes to be known and addressed as MRS. ANIMASHAUN MARY O. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Olayiwola Aminat Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Oseni Aminat Yetunde . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. .

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I miss Akingbemila Oluwaseun Adetokunbo is the same person bearing Miss Omogbemi Oluwaseun Akingbemila. All former documents remain valid, Nigeria Immigration Service, all foreign Embassies and general public take note.

KABEER: I, formerly known and addressed as ISMAHEEL ABDUL KABEER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ISMAHEEL ABDUL KABEER BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take not

ADEPETUN: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEPETUN DEBORAH JUMOKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLATUNBOSUN DEBORAH JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLUKOTUN: I, formerly known and addressed as OLUKOTUN KAYODE OLATUNDE, now wish to be called and addressed as OLUKOTUN KAYODE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and the general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL O EZE . now wishes to be known and addressed as EZENWABACHILI ODIDIKA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Formerly known and addressed as FUNMILAYO OJO . now wishes to be known and addressed as ABIODUN GBEMISOLA FATIMAH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BAFUGHA JOSEPH. now wishes to be known and addressed as EBEBI BAFUGHA JOSEPH . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADAMU AMODU now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADAMU HUSSAINI All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME / Date Birth Date

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MRS COLE ADESOLA OLUYEMI Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS ADESANYA ADESOLA OLUYEMI All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as TITILOPE LATIFAT MOJIBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs TITILOPE LATEEFAH MOJIBOLA-MORAKINYO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

Formerly known as, MISS ORIMOLADE BUNMI, now wish to be addressed as, MRS OJOYE OLUWABUNMI. All former documents remain valid,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEBOLA OLABISI IDOWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBOLA OLABISI ATIBA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as LASISI FATAI AYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELE FATAI AYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, hereby inform the general public that my name was mistakenly written as OLUFUNMILAYO DEBORAH OSENI, instead of OLUWAFUNMILAYO DEBORAH OSENI, while my correct date of birth is 24th November 1971 and not 24th December 1971 as contained in some documents pertaining to me. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IDOWOU ROGERS, now wish to be known and addressed as ZOUNTONDJI HONTONNOU ROSEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss ADETOYE ADENIKE MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. FOLARIN ADENIKE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NANNA: Formerly known and addressed as NANNA TOSAN BERVALLY now wish to be known and addressed as NANNA TOSAN BEVERLY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BUKOLA YETUNDE IDAYAT OLAYENI WAHAB, now wish to be known and addressed as BUKOLA YETUNDE IDAYAT FOLAMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as ADEGBULU ADEBIMPE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGBEMISOLA ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULSALAM BALIKIS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWAL BILIKIS IYABO. All former documents remain valid. UBA/ DIAMOND BANK and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CLARA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS CLARA ETUNE EBUBE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CLARA ETUNE NKWOCHA. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AKEEM GANIYU now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU KASALI GANIYU and my date of birth was wrongly on my bank account detail as 10th day of march 1985 instead of 10th of march 1984 all documents bearing my former name still remain valid and for the general public to take note.

JOY: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Uzoma Nwankwo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Joy Uzoma Agbana. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

F ‎ ormerly known and addressed as TEMILOLA UZOAMAKA ADEGITE now wish to be known and addressed as TEMILOLA UZOAMAKA OLOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE MARTHA CHARITY FOUNDATION The Trustees of THE MARTHA CHARITY FOUNDATION hereby notify the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF IMMANUEL EMOEFE 2. MAJOR GENERAL ABDULMALIK M. JIBRIN (RTD) 3. CHIEF DAN NGEREM 4. MAJOR GENERAL BENJAMIN MUYIWA BADEWOLE (RTD) 5. HON ROSS UREDI 6. PROF. MIKE OGBEIDE 7. MRS. RITA EMOEFE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide educational support for Indigents. 2. To provide primary healthcare for rural dwellers and alleviate poverty through economic empowerment of the needy and less privileged. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: Mrs. Olayemi Badewole BADEWOLE & CO 3B, ETIM INYANG CRESCENT VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS TEL: 08033065766.

ASAOLU: Formerly known and addressed as Asaolu Moses Oladosu now wish to be known and addressed as Asaolu Moses Olaoluwa . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWACHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as NWACHUKWU FRANCIS IFEANYI, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYI EDEH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MKPUME : I, formerly known and addressed as MKPUME EJIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKWUTE WILSON EJIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME EZEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EZEH BONIFACE EZEH, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEH BONIFACE EZIEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note CHANGE OF NAME LUCKY: I, formerly known and addressed as LUCKY IFEANYI VINCENT, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKE IFEANYI LUCKY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

PAUL: Formerly known and addressed as MR PAUL NWAFOR CHRISTIAN. now wish to be known and addressed as MR PAUL NWAFOR.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SHITTU: Formerly known and addressed as Shittu Sulaimon Opeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Nifemi Ajibola Salami. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIME: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIME NNEKA JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOH NNEKA JULIET. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SAMUEL :I, formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL ENDURANCE AKUNNA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAFOR ENDURANCE AKUNNA .All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKENWAOKOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKENWAOKOH IFEOMA ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWATU IFEOMA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZINWA : I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZINWA UJUNWA JESSICA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NZEPUOME UJUNWA JESSICA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME OGBUANU: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBUANU KENNETH MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBUAGU KENNETH MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

UZOBUENYI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOBUENYI ONYINYE VIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENENDU ONYINYE VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABOKA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ABOKA CHINONYE LUCY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAMANI CHINONYE LUCY. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana Ebonyi State and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUNG :I, formerly known and addressed as OLUNG NDUDIM PROMISE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUNG ISAAC DANIEL . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBUA: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBUA CHINEDU IFEDIORA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBUA IZUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKORONKWO NNENNA OBIA now wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUEZE NNENNA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKE ALABI BOSE now wish to be known and addressed as DOSUNMU ALABI BOSE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

EKWUEME : I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKWUEME GERALDINE NNEKA and MISS EKWUEME GERALDINE LILIAN NNE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA GERALDINE LILIAN NNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IHEKWEME: I, formerly known and addressed as IHEKWEME CHARLES EBUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as IHEKWEME CHARLES CHUKWUKADIBIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEZIE: I, formerly known and addressed as LINDA OKEZIE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONYINYECHI NNAMDI due to marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBONNAYA: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBONNAYA MAUREEN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ELIAS ONYINYECHI MAUREEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Thursday, January 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Frank Bruno’s fall was that of a felled oak. As the dust settled there was a silence, and then followed the gentle rustle of falling leaves of greenbacks. –Frank Keating Punch

26 wrestlers begin pre-Olympics camping

CHAN Fallout: Oliseh expresses work frustration Everest Onyewuchi with agency report

“I

Quarter-finals Rwanda

vs RD Congo

Cameroun vs Cote d’Ivoire Tunisia

vs Mali

Zambia

vs Guinea

Chikatara with his Man of the Match award against Niger

Chikatara says no Wydad Athletic deal ...Warriors block Pillars’ N.75m offer

uper Eagles striker, Chisom Chikatara, has described as mere talk the reported interest from the Moroccan side, Wydad Athletic Club (WAC). There have been reports that the Casablanca based side captured the Abia Warriors striker, who was outstanding for Nigeria, even though his four goals did not take Eagles beyond the first round of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda. Chikatara said he will make

a categorical statement on his career future on or before the last day of this month, January. “Well, everything is just talk at the moment nothing is done and dusted as far as Wydad Casablanca is concerned. “Right now I’m not sure of anything but I know for certain that 31st January will tell everything,” Chikatara told supersport.com. Meanwhile, Abia Warriors have said they will match an offer of N750,000 a-month (about $3,000) and a car from Kano Pil-

lars for their striker, Chikatara. Chairman of the club, Chief Emeka Inyama, said Chikatara remains a player of the Umuahia club even though he has been bombarded with tempting offers from home and abroad. “During a transfer window, you can hear any type of rumour, but the fact is that Chikatara is an Abia Warriors player. He told me that Pillars offered him NN750,000 (a month, about $3000) and a car and I promised him that I will

match that offer,” said Inyama. “He has not put pen on paper for any other team except Warriors.” Inyama further disclosed Warriors are currently studying a rash of offers from overseas for the highly-promising striker. “As I am talking to you now, I have about 15 offers on the table both from Europe and North Africa. We are analysing the offers and we will see what will be good for him and the club,” he said.

’m coaching Nigeria and if I get tired, I will leave the work,” said Coach Sunday Oliseh after his Super Eagles B team crashed out of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rubavu, Rwanda on Tuesday. “We are the most poorly equipped technical crew to manage Nigeria’s Super Eagles since I started playing for the country. The least for what anyone can do is to be grateful for what we are doing,” Oliseh who took over the Eagles in July 2015, further told africanfootball.com. Although Oliseh admitted that he is disappointed his team crashed out of the 2016 CHAN in the first round, but he insisted he remains proud of his players. “It’s a big disappointment, but I’m proud of my boys even though we did not go through. They gave a good image of themselves,” he said. “Somewhere inside it was difficult for the players. They have given their best, they needed that lift and they couldn’t find it,” the coach added, alluding to the nonpayment of the allowances and bonuses of the players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation. “We came out to win, but we did not play. My players are human and there is limit to what they can hold. For some morale reasons, they couldn’t fight it today. “My players have children and families. Adult tournaments are not youth tournaments.”

Oliseh

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Australian Open

Federer (left) and Djokovic after a previous match

Can Federer stop Djokovic?

ovak Djokovic has beaten Roger Federer when it counts in recent times; can the Swiss make amends today? Times have changed in tennis. Decades ago it was easy to dislike bad boys such as Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Ilie Nastase. Nowadays the best players – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray – are undeniably good guys. Who would not be charmed by Djokovic on Tuesday night when asked if his son, Stefan, at home in Europe with wife, Jelena, recognises his father on television. “Yes, he screams ‘mama’ when he sees me on TV,” Djokovic laughed. “I accept that. I still think it’s cute.” Djokovic is also as good as any player at making time for his fans. But the fact remains that about 90 per cent of spectators at Rod Laver Arena today will be barracking for Federer in their semi-final game. It’s the most competitive elite match-up in men’s tennis these days, and the head-to-head is a dead even 22-22. Over the last 22 matches it’s been 13-9 for Djokovic; in the first 22 it was 13-9 for Federer. Underlying that support is the fervent wish the Swiss maestro can win another Grand Slam title – an 18th. “It would mean a lot to me, no doubt about

it,” he said on Tuesday after beating Tomas Berdych. There has been little drop-off in the 34-year-old’s level of play, but the fact remains that since winning the 2010 Australian Open, he has played 23 Grand Slams and won just one – Wimbledon in 2012. In the previous

Konta sets record, Murray persists

25, he won 15. Djokovic’s imperial form is a big reason for that. Last year he was 5-3 with Federer. But look closely, he won the most important match-ups – finals at Wimbledon, the US Open, the ATP World Tour Finals, Indian Wells and Rome.

I’m at Palace to win games –Adebayor

ew Crystal Palace striker, Emmanuel Adebayor , says he wants to enjoy his football again and try to help the club win matches. The experienced Togo international forward signed a deal until the end of the season. He has been unable to play professionally since leaving Tottenham Hotspur last September and is eager to get back into the thick of Premier League action.

Adebayor

“I was born playing football in Africa so it was hard not playing. I just have to get out there and enjoy myself again. Whatever the team (Palace) want to achieve I will follow them - I want to help them win games and that’s what I’m here for,” Adebayor told the official Palace website. “They’re not far from the top five and that’ll be difficult to reach as there are a lot of big games to play, but let’s get out there, have fun and enjoy ourselves. “Anyone will tell you that when I’ve had momentum I’ve always been laughing, so let me laugh and bring that into the dressing room and hopefully the team will follow and we will get on well together.” Asked about the type of football that Pardew’s Palace have been playing this season, Adebayor said: “Palace have been playing the football that I like and they’ve got a few players that are my friends so all of those made me want to come here.

Konta (right) after her game with China’s Shuai

ritain has two Grand Slam singles semifinalists for the first time since 1977 after victories for Johanna Konta and Andy Murray at the Australian Open yesterday. BBC Sport reports that Konta continued her remarkable run with a 6-4, 6-1 win over China’s Zhang Shuai in the quarter-finals and next faces German seventh seed, Angelique Kerber. Konta, ranked 47th, is the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Jo Durie made the US Open last four in 1983. “I’m just so happy that I’m enjoying what I’m doing,” said Konta after her straight-set win over Zhang. “That is me living my dream.”

Her achievements so far have guaranteed her prize money of at least £370,000 and are likely to secure her a place in the world’s top 30. Fellow Briton, Murray, saw off Spain’s David Ferrer 6-3, 6-7 (5-7) 6-2, 6-3 to reach his sixth Melbourne semi-final. Murray, 28, won a gruelling quarter-final against eighth seed, Ferrer that lasted three hours and 49 minutes. The Scot, seeded second, will play Canada’s Milos Raonic tomorrow. Konta and Murray have matched the achievement of semi-finalist Sue Barker and runner-up, John Lloyd, who both reached the last four at the Australian Open 39 years ago.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Golf: Qualifiers emerge for DOAMF Charity

ore than 120 players have qualified to take part in the final round of the 6th Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation, billed for Ikoyi Golf Course in Lagos on February 6. The players, who were drawn from the 182-strong field of players at the qualifying rounds held on January 6, will now be drawn alongside guest players to complete the line-up

Don’t judge Oliseh with CHAN failure –Okocha

x-international, Austin Okocha, says the Super Eagles’ performance at the ongoing Championship of African Nations (CHAN) is not enough yardstick for measuring Sunday Oliseh’s coaching worth. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the home-based Eagles crashed out of the championship in Rwanda on Tuesday, after finishing third in Group C after a lone goal defeat by Guinea in last group match. Okocha, a former Super Eagles’ captain, told NAN yesterday that Oliseh needed more time to build a formidable Super Eagles squad. “For Sunday Oliseh, he is my friend, he is my colleague; I think he has got all it takes to get us back on track.

“We don’t need to use the CHAN to judge him, we just need to encourage him, support him and let him do his thing,” Okocha said. “Hopefully, he is the right person to take us to where we want to be.” According to him, Oliseh can still qualify the country for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup billed for Gabon and Russia respectively. “The way forward is to accept our fate; we have to accept first of all that we are no longer who we used to be. “We have to humble ourselves and realise that we are starting afresh and once we accept our fate at the moment, I think we will qualify,” Okocha added.

Etebo targets move before Window closes

Golfers at a tournament

Afolabi Gambari

for the one-day charity event. Coordinator of Organising Committee, Pat Bassey, said the foundation expected a large turn-out of participants when the final event gets underway. “We are working with the club management to ensure that the course is in perfect sha in view of the traffic,” Bassey said yesterday. “We seek to help our corporate partner to maximise their partnership benefits with the DOAMF during the event,” the coordinator added, stressing,

“We also hope to impact on more than the 9, 000 beneficiaries we engaged in 2015 with the proceeds of this year’s fund raising.” The DOAM Charity Golf Tournament is an annual oneday fund raising event that has been staged since 2011 at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938. Bassey said the 2016 event would be concluded with presentation of trophies and prizes at a gala night.

Etebo

26 wrestlers begin pre-Olympics camping

wenty-six wrestlers yesterday resumed camp at the Den Gymnasium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, in the build up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the pre-camping was to get the wrestlers well prepared before the national camp. “I believe that the National Sports Commission will approve the commencement of national camps soon. I don’t want the pronouncement to meet us unprepared. We want to be on motion and just go a step further when the directive eventually comes. “We will be using this precamp to get the wrestlers ready for the proper Olympic camping,” Igali said. The NWF president said the federation had mapped out pro-

Joel Ajayi Abuja

N Daniel Igali (left) during his heyday

grammes to keep the wrestlers together for at least two weeks. “The major thing we are working on is their style and techniques. We got a lot of tips from the All Africa Games in Brazzavillie, Congo. “In Brazzavillie, we were

able to note the wrestlers’ weaknesses and that is what we intend to work on and perfect.” Coaches training the wrestlers are: Victor Kodei, Purity Akuh, Tiebiri Godswill, Oziti Joe, Happiness Burutu and Damian Ohaike.

igeria’s U-23 striker, Oghenekaro Etebo, has disclosed his readiness to still secure a move outside Nigeria before the current transfer ends. Although Etebo, who emerged Most Promising Talent of the Year during 2015 CAF awards didn’t disclose his destination, he told National Mirror that an offer is in the offing. “For now, I can’t say, I believe better things are coming. There are teams coming but that I am not going to disclose for now. Like I said earlier, better things are coming,” the Warri Wolves forward added

The Delta-born player who enjoyed good outing during U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal last month where he helped Nigeria to win the trophy after finishing top scorer with five goals had gone on trial at Italian Serie A side, Udinese and was to be offered a contract after impressing, but a fee could not be agreed with Warri Wolves before he returned in 2015. Etebo equally confirmed that his eyes are fixed on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where Nigeria’s Dream team V1 would be hoping to replicate its performance in Senegal once adequate preparation was given the team.

WORLD RECORD

Tallest toilet paper The tallest toilet paper tower in 30 seconds is 28 rolls, achieved by Silvio Sabba (Italy), in Pioltello, Milan, Italy on October 1 2013.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1296 Thursday, January 28, 2016

Roye Okupe: Paving the way for the supertech hero

yfriendsall,verysoon,inabookshopnear you, you could behold one of the most innovative publishing revolutions of the new Nigeria. Not only would its universal high quality stun you, its ability to compete with any product of its ilk anywhere in the world would pleasantly surprise you. And not only has it been featured on CNN African Voices, the product and its innovator have been profiled on other big international media asBBC,HuffingtonPost,ForbesandMarshabe. The brain behind the innovation is Roye Okupe, a young Nigerian web developer, software guru and computer animator. And the product, E.X.O., is a graphic novel so well crafted it would make the Supermen, Batmen and Ironmen of America and elsewhere green with envy. Born in Lagos, Roye Okupe is, according to his Youneek Studios website, “a veteran creative specialist, who holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in computer science from The George WashingtonUniversity,WashingtonDC,USA.His passion for animation led him to found YouNeek

amires Santos do Nascimento, known simply as Ramires, has left Chelsea and joined Chinese side, Jiangsu Suning, in a deal believed to be worth about £25m. The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder agreed a new four-year deal last October, but has only started seven Premier League games this season.

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

Studios in 2012, a avenue to pursue his dream of creating a diverse library of superheroes. Under that umbrella, Roye wrote and produced several animated productions including, but not limited to, 2D/3D animated short films, TV commercials, show openers, music videos and much more. Roye is no stranger to wearing multiple hats. He was part of a team (as a producer, assistant director and editor) of filmmakers, who retold the biblical story of King David in a contemporary movie titled, D’Comeback, which premiered in the US in March 2010. With the superhero genre currently at the height of popularity, Roye has made it a goal to create a connected universe of heroes, with origins from locations that are currently neglected and/or ignored. In April 2015, Roye’s superhero graphic novel titled, E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams, was released. It was set in a futuristic Nigeria. In its recently aired African Voices edition devoted to Okupe’s breakthrough effort, CNN described the work thus: “The year is 2025; the prosperous Lagoon City has been overrun by alarming skeletal drones and corrupt politicians. It bears little resemblance to the hometown Wale Williams left five years before. But the young Nigerian has bigger problems: His estrangedbutbrilliantinventorfatherhasdisappeared. Hispursuitof aparentwillleadhimtoananosuithis father built, which provides him with superhuman abilitiesandadestinytoprotectthecityheloves...” Going forward, connoisseurs of this exotic piece of art will discover E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams as a truly fast-paced, afro-futuristic and impressionistic opus. It is a revolution that I amsurewouldbringalotof inspirationtomillions of talented young Africans. It is also a testimony to the fact that many African youngsters are rising to take their own destiny in their own hands, challenge incredible obstacles and eventually succeed.

ROYE OKUPE IS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS AGAINST INCREDIBLE ODDS Roye Okupe is a typical example of success against incredible odds. According to CNN, Okupe “has spent the last several years trying to bring his dream of a homegrown hero to life.” Those hard, grueling years of excruciating struggle have finally paid off. Roye Okupe’s personal words best describe this experience. Speaking to CNN from his base in Maryland, USA, he revealed: “I grew up on the popular (comics) back home, like Superman, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and I just fell in love with the concept of a superhero. I’ve always been drawn to them and I think the main reason is that there is so much negativity in our world.” From that experience, and with two degrees in his kitty, Okupe, determined to create an African hero capable of rubbing shoulders with the superheroes of the West like Superman, Batman, Catwoman, Iron Man etc, conceived of his own hero, giving birth to the magnificent Wale Williams. And sometime in the near future, Nigerians will be very proud of this patriotic Nigerian who decided, despite the lures of the powerful forces of the American entertainment industry, to glorify his fatherland by making the hero of his beautiful invention a Nigerian. According to Okupe: “I wanted people from around the world to relate to Wale just the same way that I grew up relating to Peter Parker and Spiderman, because he had issues in high school, and he hadissuesgettinggirlswhiletryingtobalancesuper-

heropowers.Thereasonwearedrawntosuperheroes isn’t necessarily because of the color of their skin or where they are from, but because of their backgrounds,theirmotivationsandwhattheyfightfor.CreatingasuperherofromNigeria,itwasveryimportant formethatIdidn’tjustmakeitwhereIwouldalienate anybodywhowasn’tfromthecountry.” Okupe encountered myriads of obstacles on the road to making this work. According to CNN, “the original concept was for an animated cartoon. So he developed a seven-minute trailer to showcase his work. But after a year of shopping it to distributors and producers, Okupe was out of luck.” When asked why, he said: “A lot of people were afraid about taking a risk with a character that was from Africa because there was no fan base to prove that this is going to work. I had people tell me, ‘you have a nice product. You might wanna change some of the characters around...’ I would say, ‘I respect your opinion but the reason why I do this is I grew up in Nigeria and I want to give the country a superhero. I don’t want to have to compromise what the vision was to make a quick buck.” That seemingly stubborn attitude towards honouring his African origins certainly made his progress difficult, but Okupe refused to be discouraged. According to CNN, “Refusing to let this be a nail in the coffin for E.X.O., Okupe decided to change tack. He turned the animation into a trailer for a graphic novel and collaborate it with artists back home to help him color the world of Lagoon City and bring the graphic novel to life.” And after more determined efforts, including a crowd funding foray through Kickstarter, which eventually paid off, the world now has E.X.O courtesy of Okupe’s Youneek Studios. Asked why he insisted on his fatherland, Okupe says: “We have such a wealth of talent who are not getting the exposure they deserve. Most of the time when you hear news about Nigeria, it’s mostly negative things. I’m trying to show a different side of Africa that people are not regularly exposed to. I really wanted to shine a light on that and say ‘we are doing great things in Africa. There are tons of people in Africa and it’s really time that people pay attention to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.’” Need I write more? Okupe’s graphic novel is ready. What else but to honour his patriotism by owning a copy? Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra Chelsea bid Ramires bye to China Ramires departs Stamford Bridge after five-and-a-half years as a Chelsea player, in which time he helped the club lift every major domestic and European trophy. Arriving in the summer of 2010, the Brazilian international gradually imposed himself with his strong running and tough tackling, scoring the

club’s Goal of the Season in March that season with a fine solo effort against Manchester City. More goals were added in his second campaign in England, including strikes at Wembley in both the semi and the final of the FA Cup as he lifted his first Chelsea silverware, though his

most memorable contribution came away in the Camp Nou. With Chelsea trailing Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg, the Brazilian latched onto a Frank Lampard through ball before sublimely chipping Victor Valdes to put The Blues back in front in the tie.

Ramires

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

PDP problem deepens as Gulak declares self chairman Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

ormer Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, yesterday pronounced himself the substantive chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Gulak made the pronouncement inside the National Working Committee, NWC, Hall at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Gulak said his action was sequel to a “court judgment of 16th December, 2015 and the court ruling of Tuesday, striking out the motion for stay of execution filed by the defendants/applicants, i.e PDP and Uche Secondus. “The court order of 16th December 2015, was that within 14 days, my humble self or any other person from the north east zone be appointed to replace Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, who resigned his position as the national chairman of our party on the 20th day of May 2015. “At the expiration of 14 days on the 29th December, 2015, the defendants failed, refused or neglected to obey the court orders by appointing me or any other person from the north east zone. “By the operations of the law and the court order, I now assume duty as the national chairman of our great party; especially as the court has today struck out the motion for stay of execution,” he added. He spoke in company of his loyalists, mainly aides to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who were believed to be behind the plot to hijack the party’s leadership. They included former Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe; a former commissioner in Bayelsa State, Chief Ayakeme Whisky; former commissioner in Ondo State, Eddy Olafeso; Mr. Mohammed Baba-Kachalla and Wing Commander Wisdom Bulu (rtd) amongst others. But reacting to the development, PDP National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon, said Gulak’s action showed that he was a fifth columnist, who had been working with opponents to ensure the party’s destruction.

He said: “There was no court decision ordering Gulak to take over as PDP national chairman. The court said that the party should nominate another chairman from the north east.” Kwon explained that the party filed an appeal on December 16th, 2015 asking for stay of execution as well as an injunction, barring any interference by Gulak and his sponsors. “Contrary to the claim that the application was struck out, the case did not even come up today (yesterday) and it goes without saying that it was not struck out as claimed. “This party acknowledges the legitimate right of our members from the north east to complete its term; however consultations are going on to arrive at a candidate that is agreeable which the NEC will endorse and such person will emerge soon.” He expressed surprise that Gulak would wake up and crown himself chairman in spite of the laid down rules of the party. “He is a fifth columnist recruited by opponents to tear the party apart. PDP is united and will soon call for the NEC where the National Chairman from the north east will be announced,” he added. Meanwhile, 24 ex-officio members of the party’s NEC yesterday distanced themselves from Gulak’s move to take over the chairmanship of the party. Reacting to the inclusion of the Chairman of the Committee of Ex-officios, Udo Ekpenyong, on the list of an 11-member committee set up by Gulak after he proclaimed himself chairman, they dissociated themselves from any attempt to cause crisis in the party. Ekpenyong, who coincidentally flew into Abuja barely two hours after his name was mentioned as a member of the committee, lampooned Gulak for attempting to divide the party. “I saw a statement by the former political adviser to the president, Mr. Gulak, in which he claimed he has inaugurated an 11-man committee to look into the affairs of the party. “I am just seeing this for the first time. Please, I am

not a party to this statement. I have never been a party to anything having to do with impunity and against the law. “I have been in politics for almost 18 years now and I helped to build PDP and I cannot destroy it now.

“There are constitutional ways of doing things. This press release shows personal interests. I am not involved in any way as chairman of the ex-officios. I cannot be a party to this, I cannot destroy the house that the good people

of this country collectively built. “The issue of the north east will be resolved by the elders of the party. We have the Board of Trustees, we have the Caucus and we have the NEC that constitutionally are empowered

to handle any issue as regards zoning or positions and they are on it and will come out with solution. “It is not personal affairs of some persons because they came from North East to use that as a platform to cause trouble,” he said.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle) with Acting -General Manager, Power Control Room, Mr. Emmanuel Akpa at APIR Transmission Station, km 15, Makurdi-Aliade road, during the minister’s assessment visit to Benue on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Obasanjo lambasts federal lawmakers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

for this except to see it for what it is – law-breaking and impunity by lawmakers. “The lawmakers can return to the path of honour, distinguishness, sensitivity and responsibility. The National Assembly should have the courage to publish its recurrent budgets for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. That is what transparency demands. “With the number of legislators not changing, comparison can be made. Comparisons in emoluments can also be made with countries like Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and even Malaysia and Indonesia who are richer and more developed than we are. “The budget is a proposal and only an estimate of income and expenditure. Where income is inadequate, expenditure will not be made. While in government, I was threatened with impeachment by the members of the National Assembly for not releasing some money they had appropriated for themselves which were odious and for which there were no in-

comes to support. “The recent issue of cars for legislators would fall into the same category. Whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive. “A pool of a few cars for each Chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty. The waste that has gone into cars, furniture, housing renovation in the past was mind-boggling and these were veritable sources of waste and corruption. “That was why they were abolished. Bringing them back is inimical to the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. “The way of proposing budget should be for the executive to discuss every detail of the budget, in preparation, with different Committees and sub-Committees of the National Assembly and the National Assembly to discuss its budget with the Ministry of Finance. “Then, the budget should be brought together as consolidated budget and formally presented to the National Assembly, to be deliberated and debated

upon and passed into law. It would then be implemented as revenues are available. “Where budget proposals are extremely ambitious like the current budget and revenue sources are so uncertain, more borrowing may have to be embarked upon, almost up to 50 per cent of the budget or the budget may be grossly unimplementable and unimplemented. Neither is a choice as both are bad. “Management of the economy is one of the key responsibilities of the President as prescribed in the Constitution. He cannot do so if he does not have his hands on the budget. “Management of the economy is shared responsibility where the Presidency has the lion share of the responsibility. But if the National Assembly becomes a cog in the wheel, the executive efforts will not yield much reward or progress. “The two have to work synchronisingly together to provide the impetus and the conducive environment for the private sector to play its active vanguard role.

“Management of the budget is the first step to manage the economy. It will be interesting if the National Assembly will be honourable enough and begin the process of transparency, responsibility and realism by publishing its recurrent budgets for 2016 as it should normally be done. “Hopefully, the National Assembly will take a step back and do what is right not only in making its own budget transparent but in all matters of financial administration and management including audit of its accounts by external outside auditor from 1999 to date. “This, if it is done, will bring a new dawn to democracy in Nigeria and a new and better image for the National Assembly and it will surely avoid the Presidency and the National Assembly going into face-off all the time on budgets and financial matters. “While I thank you for your patience and understanding, please accept, Dear Senate President and Honourable Speaker of the House, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

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Reps stop NERC’s planned electricity tariff hike Chidi Ugwu and Ubong Ukpong

ouse of Representatives ad-hoc committee probing the proposed increase in electricity tariff by Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has stalled the move. This followed pressure by electricity consumers under the auspices of Nigeria Electricity Consumers

Advocacy Network, NECAN. The Commission had planned to jack up electricity tariff by February 3, but was vehemently opposed by stakeholders. However, a meeting held on Monday, by the adhoc committee on Electricity Tariff and Billings with the Association of Distribution Companies, Discos, NERC and NECAN successfully stalled the plan. A statement issued by

the Chairman of the adhoc Committee, Babajimi Benson, said each group expressed their respective positions on issues of billings and infrastructure. According to the statement, NERC as the regulator made a case for tariff increase, Discos made a case for a cost reflective to sustain and enable them expand and improve on service delivery. But NECAN made a case against tariff hike on the

premise that such increase will further reduce the purchasing power of individual consumers and affect profitability of businesses. “We are reviewing all the relevant documents provided alongside our engaged consultants at the same time, analysing the proposed tariff review in consultation with NERC, TCN and Bulk Traders to ascertain the basis of MYT0 2015 tariff model,” the statement said.

Bomb blasts kill 14, injure 24 in Chibok Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri

wo suspected female suicide bombers yesterday hits Chibok Market in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 14 people and leaving over 30 others seriously injured. It was learnt that the Chibok market had been shut down since the attack on the Government Girls’ Secondary School, during with over 200 students were abducted Boko Haram insurgents and was

just reopened yesterday. “The market was opened today (yesterday), and the suicide bombers struck at exactly 12:54 p.m. Eight people died on the spot, while over 30 were rushed to Uba General hospital in Askira Local Government with two of the victims in critical condition,” a party chairman in Chibok, Lawan Pogu told newsmen in Maiduguri. Another resident, Mallum Chibok told our correspondent that the insurgents struck despite the

presence of tight security in the town. According to him, the idea to reopen the market was opposed, adding however that some people said normalcy had returned. “I cannot understand the reason why government is insisting that normalcy has returned when you cannot go to Chibok from Maiduguri through Damboa? The road is still closed because Boko Haram is still operating 21 kilometres away from Maiduguri. “Today, they opened the

NEPC plans to increase non-oil export earnings to $30bn in 5 years

igerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, said that it has identified 11 strategic products and 21 countries to market Nigerian goods.. The information was contained in a statement issued by Mr. Joe Itah, Head, Public Relations of the council in Abuja yesterday. It said this would help to grow non-oil foreign exchange income from $2.7bn to $30bn in five years. It noted that Executive Director of the Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, said this when he visited Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture. “More recently, we have developed the Zero Oil Plan in response to this administration’s charge that Nigeria must begin to look for new drivers of the economy. “The plan is Nigeria’s strategic effort to build an economy that does not need oil to survive and can serve as a major flagship economic pro-

gramme for the country. “The plan identifies 11 strategic products and 21 countries for Nigerian goods to grow non-oil foreign exchange from $2.7bn today to $30bn in five years,” it stated. The statement said Awolowo had explained that the council as part of its strategies to reposition the non-oil export sector adopted some steps. The steps, it noted were the One-State-One Product programme for assisting each state to develop and promote a choice exportable product where it had comparative and competitive edge. Others are the 13 National Strategic Export Products which are in three categories. The categories are Agro Industrial - Palm Oil, Cocoa, Cashew, Sugar and Rice. The mining related products are cement, iron ore and metals, auto parts and cars, aluminium, while oil and

gas industrial products, include petroleum products, fertiliser and urea, petrochemical and methanol. It stated that the minister noted that although there were several inhibitions to achieving total diversification from oil to non-oil but was optimistic that the challenges were not insurmountable. Ogbeh said same advocacy must be carried to the doorsteps of state governors to make the states self-reliant and increase their Internally Generated Revenue. “The factors that would transform the sector include, among others, international best practices in agriculture within the entire valuechain in terms of quality and standards. “Others are logistics, cultivation of high yielding species, production, mechanisation, processing, good preservation methods, marketing and packaging,” the statement said.

market and we lost 14 people with over 30 hospitalised. From what we are being told now as we speak, some of the people who were taken to the hospital gave up as soon as they reach the hospital in Uba. “Look at it; they said another six more people died making the number 14. Since the attack I have received more than 100 calls and more calls and text messages are coming in. This is very unfortunate and unbelieving. It is sad for us,” Chibok said.

The proposed increase is about 17per cent for Residential Consumers (RC 2), while heavy consumers, such as manufacturing companies were expected to pay almost 50 per cent of what they presently pay. The adhoc committee had warned NERC three weeks ago not to increase the tariff until it concludes all investigative hearings on the issue. Meanwhile, acting Chairman of NERC, Dr. Anthony Akah has said the average peak of electricity generation has grown 2,774mw in 2005 to 4,500mw currently. NERC, in a statement said Akah gave the hint yesterday during a courtesy visit to Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere Bala. He said the quantum leap represents 60 per cent from what obtained 10 years ago, adding that accident rate has decreased significantly due to regulatory oversight in the industry. He said: “Although we

are yet to achieve the goal of uninterrupted power supply to support national development, we have made modest achievements in the last 10 years. “Average peak generation has grown by 60 per cent from 2,774mw in 2005 to 4,500mw and accident rate has decreased significantly due to regulatory oversight in the industry” Akah expressed the readiness of NERC to collaborate with ECN in order to benefit from the wealth of experience of the agency and its research capacity in the areas of renewable energy, electricity supply system, expansion planning and energy efficiency through demand side management. He also noted that NERC is partnering with stakeholders in the energy efficiency, standards and labeling programmes being coordinated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, with the assistance of the Global Environment Facility, GEF, and the German Cooperation, GIZ.

VACANCY A fast growing media organization with headquarters in Lagos Island urgently requires the services of suitable candidates as Advert Executives.

Qualification and Requirement B.sc/HND in relevant field. Must have cognate experience in media marketing and goal oriented. The ideal applicants should be computer literate and possess adequate knowledge of Lagos business environment and be ready to work under pressure with less supervision.

Interested candidates should forward their CV with current telephone number to marvelousmine@yahoo.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Buhari sends two bills to Reps to strengthen anti-graft war Ubong Ukpong and Joel Ajayi

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent two bills to the House of Representatives to strengthen the anti-graft war, as well as address the challenges confronting implementation of comprehensive anti-money laundering regime in the country. The bills, which have been read for the first time, are the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2016 and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2016. Speaker Yakubu Dogara, while reading the introductory letter from the President, said the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2016 provides for the repeal of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012. Dogara said the new bill intends to make comprehensive provisions to prohibit money laundering criminal activities in the country. He said the bill also seeks to expand the scope of money laundering offences as well as provides protection

for employees of various institutions, bodies and professions, who may discover money laundering. Dogara added that the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2016 seeks to facilitate the provision and obtaining by Nigeria of international assistance in criminal matters. Twenty Bills also passed first reading on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday. Meanwhile, Federal government yesterday said its ongoing anti-corruption campaign could help defeat insurgency in the country. This is even as the government blamed failure of the country to end terror in its territory on corrupt government officials, who allegedly sent the military to battlefronts “ill-equipped.” Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stated this in Abuja at a one-day Dissemination Workshop on Conflict-Sensitive Communication and Reporting for the Media and Security Chiefs. He pointed out that the fight against corruption “is inextricably linked with terrorism,” and that “corruption is a radicaliser.”

NEWS

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Senate ends budget debate, assures of Feb 25 passage George Oji Abuja

ebate on the general principles of the 2016 budget appropriation bill that began on January 19 by the Senate was yesterday brought to an end. The lawmakers have also promised that the final approval of the budget would be done on February 25 and forwarded to the President for assent. This is as the Senate adjourns plenary today to reconvene on February 11 when the budget defence will end. At the end of the debate on the budget, it was referred to the Appropriation Commit-

tee. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, tasked the committee to submit its final report to the Senate on February 24, urging the committee to “ensure effective scrutiny, get it right and ensure that Senate’s signature can boldly be appended to the document.” In his concluding remarks, Saraki urged the Senate Committee on Appropriation to explore key issues raised during the debate with a view to factoring them into the budget. According to him, from the contributions of the senators, the key areas should include borrowing, diversification of the economy, oil benchmark, leakages, zero

based-budgeting, among others. On borrowing, Saraki argued that borrowing was not bad in itself but rather its misapplication as he described the budget as unique and creative in view of its departure from the past by seeking the bulk of its revenue from non-oil sectors. The Senate President enjoined the committee to look into submissions that figures allocated to agriculture and solid minerals were paltry despite government’s plan to diversify the economy to both sectors. Saraki further advised the committee to examine the issue of benchmark critically, noting that oil price picked

up again yesterday about two weeks after it dropped below $30 per barrel. He therefore tasked the committee to be circumspect, slow and steady in taking decision on oil benchmark. However, briefing journalists after the plenary, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, disclosed that Senate would adjourn plenary today to enable sub-committees begin budget defence. He said the defence would end on February 11. According to Goje, ministries, departments and agencies are expected to start appearing before relevant committees as from today to defend their budgets.

Reps query economic partnership pact with EU Ubong Ukpong Abuja

ouse of Representatives yesterday questioned implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, between the European Union, EU, and Nigeria. Accordingly, the House mandated its committees on Commerce and Industry to ascertain the nature of the agreement and report back to it within four weeks for action. The resolution followed a motion titled “call for caution in the implementation of the EPA between European Union and Nigeria.” Segun Adekola, who brought the motion, noted that there has been a recent push by the EU to expand its economic relations with Nigeria through the implementation of the EPA, which has been resisted by operator of sectors in the Nigerian economy. He explained that based on terms of the agreement, the EU would offer 15 members of

the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, full access to its market and in return, members of ECOWAS would open up 75 per cent of their markets with over 300 million consumers to Europe over a 20-year period. The lawmaker further said the agreement would lead to stunting of the growth of industries in West Africa, with serious economic and employment consequences for Nigeria which controls 60 per cent share of the regional market. Contributing to the motion and kicking against the motion, Adams Sulieman, said the agreement initially led to the collapse of the textile industry in the country. According to him, the textile industry employed labour of about 2 million people, adding that with the agreement, Nigeria has been opened up to various kinds of smuggling activities. He said the perpetrators of the evil in the past are using this means to come back into the country insisting that, “we must resist it.”

L-R: Jigawa State PDP Stakeholder, Barr Ibrahim Sheu Brima; former Senior Special Adviser, Public Affairs, to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe and Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who declared himself Chairman of PDP at the party’s Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Dasukigate: Court varies Metuh’s bail condition Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

ustice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday varied the bail condition granted embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, on January 19. Metuh, through his counsel, Emeka Etiaba, had prayed the court to vary the bail condition on the ground that the defendant was finding it difficult to meet them. Abang in his ruling granted part of Metuh’s application for variation of the bail conditions, noting that Metuh would no longer be

required to produce two sureties, who must have property in Maitama area of Abuja. While the bail sum of N400million and other attached conditions remain, Metuh’s proposed sureties, who the court insisted must be resident in Abuja, could now be owners of property with valid title documents “in any district of the Federal Capital Territory.” However, the court in its ruling rejected an aspect of Metuh’s application seeking the removal of the bail condition directing the prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, to within 24 hours of being notified, verify the addresses of the proposed sureties and the certificates of occupancy of

the property to be presented by them. The court also rejected the second leg of the application despite disregarding the opposition by prosecuting counsel to that aspect of the prayer for failing to file his objection to the application within 24 hours earlier given him to do so. The judge upheld Etiaba’s request that Tahir’s submissions be expunged from the court’s records but still went ahead to rule that, “As regarding the second leg of the application, I think the first defendant (Metuh) is asking for what is not legally permissible.” It would be recalled that Metuh was on January 15

charged to court on charges of money laundering and fraudulent receipt of N400m, part of funds allegedly meant for procurement of arms, from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in November 2014. After taking his plea of not guilty that day, he was remanded in Kuje prison, where he is till date. Since his remand, prison officials have always produced him in court for his trial in handcuff, not exempting his appearances before an Abuja High Court, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, subsequently charged him with destruction of evidence.

South West

Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Buhari urged to prosecute Halliburton, Siemens’ scams ABIODUN NEJO, ADO EKITI

resident Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to try those indicted in the Halliburton and Siemens scandals to disabuse the minds of Nigerians who

believe that his fight against corruption is selective and political. Ekiti State governor, who praised the Federal Government for saying the case is not dead, however, charged it to do more than just talking

about whether or not the Halliburton and Siemens corruption scams would be reopened. According to him, it is not enough to tell Nigerians that a case like the Halliburton and Siemens’ scams,

where many people were jailed in other countries, including the United States, but investigations concluded with those allegedly involved in Nigeria questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, walking free

President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin (3rd right) with family members of a victim of police stray bullet, Mrs. Comfort Udoh, during a protest in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Ikotun killing: Trigger-happy cop to face murder charge Wale Igbintade

irector of Public Prosecution, DPP, Lagos State, Idowu Alakija, has indicted a 28-year-old police corporal, Aremu Musefiu, who allegedly killed a mother of four, Comfort Sunday Godwin, at Isheri-Oshun, Lagos, on September 16, 2015.

Already, the government has filed a twocount charge of attempted murder and murder before a Lagos High Court against him. Parts of the DPP’s advice marked LJP/ HOM/2015/131/10, and signed By Mrs. Taiwo Lambo, an Assistant Chief State Counsel reads: “This office has carefully studied the facts available in the duplicate case file and is of the opinion that a prima facie case of the offence of attempted murder and murder contrary to sections 228 and 221 of the criminal laws of Lagos State are revealed against the Page B1’Aremu Musefiu’.

“In the instant case, it is evidence that B1 ‘Aremu Musefiu’, intentionally killed and caused grievous harm on the occupants of the tricycle. Musefiu confessed that he fired his rifle on the tricycle which injured one person on the jaw and killed Comfort Sunday Godwin. “In view of the forego-

ing, this office advises prosecution of Aremu Musefiu for the offences of attempted murder and murder contrary to sections 228 and 221of the criminal Laws of Lagos state, 2011.” After reading the DPP’s advice, Chief Magistrate Afolashade Botoku ordered that the matter be transferred

to the state high court for the accused person’s prosecution. The corporal, attached to Isheri-Oshun Police Division, was alleged to have killed Sunday, and also wounding her husband, Godwin Sunday, with his official rifle, AK 47, at Ijegun area of the state at about 8 p.m.

coalition maintained that the little gains made so far by the country, such as the reduction in maternal and under-5 deaths, are already being eroded following government’s poor budgetary allocation, non-release of funds and gradual withdrawal of funds by donor agencies due mainly to poor implementation of the country’s health programmes. However, Dr. Ejike Oji, Country Director, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, AAFP, said Nigeria’s maternal death ratio, which had reduced from 700 to about 400

deaths per 100,000 women, had already increased to about 570 per 100,000 women, adding that Nigeria still has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Noting that the death of women could be drastically reduced if more women in the country embraced family planning, he regretted that Nigerian government had left the provision of family planning commodity largely in the hands of donors. He urged the Federal Government to provide at least 50% of required funds needed for family planning commodity and sustain the Federal Ministry of Health

is not right. He said rather, those found wanting should be prosecuted. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said: “As it still appears, the statement made by the Federal Government on the Halliburton and Siemens corruption scandals may not be more than another decoy to shift the attention of Nigerians from the selective nature of President Buhari’s fight against corruption.” The governor described the publicised arrest of Buhari’s associate and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain, Jafaru Isa, and his reported refund of N100 million to the EFCC as the first trick used by the Federal Government in its attempt to deceive Nigerians into believing that the fight against corruption was not selective. “Like I have maintained, I do not buy into the EFCC story of Jafaru Isa’s refund of N100 million because it raises more questions than answers and I am also seeing this talk by the Federal Government about reopening of the Halliburton and Siemens scams as an aftermath of the failure of Jafaru Isa’s stunt to achieve the desired result. “This is because unlike the arms deal that EFCC is investigating,

the Halliburton and Siemens scams have been investigated both in Nigeria and in other countries. None of the top Nigerian culprits implicated in the $1.5 billion bribery scandal had been questioned and put on trial in Nigeria, while others from other countries were already serving various jail terms. “Therefore, reopening the Halliburton and Siemens scams should be immediate and total. It should not be another decoy to deceive Nigerians by giving the impression that the anti-corruption war is not targeted at those opposed to President Buhari in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his own party, APC. “Also, the president should go a step further by directing the EFCC to investigate the many petitions written against those who financed his election and other chieftains of APC, including ministers serving in the government currently. “Until those alleged to be involved in the Halliburton and Siemens scams and those who financed the President’s election with public funds are charged to court, Nigerians will be right in believing that the fight against corruption is only an instrument for settling political scores,” the governor said.

budget line it. Oji said the previous administration’s pledge to fund FP to the tune of $11.3 million with immediate release of $3m which till date, was not released. He however expressed optimism that the Federal Government would allocate a considerable amount of funds to the purchase of FP commodity in the 2016 budget and also ensure timely release of such funds in view of the precarious situation the nation has found itself. On Family Planning as a major way for Nigeria to curb the rising maternal mortality profile, Mrs Anuoluwapo Rotimi of Health

Reform Foundation of Nigeria, HERFON, said some state governments do not have budgetary provisions for family planning as they depend on donors. “We want the governments to stop depending on donors and look inwards for the purchase of FP commodity,” she said. On routine immunisation (RI), Ms. Ndidi Chukwu, a programme officer with the Community Health and Research Initiative, CHR, noted that while Nigeria has been able to sustain its vaccine availability from 2014, the country is still faced with the problem of insufficient funds.

Group raises alarm over Nigeria’s dwindling health care SAM EFERARO

artnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health in Nigeria, PACFaH, a coalition of eight indigenous non-governmental organisations working on different areas of child and family health in Nigeria, yesterday decried the poor funding of health programmes in the country, saying this is already taking a dangerous toll on the health of the nation’s women and children. In a visit to National Mirror headquarters in Lagos yesterday, representatives of different NGOs in the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Gridlock on Broad Street, Lagos. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN